Property Archives | The London Mummy

Hutton Bubear : Finding Your Family Home

Spring has sprung and it’s the time of year when people who know it’s time for a change, start their property search. Where do you begin? Especially if you don’t know the area, the house might be right but what about location, commute, community to name a few major aspects on making a ‘good move’. The competition for a great family home, in particularly outside London, is fierce and you need someone in the know and on the ground who can be your eyes and ears to properties that you wouldn’t otherwise hear about…

This is where Catherine and Alice can assist! Hutton Bubear are a bespoke property-buying agent providing unrivalled access to properties marketed both privately and publicly including many not available on the open market.

They act solely on behalf of their buyers and tenants to find homes across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire and London.

They have excellent relationships with all the agents and are often first to hear about a new property on the market through word of mouth.

If any these counties are on your list – get in touch and I can guarantee they will make what is usually chore, very enjoyable!

We pride ourselves on clearly understanding our clients’ brief in order to find the perfect property for them.

What made you start your business?

We moved out of London to relocate in the country with small children in tow and even though we had a great deal of property experience, we realised that finding the perfect house is just the start. To us, there was an obvious gap in the market for a professional advisory service for families looking to make the move from town to country (or vice versa).

Together we decided to put our years of property search experience together and create the business to fill that gap. We both fully understand the challenges a big move brings and work tirelessly to make it as smooth as possible for our clients.

Who is HB ideal for?

We’ve worked with lots of people in different situations, from families relocating from a big city to the country to those wanting to downsize. We’ve worked with investment buyers to those with no experience wanting to find their dream house.

We understand our clients have busy lives so our aim is to provide a home search that’s second to none as well as taking out the stress of the buying process by dealing with agents, lawyers and other third parties on our clients’ behalf.

How do you juggle work with family?

It’s easier now that all of our children are at school but with two of us, we were able to help each other out when we first set up the business. We’re a real team and when we’re not on the road finding properties we work where we live. Obviously we try and maintain a healthy balance but because there are two of us, it means we really can be in two places at once if we need to be!

What do you recommend thinking about when looking for a home?

Schools are obviously high on the list with most of our clients but the key is knowing the (realistic) travel times as well as fully understanding what each school can offer.
We look closely at the practicalities of commuting including train journeys and travel to stations.
We find out if there are any hidden catches that might be a future nuisance or financial burden along with checking a myriad of other things like road noise, planning applications, flight paths and so on.
Gut feel when you walk into a house counts for a lot but we make sure all the pros and cons have been fully investigated.

Alice’s Favourite’s

Restaurant : Numero Uno on Northcote Road. A throwback to my London years! Still love it.

Hotel : Baba Beach Club in Thailand thanks to an unforgettable family holiday a few years ago.

Holiday Destination : The North coast of Scotland – remote, but so beautiful.

Shop : Iris in London. Happily they have a brilliant online shop so I can still visit albeit virtually these days!

Website : www.re-foundobjects.com – gorgeous things for the home

Interior designer : Rita Konig

Parenting tip?

The ability to laugh, a proper Sunday roast and a good night’s sleep all help!

Give them a call today for an initial chat!

Alice 00447920 454 944 Catherine 00447885604127 or just have a nosy of their website…

huttonbubear.co.uk

Follow @huttonbubear on Instagram

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Property Travel

Winter Holiday Ideas From Road Trips to Luxury

For many families, the main objective for a winter holiday is to escape the miserable weather and have some quality family time away from the humdrum of the daily grind. Happy children equate to happy parents – so you want somewhere fun for them, whilst still being a bit spoiling for you – without breaking the bank! Ed from Seventy Ten Travel has very kindly collated some ideas for ‘winter’ holidays. If you are looking to get away at Christmas, Feb Half Term or Easter – this is for you!

Everyone’s idea of a holiday is different. For parents in need of some r&r, then a beach resort with inclusive activities for children is just the ticket. Alternatively for families that like to keep on the move then a road trip might be a good way to go. Many families are also looking to make travel an educational experience, be it learning about different cultures and religions or by bringing history to life. Finally, there are those sporty families that can’t sit still, needing to be kept active and busy up to the point of exhaustion.

LUXURY BEACH RESORTS

We detail below our top resort picks in different corners of the world, this list is by no means exhaustive and we do have some more affordable options up our sleeve. All of these are serviced by convenient direct flights, so are perfect for a 7 night escape….

Carlisle Bay, Antigua

With luxury family rooms directly in their own little section on the perfectly protected beach, Carlisle Bay is a world leader in stylish understated luxury. Ever popular with couples and families, everyone is guaranteed a happy time. The occasional all-inclusive offers are recommended.

Al Bustan, Muscat

Re-opening next month after a year long renovation, the new water based kids playground will provide endless entertainment for the little ones, whilst you can enjoy the state-of-the-art opulent surroundings, one of the best beaches in Muscat and a brand new water sports centre.

O&O Saint Geran, Mauritius

Having re-opened last year, we have had nothing but absolutely amazing feedback from families staying in this iconic hotel, with hands down the best location on the island.

Ritz-Carlton Abama, Tenerife

This top notch resort has all you could wish for, giving no reason to leave it’s welcoming confines. Beautiful family friendly rooms, out of this world restaurants, more pools than you can shake a stick at and a small beach.

FAMILY ROAD TRIP

Once the kids reach a certain age a good road trip opens up a new world of exciting options. Turn a holiday into an adventure that creates lifelong memories.

South Africa

The perfect Autumn, Winter or Easter family getaway. To get the most out of this beautiful country, you really need to get out on the open road!

Fly directly into Cape Town and spend a couple of days exploring and learning in this magnificent city. Then get in your car and take the short drive up to the Winelands, where there is now a whole host of fun family activities on offer, from cycling to picnics, from wild swimming to lazy brunches.

Take the stunning drive, through the mountain passes of the Karoo to the quaint town of Oudtshoorn – the ostrich capital of the world. Then have some beach time on the Garden Route, before the highlight … a big 5, malaria free safari in the Eastern Cape.

Sri Lanka

Although we wouldn’t advise driving yourself, the undoubted best way to explore this stunning and diverse country is by car with a driver. Careful route planning is key, as there are two distinct monsoon seasons. We pride ourselves in searching out the authentic experiences and avoiding the crowds.

Take a guided bike ride through a traditional village meeting locals who are genuinely glad to see you. Walk through the tea fields and swim in hidden waterfalls. Immerse yourself in the ancient history of the cultural triangle. There’s the option of a safari in one of the country’s many wonderful National Parks and some time on the beach is a must.

The South West coast delivers stunning scenery, a wide range of hotel and villa options to suit all tastes and a plethora of activities including surfing, sailing, whale watching and not forgetting a bit of cricket too!

INTREPID EXPLORERS

Northern Vietnam

If you’d prefer to travel on foot than by car then our Winter months are the perfect time of year to be trekking through the mountainous regions of Northern Vietnam.

Ranging from light and easy day treks with a base at one of Sapa’s comfortable hotels or Eco lodges, to multi-day treks. Overnight stays on treks over a number of days will be in hill tribe villages.

Here you are always warmly welcomed; traditional dress is still worn, buffalo are farmed in the valleys and the mountainsides are terraced for miles with lush green rice paddies. A truly authentic and exhilarating experience.

Costa Rica

If you want to take a walk on the wild side, then why not explore the hugely varied but easily navigable ecosystems of Costa Rica. Crammed with wildlife, no wonder it’s the world’s premier eco-tourism destination.

Stay in authentic haciendas, white water raft into pristine rainforest camps, hike up active volcanos, zip-line through the cloud forests, spot Sloths in the Tortuguero and finish with some time on the beautiful Pacific coast where you can surf, snorkel, sail, and kayak – if you’re not too exhausted.

EDUCATIONAL HOLIDAYS

Cambodia

Being home to the world’s largest religious monument certainly does make Cambodia a strong contender for any family looking for an educational and cultural trip.

Not only are the temples of Angkor Wat absolutely fascinating -giving a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Khmer civilization, but they are also exciting as many are still surrounded by jungle and some are even in amongst the trees which makes for some great exploring!

Italy

The Winter months are actually a great time to visit the European cities of culture; especially February half term when crowds will be at a minimum.

Get the imagination flowing with stories of Gladiators and Centurions in Rome, then astound them with the beauty of the Renaissance in Florence, before finishing in Venice, a city that will never fail to intrigue even the most wondering minds.

ACTIVITY ENTHUSIASTS

Skiing

If you’re thinking of a family skiing holiday this season, our first piece of advice would be to book as soon as possible – as prices will only get higher and availability even scarcer.

Ed visited Megeve late last season and was incredibly impressed with all the hotels and the general set up for families. If the season is anything like the last it will be perfect all the way through to Easter, though in normal seasons it’s better over February half term.

If you’re looking at the Easter Holidays, it might be a safer bet to go slightly higher – somewhere like La Plagne, which is an excellent all round family resort with lots of great options for all budgets.

New Zealand

Often referred to as the adventure capital of the world, New Zealand is a true active enthusiast’s paradise. With vast areas of beautiful National Park such as Fiordland in the very South of the country which is famous for their mighty Milford and Doubtful sounds.

To Abel Tasman at the North West tip of the South Island which hugs the rugged coastline and covers large forested areas with idyllic quiet coves and bays all to yourself.

You have so many options to either traverse by foot or get on your bike(!) both in the North and South Island; this is the ultimate time of year to travel to NZ so availability can be tight in the peak months, but there’s till space to be found.

seventytentravel.com

Contact Ed for competitive rates, expert advice and a personal service.

020 8004 7937

info@seventytentravel.com

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Interiors Property Services

Joanna Archer Garden Design : What To Plant In Your Garden Now

When I posted a story on Instagram of myself bewildered at the garden centre, I was delighted when Joanna responded with simple yet gorgeous suggestions of what I could plant in my garden at the moment. So helpful. Especially for a novice like myself. I thought it might be helpful if she would share her expertise, what to plant in your garden now.

Joanna studied Garden Design at the prestigious Inchbald School of Design and is an RHS qualified horticulturalist.

Since setting up her design practice Joanna has designed and built a wide variety of gardens both in London and the country. She works with a select group of hard working landscapers who have a keen eye for detail and carry out the construction with great care. All trees, shrubs and plants are sourced from leading nurseries throughout the South East that deliver to your door. In addition, furniture, pots, lighting and water features are sourced for you so your garden is complete when she leaves.

I am very grateful to hand TLM reins over to Joanna, who can help you get your garden summer ready!

It’s a great time to add instant colour and texture to your borders. Take a good look at where the gaps are and how much sun those areas might get. Then make a shopping list before heading out (don’t get tempted by anything flowering at the garden centre…we’ve all done that, right?!)

Here are some fun combinations to help you get started…and head to www.crocus.co.uk if you prefer shopping online.

SUN LOVING FLOWER POWER

Combine the tall spires of Salvia ‘Caradonna’ with the swaying bells of ‘Penstemon ‘Apple Blossom’.

Cover any gloomy bare soil with a fabulous Geranium ‘Rozanne’ and contrast with the flat-head blooms of Achillea ‘Moonshine’ and Verbena bon.

‘Lollipop’. This long flowering combination will keep your borders full of colour and bees until the Autumn.

The plants are all knee-high so handy for filling up narrow borders or the middle of large flower beds.

A BIT SHADY

For half sunny/half shady areas, try Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmation Series’ for a shot ofpurple in early summer.

Throw in some drifts of Astrantia ‘Buckland’ and edge the border with Alchemilla mollis for some zingy acid green. The Geranium wallichianum ‘Havana’ will be a pretty lilac carpet around the edges.

Towards the back put some Anenome ‘Queen Charlotte’ so you have something to look forward to in the Autumn.

SHADY AND DRY

Don’t despair if you’ve got dry shady gaps under trees and next to walls.

Get to know your ferns, this Polystichum setiferum has beautiful feathery fronds all year round
and is a great back drop to other plants.

For early summer colour combine the delicate Aquilegia ‘Yellow Bonnet’ with Geranium mac. ‘White-Ness’ to brighten up those pokey corners.

The Euphorbia robbiae will be a neon green carpet and looks great with Tulips (if you remember to plant the bulbs in Autumn). Liriope muscari has small purple spires to keep things cheery until the end of the year.

ACCESSORIES

I absolutely love this parasol from the East London Parasol Company. There are so many tempting brollies and some tasselled cushions if they take your fancy.

After you’ve done all that planting, have a sit down on one of these amazing armchairs from Fermob. The chair is £395 and the low table £145. I can’t recommend their furniture enough, it just never ever rusts and you can choose from 24 different colours!

Contact www.barbed.co.uk to place an order, note there’s a 4 week lead time.

Pretty melamine plates are always handy in the garden, this Paint & Petals range is
on sale in Anthropologie now!

Don’t miss these cool outdoor cushions, part of a new collection from Maisons du Monde

Good luck with your garden!

Joanna x

Why not contact Joanna if you have any further questions or want her to pop over to your garden – I have no doubt she will be able to help you!

joannaarchergardendesign.com

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Property Services Spotlight

Move To Surrey with Property Potential

‘So, is it time to ‘move out?’ Go to the sprawling countryside. Somewhere bigger? We will have to compromise somewhere. Large property, smaller garden. No, massive garden and smaller house? Hmmm. Not sure. Perhaps in a country village, perhaps on the outskirts of a town. Ok, let’s leave that. What’s our budget? Eek. What can we even get for that? You want old but I don’t want anything that is going fall down on me! And we haven’t even registered for schools!! Are there any schools that are decent in that area (that we don’t even know have any houses for sale) and first and foremost we need to check that they actually have places! ‘

Sound familiar? If you have ever discussed the BIG MOVE with your other half, it is enough to make you want to go and inhale that familiar London pollution.

Anyway, help is at hand. I have a couple lovely ladies who will be able to give you much needed clarity, information & insider knowledge on this very subject!

Maranda and Jen are professional home search consultants who run Property Potential Surrey specialising in helping families moving to the area to find their dream family home.

We cover Surrey, North Hampshire and West Sussex.

Many of their clients focus on the areas around Farnham, Guildford, Godalming and Haslemere as they are lovely towns surrounded by rolling countryside, but it’s easily accessible back into London.

The process starts with them meeting prospective clients to really get to grips with what they’re after from commuting needs to schools to the style of house that they prefer.

Based on their needs, they take them on an orientation tour of the areas that they think would work best for them. During the tour they will share lots of local information such as best nurseries, schools, pubs, restaurants, shops, the best stations to commute from etc. and will send them home armed with the knowledge that would normally take years of living locally to gain.

Once they have narrowed down the search area we then hit the ground running leaving no stone unturned to get into the very best properties, more often than not before they hit the open market.

Due to their excellent relationship with local estate agents, they also get access to those houses being marketed ‘quietly’ which will never come onto the open market. This gives their clients a competitive edge over other buyers. Once they’ve found the right house, they then work with the estate agents to negotiate the best possible price for their clients.

Once the deal is done, they act as house moving ‘concierge’, and can organise surveyors, removals quotes and get quotes from other professional services. After their clients move in they don’t just disappear but are at the end of the phone to offer advice and information on the local area.

MEET THEM YOURSELF IN LONDON!

Maranda and Jen are setting up shop in South West London on Friday 3rd March to meet anyone who would like to explore the possibility of moving to Surrey.

What you can expect to learn –

House style:

“We have a special presentation, which helps clients think about house styles, what the love and hate about different houses. It is amazing how often a client hasn’t quite decided what they are looking for and depending on what they like, we know where you are most likely to find that style of house.”

House prices:

“Even if they are unsure of their end budget, we can give them an idea of where you are most likely to get what you want for your money.”

The area:

“We will have a huge map and can discuss the area in general. Talking though villages they may have heard of and what is available in different areas, from schools, to nurseries, to cafes to shops”

Travel:

“We will have commuting timetables and discuss best stations to commute from”

Schools:

“We will have a list of all the schools in the area and will provide them with a list of the next open mornings”

The meeting is strictly confidential and absolutely no pressure to use their services (although they are so nice, I am thinking I want to up sticks and move to the country, just so I can have them look after me!)

Call them to book a time!

Maranda Jones 07776 779993
Jen Butcher 07776 779998

They met in the way that many of us meet new friends when we have young children – at a local toddler group.

It was (and still is) a real social hub for local mums with little ones and it’s where we met the ladies who have gone on to be our great friends still today.

When our youngest children started school we, like many mums, wanted to go back to work but in a more flexible way where we could be our own boss. I built my own house when I moved into the village six years ago and developed a real passion for property. I also found that I was informally advising many friends and friends of friends about the area and what it’s like to live around here. I was also informally keeping an eye out for properties for them.

Jen and Maranda got talking about their future plans and decided that it would have been invaluable, when they had moved a few years earlier, to have had somebody to hold their hand through the entire process – from finding the dream family home to being able to pass on the local knowledge that can only be gained from living and breathing an area for a number of years.

This seed of an idea then snowballed into an actual business which they’ve been running successfully now for nearly four years. They both have a background in PR and marketing which really helped to promote their business and get it off the ground.

I can see why. When I spoke to them it was like speaking old friends. What a dynamic duo!

Their Favourite’s

Website: Houzz which is like an encylopaedia of interior design ideas

Shop: Bardoe & Appel, Guildford and The Packhouse for amazing home décor finds

Hotel: The Dormy House Hotel, Cotswolds – beautiful, cosy home from home boutique hotel

Restaurant: The Noah’s Ark in Lurgashall, West Sussex – picture perfect village setting and delicious food after a long Sunday morning walk.

Holiday destination: Cape Town – my parents live there half the year and Jen’s just been there on holiday – such a beautiful city.

Parenting tip:

Don’t stress about challenging behaviour – everything’s a phase and they (and you!) will come out the other side!

Contact details –

Property Potential Surrey

hello@propertypotentialsurrey.co.uk

Maranda Jones 07776 779993
Jen Butcher 07776 779998

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Interiors People Property Services Spotlight

Katie Cullinan : Richard Cullinan Joinery

Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a house that had a place for everything. You could hide all evidence that you had children (!) for a more aesthetically pleasing home without the plastic contraptions glaring at you from every corner. One can dream. Or one can action! Joinery…

Richard Cullinan Joinery is a family business that Katie’s parents set up in 1978 and she joined them in November 2011, after deciding to leave the law. They have a workshop down in the pretty and historic town of Rye on the East Sussex coast, where their team of joiners produce made-to-measure cabinets and fitments for homes and offices. They can build anything – so everything has somewhere to go!

The process starts with a meeting on site, to see the available space and to find out what the client wants. She discuss’s the options, takes measurements and then they prepare CAD drawings for review and a quote. There might be some feedback from the client to make some adjustments to the design, and once the design is agreed she will return to double check measurements and then the joinery will be put into production. Once the order is placed delivery is usually within 6-8 weeks.

Katie has experience how to make an efficient and spacious toy cupboard. I dream of having a house that you can’t see any evidence of children!

If you are looking to create more space in your children’s room, Richard Cullinan Joinery is a master of this.

They work with private clients, interior designers, architects and building contractors. The size of their projects range from a simple bookcase to a house being completely refurbished, for which they might supply a complete range of cabinets including wardrobes, bookcases, media units and bathroom cabinets.

If you need any expert joinery – Katie is your go to girl!

Katie’s favourite’s :

Restaurant: The 10 Cases, Covent Garden, London

Hotel: Era Beach Hotel, just outside Galle in Sri Lanka

Shop: Peter Jones

Website: Mad About The House

Holiday destination: Bembridge, the Isle of Wight

www.rcjoinery.co.uk

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People Property Services Spotlight

Moving House With Penn Holmes London

The three most stressful things in life are death, divorce and moving house. The latter is the only thing we actually choose – so why is it always so difficult. If a house sale or move is on your radar at the moment and the thought of it makes you want to weep into your cereal – why not delegate the whole process to a wonderful duo who will look after it from beginning to end. They will use their experience, contacts and ability to take it out of your hands so you can put your energy into whatever else takes your fancy.

Penn Holmes London is a SW6 property search agency offering a very personal service helping clients find the right property for them at the best possible market price.

Penn Holmes London was set up by Francesca Penn and Katie Holmes, two childhood friends who wanted to put their enthusiasm and passion for finding and doing up properties into a concrete business of their own.

SONY DSC

Readdressing their work-life balance following the birth of their first children they decided to wave goodbye to their former corporate worlds to launch this niche, boutique Fulham-specific property search agency.

Having both spent a significant part of their lives living in SW6 they had hands on experience buying and selling property there so they really understood first-hand the emotional and time-consuming nature of the process. With five years under their belt now they offer a well established and renowned local property search service to families, young professionals, and investors alike looking to find the right property for them, at a competitive price within their budget.

Cosy mews houses

I urge you to contact Francesca and Katie for an initial chat. I have a feeling after meeting them, you will want to go the whole hog and work with this delightful pair…

Francesca’s Favourite’s

Shop – Anthropologie

Website – www.mollyandthewolf.com

Restaurant – Dock Kitchen, Ladbroke Grove

Hotel – Limewood, New Forest

Holiday destination – Mauritius

Parenting tip “Put down your phone and listen to them”

Katie’s Favourite’s

Shop – March, Fulham Road, London

Website – www.princessandthepram.co.uk

Restaurant – Claude’s Kitchen Parsons Green, London

Hotel – Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Dubai

Holiday destination – Dubai

Parenting tip “If you’re struggling to get a tantrum under control, film it on your phone and play it back to them. It stops them in their tracks!”

www.pennholmeslondon.com

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People Property Services Spotlight

London Property Management

One look at Amelia’s smart and concise website, A & L Property Solutions, would entice any homeowner who has a property that needs to be let or managed, to enlist her to do it for them. Her website is an extension of her professionalism and her background in property gives her the experience to take the pain, time and paperwork and do it all for you. She will find trustworthy and professional tenants and manage to process from start to finish.

Amelia has many years of experience in the industry. Her entrepreneurial mother has a property portfolio, so she has always helped find her tenants and manage properties from a very young age. At the end of University, she worked as a property stylist in Central London, which gave her a fantastic insight into what tenants wanted, before finally moving into residential agency.

After she had children, she decided to use her resources and set up on her own.
Thank goodness she did. London needs a personal service with someone who you can trust implicitly – and Amelia is just that.

Amelia with her gorgeous children

Amelia’s ‘5 Favourite’s’

Shop: Fara Kids

Website: www.tripadvisor.co.uk

Restaurant: Princess Victoria, Shepherds Bush

Hotel: Xara Palace, Malta

Place To Go with Children: Wellington Country Park, Hampshire

To see a list of services www.aandlproperty.co.uk

To contact Amelia 07813 215 851

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Family Life People Property

Life After London: The Mass Exodus

So many friends in the last month have declared they are moving to the country. It feels like a tidal wave must be approaching and I haven’t been sent the memo. Most popular choice is Hampshire that seems to be country enough whilst still having strong transport links into London.

The moves are so frequent now that I have got used to it. I understand the desire for a bigger place and putting down roots. Time spent with family in Surrey, Hampshire and Suffolk always gets my husband and I talking about if and when we will ‘do it’. When we first married the thought of living anywhere but London made me feel homesick but 6 years on and the tables have turned – I have alerts emailed weekly from Rightmove for our hypothetical preferred triangle, as I toy with what I Imagine would be a simpler life, whereas my husband quashes my wanderlust pronto when I bring it up, with a firm ‘I want to see my children before school and bed’ that would not happen with 7pm bedtimes in the Home Counties.

A clever mother Belinda has set up a website and online forum for those who are thinking of going and for those who have gone. It is well worth a look even if you are just toying with the idea.

Founder Belinda Aspinall

Www.lifeafterlondon.com

For now however, I am off to ‘utilise’ London…

Actually with 3 children, I’m so knackered, I might just settle with a box set!

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