All About your AreA: A locAl perspective from strutt & pArker

A particular take on property ISSUE ONE

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Published on behalf of Strutt & Parker by Sunday sundaypublishing.com

Welcometo &Newbury, a magazine showcasing properties in Newbury and giving you a taste of the area. Strutt & Parker is one of the most diverse property businesses in the UK, and the Newbury office is a focal point for the wide range of departments and services we offer. The residential team specialises in selling a variety of properties across Newbury and the surrounding towns and villages, while Strutt & Parker also provides unrivalled expertise in farming, land management, commercial property, planning and development.

Read on to find out morePage 03 Insight: Strutt & Parker discusses the local market

Page 04 First & foremost: the hottest properties and local highlights

Page 06 Portfolio: property showcase

Page 08 Trends & analysis: expert overview of the national market

Page 09 Why Strutt & Parker?

Page 10 Why we love Newbury: locals reveal why there’s no place like home

Page 11 Find us: local centre highlights

Published on behalf of Strutt & Parker by Sunday sundaypublishing.com. All information and pricing correct at time of going to press.

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Published on behalf of Strutt & Parker by Sunday sundaypublishing.com

INSIGHT

trutt & Parker Newbury has been a prominent player in the property market for more than 25 years, with a long-standing client list.

Our farming department is regarded as one of the best in the country, and our young residential sales team has a huge wealth of local knowledge of Newbury and its villages, with many of the team having grown up locally.

‘Newbury is a particularly attractive market town with a great mix of both independent and mainstream shops and eateries. There has been huge investment in the town and its infrastructure in the past few years and its appeal has been enhanced dramatically.

‘Currently, the majority of the buyers we meet come from our connections in London – they’re young families looking to enjoy the area’s excellent schools and good transport connections. Paddington is less than an hour away by train, Waterloo is easily reached from Whitchurch, Overton or Basingstoke and we’re on the doorstep of the M4 and A34 (M3), so within an hour of Heathrow, Oxford, Bath, Bristol and Southampton.

‘Plus, as a national firm we also have huge prominence throughout the UK and overseas, with many buyers

relocating to the Newbury area thanks to the number of key global firms based along the M4 corridor.

‘Our team is proactive with a wealth of experience spanning the West Berkshire and London markets. We pride ourselves on our working knowledge of our marketplace and its most active buyers and believe this sets us apart from our competition. In Newbury, we are particularly lucky to have the support of our in-house Farming and Land Management departments, home to some of the industry’s most respected professionals.

‘Trends-wise, the early part of 2013 was particularly fruitful with fresh buyers and little stock available. Spring was late but with it came more stock, which levelled the previous imbalance, and as there are now more houses available than buyers our team’s strategy and pricing are key.

‘We have an honest approach to our work – in our business flattery gets you nowhere. A property shown in the best light with the right business acumen and an accurate guide price is far more likely to realise a good result than one that has been overpriced and left to dwell on the market for months.’

Alex Barton and Lucy Winfield, Partners, explain how our Newbury office brings a wealth of experience to the area’s robust property market

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A particular take on property ISSUE ONE

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First & foremost

04 &Newbury

grand home

Instantly recognisable as the setting for the globally successful television series Downton Abbey, Highclere is one of England’s most beautiful castles with a history every bit as captivating as that of its fictional version. Home to the Carnarvon family since 1679 – the present Earl and Countess still live here – this stunning house and grounds are generally open to the public over the May bank holidays and from mid July to mid September, but it’s always worth checking Highclere’s website (there’s also lots on there for Downton fans) for precise times. When you do visit Highclere, you’ll find it filled with stunning paintings, tapestries and furniture. And, given this was the home of the man who discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb, there’s a fine Egyptian exhibition to explore, too. highclerecastle.co.uk

celebrity castle

Long a popular haunt of the Newbury racing fraternity, The Pheasant Inn in Shefford Woodlands recently reopened after a change of ownership and major refurbishment. Everything’s been brought bang up to date while maintaining the much-loved character and cosy, welcoming atmosphere of the place. The food’s particularly good, with a revived menu that reflects seasonal changes and emphasises the wonderful produce available locally. With 11 modern en-suite bedrooms and easy access to the M4, you can always stay over if the excellent dishes and fine wines and beers get the better of you. pheasantinnlambourn.co.uk

a new roost

Windrush House, InkpenSituated in a private position, this fine Georgian country house is in need of modernisation. Set among 7.6 acres, Windrush House has three reception rooms, domestic offices, eight bedrooms, three bathrooms and a two-bedroom flat. There is also a two-bedroom stable cottage in the grounds as well as a swimming pool, tennis court, vegetable garden, rose garden and paddock. £2,950,000 SOLD

contact 01635 521707

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LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

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UNDER OFFER

Housing a theatre within a converted watermill is a quirky concept but it’s one that’s proved to be a successful formula in the village of Bagnor for more than 40 years. The 220-seat Watermill offers audiences an intimate and atmospheric experience. The theatre, which has launched the careers of actors such as David Suchet, Sean Bean and Bill Nighy, stages all manner of productions, from West End transfers to national and international tours. It also produces its own award-winning work and many of the Watermill’s shows go on to play in larger UK and overseas venues. The restaurant and bar get their fair share of rave reviews, too, so it’s a theatre punching well above its weight. watermill.org.uk

star turns

Hayward Holt, Newtown, HungerfordHayward Holt is a Grade II Listed house believed to date back to the early 1800s. It offers versatile accommodation in a stunning rural setting with spectacular views. Once the Gamekeeper’s Cottage for the Chilton Estate, the property has been sympathetically extended and the outbuildings converted over the years. Particular attention has been paid to the environmental elements of this property, making it as green and sustainable as possible. £1,575,000 FOR SALE

Contact 01635 521707

going green

newbury has a population of 34,000, of which telecommunications giant Vodafone employs 4,000

Protests have long been a part of Newbury’s history, from the 40,000 women who protested against nuclear missiles at nearby Greenham Common RAF base during the Cold War to Swampy and his cohorts fighting against bypass plans in 1996

newbury’s current boom (thanks to the technology revolution) is the town’s third in its 1,000 year history. First was a booming textiles industry during the Middle ages, second was when it became a popular stopover for travellers from London to Bath, Britain’s first tourist resort, during the georgian period

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BeLLe aBodeIt would be quite easy just to buy everything Hungerford’s Bow House Lifestyle has for sale, such is the talent its proprietors, Jo and Jess Preston, have for selecting beautiful furniture, antiques, lighting, gifts, accessories, fabrics and clothes. Theirs is a lifestyle business in the truest sense, as they’ll also help you get your house in order with an interior-design service. Mull over any tricky design decisions with one of their sumptuous cakes, available from the Bow Belles Café in its Marlborough branch.bowhouselifestyle.com

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06 &Newbury

Little Thatch, NewburyOne of the most important and historic cottages in Boxford, with a stunning cottage garden. £675,000

Yew Tree Cottage, East Illsey An attractive Victorian cottage with pretty gardens in the centre of the village.£615,000 FOR SALE

Church Farm Barns, Compton A superb contemporary barn conversion in a stunning rural setting with far-reaching views. £625,000 FOR SALE

Brewery House, Kingsclere

A stunning conversion of a former brewery with

Georgian origins in the heart of the village. £595,000 FOR SALE

The Bothy, NewtownA charming period house and cottage, with equestrian facilities, pool and tennis court.£1,650,000 FOR SALE

For further details of any of these properties, contact 01635 521707

FOR SALE

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PORTFOLIO

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Nalder Hill House, Newbury

A substantial Victorian house with

far-reaching views over the Kennet valley.

£3,750,000 FOR SALE

Woodpecker Cottage, Newbury

A charming Listed cottage dating from the 17th century

and set in a lovely landscaped garden.

£695,000 FOR SALE

Sunwood, WantageA bespoke new-build barn situated in stunning open countryside. £1,295,000 FOR SALE

Rowan House, AndoverA substantial Regency-style house in the most peaceful countryside. £2,750,000 FOR SALE

Scarletts Cottage, Plastow Green

A period house with wonderful gardens and

views, located in a pretty, rural hamlet. £825,000 FOR SALE

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he country house market has weathered the worst of the recession and

although last year’s 2% rise in stamp duty did have an impact, James Mackenzie, Head of the Country Department at Strutt & Parker believes that this was a just a blip. ‘People take these things on the chin and move on, particularly when you’re talking about buying a family home.’

And while the hard winter of 2012/13 did little to encourage buyers out into the country, Mackenzie believes the market is making up for lost time. ‘It’s heading back to where it should be, with the potential to get stronger over the next 12 months.’

Little regional variation exists – it’s all about properties and prices – but the robust London market remains a key driving factor, with buyers recognising the potential that city budgets have beyond the capital. Equally, international and expat interest remains steady and it’s here that Strutt & Parker’s relationship with Christie’s International Real Estate comes into its own.

‘Many more international buyers are being pushed in our direction,’ explains Mackenzie. ‘Our auction house colleagues are also helping introduce potential sellers to Strutt & Parker. It’s simply a much bigger playing field for us now.’

Regional growth

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up to 32%of London buyers are

planning to move to

the country

ost considerations, lifestyle choices, local economic factors and government

efforts to kick-start the housing market are creating a complex UK residential property picture, according to Michael Fiddes, Head of Agency at Strutt & Parker.

‘There’s definitely been a stimulus at the bottom of the market because of what the government’s sought to do for first-time buyers,’ says Fiddes. ‘Secondly, while more people are selling up in London and benefiting from fantastic value outside of the capital because of the large price differential, buyers are becoming much more conscious of the costs such as commuting, property maintenance and heating, and education.’

Lifestyle choices, too, are resulting in more people living in an urban or suburban environment beyond London. That’s been good for Oxford, Cambridge, St Albans and

Guildford in particular. ‘These key regional centres are seeing more growth in residential value than their rural counterparts, although there are hotspots around the UK where different economic factors affect the marketplace,’ says Fiddes. ‘An example is around Aberdeen, where the oil industry creates a massive number of jobs.’

A complex market then, but one in which Strutt & Parker remains best placed to negotiate, with the interests of clients always paramount.

‘When people are moving house, they’re usually dealing with their most valuable asset, something that’s going to have one of the greatest effects on their lives,’ says Fiddes. ‘Selling a house is about getting the best possible deal for the client, but also about helping them on a journey. We always endeavour to look after them and proactively make things happen, rather than merely hoping they’ll happen.’ wo

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Getting stronger

Trends & analysisStrutt & Parker experts reflect on the

nationwide property picture

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OVERVIEW

T he new research team at the company’s London head offi ce is making its

presence felt with vital insights into short- and long-term market trends. While many industry researchers have a narrow focus, this department takes a ‘holistic’ approach, keeping abreast of developments across the full range of Strutt & Parker’s interests.

‘Our work is about understanding the markets, knowing what the trends are, and identifying where the demand and stock is coming from,’ says Stephanie McMahon, Head of Research at Strutt & Parker.

But examining statistics is just part of the process. ‘We’re interested in the behaviour of buyers and vendors,’ explains McMahon. ‘It’s important to understand what’s driving their decision-making.’

Downsizing, or ‘right-sizing’ as McMahon calls it, is one of the trends currently being tracked by the team. ‘Outside London, 25% of our vendors are looking to move to smaller properties,’ she says. ‘And out in the country, over 80% of people are using their homes for primary use. Even in London, that fi gure is almost at 55%.’

McMahon is seeing evidence, fi nally, of movement in the mortgage market: ‘It’s becoming a little bit more accessible for some buyers, so that’s a positive sign.’ W

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Syn

ergy

OUR BRAND

For more than 125 years, Strutt &

Parker has created a brand that

signifi es outstanding results

delivered through high-quality

and integrity-rich service.

OUR MARKETING EXCELLENCE

We are committed to constantly

evolving our marketing approach

to ensure that your property is

seen ahead of the rest. Our

dedicated in-house marketing

and PR team ensures that our

brand and your property is

consistently and strongly

represented in every media outlet.

OUR ONLINE PRESENCE

Strutt & Parker has built an

industry-leading website

for buyers of quality real estate,

with more than 200,000 visitors

to struttandparker.com

every month. We also have a

mobile-friendly website and use

QR codes and NFC technology to

give access to properties on the

go and from any mobile device.

OUR NATIONAL NETWORK

Strutt & Parker’s extensive and

growing network of 50 offi ces

covers the whole of the UK, from

Exeter to Inverness. Our 400+

sales professionals work as a

team to help achieve great

property results for you.

OUR BUYERS DATABASE

With 2,000 buyers registering

with us every month, we have

more than 26,000 active buyers –

all of whom are shared across

our network of UK offi ces,

showcasing your home to more

prospective buyers nationally.

OUR GLOBAL REACH

As the sole UK affi liate of

Christie’s International Real

Estate, we have access to 920

affi liate offi ces in 41 countries

worldwide, bringing global

buyers to your door.

OUR EXPERTS

We offer a total solution approach.

Our specialist teams include

Residential Sales, Lettings,

Building Surveying &

Architecture, Farms & Estates,

Land Management, Farming,

Commercial, Planning,

Development, Resources &

Energy and Professional Services.

A holistic view

WHY STRUTT

& PARKER?

Fiona Stewart, Head of Marketing & Communications at Strutt & Parker, explains why Open House Days are a must

BRINGING BUYERS AND SELLERS TOGETHER

Q What is Open House Day?A It’s a day when we throw open the doors of all the houses we’re selling, so that prospective buyers have the chance to view as many properties as they wish, without the need to make appointments. We run Open House Days twice a year, in the spring and autumn.

Q How does it help buyers and sellers? A Buyers like it because it gives them the freedom to see lots of properties on one day. They can plan their own route and it’s really time effi cient. They also like the opportunity to meet vendors. From a seller’s perspective, you’ve got a lot of prospective buyers coming through the door to see your

house on a single day. We know that 90 per cent of searches start online, but nothing replaces the value of seeing a property for real.

Q How effective is Open House Day?A We had 700 properties take part in our last event, with one in ten receiving offers on the day, to a value of more than £85 million. The results speak for themselves.

Q What do you have to do to get involved?A You can register to take part online at struttandparker.com/openday or with your local Strutt & Parker offi ce. Once you’ve provided your details, you’ll receive a registration card. You can then view as many houses on the day as you wish.

BRINGING BUYERS AND SELLERS TOGETHER

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10 &Newbury

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‘There are numerous reasons why Newbury suits our family. We are quite active, and enjoy all the activities Newbury has to offer, from excellent cycling and walking routes, which include the Kennet and Avon canal, to the historic Donnington Castle. The town centre also has excellent eating and drinking venues, with a great variety of shops.’Jayne Garner, local resident

‘Newbury is a great market town, with something for everyone, and a wide selection of shops from individual independents to good high street names. It’s close to London, Bath, Oxford and the coast and is surrounded by beautiful countryside and a host of pretty villages. Plus, some of the best schools in the country are right on our doorstep.’Kate Johnson, owner, Katharine Jayne boutique

‘The local countryside – the North Wessex Downs – is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and our stock graze on the water meadows beside the River Kennet. Food miles and traceability are things our customers don’t need to worry about!’Jonathan Bastable, Partner, Bastable Brothers

‘I grew up and have lived in the Newbury area pretty much all my life. It has always been a great place to be based, right in the cross hairs of the south of the country with easy access to pretty much anywhere.’Sam McCallum, Director, Hartwood Oak Buildings

‘We moved out of London to Westbrook just before our son was born to be nearer to our families but also to live in a part of England that we know well and love. We love Westbrook for its quiet, idyllic and extremely friendly atmosphere and we are very happy to have started family life here.’Tor, Johnno and Rory Spence, local residents

Why we love NewburyWhat makes the town such a special place to work and live? We ask a few local residents

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Strutt & Parker Newbury is part of a national network with 50 offices around the UK, including 10 offices in central London. As sole UK affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, we also work with a network of 920 affiliate offices in 41 countries around the globe.

To complement our Residential Sales team, we offer clients a complete service with experts across a wide range of disciplines, including:

Farming – our specialist agricultural advisers work with farmers and landowners to help manage their land and increase profitability.

Land Management – we offer advice to estate and land owners managing thousands of acres with diverse business interests.

Valuation & Enfranchisement Services – from property valuations to client support on planning processes, we offer many specialist property services.

Resources & Energy – we help clients seize the opportunities and manage the risks that energy issues present.

Commercial Property – our highly successful commercial team provides forward-thinking advice across all commercial property sectors.

Planning & Development – we advise on planning strategy and submit applications for clients, as well as advising on development value and selling land with consent.

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Strutt & Parker network and services

S&P

Strutt & Parker Newbury55 Northbrook StreetNewbury RG14 1ANTel: 01635 521707newbury@struttandparker.com

FIND US

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struttandparker.com

To visit the Newbury office homepage, simply

hover your phone over the QR code (right).

Newbury55 Northbrook StreetNewbury RG14 1ANTel: 01635 521707

Oxford269 Banbury RoadOxford OX2 7LLTel: 01865 366660

Pangbourne1 High StreetPangbourne RG8 7AETel: 0118 984 5757

LondonTen offices in central LondonVisit struttandparker.com for details

Country House Department13 Hill StreetLondon W1J 5LQTel: 020 7629 7282

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