Rent rises start slowing but still exceed incomes November 17, 2011 RENTS hit a new high in October, according to LSL Property Services’ monthly buy-to-let index, published today, though the rate of increase fell to its lowest since February. The average rent in England and Wales rose by 0.2 per cent in October to £720 per month, the index showed. The increase compares with a jump [...]
Tis the season to get yourself a fabulous ski chalet in one of Europe’s prime locations November 17, 2011 CHAMPEX-LAC, VERBIER Price: CHF1,390,000 A beautiful, expansive, 7-bedroom chalet, nestled in the valley by Verbier. It’s fully renovated, with a ski room, games room and wine cellar, and a brilliant location close to the slopes. Contact: Chesterton Humberts International 020 3040 8210, www.chestertonhumberts.com LES BALCONS DE LA CHAPELLE, MÉRIBEL Price: From €720,000 for a 2-bed [...]
No justice for Cage or Twilight stars November 17, 2011 Film JUSTICE Cert: 15 Nicolas Cage stars in this latest action thriller as school teacher Will Gerard, not only plunged into a world where morality blurs, but also plunged into a highly questionable wig. When Cage’s wife Laura (an unremarkable January Jones) is raped and ends up in hospital, a mysterious man named Simon (Guy [...]
SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND November 17, 2011 Have you had enough Hamlet yet? If you’re not taken by the fascinating and absorbing production at the Young Vic starring Michael Sheen, give the German auteur Thomas Ostermeier’s seriously audacious, violent Hamlet a go at the Barbican – this is the Bard’s most cerebral play, with a Berlin twist, so expect serious darkness. Otherwise, [...]
Glad rags for partying in style November 17, 2011 CHRISTMAS party season and all its fashion opportunities, work-sanctioned bouts of alcohol consumption, and colleagues letting their hair down, is on hand. Whether all this is a cause for celebration or dread, one thing you can be sure of is that looking like a festive fashionista will only improve matters. Even if you’re not feeling [...]
HOW TO GET DRESSED November 17, 2011 FOUNDERS OF ROUS ILAND MEMBERS’BOUTIQUE Q.I am always cold but find wool knits unflattering on my petite frame. What are the alternatives? A.Oversized chunky winter knits look great on the runway but unless you are tall, they require stacked heels to balance your proportions. The secret to staying elegant but still warm and comfortable at [...]
ST ALBANS November 17, 2011 MEADOW LODGE, HAMMONDS LANE Price: £2.5m This property, encompassing grounds of 8.5 acres, includes a swimming pool, tennis court, stabling and a garaging area. The property itself has five bedrooms, five reception rooms and two bedrooms. Contact: Savills on 01582 465 000 or go to www.savills.co.uk ST STEPHENS HOUSE Price: £1.295m This grade-II listed Georgian [...]
RENT November 17, 2011 HEAD OF RENTALS AT AYLESFORD INTERNATIONAL Q.I believe the agent letting my house is overvaluing it. I’ve compared my property to other similar houses on the market and they all are significantly cheaper. Should I change agent? A.It is important to keep a dialogue with your agent who will be able to tell you why [...]
PROPERTY NEWS November 17, 2011 GRAB A SLICE OF RIVERSIDE LIFE Cambridge Riverside, a Berkley’s development, is one of the last housing spaces available in the historic city. The Brooke House along Kingsley Walk has 14 one and two-bedroom apartments with a balcony or terrace still available for purchase. Contact: Savills at 01223 656 010 or go to www.cambridgeriverside.co.uk. JAPANESE-INSPIRED [...]
Give your rooms a warming touch November 17, 2011 WITH the long, cold winter nights creeping in, the prospect of a night snuggled up on the sofa is ever more appealing. Naturally, the thick throws are dug out of the cellar and some bedroom cushions stray into the lounge, giving the place a cosy feel before the Christmas decorations go up. Nearly everyone does [...]
