cover photo © JohnJoe photography
COUNTRY & TOWN IN THE May 2024 The Property & Lifestyle Magazine
SUMMER House Hunting STARTS HERE
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Within This Issue...
P.10 (Preview - Due To The Market Soon) Hartley Wintney, Hampshire Guide £2,395,000
P. 95 Georgina Hayden’s grilled halloumi with apricots
P.70 Hartley Wintney, Hampshire Guide £750,000
P.8 (Preview - Due To The Market Soon) Fleet, Hampshire Guide £1,750,000
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P. 98 How to attract more bees to your garden
P.44 Fleet, Hampshire Guide £525,000
P. 36 First Drive: The Mercedes CLE Cabriolet has arrived just in time for summer – but is it better than its rivals?
P.74 Frimley, Surrey Guide £675,000
P.16 Yateley, Hampshire Guide £635,000
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A collection of exquisite properties and engaging editorial
P.106 South Warnborough, Hampshire Guide £975,000
P. 92 Move over Italian and French food – Greek cuisine is having a moment
P.12 Guide Offers In Excess of £3.250m.
P. 104 Moving house? How to tackle a new garden - Gardeners’ World presenter Frances Tophill
P.34 (Preview - Due To The Market Soon) Swallowfield, Berkshire Guide £750,000
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P. 22
P. 66 Sneak peek at new plants being launched at RHS Chelsea Flower Show
P.33 Fleet, Hampshire Guide £750,000
P. 22 - Finchampstead, Hampshire / Berkshire Borders. Guide £1,950,000
P.18 (Preview - Due To The Market Soon) Heckfield Heath, Hampshire Guide £1,300,000
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IN THE COUNTRY &TOWN Welcome to
Creating the inspiration to move
The Up-tick
The house market continues to be on the move with pace as we look to the summer months ahead, following an excellent quarter one trading outcome for house sales.
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 5.25% and at the same time indicated the direction of travel for rates is downwards, so this will help maintain the current stability in the house market. House prices have levelled off, but because the market is more balanced with buyers and sellers more aligned on where they see pricing, then house sales productivity is actually significantly up on the previous year in our area of operation on the Hampshire/Surrey/Berkshire borders.
Our invitation to anyone thinking of selling their property is to join the up-tick with a free no obligation valuation, and discover not only the likely price you will achieve but also the level of buyer demand.
Take A Look!
In this edition we are pleased to bring you some great property previews of homes that haven’t reached the open market yet, so this is a an opportunity to provide our readers with some exclusive properties for sale and also showcase some great properties to buy or to rent in 2024. There are many fine properties to see within these pages and some engaging editorial features, so we hope you enjoy reading this edition of In The Country & Town and we look forward our next edition, 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
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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Fleet (Blue Triangle), Hampshire Guide Price: £1,750,000 Telephone 01252 620640
• Grounds Of Around Two Acres • Sought After Location •
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DUE TO THE OPEN MARKET SOON magazine exclusive PREVI EW
Situated in the prestigious Blue Triangle of Fleet, this exceptional property boasts nearly two acres of private grounds. Offering a spacious and unique character, it features a light-filled, triple-aspect kitchen/breakfast room, ample parking, a double garage, and the potential to extend for your future needs (subject to planning permission).
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DUE TO THE OPEN MARKET SOON magazine exclusive PREVI EW
Hartley Wintney, Hampshire Guide Price: £2,395,000 Telephone 01252 842100
Country home, with seven bedrooms, four bathrooms set in grounds of around one acre with beautiful gardens, a heated swimming pool, breeze hut and views over countryside. This property also incorporates a fully independent detached one bedroom annexe.
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Basingstoke, Hampshire Guide Price: £1,250,000 Telephone 01256 704851
• Four / Five Bedrooms + Four Bathrooms • Superb Kitchen • Exquisite Interior •
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NEW TO THE OPEN MARKET FROM OUR ODIHAM BRANCH
See the following pages for more details
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Basingstoke, Hampshire Guide: £1,250,000
• Early Viewing Highly Recommended •
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This beautifully presented, substantial four/five bedroom detached family home, is situated within a prestigious residential location in a no through road.The property is within easy reach of the main Basingstoke shopping centre and boasts around 4,000 sq. ft of accommodation providing flexible family living. Benefits to the property are: reception hall, living room, kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, family room, study, cloakroom, utility room, four bathrooms and externally: garden, swimming pool, double garage/games room. EPC C (76) - Telephone 01256 704851
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Yateley, Hampshire Guide Price: £635,000 Telephone 01252 620640
This well presented three bedroom detached family home situated on the outskirts of Yateley. The current owners have modernised throughout to create modern accommodation over two floors.
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DUE TO THE OPEN MARKET SOON magazine exclusive PREVI EW
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NEW TO THE OPEN MARKET FROM OUR HARTLEY WINTNEY BRANCH
Heckfield Heath, Hampshire Guide Price: Offers In Excess of £1,300,000 Telephone 01252 842100
• Grounds Of Around Two Acres • Exquisite Interior • Four Car Garage •
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See the following pages for more details
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Heckfield Heath, Hampshire Guide: Offers In Excess Of £1,300,000
• Wonderful Views • Swimming Pool • Superb Main Bedroom •
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A Grade II listed detached family home enjoying southerly views across its own grounds of approximately 2 acres and the countryside beyond.The accommodation is sizeable and well-balanced yet there is planning permission granted (commencement time limited) to extend further to create a spectacular kitchen extension if desired. Outside, the majority of the land lies to the front and side of the property with a sweeping gravel driveway running up to the detached four car garage.There are various outdoor entertaining options including a lovely cabana which has heat and light and external walls that roll up to enjoy the weather. The pool area has recently been extensively upgraded and improved with new filtration systems etc.The rest of the grounds are enclosed by post and rail fencing and mainly laid to grass. In all a fabulous property with great space and a versatile layout and offering lovely views. EPC n/a - Telephone 01252 842100
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NEW TO THE OPEN MARKET FROM OUR HARTLEY WINTNEY BRANCH
Finchampstead, Berkshire Guide Price: £1,950,000 Telephone 01252 842100
• Grounds Of Around 1.7 Acres • Exquisite Interior • Near Wellington College •
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See the following pages for more details
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Finchampstead, Berkshire Guide: £1,950,000
• Around 4,885 Sq. Ft. • Annexe • Grounds Of Around 1.7 Acres •
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Imagine....
A charming family home set in a grounds of around 1.7 acres, on one of the most sought after and desirable roads in Finchampstead, Berkshire; witin easy reach of Wellington College. Featured on the ground floor there is a superb Poggenpohl kitchen which benefits from a suite of integrated Gaggenau appliances, Corian countertops with matching island and complimented further by the lovely Rayburn stove. On the first floor there are 6 bedrooms including a detached annexe above the sizeable garage. Within the grounds there are stunning gardens and a tennis court. EPC D (55) - Telephone 01252 842100
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DUE TO THE OPEN MARKET SOON magazine exclusive PREVI EW
Odiham, Hampshire Guide Price: £850,000 Telephone 01256 704851
Situated within close proximity of Odiham High Street, this property offers a wealth of charm and character with spacious and flexible accommodation throughout. Benefits to this property include three bedrooms, three reception rooms, an attractive courtyard garden, garage and no onward chain.
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SOLD stc GOING TO PRESS
Crookham Village, Hampshire Guide Price: £1,250,000 Telephone 01256 704851
• Exceptional Family House • Exquisite Interior • Equestrian Facilities •
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NOW ON THE OPEN MARKET FROM OUR ODIHAM BRANCH
See the following pages for more details
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Crookham Village, Hampshire Guide: £1,250,000
• Wonderful Interior • Stables Yard Sand School & Paddock • C. 3.24 Acres •
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Set in grounds of around 3.24 acres, this charming Grade II listed cottage, full of character and boasting many original features including original fireplaces with log burners, latch doors and beamed ceilings, is situated in Crookham Village within the heart of Hampshire countryside.The exquisite interior features a superb kitchen/breakfast with integrated Miele appliances, and granite work surfaces.There is a utility/boot room which leads to a spacious, contemporary wet room.The master bedroom on the first floor is light and airy and benefits from views over the garden and fields. For the equestrian enthusiast there is stables, yard, sand school and paddock. EPC n/a - Telephone 01256 704851
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Fleet, Hampshire Guide: £900,000
This six bedroom double fronted detached property is situated on the ever popular Elvetham Heath development, close to local amenities.The property is offered to the market in excellent decorative order with accommodation
measuring approximately 2,260 sq. ft. EPC C (71) - Telephone 01252 620640
• Open Plan Kitchen • Converted Double Garage • Close To Local Schools •
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Fleet, Hampshire Guide: £750,000
We are delighted to bring to the market this beautiful four bedroom detached family home situated in the popular Tavistock area of Fleet. EPC D (64) - Telephone 01252 620640
•Superb Property - Early Viewing Recommended •
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DUE TO THE OPEN MARKET SOON magazine exclusive PREVI EW
A wonderfully renovated and re-fitted cottage in the Berkshire village of Swallowfield. Offering high specification finishes throughout, stunning views to the rear from the garden and four/five bedrooms.
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Swallowfield, Berkshire Guide Price: £750,000 EPC D(68) - Telephone 01252 842100
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The Mercedes CLE Cabriolet has arrived just in time for summer – but is it better than its rivals?
By Cameron Richards, PA Motoring Reporter
What is it?
The CLE replaces the C-Class coupe and now Mercedes has decided to chop the roof off it to make it attractive to those who want the wind in the hair experience. Essentially a forerunner to the old C-Class Cabriolet, the CLE Cabriolet is directly competing with the convertible versions of the BMW 4-Series and Audi A5. Designed to offer four-seater luxury with the ability to travel longer distances, Mercedes has created the CLE Cabriolet to be refined, comfortable and above all, engaging to drive.That’s the intention, anyway, which is why we’ve headed to sunny Tenerife to see what it’s all about.
What’s new?
The Cabriolet version of the CLE, like the coupe model, has a new exterior design with a more curved and swooping body compared with the C-Class models it replaces, while a longer wheelbase – with an extra 164mm over its predecessor – aims to make the interior more spacious for everyone aboard. The fabric hood has been designed to stand up to the very harshest of weather.This is down to an insulated multi-layered soft top, which can be operated at speeds of up to 37mph and takes 20 seconds to be lowered and raised. Plus, a new and improved ‘AirCap’ system located in the top frame of the windscreen allows the air to flow over the car at greater height to reduce drag and wind noise.
What’s under the bonnet?
A range of engines are on offer for the CLE Cabriolet including two 2.0-litre in-line four cylinders in the CLE200 and CLE300.A 2.0-litre diesel, meanwhile, is found on the CLE220 D and the top-of-the-line CLE450 comes with a 3.0-litre in-line six petrol. Mild-hybrid technology comes as standard on all versions to help improve efficiency, economy and CO2 emissions. Our test car was the CLE300 which came with a 2.0-litre in-line four- cylinder that produces 261bhp and 400Nm of torque – with emissions and fuel economy figures of 167g/km of CO2 and 38.2mpg. Mercedes quotes a 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds, too.
Continued on following page >
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What’s it like to drive?
We drove the predicted best-seller, which was the CLE300 and although the power is plentiful, it’s let down by a hesitant automatic gearbox and steering that lacks feel.That said, standard-fit four-wheel-drive helped inspire confidence in the bends and will certainly be a welcome attribute back in the wet and wild UK. However, there is no denying that the CLE is a heavy car – weighing in at 1,985kg. So on a twisty road, it feels a little bit out of its comfort zone, with the car wallowing when exiting a corner.Thankfully, the CLE fits the role of the comfortable cruiser well with the suspension doing a great job of absorbing any lumps and bumps in the road. Combine that with an engine which is quiet and sedate at speed and you have a drop-top which feels well-suited to sweeping bends in the sun.
How does it look?
To our eyes at least, the CLE Cabriolet is a very elegant and svelte-looking car with lots of free-flowing lines.Although similar to the coupe version, the CLE will definitely go down well for those who want to pose on the city streets.
The design of the CLE is nothing out of the ordinary with other Mercedes aesthetics and that’s no bad thing as it keeps the firm’s traditional image of class and luxury all rolled into one.
The new design makes the new car more modern and the rear tail lights that merge into the rear hatch area are a nice touch. It’s just a shame that Mercedes still designs fake-looking exhaust tailpipe exits at the rear which makes the car look cheap.
What’s it like inside?
Inside the CLE there are plenty of good points, with soft plastics used throughout and the infotainment screen was clear and easy to use. It can even be angled towards the driver further when in direct sunlight.
The space in the back was good with an ample amount of legroom and headroom wasn’t too bad with the roof up while boot space was also impressive at 385 litres – which is the same as the BMW 4-Series and five litres more than the Audi A5. One good point to make is the climate control settings are always present on the infotainment display.They may not have the mechanical feel of direct buttons, but it’s an improvement instead of burying them into the infotainment display and ensures that you can quickly and easily adjust the temperature inside the car. Furthermore, other standard features of the new CLE feature Mercedes’ AirScarf allowing warm air to blow onto the necks of the passengers to keep them warm in colder months.
What’s the spec like?
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The CLE Cabriolet is available in four different flavours for British buyers with the entry-level AMG Line starting at £53,030 and rising to £61,280 for the Premier Edition.
The car we drove was the equivalent of the UK specced AMG Line Premium which starts at £58,780.
As standard it features ambient lighting, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, keyless entry and start, heated and ventilated front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, a sports steering wheel with Nappa leather and blind spot monitoring.
Verdict
The CLE Cabriolet was not designed to be a B road basher or a track day toy for the driving enthusiast. Instead, it’s been set up to be a relaxing cruiser for those sunny road trips down to the south of France. It also has usable back seats and a bigger boot than the Audi A5 cabriolet making it practical and a genuine four-seater.
Also, thanks to standard mild-hybrid technology, the CLE Cabriolet will be a lot cheaper to run than the old C-Class Cabriolet.
Although it’s not revolutionary, the drop-top version of the CLE is still a great choice for those wanting a usable yet premium four-seater cabriolet with that three-pointed star pedigree.
Facts at a glance
Model as tested: Mercedes CLE300 4Matic
Price as tested: £58,750
Engine: 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder
Power: 261bhp
Torque: 400 Nm
Max speed: 155mph
0-60mph: 4.5 seconds
MPG: mpg: 38.2 mpg
Emissions: 167g/km
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Hampshire / Berkshire Borders Guide Price: £3,000,000 Telephone 01252 842100
• Exceptional Family House • Stunning Indoor Swimming Pool • Just Over 3 Acres •
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See the following four pages for more details
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Finchampstead, Berkshire / Hampshire Borders Guide: £3,000,000
• C.7,000 sq. ft. of Exquisite Space • Superb Kitchen • Indoor Swimming Pool •
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This exceptional country house dates from the mid 19th Century and beautifully fuses historic character with contemporary additions, especially seen in the breathtaking indoor swimming pool complex and the exceptional luxury kitchen/living room. Overall this fine property provides impressive spaces of around 7,900 sq. ft. and this property has been in the same family ownership for 30 years, making this a rare opportunity. EPC E (53) - Telephone 01252 842100
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Fleet, Hampshire Guide: £525,000
This four bedroom detached family home is situated on the favourable Elvetham Heath development.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.The light and airy accommodation includes a superb kitchen/dining room.To the first floor are the four bedrooms and family bathroom. Bedroom one has en-suite shower facilities.The enclosed walled garden is mainly laid to lawn, with a patio area immediately to the rear of the property. EPC C (77) - Telephone 01252 620640
• En-Suite To Bedroom One • Garage & Driveway Parking •
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Newnham, Hampshire Guide: Offers In Excess Of £825,000
Situated within the sought after village of Newnham, this four bedroom detached family home is offered to the market with spacious and flexible accommodation throughout. Benefits to this property include a double garage with ample driveway parking, three reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room and a beautifully presented rear garden with countryside views.. EPC D(66)Telephone 01256 704851
• Four Bedrooms • Superb Garden • Double Garage •
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Odiham, Hampshire Guide: £525,000
Situated within close proximity of the desirable Odiham village centre, this immaculately presented, two-bedroom, former 19th century malthouse barn conversion, has been finished to a high standard creating
spacious and flexible accommodation. EPC C (78) Telephone 01256 704851
• Two Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • Close To Village •
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Church Crookham, Hampshire Guide: £725,000
Situated on the popular Crookham Park development, in a cul-de-sac location, this is a well presented versatile and spacious four bedroom detached family home.The kitchen/breakfast room is light and airy and is finished to a high standard with built in appliances, a central island with a breakfast bar and a Juliette balcony plus a further balcony with an area suitable for seating.To the first floor are four double bedrooms, master with a feature window and ensuite shower room, with a family bathroom serving the remaining bedrooms. EPC B (89) - Telephone 01252 620640
• Four Bedrooms / Two Bathrooms • Excellent Interior • Garden Bar •
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Fleet, Hampshire Guide Price: £1,100,000 Telephone 01252 620640
• Exceptional Family House • Exquisite Interior • Double Garage •
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See the following two pages for more details
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Fleet, Hampshire Guide: £1,100,000
• Wonderful Interior • Superb Kitchen / Diner • No Onward Chain •
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This wonderful home boasts immense character and exquisite interior spaces with accommodation spread over three floors including four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Excellent plot providing a sizeable driveway and garden. The property is located in close proximity to Fleet town centre, Fleet mainline train station, several schools and multiple woodland areas including easy access to Oakley Park,Velmead Woods and Basingstoke Canal where you can enjoy long walks, bike rides, fishing and take in breath taking views. EPC E (50) - Telephone 01252 620640
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SALE AGREED & EXCHANGED agreed to exchange in a month
EXCHANGED APRIL
Church Crookham, Hampshire Guide: £1,600,000
A unique opportunity to acquire a charming 17th Century Grade II Listed country house with a wealth of history and accommodation in excess of 4,000 sq. ft including outbuildings.The property has many original character features including exposed beams and inglenook fireplace. Nestled on a 0.6 acre plot, this stunning property is located at the end of a private tree lined lane within the Church Crookham area of Fleet. EPC n/a - Telephone 01252 620640
• Similar Property Required For Active Buyers •
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Join the UpTick
arrange a free valuation
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EXCHANGED APRIL
Riseley, Berkshire Guide: £1,550,000
A fine country property with equestrian facilities set in rural grounds of circa 6 acres including formal gardens, paddocks, lake, stables and sand school. The property comprises four bedrooms, a wonderful L-shaped living/dining room with vaulted ceiling and bi-fold doors overlooking the rear garden, and an impressive kitchen/breakfast room leading through to the conservatory.The first floor galleried area provides a further sitting area and access to the superb bedroom suite with en suite bathroom. EPC E (42) - Telephone 01252 620640
• Similar EQUESTRIAN Property Required For Active Buyers •
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Join the UpTick
arrange a free valuation
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SALE AGREED APRIL
Church Crookham, Hampshire Guide: £1,000,000
An attractive five bedroom detached house on a 0.2 acre plot, located in the desirable Church Crookham location. On the ground floor is an entrance hallway, cloakroom, dining room, living room, study, kitchen, utility room, and access to the double garage. To the first floor are five bedrooms, a family bathroom and en-suites to bedrooms one, two and three. EPC C (72) - Telephone 01252 620640
• Similar Property Required For Active Buyers •
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Join the UpTick
arrange a free valuation
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SALE AGREED MARCH
Fleet (Blue Triangle), Hampshire Guide: £1,825,000
This immaculately presented and substantial family home sits on a delightful half acre plot on one of the most sought- after roads in Fleet.The property has been completely redecorated with new carpets, beautifully re-fitted bathrooms and underfloor heating to the ground floor.There is also planning permission granted
for a single storey extension to the rear. EPC C (72) - Telephone 01252 620640
• Similar Property Required For Active Buyers •
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Join the UpTick
arrange a free valuation
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Finchampstead, Hampshire / Berkshire Borders Guide Price: £2,500,000 Telephone 01252 842100
• Around 5,700 Sq. Ft. • Four Car Garage • C. 2.3 Acres •
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See the following two pages for more details
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Finchampstead, Hampshire / Berkshire Borders Guide: £2,500,000
• Wonderful Location • Five Bedrooms • Six Reception Rooms •
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Approached through remotely operated gates, the sweeping driveway rises gently through the front gardens arriving at a property designed specifically to fit into the stunning grounds of around 2.3 actres. The split-level accommodation provides spacious rooms, all of which enjoy views of the fabulously landscaped gardens and beyond. There is additional space above the four-car garage which can be used as hobby rooms, a gym or a home office, which has in the past held planning consent (now lapsed, although we would assume easily re-instated) for a self-contained annex. EPC C (71) - Telephone 01252 842100
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Fleet (Blue Triangle), Hampshire Guide: £1,700,000
Constructed 5 years ago to a high specification, this spacious family home offers accommodation in excess of 4,000 sq ft.The property is situated in a prime position within the Blue Triangle where Fleet High Street and Fleet main line train station are within a short distance. EPC B (86) - Telephone 01252 620640
• Luxury Interior • Double Garage • Blue Triangle Location •
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Sneak peek at new plants being launched at RHS Chelsea Flower Show By Hannah Stephenson, PA There’s always a buzz of excitement around new plants at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show – and this year is no exception, with a host of new offerings being unveiled.
So take a look at some of the new blooms and see if they could suit your garden style.
1. Rosa ‘With Courage’ (Peter Beales; pre-order at classicroses.co.uk)
3. Rose ‘Little Sid’ (Harkness Roses; sold via roses.co.uk and World of Roses)
Launching exclusively to support the 200th anniversary of lifesaving charity the RNLI, this modern classic floribunda which has taken six years of field trials to come to market produces an abundance of coppery-orange double flowers set against mid-green glossy foliage. Free-flowering, compact and growing to 90cm (3ft) tall, peachy pink tones add charm to outer petals which display yellow accents at their base, while a sweet apple scent fills the summertime breeze with delightful fragrance. Suitable for growing in pots and for cut flower, it repeat flowers in June/July and September/October.
A new patio rose named after four-year-old Sid Wallace, the autistic son of television presenter Gregg Wallace, aims to increase autism acceptance and raise vital funds to support autistic children and young people across the nation.
Flowerheads burst into life on this short, bushy specimen from spring with light red petals, which deepen to ruby at the centre, against dark, glossy foliage. As a repeat flowering rose, it will bloom continuously through to the first frosts.
Some £5 from every rose sold is being donated to the charity Ambitious about Autism, of which Wallace became an ambassador earlier this year.“Raising an autistic child has many challenges but also great joys, as other families with lived experience will know. Anna (his wife) and I are very proud of our wonderful son Sid and this rose is a celebration of him and all autistic young people,” Wallace says. 4 and 5. Clematis ‘Guernsey Flute’ and Clematis ‘Lindsay’ (available in all good garden centres now and over Chelsea and from Raymond Evison Clematis through Chelsea). Celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Guernsey Clematis Nursery in association with Raymond Evison Clematis, comes a gorgeous pair – a white and a blue.‘Guernsey Flute’ has large star-shaped pure white flowers 12-14cm across, with brown/red anthers, formed from May through July and repeat flowering into September. It’s a small clematis, so ideal for a pot with a framework to cling to or in the mid a flower border, where it can extend through host plants.
2. Cosmos atrosanguineus ‘Cherry Chocolate’ (Whetman Plants International; available from Hayloft, Thompson & Morgan, Crocus and other retailers) If you love chocolate scent and plenty of deep rich colour, this tuberous half-hardy perennial with eye-catching deep pink flowers could be for you. In trials it delivered a huge number of successive blooms from the end of May to the first frost, and as it grows to 60cm x 45cm, it’s ideal for patio pots and garden borders and is a magnet for pollinating insects.
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a more resilient plant that is less affected by changes in humidity and temperature. With its striking burgundy, red and silver striped foliage, Begonia ‘Stellar Storm’ adds a touch of drama to any space. Its large, spiral-shaped leaves boast unique spiked edges, making it a distinctive addition to any collection.
‘Lindsay’ has large deep purple/blue star-shaped flowers which clothe the plant from base to tip in May, June and July and repeat-flowering in September. It grows between 90cm- 120cm, so is ideal for a pot and pruning is simple, as you just reduce stems down to 15cm above soil level in late winter or early spring.
8. Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Yulika’ (Burncoose Nurseries; available from Burncoose after Chelsea)
This robust garden hydrangea with beautiful double pink lace-cap blooms flowers on new and old wood, so will always reward you with flowers every year, which are white and red when in full bloom. Easy to prune in spring, it’s also very winter hardy (to -15C).
6. Mahonia eurybracteata subsp. ganpinensis ‘Meteor’ (Available from Hillier Garden Centres and online at hillier.co.uk)
This beautiful upright, evergreen, compact shrub which forms a tidy, rounded bush with dark green leaves provides year-round interest, as the new leaves are deep red in spring, followed by a flush of yellow flowers from August to November. The compact habit makes it suitable for a wide variety of spaces, trouble free and easy to grow.
9. Scabiosa incisa ‘Kudo Blue’ (Walter Blom Plants; available from Sarah Raven)
Entered for the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year, this fully hardy and compact scabious bears many larger-than-average bright blue pincushion flowers from spring to autumn. Easy to grow in well- drained soil in a bright and sunny position, it makes a fantastic choice for a mixed herbaceous border, gravel garden or container planting scheme. The flowers are wonderful for cutting and the blooms are loved by pollinating insects.
7. Begonia ‘Stellar Storm’ (Available from Dibleys Houseplants)
Fancy a new houseplant? Multi-award-winning houseplant nursery Dibleys should get heads turning with this large, spiral leaved begonia with exceptionally cut up, spikey-edged foliage. Bands of burgundy, red and silver repeat from the outer edge to the leaf’s heart. Bold and vibrant, this plant has everything. A new style of colourful-leaved begonia. Similar in style to Begonia Rex but with several different species introduced into the breeding line (at Dibleys) to create a tougher and
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 runs from May 21-25.
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 67
Wonderful grounds of circa one acre
Long Sutton, Hampshire Guide: £1,695,000
Superb Kitchen / Diner • Wonderful Setting & Grounds • Four/Five Bedrooms
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Set in grounds of around one acre, this substantial four/five bedroom detached family home, is nestled within the heart of the desirable village of Long Sutton enjoying uninterrupted countryside views. The location and outlook is exceptional and the property has been extended by the current owners and provides flexible living accommodation of around 3,750 sq. ft. EPC D (63) - Telephone 01256 704851
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Hartley Wintney Hampshire Guide: £750,000
• Sought After Hunts Common • Walking Distance Of Hartley Wintney Village •
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A charming character cottage in a wonderful location just a short walk away from Hartley Wintney Village. This delightful property features a superb kitchen, a fine living room and three bedrooms. Outside there is an excellent garden. Further details to follow. Telephone 01252 842100
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 71
Hartley Wintney Hampshire Guide: £1,300,000
• Sought After Bracknell Lane • Walking Distance Of Hartley Wintney Village •
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NEW TO THE OPEN MARKET FROM OUR HARTLEY WINTNEY BRANCH
A superb example of a well proportioned 1950’s built five bedroom family home in a plot of just over a third of an acre, a short distance from the charming High Street of Hartley Wintney. Further details to follow. Telephone 01252 842100
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 73
Frimley, Surrey Guide: £675,000
A well presented, detached, four bedroom extended family home situated within close proximity to Frimley and Camberley town centres and within walking distance to Frimley Park Hospital and two prestigious schools.The ground floor comprises kitchen/breakfast room, living room, family room, reception room, study and cloakroom/shower room. Personal Interest Notice - McCarthy Holden employee property sale. EPC C (74) - Telephone 01252 620640
• Four Bedrooms • Walking Distance Of Frimley Park Hospital •
74 | mccarthyholden.co.uk
Fleet, Hampshire Guide: £875,000
An extremely attractive four/five bedroom detached house in good decorative order.The property sits in a cul-de-sac location within the popular residential Pondtail area of Fleet.This extended family home offer generous and
flexible accommodation over two floors. EPC C (71) - Telephone 01252 620640
• Five Bedrooms / Three Bathrooms • Excellent Garden • Double Garage •
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 75
Fleet, Hampshire Guide: £900,000
We are delighted to offer to the market this generous four double bedroom detached family home, situated in the popular Courtmoor area of Fleet and close to local schools. Originally built in 1962, the property has been extended over time, offering spacious, flexible and modern living. EPC C (69) - Telephone 01252 620640
• Four Bedrooms • Three Bathrooms • Sought After Location •
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SALE AGREED MARCH
Odiham, Hampshire Guide: Offers In Excess Of £300,000
Situated within the sought-after village of Odiham, in a central location, this three-bedroom cottage requires full renovation throughout and is offered to the market for the first time in over 100 years with no onward chain.The property includes; three bedrooms, two reception rooms, kitchen, bathroom and downstairs W.C. EPC E(53)Telephone 01256 704851
• Full Renovation Project • Three Bedrooms • Central Village Location •
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 77
Hartley Wintney Hampshire Guide: £1,300,000
• Gated Driveway Parking With Garage • Grounds C. 0.8 Of An Acre •
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An outstanding Grade II Listed manor house conversion in a truly unique setting, less than a mile from the centre of Hartley Wintney Village. Comprising of the original central section (including the main entrance) of the historic Hartley Grange manor house and formal grounds of approximately 0.8 of an acre. Originally built in the 17th Century and now Grade II listed as part of local Hartley Wintney History, this is a truly unique property. Telephone 01252 842100
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 79
Hartley Wintney Hampshire Guide: £700,000
• Beautifully Updated • Overlooking Woodland To Front • Drive Parking •
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A rare opportunity to acquire a uniquely positioned and well-proportioned four-bedroom family home on the popular St Marys Park development. Having been recently extended and modernised throughout to a high specification by the current owners creating a
comfortable and modern family living space. EPC C (79) - Telephone 01252 842100
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Finchampstead Ridges - B erkshire sold on guide £5.250m.
• Similar Property Required For Active Buyers Searching Near Wellington College •
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SOLD EXCHANGED & COMPLETED agreed to exchange in a month
EXCHANGED MARCH
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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
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 85
SALE AGREED APRIL
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Upton Grey, Hampshire Guide: £675,000
Situated in a cul-de-sac location within the sought after village of Upton Grey, this four-bedroom extended semi- detached home is offered to the market with spacious and flexible accommodation throughout. Benefits to this property include ample driveway parking, two reception rooms, 19ft kitchen/breakfast room and an enclosed rear garden with direct access to Upton Grey Park. EPC D (48) - Telephone 01256 704851
• Countryside Views • Three Bedrooms • Possible Planning Potential •
86 | mccarthyholden.co.uk
SALE AGREED APRIL
Join the UpTick
arrange a free valuation
North Warnborough, Hampshire Guide: £495,000
Situated in the centre of the popular village of North Warnborough, this well-presented, characterful, three bedroom home is set back from the road in a desirable location.The property is offered to the market with no onward chain. EPC C (69) – Telephone 01256 704851
• Three Bedrooms • No Onward Chain • Superb Interior •
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 87
SALE AGREED APRIL
Eversley Centre, Hampshire Guide: Offers In Excess Of £1,100,000
• Similar Property Required For Active Buyers •
88 | mccarthyholden.co.uk
Join the UpTick
arrange a free valuation
A truly unique four bedroom detached character property in the heart of Eversley Village. Built in 1812 and extended and modernised throughout Centre Cottage offers modern living, stunning interior design and character charm.With a generous rear garden including a summer house, breeze hut and large patio areas, all complemented by views over adjoining countryside. EPC D (56) - Telephone 01252 842100
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 89
Sale Agreed In 3 Weeks - In Excess Of Guide multiple offers received similar equestrian property wanted
SOLD stc
Hampshire / Berkshire Borders Anticipated Guide Price: £2,000,000
• Similar EQUESTRIAN Property Required For Active Buyers •
90 | mccarthyholden.co.uk
Join the UpTick
arrange a free valuation
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
mccarthyholden.co.uk | 91
cuisines.
Photo: Big Zuu
“I’ve thought a lot about why Italian food is elevated. Italian food can be very every day, but you have very fancy Italian restaurants – and Italian holidays are very special, aren’t they? But for a long time, you had Greek package holidays – and there’s nothing wrong with that. “But I think the reason Greek food was misunderstood for a long time, is because I grew up in an era of Teletext Holidays and cheap holidays.” Hayden, 41, suggests Greece became associated with budget holidays – and while the locations might have been beautiful, the strips and accommodations didn’t necessarily reflect that, and that reputation carried over to food. But now, there’s something of a change happening. “Greek foods are having a real moment,” Hayden, who worked with Jamie Oliver for over a decade, adds. “We’re definitely seeing an influx of really high-end – again, it’s not that I need or want food to be posh or fancy. It’s just having a spectrum and a range – if you want to have high end-Greek, now you can. If you want middle and cheaper, you can.” While she accepts that Greek cuisine loves “our grills and our meat”, she says: “This isn’t the only thing… We love lentils, a lot of pulses, a lot of vegetables and salads.Actually, dare I say, if you’re vegetarian, you would be laughing if you went to Greece, you would have such a range of things you could eat there.”
So if you were to start cooking a bit more Greek food at home, where should you start?
Move over Italian and French food – Greek cuisine is having a moment By Prudence Wade, PA
Hayden’s new cookbook, Greekish, has a chapter dedicated to ‘things on sticks’, and for her, this is a great jumping off point.These recipes do very much what they say on the tin – you spear some kind of protein on a stick, be it meat, fish or something like mushrooms, and make a “cracking marinade” to go with it, served with pita bread from the supermarket. And for Hayden,‘Greekish’ is the best way to describe her food. “It works on a lot of levels, in the fact that the food is Greek-inspired, as opposed to incredibly authentic,” she notes, which is different to her previous two cookbooks – the last, Nistisima, putting the spotlight on food eaten by Orthodox people during Lent. This time round, “They’re Greek recipes, but they’re my recipes,” she says.“So there’s an ‘ish’ to them. No one could argue that it might not be the way their granny makes, or the way their mum makes it – that’s where the ‘ish’ comes from.
French and Italian cuisines have long dominated the food landscape.
Greek food doesn’t traditionally have quite the same reputation, and while food writer Georgina Hayden is well aware of the stereotypes, that’s something she’s keen on changing. “For a very long time, Greek food was just seen as kebabs, meat on sticks – which is delicious, we love a kebab, don’t get me wrong. But at the same time, that’s all it was – quite greasy, dirty food,” Hayden says.
For Greek-Cypriot Hayden, who lives in London, Greek food hasn’t been afforded the same range as other European
“But there’s also lots of other ways that it becomes relevant
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– the fact that I’m Greek Cypriot. Cyprus is a divided island, so the food that I’ve grown up with spans both Greek and Cyprus. I’m Greek, Cypriot – the food is kind of ‘ish’.
“I sliced it and gave her the first slice and she stared at it very intently… She looked at me and she was shaking her head, which means she had nothing to say to me. Not one bad thing to say to me – and that’s a very rare occurrence,” Hayden remembers. “The reason I remember it so clearly is because I’m not convinced it’s ever happened otherwise – trust me, my family will definitely tell me everything they think about everything. No one could tell me my baklava cheesecake isn’t good, because my yia yia has spoken.” And because she’s not drawing on traditional dishes, Hayden’s a bit more nervous about releasing this cookbook into the world. “Relying on tradition or existing recipes, a lot of the time that can make your life easier, to be honest, because you are referring to things that you’ve read elsewhere or you’ve learned elsewhere.So this one is me in all my glory out there, just waiting for the attack really – it’s like I’ve got nothing to hide behind, which is scary but also really exhilarating.” Greekish: Everyday Recipes With Greek Roots by Georgina Hayden is published by Bloomsbury,priced £26.Photography by Laura Edwards.Available April 25. Georgina Hayden’s spiced lamb chops with houmous recipe
“So there’s a looseness that comes with being from this island that’s quite far away from the mainland.”
Plus,the book is dedicated to her two daughters,Persephone, six, and Elektra, three.
“They are ‘Greekish’, they’re half me – Greek Cypriot – and they’re half their dad, who is English-Irish. It’s that second generation, mish-mash of cultures that I think we’re seeing now through a lot of food writers, but also certainly the way I cook and live my life. It’s all becoming a nice amalgamation of different cuisines and cultures.” Few dishes sum up Hayden’s ethos better than the baklava cheesecake. “People are familiar with baklava, they know cheesecake – but we put the two together,” she explains. “I know there are variations out there and I’m not the first to make it, but my version is a bit different – there’s a whole pack of feta in the filling, which gives this really delicious, salty-sweet [taste].” When Hayden served this cheesecake up to her 83-year- old yia yia (her grandmother), she got the best feedback possible.
“In terms of instant dinner gratification, you can’t get much better than this,” says food writer Georgina Hayden.
“It’s up there as one of the quickest meals in the book, worthy to make any weekly repertoire. It takes such little effort for such a lot of flavour – especially if you buy good ready-made houmous.”
Spiced lamb chops with houmous
Ingredients:
(Serves 4)
8 lamb chops
2 garlic cloves
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1tsp ground cumin
1tsp ground coriander
Continued on following pages >
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Olive oil
to cook. If you don’t have much time, just leave to one side on the kitchen counter for at least five minutes.
2 lemons
2. While the lamb is marinating, peel and finely slice the shallots. Place in a small bowl with the juice of the remaining lemon and a good pinch of salt. Halve, deseed and finely slice the chillies.Toss through the lemony shallots. Pick the mint leaves and roughly chop. Finely chop the pistachios, then set aside. Spoon the houmous out on a serving plate. 3. Place a griddle pan on a high heat and get it hot. Grill the lamb chops for about four minutes on each side, this will give you just-blushing lamb.You can cook them for less or more time depending on your taste. I like to finish by propping them up on the fatty side to get it crisp (this was always my mum’s favourite bit).You don’t want to crowd the pan, so you might need to do this in two batches; if so, rest the cooked chops in a very low oven while you cook the others.As soon as all the chops are ready, place them on top of the houmous.Toss the mint through the shallot mixture and scatter over the top with the pistachios.
2 shallots
2 green chillies
A few sprigs of mint
30g pistachios or almonds
200g houmous, shop-bought or homemade
Method:
1. Place the lamb chops in a mixing bowl or dish and crush in the garlic. Season well and add the ground cumin and coriander. Pour in enough olive oil to coat and squeeze in the juice of one lemon. Really massage the flavours into the chops, then cover and leave to marinate in the fridge for as long as you can, bringing it out 20 minutes before you want
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the halloumi is tender and charred on top.The success of this recipe depends on having the right distance from the grill and heat, so check a few minutes into cooking and see if you need to raise the temperature or lower the grill bars. It’s quite a forgiving technique, so take your time and see what works with your grill. When the halloumi is ready, drizzle with honey and scatter over the thyme or oregano. Serve immediately.
Georgina
Hayden’s
grilled
halloumi with apricots recipe “I’m not very on top of things like social media. I’m hopeless at jumping on bandwagons, always late to the party, trend-wise,” admits food writer Georgina Hayden. “However, one thing I did share on social media several years ago now, was my method for scoring and grilling a whole block of halloumi with apricots – it took off. I’d never seen halloumi cooked this way before, and now it’s being recreated far and wide and I do feel a bit proud. “While the flavour combination is a family standard, I attribute using the whole block to my dear friend Iain, who would eat an entire block of halloumi in one sitting, because ‘it looked like a chicken breast’. I thought, well, why can’t it be treated like a chicken breast or any other form of protein…? Score, season and grill! Iain, this one’s for you.”
Whole grilled halloumi with apricot
Ingredients:
(Serves 2-4)
1 x 250g piece of halloumi
Olive oil
4 apricots
2tbsp honey
Georgina Hayden’s chocolate party cake recipe “This chocolate traybake looks like any other right? Not right. It’s Greek, which only means one thing: it’s drenched in syrup,” says food writer Georgina Hayden. “Before you roll your eyes at the Greek compulsion to drizzle cakes in syrup, let me tell you something: most simple chocolate sponges dry out so quickly. I’ve only ever met one cocoa sponge that I love and it is made with olive oil instead of butter, which keeps it moist. Otherwise, I think most chocolate sponges taste stale by the next day.
A few sprigs of oregano or thyme
Method:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high. Carefully score the top of your halloumi in a criss-cross pattern – don’t cut too deep, you want to keep it intact. Rub the cheese with olive oil, in between the cuts, too. Halve the apricots, remove the stones, and halve again into quarters. Place the halloumi in a snug dish (ideally metal) and nestle around the apricots, drizzling them with olive oil, too.
2. Pop under the grill, not too close, and grill for eight to 10 minutes, so that the fruit starts to caramelise and
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