Property Drop Issue 20

#THEPROPERTYDROP 

15-31 JANUARY 2018 

THEPROPERTYDROP.CO.UK 

ISSUE 20 

FREE COPY 

MONMOUTHSHIRE | SOUTH HEREFORDSHIRE | WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE 

4 

INSIDE OUR UNIQUE EQUESTRIAN 

HOME AT REDBROOK, MONMOUTH 

9 & 20 

FACE TO FACE HOME BUYING & INVESTING 

ADVICE SURGERIES THIS JANUARY 

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

2 WELCOME TO 2018 

Positive property outlooks 

for our counties in 2018 

While sometimes the national news depicts doom and gloom for 

property in 2018, mainly with stats based around the influential 

London markets and indexes, here we can see some great 

predictions for busy markets in our local areas. 

Housing minister Sajid Javid says the subtle change of name for his department and his 

own job “reflects this government’s renewed focus to deliver more homes and build strong 

communities across England.” and that is exactly what we need. 

In a brief statement the new Secretary of State for Housing, the Communities and Local 

Government - who until Mrs May’s reshuffle was merely the Secretary of State for the Communities 

and Local Government - said the name change demonstrated the “absolute priority” to build more 

homes. 

Some national agents and portals are estimating that approximately 80% of homebuyers in the 

Monmouthshire area will come from the Bristol area in 2018 now the plans are set to remove the 

tolls. 

It was reported this week by Business News Wales that figures suggest property prices are rising 

quickly in Wales due to Bristol commuters seeking new homes. Adding to the positive outlook to 

the property market, which will attract buyers, especially in the Monmouthshire area, is the £8m 

Severn Tunnel railway station refurbishment. In addition, a new £36m state-of-the art school is due 

to open in Caldicot. 

THE PROPERTY DROP ROUNDUP 

Page 

7 

Page 

9 & 20 

Page 

12 

Record year for 

Powells Land 

and Estate Agents 

Powells 

Powells 

CHARTERED 

Rural 

SURVEYORS 

confirm 

• LAND & 

the 

ESTATE 

positive 

AGENTS 

predictions for our counties moving into 

Telephone: 01600 714140 

2018, last year having been a great year 

for vendors on their books. With great 

customer service, thoughtful and targeted 

marketing, and professional localised 

experience … there is no need to look 

further than your local agent. 

First Time Buyer Event 

With two invitations for the 27th January 

in Monmouth, making a day of talking 

about property and finance could well be 

a great decision to start your property 

Journey in 2018. 

Buy one get one free 

& January Offers 

If you are in the market for some 

improvements to your home in 2018 

be sure to call Glevum to claim 25% of 

conservatories, and buy one get one free 

on windows 

and doors. With 

special offers 

during January 

make sure you 

grab a great 

deal and buy 

locally!

3 

Excellent news for West Gloucestershire readers as Cheltenham tops the table of 2017 house price winners. 

• 13% annual house price growth for spa town is nearly five times UK average 

• Bournemouth and Brighton complete top three with 11% growth each 

• Perth replaces Aberdeen as home of largest annual house price fall 

The Gloucestershire town of Cheltenham saw the highest percentage rise in house prices of any major UK town 

or city in 2017, according to new research by Halifax. 

The average house price in the town that’s located on the edge of the Cotswolds and is famous for its horse 

racing and cultural festivals, was 13% higher than in the previous year, increasing from £277,118 to £313,150 in 

2017; nearly five times the 2.7% increase in the UK as a whole. 

The seaside town of Bournemouth on the south coast experienced the second biggest rise, with an increase of 

11.7%, while Brighton, on the south east coast completed the top three with an 11.4% rise in the past year. 

Fifteen of the 20 top house price performers are in London and southern England - these include Crawley 

(10.4%), Newham (10.2%), Peterborough (10.1%), Gloucester (9.5%) and Exeter (9.1%). 

Huddersfield (9.3%) in Yorkshire and the Humber, Nottingham (8.9%) and Lincoln (8.4%) in the East Midlands 

along with Stockport in the North West (8.2%) and Swansea in Wales (7.7%) are the top performers outside London 

and the South, making the top 20 this year. 

Russell Galley, Managing Director, Halifax commented: “A number of towns and cities have recorded significant 

rises in house prices over the past year, with all of the top 20 performers recording growth of at least double the 

national average. 

“Unlike last year, the top performers are not 

exclusive to London and the South East, with the top 

spot now belonging to Cheltenham in the South West, 

and towns in East Anglia, East Midlands, North West, 

Wales and Yorkshire and the Humber also making the 

list.” 

The average house price in the London boroughs of 

Richmond upon Thames and Barnet have grown in cash 

terms by over £40,000 since 2016. In Richmond upon 

Thames, the average house price has risen by £45,463 

(or 7.6%) to £646,112 and in Barnet - £41,697 (or 

7.7%) to £584,049. 

Follow The Property Drop 

for national and local 

property news, views 

and beautiful homes 

& interiors 

#THEPROPERTYDROP 

01600 717255 

www.thepropertydrop.co.uk 

info@thepropertydrop.co.uk 

Page 

18 

Monmouthshire 

properties, Bristol 

advertising 

Ever since the news that the Severn Bridge toll was set to be reduced, Bristol 

buyers have been crossing the Severn in search of value for money. More recently 

the confirmation that the toll is due to be abolished altogether has sparked a 

further wave of buyers looking to move to our side of the river, which is why 

Archer & Co advertise properties on both sides! 

Page 

29 

Monaco. Something to dream about ... 

All our property and lifestyle aspirations vary from person to person, but 

this article on Monaco certainly lifts the spirits and reminds us of the many 

beautiful places elsewhere in the world to live. 

bedroom 

bathroom 

www.thepropertydrop.co.uk 

01600 717255 

info@thepropertydrop.co.uk 

The icons under the properties throughout 

Property Drop indicate the following: 

living bathroom 

etc 

bathroom 

bedroom 

bedroom 

central heating 

garage/covered parking 

parking 

Whilst every care garage/covered is taken parking with materials submitted to The 

Property Drop the publisher cannot accept responsibility for 

loss or damage garage/covered to such materials. parking parking Opinions expressed in 

articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is 

copyright and may parking not be reproduced in any form without 

written permission from the publishers. 

Prices and details are subject to change and the publisher 

can take no responsibility for omissions or errors. The 

inclusion of an advertiser in this paper is not necessarily a 

recommendation. 

©The Property Drop 2018 


bedroom 

Number of 

bedrooms 

bedroom 

living room etc 

Number bathroom of 

bathroom 

living room 

central 

etc 

heating 



bathroom 




bedroom 



reception 

rooms 

Number of 

bathrooms 



parking 

ELECTRIC 

Method of 

central 

heating 

Covered 

garage 

parking 

parking 

Parking 

space

4 

PROPERTIES 

bedroom 


The Nurseries, Redbrook Road, Monmouth 

RRK 01600 772929 www.roscoerogersandknight.co.uk 

Price 

£625,000 

bedroom bedroom 

bathroom bathroom 

4 

living living room room etc etc 

central central heating heating 


bathroom 

bathroom 

2 2 

bathroom 

living room living room etccentral heating 




This is a truly unique location just on the edge of town. It has a South facing aspect with 

outstanding views within and across the renowned Wye Valley. 



GAS 

parking 

parking 

parking 

garage/covered parking parking parking parking 

Dedicated to letting properties since 1990 

We offer a professional service tailored to suit landlords individual needs. 

For a quality service at sensible prices speak to our letting team. 

Set in four acres well back off the road by its private driveway providing high levels of 

privacy this ranch styled bungalow has been extended and up-dated by the owners and 

is beautifully presented. 

It has an attractive practical layout with spacious, light and bright rooms throughout all 

enjoying these very special views. 

The mature landscaped grounds consist mainly of level pasture land with fenced 

paddocks. The attractive landscaped gardens are set behind and to each side with 

lawned areas, sun terraces and a vegetable growing area. 

The tarmac driveway leads to a large expanse of parking accessing a large, recently 

constructed, high quality “T” shaped timber built complex incorporating 3 stables with 

covered apron, a double garage and extensive storage bays and work shop set on each 

side of an attractive arched, open, access bay. All mains services including gas central 

heating. 

It is hard to believe that this truly rural location is within walking distance of the town. 

GOODRICH £725 pcm MONMOUTH £1,950 pcm 

Three-Bedroom Semi Detached property 

located in the village of Goodrich. Agency Fees 

Apply. 

MONMOUTH 

D 

£2,000 pcm 

A spacious 4 double bed detached house with 

a self contained 1 bed annexe with stunning 

countryside views close to the well renown 

schools & the historic town of Monmouth. 

Agency Fees Apply 

MONMOUTH 

D 

£12,000 PA 

This exquisite Grade 2 Listed Georgian 

Townhouse boasts spacious accommodation 

over three storeys with many original features. 

Agency Fees Apply 

COMMERCIAL RETAIL UNIT situated just off 

the High Street in the busy town of Monmouth 

in a popular pedestrianised area adjoining a car 

park to the town. 

Call: 01600 772929 • lettings@roscoerogersandknight.co.uk 

www.roscoerogersandknight.co.uk

THE FOLLY 

TRELLECH, MONMOUTHSHIRE 

£1,200,000 

TREGATE WARREN COTTAGE, 

LLANROTHAL, MONMOUTH £835,000 

E 

2 6 2 

For those wanting ultimate privacy and to be in the stunning Monnow 

Valley but have easy access to the town centre, the schools and the 

major road networks then this 6 bedroomed cottage with stabling 

and garaging set in 7.5 acres could well fit the bill. Situated at the end 

of its meandering driveway it has an idyllic South facing aspect and 

an impressive detached stable block and double and single garages 

and spacious one bedroomed holiday apartment over. The 

pastureland is level with fenced paddocks water fed and the property 

is a registered small-holding. 

PONT-YR-UCHEN, MONMOUTH £695,000 BEAUMONT , MONMOUTH £625,000 18 THE GARDENS, MONMOUTH £580,000 

D 

An elegant, well-proportioned, carefully 

restored 4 bed Grade II listed Georgian 

farmhouse in an attractive elevated position. 

Having fine countryside views to the River 

Trothy with attractive gardens, sun terrace, 

extensive parking area, car port, large pole 

barn and outbuildings. Adjoining pastureland 

is available by separate negotiation. 

Set in a generously sized plot within walking 

distance of the town and the excellent 

schools, this attractive, spacious four 

bedroom detached family home enjoys a 

southern aspect and far reaching 

countryside views. Extended and tastefully 

up-graded with an attractive flowing layout 

and a private mature garden with sun 

terrace, detached double garage 

and drive with ample parking. 

This top quality, detached, 4 bedroom 

contemporary home is ideally located 

within walking distance of the town. Its 

innovative and very attractive split level 

design provides great space and high levels 

of light and takes full advantage of its 

elevated aspect with fine views across the 

Wye Valley to the Kymin, with gardens to 

front and back, off street parking and an 

integral garage. 

3 Agincourt Square • Monmouth • NP25 3BT • Call: 01600 772929 

enquiries@roscoerogersandknight.co.uk • roscoerogersandknight.co.uk 

Monmouth & London offices

Brand new, affordable homes for sale 

at King’s Wood Gate from just £99,500* 

MHA’s Homebuy scheme offers an equity loan to 

part-fund the purchase of your new home through MHA. 

For more information or to register your interest in buying 

an affordable home at King’s Wood Gate, please contact 

Sarah Harrison on 0333 207 9000. 

www.mhahomes.co.uk/kingswoodgate 

*Shared equity. 

Homebuy offers funding 

of 50%, 40% or 30% of a 

property’s purchase price. 

Terms and conditions apply.

ADVICE 

7 

Considering Selling? 

Powells urge vendors to remember property is a people business 

As the debate between the benefits of purported low cost ‘online’ and ‘pay up 

front’ agents and traditional agents continues, Powells, have reported their 

most successful year yet, throughout 2017, of completed sales. 

Agency Associate Elizabeth Sawyer commented “A number of our 2017 

instructions came to us from strong word of mouth recommendations from previous 

vendors who have been delighted at our professional expertise, service and results 

achieved in marketing and selling their property”. 

Elizabeth adds “Last year we certainly experienced an increase in the number of 

vendors coming to us after a very poor experience with a purported ‘low cost online’ 

or ‘pay up front’ agent. Whilst these may have a place for lower value more standard 

urban properties, the vendors that proceeded with them for more bespoke prime rural 

residential properties came to us feeling incredibly dissatisfied with the service that 

they have been provided”. 

“It seems that after 

initially being lured 

in by the promise of 

an overinflated value, 

cheap fixed fee rate 

(often payable upfront 

when no instruction has 

commenced or sale result 

looks feasible) and a 

quick sale. In reality what 

they tend to experience is 

that once they have paid a significant upfront fee (for effectively a Rightmove posting), 

the incentive wanes, with a lack of personal contact being noticeable and a lack of 

detailed property knowledge, local market knowledge, proceedable applicants and 

agency skills in ‘selling’ a property throughout the personal viewing and negotiation 

process. 

David Powell Managing Director of Powells comments that with the majority of 

prime rural properties, there are a host of specific and unique matters to that property 

that often arise during the sale progression stage. It always requires experience, 

detailed property knowledge and a proactive approach, along with the correct 

interpersonal skills between vendor and the purchaser for a sales transaction to often 

achieve being successfully concluded. The fall out rate of agreed sales via an ‘online 

agent’ appears to always be high. 

At Powells we provide, and deliver, to each of our clients a bespoke marketing 

strategy along with an un-rivalled personal service. Combining this with our skilled 

and experienced agency teams’ expanse of local market knowledge, extensive 

applicant database of 

buyers and full suite of 

agency marketing tools & 

skills, we can successfully 

maximise the interest 

and result of each client’s 

properties. 

Mr & Mrs Hudson, 

vendors last year of 

The Perrogs Country 

House at Cwmcarvan, 

Monmouthshire provided 

a glowing testimonial commenting “Having engaged several previous selling agents 

(including an ‘online only’ agent) to sell our much loved country house for over 

a year, we were immediately struck by Powell’s completely professional approach 

to all elements of the bespoke marketing strategy required to sell The Perrogs. All 

aspects of Powells agency service, including the use of a very competent professional 

photographer to produce beautiful images of the property, rather than the dismal 

‘snaps’ the other agents had commissioned. 

Mrs Hudson continues “this set the tone for the whole experience and resulted in a 

maximised sale being agreed within five weeks of Powell’s engagement. All through the 

subsequent sales transaction, Powells handled all the inevitable queries that arose with 

great skill, considerable charm and complete professionalism. Our principal contact, 

Elizabeth Sawyer, was simply magnificent and provided excellent advice, ensuring 

that the purchasers were fully engaged and dealt efficiently with all a number of 

property related queries the buyers solicitor has raised. Elizabeth worked proactively 

through to completion as if we were her only clients, when we know for a fact she was 

fully engaged in the sale of many other properties. We cannot praise Powells highly 

enough for delivery of a sale in very short order, and in a totally professional and 

ceaselessly pleasant manner throughout our first house move in over thirty years. Our 

heartfelt thanks to all at Powell’s for their considerable efforts.” 

If you are considering selling in 2018, for a free no-obligation marketing appraisal, 

please contact Elizabeth Sawyer or David Powell at Powells 01600 714140 or email 

enquiries@powellsrural.co.uk 

Tell us #HCRlaw 

PEOPLE ARE 

OUR PASSION 

WHAT’S YOURS? 

Our clients trust us with their greatest asset by putting their dream 

home in our safe hands. 

Your Local Top 100 UK Law Firm 

Andrew Murfin, Head of Residential Conveyancing, Harrison Clark Rickerbys 

Talk to us: Wye Valley: 01989 562377 Visit us online: www.hcrlaw.com 

inc SHAWCROSS 

Harrison Clark Rickerbys inc Shawcross is a trading name of Harrison Clark Rickerbys Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the SRA

Sales: 01600 719184 

Lettings: 01600 719183 

WITHY LANE, MONMOUTH 

GUIDE PRICE £325,000 

A fantastic three bedroom semi detached cottage on two 

floors with approximately 1/2 acre gardens, garage and 

driveway. EPC D 

BEAUFORT MEWS, MONMOUTH 

£350,000 

A rare opportunity to acquire a centrally located two bedroom 

ground floor purpose built flat with a private garden and 

private parking, built circa 2007. EPC B 

MADDOX CLOSE, OSBASTON 

GUIDE PRICE £320,000 

A very well proportioned modern three bedroom detached 

family home built circa 1986 with garage, driveway and 

attractive gardens. EPC D 

VINE ACRE, MONMOUTH 


An exceptional four bedroom detached bungalow built circa 

1962 with attractive wrap around gardens, lovely views, 

driveway and detached garage. EPC D 

LLANGROVE, ROSS-ON-WYE 


Detached bungalow, three bedrooms, three receptions, loft 

room including a full sized snooker table. Half acre gardens, 

driveway and garage/workshop EPC E. 

GLENDOWER STREET, MONMOUTH 


An attractive and characterful three bedroom Georgian Grade 

ll listed link end terrace house. Set over three floors featuring 

vaulted ceilings plus Chain Free. 

MONNOW KEEP, MONMOUTH 

£289,950 

Three bedroom modern town House with garage and 

gardens. Situated in a quiet location in the centre of 

Monmouth. CHAIN FREE EPC C 

KINGSWOOD ROAD, OVERMONNOW 


A very well proportioned four bedroom detached family home 

with integral garage, conservatory and west facing garden, 

ideal for BBQ's. EPC C. 

WYE RAPIDS COTTAGES, SYMONDS YAT 

GUIDE PRICE £205,000 

A truly delightful and well appointed two bedroom cottage 

situated in a beautiful semi rural location partly overlooking 

the River Wye. Chain Free EPC D 

WONASTOW CLOSE, OVERMONNOW 

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £200,000 

A pleasant two bedroom bungalow with a well-planned and 

functional layout offering attractive gardens, driveway for 3 

cars and garage. Chain Free EPC D 

MONK STREET, MONMOUTH 


A charming two bedroom terraced cottage on three floors 

with small court yard offering excellent potential as a holiday 

buy to let or first time buy opportunity. Chain Free. EPC D 

OLD COURT BANK, WHITCHURCH 

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £250,000 

Outstanding recently built link detached two bedroom 

bungalow with garage, parking and a large garden extending 

to a 1/4 acre. Chain Free EPC C. 

monmouthpropertybureau.co.uk 

The Market Tavern, Agincourt Square, Monmouth NP25 3BT

FIRST TIME BUYER EVENT 

9 

First Time Buyers are back 

Over the last five years first time buyer numbers have grown significantly and according to analysis by 

Hometrack they accounted for 36% of UK housing sales in 2016. 

So what do we know about first time buyers, how 

old are they? Do they have children? Do they 

want to live in the same street as their Mum or 

Grandma? Recent market research has produced some 

interesting facts; 

Not surprising the average first time buyer is 32 

years of age and in steady employment, according to the 

Department for Communities and Local Government 

who have profiled first time buyers. 90% of them are 

working full time, furthermore they buy as a couple 

or joint owners in 75% of all transactions. Women 

are often the driving force both in terms of deciding 

when to buy and what to buy with 62% of the decision 

makers being women. 

What first time buyers choose to buy is based not 

on whether it is newly built or an older property but 

the location, with many looking to buy within a 10 mile 

radius of a family member. This may be due to the fact 

that a third of first time buyers have children already 

and having the support of family nearby could be a big 

influencing factor. 

Of course first time buyers, generally speaking, don’t 

know as much about buying a home as their parents 

so it’s not surprising that over half will discuss this 

with at least one member of their family. Interestingly 

only a quarter of first time buyers will contact a local 

estate agent first, preferring to look on line instead for 

financial advice or property to buy. Our advice would 

always be to talk to an estate agent. They will have a 

wealth of local knowledge and once befriended will 

keep you in mind for any new property coming on the 

market. This can mean you get ahead of the game when 

it comes to viewing property first 

To further help those of you looking to buy your 

very first property or even those who are looking to 

sell a property for the first time, Monmouth Property 

Bureau in association with Blestium Financial Services 

is holding a First Time Buyers event at Weatherspoon’s, 

Kings Head Hotel, Agincourt Square, Monmouth on 

Saturday 27th January between 10.00 am. and 1.00 

pm. Everyone is welcome to join us for a coffee and to 

find out how to go about buying a house; how much it 

really costs, who to talk to about mortgages, we’ll even 

provide take - home packs filled with advice from our 

teams. We look forward to seeing you. 

monmouth 

PROPERTY BUREAU 

Your local sales and 

lettings specialist 

Sales: 01600 719184 

Lettings: 01600 719183 

2 Ox House, Nr Usk 

Beautiful 2 bed stone property in rural hamlet 

with well appointed kitchen & utility large 

reception room, WC, bathroom, patio garden, 

parking. LPG CH. EPC E Agency Fees Apply 

£800 PCM 

The Market Tavern, Agincourt Square, Monmouth NP25 3BT 

monmouthpropertybureau.co.uk 

5 Chaucer Way,, Monmouth 

Newly refurbished 3 bed detached bungalow in 

much sought after location with sitting room, 

dining area, kitchen, utility, bathroom, gas CH, 

garage, EPC E Agency Fees Apply 

£895 PCM 

8 Dixton Close, Monmouth 

Well presented 3 bed bungalow in popular cul 

de sac location within level walk of town with 

private garden, garage, warm air gas CH EPC 

E Agency Fees Apply 

£795 PCM 

Thinking of letting your property? 

Whether you are looking to 

purchase your first Buy to Let 

or need to rent out the family 

home, our professional team 

have a wealth of experience 

in the property rental sector. 

For an award winning service 

call 

Monmouth Property Bureau 

on 

01600 719183 

or visit us at 

The Market Tavern, 

Agincourt Square, Monmouth 

monmouthpropertybureau.co.uk

10 ADVICE 

A guide to Japanese Knotweed 

Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant species that causes issues with land and 

buildings and injurious weeds such as certain ragworts, thistles, and types of dock are 

strictly controlled. Since it has no natural predator in the UK Japanese knotweed has 

caused particular problems and causes significant damage to property. 

Spring 

Summer 

Winter 

It is an invasive non-native weed, found mainly in urban areas, where it is considered 

a nuisance in property development, because plants regrowing from rhizomes can 

come up through gaps in flooring in conservatories and patios. Sometimes it is found 

established on the edges of arable fields, and other places where garden waste or topsoil 

has been dumped. 

It is not a criminal offence to have the plant growing on your land. However, 

under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence to plant or ‘cause to grow’ 

certain plants, including Japanese Knotweed. Negligent or reckless behaviour (such 

as inappropriate disposal of garden waste) that results in an invasive species becoming 

established in the wild would also constitute an offence. Such offences carry fines and/or 

imprisonment but a defence would be that you have made efforts to prevent the spread of 

the same. 

The owner of land affected by knotweed will be liable to his neighbours in common law 

if it spreads onto their land. Buildings insurance does not usually cover knotweed damage. 

It was introduced to gardens as an ornamental ‘architectural’ plant in the 1800’s and it 

is still grows widely in larger gardens and parks. Plants and fragments of root, if discarded, 

can become established in the wild, particularly along riverbanks, roads and railways, 

where spores are easily dispersed. 

Japanese knotweed can grow up to 10cm a day between the months of April and 

October and the roots can extend to a depth of three metres and up to seven metres 

laterally. If even a small piece of root or stem is left in the ground, it can reinfest the land. 

Its vigorous roots and top growth penetrate foundations, concrete hardstanding and 

walls, causing considerable damage. The costs of knotweed removal and treatment are 

substantial. The government has estimated the costs of eradicating Japanese knotweed 

from all of the UK at £2.6 billion. 

Eradicating it from construction sites can cost well over £1,000 per square metre and, 

as a controlled waste, it can be expensive to dispose of the ‘contaminated’ topsoil. 

There is rarely a quick fix, and most treatments involve a combination of removal, 

barriers, plus a long term herbicide treatment management plan. Unless the ground is 

treated for many years, the plant can re-appear, as the roots and rhizomes are very resistant 

to treatment. 

The Invasive Non-Native Specialists Association (‘INNSA’) (www.insa.org) can 

provide further information on knotweed treatment options, and details of a suitable 

specialist in your area. However, unless you use an experienced contractor with a proper 

warranty, insurance and have a long-term remediation strategy carried out under a 

recognised Code of Practice, your knotweed treatment can leave you just as much at risk as 

when you first spot the distinctive leaves. 

How does this affect the sale of my property? 

The standard Property Information Form completed by a seller asks whether the 

property is affected by Japanese knotweed and sellers will be liable to a buyer for 

misrepresentation if they say there is no knotweed when they know that there is. 

You may not be able to sell an affected property if a buyer cannot get a mortgage on 

it as a result of contamination by an invasive species. The Council of Mortgage Lenders 

(CML) has stated that mortgage lenders will expect the presence of knotweed to be noted 

on a residential valuation report. Lenders determine their own individual policies on this 

issue. 

If knotweed is present, it is usually one of a number of factors the lender will consider, 

and the level of severity may be a factor. If mortgage lenders agree to lend on an affected 

property, they will normally require evidence of treatment that will eradicate the plant as a 

condition of lending. They may also require an insurance-backed guarantee. 

If there is any question over the presence of an invasive species on the property, then 

a survey should be carried out by a suitably experienced residential surveyor and/or a 

specialist invasive species consultant. 

Dobbs & Drew 

Property Lawyers 

Opening hours Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 1pm 

Thinking of Moving House? 

mortgages, life insurance and finance specialists 

Sell your Current home for £599 inclusive 

Buy your New home for £899 

plus Stamp Duty & Land Registry fee 

Sell & Buy together for £1399 

plus Stamp Duty 

& Land Registry fee 

4 Re Mortgage 

4 Overseas Mortgages 

4 Buy To Let Mortgage 

4 Let To Buy 

4 Help To Buy 

4 Equity Release 

4 Protection 

4 Asset Finance 

4 No broker fees 

Call us Today: 01594 562239 

sue.drew@dobbsanddrew.co.uk lisa.dobbs@dobbsanddrew.co.uk 

Blue Rock House, Blue Rock Crescent, Bream, 

Glos, GL15 6LW 

www.dobbsanddrew.co.uk 

Professional Impartial Confidential 

Top Floor, The Market Tavern, 26 Agincourt Square, Monmouth NP25 3BT 

E: blestium@hotmail.com 

Tel: 01600 775393 

www.blestium.com

New Redrow homes available in Lydney 

3 & 4 bedroom homes 

available from £233,995 

Find your dream new home 

at Severn Heights in Lydney. 

Speak to our Sales Consultants 

today to find out more. 

#bettermemories 

Severn Heights 

Wintour Drive, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 5FA 

See website for opening times 

Call: 01594 501844 

Visit: redrow.co.uk/severnheights 

Images are indicative only. Price correct at time of going to press.

12 

PROPERTIES 

bedroom 


The Forge, St Arvans 

Moon & Co 01291 629292 www.thinkmoon.co.uk 

Price 

£389,950 


• Utility and Ground Floor Bathroom 


3 





bathroom 

bathroom 

2 1 

• Characterful Semi Detached Cottage 

• Three Double Bedroom • Spacious Living Room • Kitchen/Dining Room • Study 

The Forge, St Arvans comprises of a semi detached stone 

built cottage believed to date back to around 300 years 

old with original use as Forge located in garden. With 

some features remaining in the garden. 

The property is well appointed throughout offering 

modern living whilst retaining many of the original 

characterful features including flagstone flooring and 

exposed wooden beams. 

• Enclosed Private Gardens • Off Road Parking 

• Viewing Highly Recommended • Energy Efficiency Rating - E 

The property briefly comprises of reception hall giving 

access to living room and kitchen/dining room which 

in turn leads to side hallway giving further access to 

study and ground floor bathroom as well as access to 

utility room and boiler room. To the first floor are three 

bedrooms. 

Outside the property benefits from gated access to off 

road parking with lawned gardens and large store shed 

bathroom 







OIL 

parking 

parking 

parking 

which although derelict, part could be utilised in the 

future for further storage space. Being situated in St 

Arvans a number of facilities are close at hand to include 

local pub and shop with a further range of amenities in 

nearby Chepstow. There are good bus, road and rail links 

with the A48, M48 and M4 motorway networks bringing 

Newport, Cardiff and Bristol within easy commuting 

distance. 

Glevum 

For quality, Security & Value 

Whether 

you are 

looking 

for a brand new 

conservatory, 

replacement windows 

or advice on how 

double-glazing units 

can help with your 

energy bills, Glevum 

has the experienced 

team to help you. 

From design through 

to installation, we treat your home with as much care as if it was our own; our 

installers tidy up every day and our dedicated aftercare service team are there to advise 

you on your new uPVC doors and windows. 

We use only the highest quality uPVC product range, made locally in Tewkesbury 

by Duraflex, one of the largest extruders of uPVC profile in the UK. Supplying 

products for more than 20 years, Duraflex complements Glevum’s experience and 

reputation for trust and customer service. 

A family-run firm, Glevum have worked with customers for over 30 years to 

enhance and protect their homes with a high-quality range of products installed by 

an experienced team. They pride themselves on attention to detail and much of their 

business comes from recommendation. More than 40,000 customers throughout 

Gloucestershire and beyond now benefit from the security and quality of Glevum 

doors, windows and conservatories.

Sales & Lettings Agent 

Open 7 days per week 

No Sale - No Fee 

Free Valuations 

Chepstow Office Tel: 01291 629292 

WILLOW COURT, CHEPSTOW 

• SPACIOUS DETACHED FAMILY HOME 

• FOUR DOUBLE BEDROOMS, MASTER WITH EN-SUITE 

• KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM 

• GENEROUS GARDENS APPROACHING 3/4 ACRE 

• DOUBLE TANDEM GARAGE • E.E.R – D 

£525,000 

HIGH STREET, AYLBURTON 

• CHARMING VICTORIAN SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE 

• LARGE MATURE GARDENS PLUS OUTBUILDINGS 

• UPDATED KITCHEN/FAMILY ROOM 

• THREE BEDROOMS 

• UTILITY/GROUND FLOOR CLOAKROOM • E.E.R – F 

£324,950 

BULWARK ROAD, BULWARK 

• PERIOD SEMI DETACHED PROPERTY 


• KITCHEN/DINING ROOM 

• GROUND FLOOR WET ROOM PLUS SEPARATE WC 

• NO ONWARD CHAIN • E.E.R – D 

£179,950 

THE OLD LAUNDRY, SEDBURY 

• EXCELLENT BUILDING SITE 

• SOUGHT AFTER LOCATION 

• OUTLINE CONSENT FOR 10 TWO BEDROOM APARTMENTS 

• PARKING 

• RARE OPPORTUNITY 

£400,000 

COTTAGE VIEW, DEVAUDEN 

• SPACIOUS DETACHED FAMILY HOME 

• FOUR BEDROOMS MASTER WITH EN-SUITE 

• TWO GENEROUS RECEPTION ROOMS + CONSERVATORY 

• KITCHEN AND UTILITY 

• DOUBLE GARAGE • E.E.R – D 

£449,950 

CATS, LEYS HILL, ROSS-ON-WYE 

• RESIDENTIAL PLOT WITH FULL PLANNING PERMISSION FOR 5 

DETACHED DWELLINGS 

• EACH PROPERTY WOULD BENEFIT FROM 6 BEDROOMS (2 EN-SUITE) 

• 3/4 RECEPTION ROOMS AND DOUBLE GARAGE 

• EACH PLOT COMPRISING OF APPROXIMATELY 3/4 OF AN ACRE 

• PLANNING REFERENCE: P161689/F (HEREFORDSHIRE COUNCIL) 

£1,750,000 

FRYTH WOOD, CHEPSTOW 

• DETACHED FAMILY HOME SET OVER THREE FLOORS 

• MASTER BEDROOM WITH DRESSING ROOM AND EN-SUITE 

• FIVE FURTHER BEDROOMS, ONE WITH EN-SUITE FACILITIES 

• KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM WITH BUILT-IN APPLIANCES 

• TWO RECEPTION ROOMS • E.E.R - D 

£499,950 

BROADHURST, CHEPSTOW 

• CHARACTERFUL DETACHED PROPERTY 

• 4 BEDROOMS, 2 OF WHICH WITH EN-SUITE FACILITIES 

• 2 RECEPTION ROOMS, SEPARATE KITCHEN/DINING ROOM 

• UTILITY AND GROUND FLOOR W.C. 

• PARKING FOR NUMEROUS VEHICLES • E.E.R - D 

£599,950 

Magor/Undy Area 

Tel: 01633 745396 

Chepstow Lettings Office 

Tel: 01291 624881 

SPYTTY LANE, NEWPORT 

• FIRST FLOOR FLAT 

• ONE SMALL BEDROOM 

• LARGE LIVING/DINING ROOM 

• AVAILABLE NOW 

• EPC RATING E 

£395.00 PCM 

CHEPSTOW ROAD, CALDICOT 

• REFURBISHED FIRST FLOOR ONE BED FLAT 

• SEPARATE LIVING ROOM AND KITCHEN 

• NEUTRAL DECOR THROUGHOUT 

• GAS CENTRAL HEATING 

* AVAILABLE NOW 

£495.00 PCM 

GRAIG PARK LANE, MALPAS 

• SEMI DETACHED PROPERTY 


• LIVING/DINING ROOM 


• EPC RATING E 

£625.00 PCM 

SOMERSET WAY, BULWARK 

• MID LINK PROPERTY 


• OFF ROAD PARKING FOR 1 VEHICLE 

• AVAILABLE 5TH JANUARY 

• EPC RATING D 

£650.00 PCM 

VALENTINE LANE. THORNWELL 

• WELL PRESENTED TWO BEDROOM MID LINK 

• MODERN FITTED KITCHEN WITH APPLIANCES 

• SINGLE GARAGE AND DRIVEWAY 


• EPC RATING C 

£650.00 PCM 

GARVEY CLOSE, THORNWELL 

• MID LINK PROPERTY 

• TWO BEDROOMS 

• 3 ALLOCATED PARKING SPACES 

• AVAILABLE 2ND FEBRUARY 


£675.00 PCM 

WILLOW CLOSE, BULWARK 

• SPACIOUS END TERRACE FAMILY HOME 


• OPEN PLAN LOUNGE DINER 


• EPC RATING D 

£700.00 PCM 

ST ANNES CRESCENT, UNDY 

• SEMI DETACHED THREE BEDROOM HOME 

• LIVING ROOM AND DINING ROOM 

• GARDEN TO FRONT AND REAR 



£725.00 PCM 

www.thinkmoon.co.uk

14 

PROPERTIES 

bedroom 


3 Kingsmark Lane, Chepstow 

Archer & Co 01291 626262 www.archerandco.com 

This bright, airy and well-proportioned detached 

bungalow would be ideal for those seeking a retirement 

property or family alike and is located on the popular 

area of The Danes on the outskirts of Chepstow Town 

Centre which comprises shops, restaurants, pubs, wine 

bars, leisure facilities, junior and senior schools, bus and 

rail links. 

Price 

£285,000 



3 





bathroom 

Well proportioned detached 3 bed bungalow in very popular location 

Driveway parking for 2 cars plus garage 

Approximately 1.5 miles from the M48 Severn Bridge 

giving access and easy commuting to Bristol and London 

to the east and Newport and Cardiff to the west. Situated 

on the edge of the beautiful and renowned Wye Valley 

there are a wealth of popular countryside pursuits 

including walking, caving, canoeing, riding and cycling. 

The castles of Chepstow and Caldicot and Tintern Abbey 

bathroom 

living room living room etc etc 



bathroom 



parking 

parking 


1 1 1 


are a short drive away and offer historical interest and 

various outdoor concerts throughout the summer months. 

The property is approached via driveway which provides 

parking for up to two cars in front of the garage. The 

accommodation comprises entrance hall, lounge/dining 

room, kitchen, three bedrooms and a shower room. There 

are low maintenance gardens to front and rear. 

GAS 

parking 

bedroom 


Woodcutters Cottage, Sandford Road, Aylburton Price 

Fine & Country 01291 629799 www.fineandcountry.com £525,000 





garage/covered parking parking 

current Vendors and is now ready for the incoming purchaser to make the finishing touches to their own taste. 




It is set in its own landscaped gardens and grounds extending to some 19.1 acres and 

has commanding views over its own land and surrounding countryside. Centrally 

situated in the village of Aylburton which lies on the line of an old Roman and medieval 

road on the edge of the famous Forest of Dean which is characterised by more than 

42 square miles of mixed woodland and is one of the surviving ancient woodlands in 

England. It forms a roughly triangular plateau bounded by the River Wye to the west 

and north-west and Herefordshire to the north, the River Severn to the south and the 

3 

bathroom 

bathroom 

bathroom 




2 1 1 


This charming country cottage, with a south facing aspect, built c1890 has been recently refurbished by the 

City of Gloucester to the east and provides an absolute wealth of outdoor pursuits 

to include rambling, mountain biking, riding to name but a few. Set just off the A48 

between Chepstow and Gloucester there are local schools available in the village and 


further afield in Lydney. Chepstow and the M48 motorway network is approximately 8 

miles distant making an easy commute to Bristol and London to the east and Newport 

and Cardiff to the west with Gloucester approximately 21 miles distant in the opposite 

direction. 

GAS LPG 

parking

4 2 3 D 

3 2 1 C 

3 1 1 F 

5 3 3 B 

CHEPSTOW - TUTSHILL 

Much improved mature family house 

Popular & convenient area, good views 

4 beds (1 en-suite), consent to extend 

Archer & Co Chepstow 01291 62 62 62 

Offers over £500,000 

TUTSHILL - CHEPSTOW 

Detached 3 bed family house 

Very popular location 

Single garage plus off road parking 


£285,000 

CHEPSTOW - WOODCROFT 

Refurbished 3 bed period cottage 

Village setting, 2 miles Chepstow 

Courtyard garden, useful office/studio 


Guide price £345,000 

LLANMARTIN 

Modern detached 5 bed three storey family home 

End of quiet cul-de-sac in popular area 

Stunning rural location, excellent countryside views 


£445,000 

4 2 2 D 

2 1 1 B 

2 1 1 D 

4 1 3 Exempt 

PWLLMEYRIC, CHEPSTOW 

Individually designed large family home 

Large attractive wrap around gardens 

Very popular location, easy access to motorway 


£499,950 

CHEPSTOW - TUTSHILL 

Ground floor 2 bed flat in popular area 

Very convenient to all amenities 

Dedicated parking space 


£184,950 

CHEPSTOW 

Well presented 2 bed detached bungalow 

Very popular location 

Level private gardens to the rear 


£295,995 

CHEPSTOW TOWN CENTRE 

Grade II listed terraced 4/5 bed house 

Small courtyard garden 

Edge of Town location 



2 2 2 E 

3 2 2 D 

5 4 3 C 

4 2 2 F 

HEWELSFIELD 

Well presented 2 bed bungalow 

Large gardens, spectacular views 

Extensive parking plus garage 


£399,500 

SHIRENEWTON 

Extended 3 bed detached house 

Popular village location 

Attractive gardens to front & rear 



BROCKHOLLANDS - BREAM 

Substantial 4 bed house in idyllic location 

With 1 bed annexe 

No onward chain 


£525,000 

TINTERN - LOWER WYE VALLEY 

Home and retail unit in famous beauty spot 

Excellent shop & two large 2 bed flats 

Attractive garden, outbuildings & parking 


£425,000 

4 3 2 New 

1 1 1 C 

4 3 4 D 

1 1 1 C 

BLAENAVON - PLOT 24 

Substantial 4-bed family home 

Welcoming lobby and hallway 

High specification, granite worktops 

Archer & Co Usk 01291 67 22 12 

Offers in the region of £274,950 

USK 

One Bed Ground Floor Retirement Flat 

Emergency Alarm Call and Door Entry System 

Communal Grounds and Parking 

Archer & Co Usk 01291 67 22 12 

Offers over £69,950 

LLANFRECHFA 

Situated in an Exclusive Quiet Cul de Sac 

Well proportioned 4 double bedroomed family home 

Double Garage & Enclosed Rear Garden 

Archer & Co Usk 01291 67 22 12 

£450,000 

Monmouth - The Rolls 

Exquisite Conversion of Former Hospital 

1 Bed Apartment - Easy Walk Town Centre 

Beautiful Communal Gardens, Parking 

Archer & Co Usk 01291 67 22 12 

Offers in the region of £205,000 

Associated Park Lane office

Chepstow 

Monmouth 

Usk 

Ross-on-Wye 

Abergavenny 

Newport 

Forest of Dean 

HOW CAPLE 

A detached dormer bungalow in a rural setting enjoying some fine far reaching 

views. The accommodation which leads off an attractive galleried entrance hall 

provides three reception rooms, an 18' breakfast kitchen, utility and four 

double bedrooms, with one having en-suite facilities. The property sits within a 

mature plot of about .25 acre and enjoys fine views over surrounding 

countryside. Garage/workshop. EPC Rating: F 

Fine & Country Ross-on-Wye 01989 764132 £500,000 

ENGLISH BICKNOR 

A refurbished period farmhouse with extensive accommodation, full of 

character with exposed beams and stone, and an adjoining barn with potential 

for further accommodation or annex. Well situated, rural yet accessible. Two 

character reception rooms with fireplaces, an unfitted kitchen and old dairy/ 

utility. On the first floor are four double bedrooms and a family bathroom. 

The second floor is entirely devoted to an outstanding master suite comprising 

landing, large bedroom, study, large dressing room and en-suite bathroom. 

EPC Rating: F 

Fine & Country Ross-on-Wye 01989 764132 £595,000 

Cheltenham 

Bristol 

Cardiff 

London 

LITTLE MILL - NR USK 

Nestled in an idyllic location on the fringe of Little Mill Village in the beautiful Vale of Usk 

Ty Draw is tucked away at the end of a no through lane providing a semi rural lifestyle 

being surrounded by farmland, meadows and woodland. The original Barn we 

understand was built in 1856 and was converted by the occupying owners in 

approximately 2008. The accommodation offered is spacious and well proportioned and 

has many unusual and unique features which the Agents feel can only be fully 

appreciated by an early internal inspection. The property has the benefit of an LPG gas 

central heating system providing under floor heating to the ground floor and radiators to 

the first floor. EPC Rating: D 

BETTWS NEWYDD 

Camp Cottage provides an excellent opportunity to purchase a spacious 

family residence with stunning views and would naturally lend itself to the 

equestrian life style having 3 plus acres of ground with stable block and 

manege. The property occupies a commanding position overlooking open 

countryside with panoramic views towards the mountains of the Skirrid and 

Sugar Loaf. The property is located on the edge of Bettws Newydd being a 

small rural Village in the centre of Monmouthshire which benefits from a local 

pub, church and village hall. EPC Rating: F 

Fine & Country Usk 01291 672212 O.I.R.O £435,000 

Fine & Country Usk 01291 672212 O.I.R.O £695,000

Regionally 

32 offices 

throughout 

the south west 

DRAETHEN - NEAR CARDIFF 

A unique opportunity to acquire this stunning contemporary home which has 

been total refurbished and extended to a particularly high standard by the 

current vendors. Standing in 14 acres of garden and grounds, this beautiful 

spacious home is also ideal for equestrian and country pursuits having the 

benefits of fishing rights, stable block with feed store, tack room and wc, access 

to country walks, own private woodland and lakes. There is also a detached 

coach house with double garage and one bed apartment above with consent 

to be extended to a 3 bed detached house with double garage. EPC Rating: D 

Fine & Country Chepstow 01291 629799 £1,900,000 

PENYCAEMAWR - NR USK 

Situated on the edge of Wentwood Forest in a stunning rural setting, this 

beautifully presented detached four bedroomed stone built barn conversion 

enjoys stunning countryside views and stands in level garden grounds 

extending to just over 3 acres (with potential for paddock). Approached via a 

gated entrance and gravelled driveway including a turning area leading to the 

triple garage. This luxurious home provides a flexible design to allow for a 

variety of living requirements including dual family occupation. EPC Rating: D 

Fine & Country Chepstow 01291 629799 £820,000 

Nationally 

225 offices across 

Great Britain 

Internationally 

Plus 75 

offices globally 

5000 

professional 

associates all 

around the world 

LLANTRISANT 

Arguably, one of the best locations in southern Monmouthshire, tucked away 

off a country lane yet with the most magnificent views across the Usk Valley. 

Ysguborwen was built in the 1960s to an exacting standard, on the site of a 

former dwelling. Follow the enchanting tree lined driveway, passing pasture 

paddocks along the way, up to the house which is situated in an elevated 

position to take advantage of the far reaching views. Typical of the period, the 

house offers light and space with all the principal rooms being of a generous 

size and having large, picture windows. EPC Rating: G 

BREAM 

A carefully extended and much improved old cottage in a very pleasant setting adjacent 

to forestry commission, on the edge of a popular village 12 miles from Chepstow. There 

is versatile family accommodation of character with exposed stone walls and fireplaces, 

together with a very attractive cottage gardens and woodland outlook. Approached via 

a walled entrance courtyard there is an entrance conservatory, fitted cloakroom, study, 

18ft sitting room with fireplace, 19ft dining room, refitted kitchen, utility, first floor sitting 

room/bed 6, 5/6 bedrooms (1 with en-suite shower & dressing room) family bathroom. 

Workshop & garden store. EPC Rating: D 

Fine & Country Usk 01291 672212 £1,500,000 

Fine & Country Chepstow 01291 629799 £475,000

Ever since the news that the Severn Bridge toll 

was set to be reduced, Bristol buyers have been 

crossing the Severn in search of value for money. 

More recently the confirmation that the toll is 

due to be abolished altogether has sparked a 

further wave of buyers looking to move to our 

side of the river, which is why we advertise all of 

our properties on both sides! 

To see what this means for the value of your home 

call us now to arrange a free market appraisal or 

visit our website for a free instant online valuation.

PROPERTIES 19 

bedroom 


Camp Cottage, Bettws Newydd, Nr Usk 

Fine & Country 01291 672212 www.fineandcountry.com 

Offers in excess of 

£695,000 







Equestrian facilities with dressage ménage, detached double garage, store with agreed change of use 




5 

bathroom 

Detached Bungalow in excess of 3 acres of land in idyllic rural location 

Camp Cottage provides an excellent opportunity to purchase a spacious family residence 

with stunning views and would naturally lend itself to the equestrian life style having 

approximately 3 acres of ground with stable block and ménage. 

bathroom 

bathroom 

ELECTRIC 




4 5 2 


The property occupies a commanding position overlooking open countryside with 

panoramic views towards the mountains of the Skirrid and Sugar Loaf. 

parking 

AGA & RAYBURN 

DISTRIBUTORS 

RANGE COOKER & 

WOODSTOVE STUDIO 

BETTY TWYFORD 

HOMEWARES & COOK SHOP 

Units C3 – C5 Marches Trade Park, 

Leominster Enterprise Estate, HR6 0QF 

www.twyford-cookers.com 

01568 611124

20 

PROPERTIES 

bedroom 


The Old Dairy, Redwick NP26 3DY 

pa black 01291 630876 www.pablack.co.uk 

Offers in region of 

£550,000 



5 




bathroom 

bathroom 



bathroom 





There is also a village church that is unusually large for a parish church on the Caldicot 

parking 

parking 


2 3 1 

This beautifully converted detached barn offers lots of period features. Its exposed beams, 


stone feature walls and fireplaces add to this property’s characteristics and charm. 

A stylish and contemporary accommodation mixed with original features, boasting 

generous room sizes, high ceilings with exposed beams and floor to ceiling windows 

capturing an abundance of natural light. It sits in grounds of approx 0.6 of an acre 

containing mature fruit trees and shrubs and sheds. The views over the neighbouring 

farmland are idyllic. The property is set within spacious level grounds offering versatile 

living accommodation, with a large driveway and turning circle and a garage which has 

been plaster-boarded and contains electrical points and lighting. 

The Old Dairy is situated in the desirable yet accessible rural village of Redwick. The 

nearby village pub is the Rose Inn, a free house situated on South Row. In May 2011, 

after a four-year wait, a grant from the Big Lottery Fund alongside £200,000 from the 

Welsh Assembly which meant a replacement of the existing 60-year-old Village Hall. 

and Wentloog Levels, perhaps second only in its grandeur to that at Peterstone. 

This property is well suited to those wishing to combine good commuting links with 

a rural lifestyle. Junction 23A of the M4 Motorway is just four miles away bringing 

Newport, Cardiff, Bristol and London within easy reach. 

DUEL FUEL 

parking 

We have expanded! 

To meet demands of buyers, sellers and landlords alike, we are pleased to welcome to our team 

the financial advisor and property expert Katie Pring. 

Having been in the industry for a number of years, Katie offers a wealth of knowledge and experience. She prides herself on customer service and has been saving her 

clients thousands of pounds. Pop into our Monmouth or Chepstow Branch, if you are thinking of re mortgaging, or investing in property or if you simply want to 

ensure you are not paying too much for your mortgage product, Katie is here to help. 

Do you know how much you could 

borrow to purchase that dream house 

you’ve been thinking about? 

Nervous about your first time buying 

or first time selling? 

Don’t panic we can help! We have set up a dedicated day to provide you with all the information you need. 

The Mortgage Clinic will be held in the Monmouth Branch on Saturday 27thJanuary. 

Call now on 01600 714355 for further information.

Sales - Monmouth 

Rural 

Location 


Village 

Location 


SSTC 


Village 

Location 

Cross Ash £575,000 

Sitting in grounds approaching an acre in size, this imposing 5 

bedroom detached property, with accommodation over three 

floors, is full of history and character and enjoys a southerly 

aspect to the rear with glorious views across fields and open 

countryside towards Monmouth. EPC G, 

Redbrook £650,00 

Situated in the village of Redbrook, and located within a short 

stroll of the River Wye, a stone built 19th century 3 bedropom 

cottage and a 2 storey / 2 double bedroom stone built detached 

annex set around a central courtyard with its own waterfall. 

Stunning village location next to the River Wye. EPC E. 

Llandogo £140,000 

Offered with no onward chain, this spacious apartment is an 

ideal first time buy or bolt hole within the beautiful Wye Valley! 

There is a large open plan living / dining / kitchen, two double 

bedrooms, ample storage and pleasant communal space. 

EPC E. 

Redbrook £350,000 

This beautiful stone built four bedroom semi-detached family 

home sits on a lovely plot overlooking the ground of Redbrook 

Rovers football pitch with gardens wrapping around the property 

to the front side and rear. Three receptions rooms that boasts 

plenty of original features. EPC E. 


Stunning 

Views 


Rural 

Location 

Must 

View 



Great 

Location 

Symonds-Yat-West £640,000 

The beauty of this property also lies in the grounds that surround the 

property, totalling approximately two acres they are mainly sloping 

grassland with mature trees and meandering pathways giving access to 

secluded areas and a vegetable patch. There are three outbuildings that 

have been converted in to further accommodation and were previously 

run as a successful holiday let business. EPC E. 

Welsh Newton £500,000 

Enjoying a rural location on the periphery of Welsh Newton 

Common, this exceptionally well presented 4 double bedroom 

detached bungalow is set on a south westerly plot of just 

over an acre and comprises formal gardens and an enclosed 

paddock which currently houses livestock. EPC D. 

Ganarew £650,000 

Set in a delightful rural location, yet only a short drive away from 

the historic market town of Monmouth, a stone built barn which 

has been sympathetically and tastefully converted to provide 

a five double bedroom family home with generous grounds, 

enjoying far reaching views over open countryside. EPC D. 

Osbaston £475,000 

Set in a sought after location on the edge of the historic 

market town of Monmouth and within walking distance of 

some excellent schools, this five bedroom detached property 

has much to offer. Features include countryside views, a double 

garage and a south westerly facing rear garden. EPC D. 

Sales - Chepstow 

Still under 

NHBC 


Ideal 

Holiday Let 


Immaculate 

Throughout 


SSTC 

Roundbush Crescent, Caerwent £300,000 

A DELIGHTFUL FOUR BEDROOM FAMILY HOME! This detached 

four bedroom property is immaculately presented throughout 

and is still under NHBC warranty. With generous bedroom sizes 

and the additional reception room there is space for the whole 

family. EPC C. 

Holmleigh, Tintern £330,000 

A viewing is essential of this lovely family home in the popular 

village of Tintern. With breath taking riverside views, this is one 

not to be missed! The property benefits from spacious living 

accommodation and open plan kitchen diner. EPC E. 

Eagle Close, Caldicot £230,000 

Ideal first time buy! **THE EAGLE HAS LANDED!** Do not miss this 

opportunity to view this immaculately presented three bedroom semidetached 

property set in the popular town of Caldicot close to great 

transport links including the M4 and Severn Tunnel Rail Junction. It 

benefits from a spacious full width conservatory and open plan kitchen 

diner. Great Access to Major Transport Links. EPC D. 

Barnetts Wood, Chepstow £484,950 

Beautifully Presented Detached Property. Large Corner Plot. 

Four Double Bedrooms. Sought After Residential Area Within 

Walking Distance of Chepstow Town Centre. Elevated Position 

with Views. Double Garage. Flexible Living Space. Enclosed 

Sunny Garden. EPC D. 


NEW 


Bungalow 


Open 

House 


Village 

Location 

Wintour Close, Chepstow OIEO £325,000 

*OPEN HOUSE* SATURDAY 20th JANUARY 12pm-4pm PLEASE CALL 

TO RESERVE YOUR TIMESLOT! Extended Detached house located in 

a popular area in Chepstow, positioned at the end of a cul de sac and 

just a short walk from the town centre. The accommodation benefits 

from being on a larger than average plot. EPC D. 

Lewis Way, Chepstow £240,000 

Detached Bungalow in Sought After Location. Two 

Double bedrooms. New carpets throughout. Detached 

garage. Conservatory. Large plot. Updated kitchen. Lovely 

views. EPC C. 

Park View, Sedbury £300,000 

**OPEN HOUSE Saturday 13th Jan 10am-12pm** Please call to 

register your timeslot!** A well-presented four bedroom house 

in the sought after location of Park View Sedbury. With its large 

garden, driveway and position (overlooking countryside) it’s a 

great home for first time buyers or young family. EPC C. 

Wyndcliffe, St Arvans £310,000 

Want that Village location? Backing on to fields and countryside. Offered 

with NO ONGOING CHAIN this ideal family home has a lot to offer. This 

extended semi-detached property would make an ideal family home. 

Offered with NO CHAIN the property is conveniently situated in the very 

desirable village location of St Arvans, just outside of Chepstow Town 

Centre. EPC D.

22 THROUGH THE KEY HOLE 

A Right Royal Restoration 

Sharon Chilcott 

Sharon Chilcott tours a true historic gem… 

A 

Welsh monastic building, established in the reign of Henry I and once 

owned by Henry VIII, has been royally transformed from near-ruin into an 

imposing home. 

Once scheduled for demolition, the property has been rescued and restored 

thanks to the visionary intervention and dedication of two women captivated by 

its ambience. 

Llanthony Secunda Manor, possibly one of the oldest, inhabited house in 

Wales, boasts a grand baronial banqueting hall, atmospheric Tudor bedrooms with 

carved four-poster 

beds, and a host of 

ancient and time-worn 

features including 

studded oak doors, 

open fireplaces and 

stone spiral staircases. 

Reputedly 

established in the 

12th Century by the 

Augustinian monks 

from Llanthony 

Prima in the Black 

Mountains, the 

property, in Church 

Road, Caldicot, may 

originally have been a monastic grange and an outpost of Llanthony Secunda 

in Gloucestershire. It appears to have been extended in the 15th Century to 

provide monks’ cells and then, during the dissolution of the monasteries, Henry 

VIII took possession of it, appointing a bailiff to look after the building and 

farm the surrounding land. By 1557 it had 

been sold and in the 17th Century it was 

altered to provide more comfortable living 

accommodation, with the addition of stone 

spiral stairs and many of the fireplaces which 

remain to this day. In Victorian times, the 

property was the farmhouse to Church Farm 

but by 1972, with the farmland sold to 

developers, the now sadly dilapidated house, 

much of its historic origins hidden by external 

render, was due to be knocked down. Only 

a hurried listing (Grade 2*) and recognition 

of its status as “an exceptionally rare and 

interesting monastic building from the late Middle Ages” saved it from its fate. 

Still so neglected that it was in danger of collapse, the building was rescued 

in 1978 when it was bought by Mrs. S.M. McLeod. She started the long and 

exhaustive process of restoration which has recently been completed by its present 

owner, Becky Adorjan. 

Thanks to Becky’s visionary and painstaking improvements, Llanthony Secunda 

Manor (so-named in the 1980’s) now combines ancient charm with 21st Century 

comforts. Its cleverly-designed kitchen and luxurious bathrooms have all been 

incorporated with the utmost sensitivity to the history of the building, and without 

detracting from its immense character. “I have spent a fortune to make it look as if 

I haven’t done anything,” she says wryly. 

When she took possession of the property in 2005, there was still a lot to do 

to transform it into the authentically restored yet updated home that it is today. 

“Some work had been done in the 1980s when they didn’t know quite as much 

about property conservations as we do now.”

23 

Becky was determined to do right by the 

venerable old building, using traditional materials 

and respecting its original fabric and features. She 

did her research and when it came to the choice of 

materials: “If they didn’t have it 500 years ago, or if 

it wasn’t already here, we didn’t use it,” she says. 

The transformation took four years, in which 

Becky set about some of the work herself, learning 

how to reinstate the lime plaster and undeterred by 

the time-consuming job of staining the old beams 

using a toothbrush. Justifiably, she is proud of what 

she had achieved and working on the old building 

has given her insights into its past. 

In the oldest part of the building there is now 

a cosy living room with an open fireplace and a 

beautiful cobbled floor, formerly covered with 

carpet, which Becky has exposed and had repointed. 

There is also a double bedroom (which could also 

be used as a snug or dining room) alongside. She 

believes these rooms would have been part of a 12th 

Century grange, with animals on the ground floor 

and living space above, accessed by an external 

staircase. Today, the upstairs accommodation is 

reached by an internal staircase. The largest of two 

upper rooms is now presented as a magnificent 

banqueting hall. It has a large stone fireplace and 

in the middle are a large trestle dining table and 

wooden benches, which Becky had specially built 

to fit the sloping floor. The hall would originally 

have formed the main living accommodation and 

would have had a central fire, she thinks, whilst to 

one side, accessed by a superb, studded oak door, is 

a double bedroom, which would once have been a 

private chamber. 

Over the centuries, the building has been much 

altered and extended. Today, there’s a further floor 

above the two-storey grange, laid out to provide 

two bedrooms and a bathroom and above that 

there’s a large attic. There is also a three-storey 15th 

Century extension, probably added to provide more 

accommodation for the monks. On the ground 

floor of this is the kitchen, dominated by an open 

fireplace with a large bread oven to one side. Becky 

has designed the kitchen carefully. There’s a large 

electric range in the fireplace, a massive Gothicstyle 

oak dresser which has been carved to fit the 

contours of the uneven wall and a central oak island, 

with granite worktops, which hides the electric 

plugs and functioning part of the kitchen. The fridge 

freezer is cleverly hidden behind a curtain in the 

corner of the room. 

Above the kitchen are two bedrooms which 

are little changed, structurally, from when they 

were monks’ cells. The first floor bedroom is now 

dominated by a carved four-poster bed which Becky 

bought from the Woodcarvers’ Guild in Somerset. 

Get the Lifestyle 

Get the Look 

The banqueting table and benches were hand made 

by Colin Powell Carpentry and Kitchens, Langstone 

01633 411070. The traditional-style candle lantern 

in the centre of the table is from Salt and Pepper 

Gift Shop, 31-33 Monnow Street, Monmouth 01600 

719717 www.saltandpepper.co.uk 

This pewter pitcher is from Didier and Dandelion, 

72 Monnow Street, Monmouth, 01600 711500 

www.didieranddandelion.co.uk 

Becky has transformed Llanthony Secunda Manor into a home with a fine future as well as a 

fascinating past. Now it’s time for new owners to enjoy it. The property in Church Road, Caldicot is 

on the market for offers in excess of £800,000 with Fine and Country, 30 High Street, Chepstow 

01291 629799 www.fineandcountry.com 

The window seats are a perfect height for kneeling 

for prayer and have a distinctive wimple-shaped 

lintel. Becky has curtained off the garderobe to one 

side of the fireplace to create a walk-in wardrobe 

and a space to the other side, where a spiral staircase 

would once have been, has been cleverly converted 

into an en-suite. The second 15th Century bedroom, 

above, is almost identical and is presented in much 

the same way. Above 

this, accessed by a 

stone spiral staircase 

is an attic room with 

exposed stone walls, 

which could be used 

as a further bedroom 

or reception room. 

A notable feature is 

the large bread oven 

in the corner, which 

Becky believes would 

have been used for 

consecrated bread. 

At some time 

in the 18th or 19th 

Century, the L-shaped 

house was enclosed 

by the addition 

of a two-storey 

extension and Becky has further added to this extra 

accommodation by incorporating a 19th Century 

lean-to. The space is arranged to form a large 

entrance hall, study, utility room and store room on 

the ground floor, with a first floor breakfast room 

and family bathroom and further utility and storage 

rooms above. Outside, the well-laid out gardens are 

enclosed by a high stone wall. 

Main photos: Becky Adorjan

24 

PROPERTIES 

bedroom 


Popes Hill, Newnham-On-Severn, Glos 

Ferrino 01594 811111 www.ferrino.co.uk 

Price 

£549,950 





over the surrounding countryside and Severn Vale. 

4 


bathroom 

bathroom 

bathroom 


4 2 3 

This individual family home is set in a large plot in the peaceful rural countryside 

of Popes Hill, Gloucestershire, a beautiful location enjoying superb views 


garage/covered central heating parking 



LPG 

parking 

parking 

parking 

The property offers plenty of flexible accommodation that can be arranged to suit 

different living requirements and lifestyle. This includes a large sitting room, kitchen/ 

dining room, conservatory, study, four bedrooms and two bathrooms. There is 

independent access to both floors. Outbuildings include a workshop, a hen house with 

attached chicken run and a large timber shed, both with power. The raised decking and 

patio provide great outside entertaining garage/covered parking parking parking space, parking there is off road parking for a number of 

vehicles. A home with lots of space inside and out, a fabulous location within easy reach 

of major road and rail networks. No Onward Chain. Offers considered. 

Unlock the value of your 

home with Equity Release 

Improving health and an increase in life expectancy is putting a strain on people who 

fund their lifestyle on limited resources, particularly in times of instability on stock 

markets and low interest rates. 

Coupled with this is the increase in debt being carried into retirement, funding the 

provision of care, supporting children in adulthood and the growth in relationship 

breakdown with the over 60s. 

As an owner, your property is probably your biggest asset and with the passage 

of time there has been an ever-increasing number of homeowners turning to equity 

release as a means of releasing some of the tax-free cash tied up in it. What started off 

as a scheme to enable people in need to release capital or income from their home has 

developed into an integral part of financial planning to be used in a variety of ways 

including: 

• maintaining your standard of living by supplementing income or replacing capital 

• consolidating credit cards, loans and other debts 

• paying off an interest-only age restricted mortgage 

• home improvements and adaptations 

• holiday of a lifetime 

• funding medical and social care 

• assisting children and grandchildren on the property ladder 

• funding divorce or civil partnership settlements for self or children 

• paying school and university fees 

• mitigating inheritance tax 

Equity release is highly regulated and there are many safeguards in place to protect 

those who take out a plan, however, it is important that advice is sought from a 

specialist solicitor and financial adviser with the relevant experience early in the 

process. 

GWYN JAMES 

S O L C I T O R S 

THE PROPERTY SPECIALISTS 

u Residential Sales and Purchases 

u Remortgage 

u Buy to Let 

u Shared Equity Purchases 

u Help to Buy Schemes 

u Leasehold Properties 

u Equity Release 

u Property Trusts 

u Sharing Ownership 

u Property Disputes 

COLEFORD | MONMOUTH | ROSS ON WYE | CINDERFORD 

(01594 833042) (01600 775950) (01989 564209) (01594 822277) 

info@gwynjames.co.uk 

www.gwynjames.co.uk 

Gwyn James Solicitors is a trading name of Gwyn James Legal Limited 

which is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

Making estate agency make sense. 

Contact us on 01594 811111 

or theteam@ferrino.co.uk 

47 High Street,Lydney, Gloucs GL 15 5DD 

MINSTERWORTH, 

GLOUCESTER - £975,000 

The Naight House is a jewel. Originally thought to date back 

to the Middle Ages, this handsome property has developed 

over the centuries into an idyllic gentleman’s residence, set 

in approximately three acres of ground in the peaceful rural 

community of Minsterworth, Gloucestershire. The Georgian 

architecture is enhanced by delightful formal gardens with 

river frontage and natural woodland, both renowned for 

their beautiful crowds of snowdrops in the winter months. 

The house offers classic proportioned accommodation with 

a wealth of period features, including impressive fireplaces, 

original window shutters and tiled natural stone floors. There 

are five reception rooms and six bedrooms. The hub of the 

home is the warm and comforting ambiance of the kitchen/ 

family room. Sitting adjacent to a lovely walled kitchen garden 

is an original two storey coach house that has potential for 

development. There are other outbuildings including, on the 

banks of the river, a unique two storey fish house which has 

the potential for conversion into a private studio, writing room 

or fantastic children’s play house. A family home of stature in a 

stunning location. 

HIGH STREET, NEWNHAM - 

£599,500 

The Ship Inn is a landmark property situated in the 

popular and historic High Street of Newnham on Severn, 

Gloucestershire. Planning permission has been granted 

for an exciting development. The new development 

consists of a four bedroomed (two en-suite), two storey 

house; an attached one bedroomed apartment with 

separate entrance; a detached one bedroomed house, 

garden together with two parking spaces and a five 

bedroomed (two en-suite) three storey house; an attached 

two bedroomed, two bathroom, mainly ground floor 

house with a separate entrance, garden and two parking 

spaces. The plans for conversion to the proposed layout 

are available from the Forest of Dean planning website, 

reference number P1262/16/LBC and P1263/16/LBC. 

This represents a unique opportunity to create either a 

large private residence, or an investment to generate a 

significant revenue stream from long term residential or 

holiday letting. 

OLDCROFT, LYDNEY - 

£499,000 

This perfect cottage has the most warm and welcoming 

ambience which radiates a rare calm and restfulness. 

It sits in the most delightful gardens in a semi-rural 

location with a back drop of beautiful woodland and 

far reaching views south, towards the River Severn. The 

accommodation includes an enchanting sitting room 

and cheerful kitchen/family room, both with original 

fireplaces with wood burning stoves, a cosy snug, study, 

hobby room, large master en suite bedroom, a further 

three bedrooms, family bathroom and separate utility/ 

cloakroom. After a walk in the surrounding forest, the 

rear boot room is a useful practical space for coats, shoes 

and muddy pets. There is a detached studio/office and 

storeroom in the garden and ample parking space. The 

village shops, Post Office, school, doctors surgery and an 

impressive new community centre is in walking distance. 

Magpie Cottage is an absolute gem. 

JOYFORD HILL, COLEFORD - 

£450,000 

Outline Planning Permission has been granted for 

an exciting private development of three unique 

high specification detached dwellings in the peaceful 

community of Joyford Hill, north of Coleford, 

Gloucestershire. The area is within easy reach of 

the popular market towns of Ross-on-Wye and 

Monmouth and in commutable distance of Gloucester 

City and Cheltenham. Primary and secondary schools, 

sports and leisure facilities, shops and public houses 

are all close by. The proposed development comprises 

one four bedroom house, one five bedroom house 

and a four bedroom dormer bungalow, all individual, 

all with garaging and large gardens. The plans can be 

viewed on the Forest of Dean District Council web 

site Ref. P0989/15/OUT. 

BLAKENEY HILL ROAD, 

BLAKENEY - £284,950 

A fabulous outlook over the beautiful woodlands of the 

Forest of Dean is a major attraction of this delightful country 

cottage. This home of character is a perfect example of a 

traditional cottage with the benefit of a very stylish and 

practical modern interior. It sits in an elevated position, the 

south facing aspect allowing sunlight to flood throughout. 

The accommodation includes a restful, relaxing sitting 

room, the focal point being the original fireplace with a 

wood burning stove, a bright and airy open plan kitchen/ 

dining room, separate utility room, two bedrooms and 

family bathroom. There is a well-established garden with 

a fabulous raised decked area and attractive summer house, 

perfect for sitting and appreciating the lovely view. There 

is also a detached garage and wood store. The property 

represents an idyllic retreat within walking distance of the 

village and direct access into beautiful open woodland. 

HIGH STREET, NEWNHAM - 

£280,000 

Kingswell is an attractive town house situated in the 

charming riverside village of Newnham on Severn, 

Gloucestershire. It is a traditional period home with 

a completely refurbished stylish modern interior 

designed around the original character features. A recent 

addition is the fully equipped kitchen and spacious 

luxury bathroom. The accommodation is arranged 

over three floors and extends to sitting room, kitchen/ 

family room and three bedrooms. It has a secure walled 

garden, a particular feature is a natural spring fed well. 

Newnham is a lively and friendly village with a number 

of amenities including shops, pubs, cafe, primary school, 

an active community hall and doctors surgery. The city 

of Gloucester is a twenty minute drive. This is a home of 

character with all the requirements of a modern lifestyle. 

The property is offered for sale with ‘No Onward Chain’. 

ferrino.co.uk

26 NEWS 

New homes team moves in to 

expand property service 

Help is at hand for buyers of new build homes, with a new team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys offering 

legal support and advice from the first site visit to the day buyers step over the threshold. 

The New Build Property team adds to the firm’s real estate services and is based in the Wye Valley. 

Led by Bob Leather, who has many years’ 

experience as a specialist on newly built 

properties and has established such a new 

build team before, the team comprises Bob, 

Chantelle Forbes as senior conveyancer, Eyvonne 

Dight as operations manager and Sophie Beckett as 

administrator. 

Working through the Three Counties, across the 

Midlands and nationally, the team will build on their 

experience and reputation with major house builders 

to offer clients buying new properties all the help 

they need with buying or selling homes. Bob and 

Chantelle’s expertise is already in demand from the 

house builder’s legal panels and the team is already 

set to be appointed as the preferred choice for a 

number of them because of their experience with new build plot purchases. 

Bob said: “I’m looking forward to bringing our expertise to the firm’s existing 

clients and to widening our scope. New builds come with a different range of 

challenges and opportunities for both buyers and sellers, and our experience in this 

area will be invaluable.” 

Matt Hayes, partner and head of Harrison Clark 

Rickerbys’ Hereford office, who has been at the 

heart of this project, said: “Bob’s team are going 

to be a tremendous addition to our real estate 

services; they really understand what is needed to 

operate properly in what can be quite a pressured 

and emotional environment. The fact that they 

have worked together before, along with the work 

we have done over the past few months on our 

systems, gives me great confidence that they can 

offer a seamless service to clients right from the 

start.” 

Harrison Clark Rickerbys has 450 staff and 

partners based at offices in the Wye Valley, 

Hereford, Birmingham, Worcester, Cheltenham, the 

Thames Valley and London who provide a complete spectrum of legal services to both 

business and private clients, regionally and nationwide. The firm also has a number of 

highly successful teams specialising in individual market sectors, including health and 

social care, education, agricultural and rural affairs, defence, security and the forces, 

advanced manufacturing and construction. 

Churches, historic buildings, landmark sites… 

Are you looking to secure heritage lottery funding? 

Now could be the right time. 

Herefordshire based Top 25 Grand Designs Architect, Garry Thomas, gives his tips on what’s involved… 

If you are looking to secure funding: then the 

Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is offering a range of 

different grant programmes, with grants from £3,000 

to over £5million. HLF love to assess applications that 

take account of the outcomes, for HERITAGE, PEOPLE 

and COMMUNITIES that the projects will achieve. 

Each grant funded project needs to make a 

difference. The sort of outcomes that gain grant funding 

are ones that achieve 

• Changes 

• Impacts 

• Benefits 

• Effects 

as a result of the project taking place. Projects are 

expected to make ONE or MORE of these outcomes. 

Potential projects need to help sustain and transform 

the UK’s heritage. Projects that gain HLF support tend 

to rescue buildings and places from decay; breathing 

new life into neglected buildings, collections, parks and 

landscapes. They also seek to inspire communities to 

record and celebrate the heritage story to reimage the 

heritage asset for a whole new generation. 

It’s about management too. Successfully funded 

projects need a clear forward management and 

maintenance vision. Call this the ‘business plan’. 

Projects must be sustainable going forward, and they 

need to secure the heritage asset. 

Gathering evidence of success will be important 

too. You need to show that the heritage asset that 

you manage, is in a better position as a result of your 

project. You will need to demonstrate that you can 

achieve and meet national quality standards. 

Sometimes heritage assets are difficult to access, 

particularly for disabled folk. The HLF like to encourage 

interpretation and modern technology too. If elements 

of the project are out of reach, but interesting to visitors, 

often smart phone apps or interpretation panels can 

bring inaccessible heritage alive. 

The successful HLF grants are the ones that bring 

forward previously hidden, not well known, or not 

accessible heritage assets, making them available to the 

public. 

If you are thinking of seeking funding for your 

heritage project, you can find out more on the HLF 

website www.hlf.org.uk 

If you would like a no obligation informal chat about 

what is involved in applying for HLF funding, and the 

type of projects that are funded, contact us at Thomas 

Studio. We are more than willing to discuss some of the 

past and present HLF projects being worked on. 

T: 0774 747 8079 / 01432 860338 

E: info@thomasstudio.co.uk

28 MARKETS 

2017 House Price Growth Eased to 2.7% 

+2.7% 

Annual change 

-0.6% 

Monthly change 

+1.3% 

Quarterly change 

£225,021 

Average price 

• Prices in the last three months of 2017 were 2.7% higher than in the same three months a year earlier 

although the annual change in December was lower than in November (3.9%) 

• House prices in the final quarter (October-December) were 1.3% higher than in the previous quarter (July- 

September), down from 2.3% recorded in October and November 

• On a monthly basis, prices also fell by 0.6% from November following a 0.3% increase in both October and 

November; this is the first fall since June 2017 

• The average price of £225,021 at the end of the year is 2.4% higher than in January 2017 (£219,741) 

Russell Galley, Managing Director, Halifax Community Bank, said: 

“House prices in the three months to December were 1.3% higher than in the 

previous quarter; a gradual slowdown from 2.3% in both October and November. The 

annual rate of growth has also moderated to 2.7% from November’s 3.9%. Ending the 

year, house prices in December fell by 0.6%; the first monthly decline in six months. 

“As we’d anticipated, the housing market in 2017 followed a similar pattern to the 

previous year. House price growth slowed, whilst building activity, completed sales 

and mortgage approvals for house purchase all remained flat. This has been driven by 

a squeeze on real wage growth and continuing uncertainty over the economy. 

“However, nationally house prices in 2018 are likely to be supported by the 

ongoing shortage of properties for sale, low levels of housebuilding, high employment 

and a continuation of low interest rates making mortgage servicing affordable in 

relative terms. Overall we expect annual price growth to continue in the range of 0-3% 

at the end 2018.” 

Housing Activity 

• Monthly UK home sales exceed 100,000 for the eleventh month in 

succession. Sales have remained above 100,000 in all months of 2017. In 

November they reached 104,200, the highest monthly level since March 2016. In 

the three months to November home sales were 7% higher than in the same period 

a year earlier. (Source: HMRC, seasonally-adjusted figures) 

• Mortgage approvals for house purchases remain flat. The number of mortgage 

approvals – a leading indicator of completed house sales - edged up by 0.4% m/m 

in November to 65,139. In the three months to November approvals were 2.1% 

down on the same period a year earlier. For the past twelve months mortgage 

approvals have been in the narrow range of 64,900 to 69,500. (Source: Bank of 

England, seasonally-adjusted figures) 

• Decline in instructions for sale. New buyer enquiries appeared a little more 

stable over the month having declined sharply in autumn, this measure, however, 

has now fallen for the last eight months. Turning to supply, new instructions to sell 

continued to deteriorate at the headline level and has now fallen for 22 consecutive 

months – the worst sequence for close to eight years. (Source: Royal Institution of 

Chartered Surveyors’ (RICS) monthly report) 

• In 2018 we expect house prices trends to be similar to 2017*. Overall, we 

expect annual house price growth nationally to stay low and in the range of 0-3% 

by the end of 2018. The main driver of this forecast is the continuing effects of 

the squeeze on spending power as inflation has outstripped wage growth and the 

uncertainty regarding the prospects for the UK economy next year. 

UK House Prices Historical Data

INTERNATIONAL 

29 

Top 5 reasons to live 

in Monaco 

There are many reasons why Monaco is one of the most desirable places to live in the world, 

particularly for high net worth (HNW) individuals, Daniel Howarth 

Co-head of Enness International looks at the top 5 reasons to live in Monaco: 

Location 

Its stunning location on the French Riviera offers 

residents a Mediterranean climate, with around 300 

days of sunshine each year, whilst also being in close 

proximity to the mountains of the Southern Alps. 

It’s ideally located for business people, with access to 

other European cities from Nice’s international airport. 

It is also within easy reach of some of Europe’s most 

exclusive resorts, including Cannes and Saint Tropez. 

sports fans; it’s home to the International Association of 

Athletics Federation and has its own successful football 

team. Monte Carlo also hosts one of the most famous 

Formula 1 races in the world as well as the Monte Carlo 

Rolex Masters tennis tournament and the Monaco Yacht 

Show. It is also very close to the star studded Cannes 

Film Festival. 

Tax incentives 

Aside from its stunning coastal location, residents 

of the Principality also benefit from its tax incentives; 

not being required to pay income tax on their global 

income, capital gains tax and wealth tax is a big draw. 

Health and security benefits 

Monte Carlo was rated the third healthiest place to 

live in The CNN 10 Healthiest Cities 2014 list as well 

as the Principality being known to be one of the safest 

locations to live, with an extremely low crime rate and 

high ratio of police to residents. This coupled with 

the variety of exceptional schools and highly regarded 

university makes it a very attractive option for families. 

Culture and sport 

The Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, opera 

scene and award-winning Grimaldi Forum mean that 

Monaco is not short on culture. It also offers a lot for 

Property 

Monaco’s luxury property is some of the most 

exclusive in the world, with its Odeon Tower widely 

thought to be one of the best places to live. For people 

who want to experience its lifestyle, understanding the 

intricacies of the Monaco property market is crucial and 

that is where our experiences and multilingual team can 

help. 

The market is very liquid and fast paced and 

accessing it can be challenging. It is common for a 

purchase to go from offer to completion in just a couple 

of weeks and Enness International can facilitate this 

process for you, guiding you through it and structuring 

your finances in a way that optimises tax efficiency.

30 HOME IMPROVEMENTS 

About Furniture Importers 

Furniture Importers began life in 1998 as a shop in Witney, Oxfordshire and has expanded with two 

very local retail outlets and the head office and warehouse in Ross on Wye. 15 years on and their staff continue 

to be committed to offering exceptional value for money products. 

Stellar Customer 

Service 

Our aim to keep things as simple 

as possible means that we’ll always be 

transparent and easy to do business 

with. Our staff are trained to provide 

the highest quality customer service at 

all times, and we’ll work hard to right 

any dissatisfactions you may have. 

Though we endeavor to provide top quality service 

and products at all time, we know there may be times 

when something goes wrong. We promise to work hard 

to right any wrongs. If for any reason, you’re still dissatisfied, 

we encourage you to let us know, so that we 

can improve our service. You can contact us via email, 

or call us on 01600 891212, or follow our social media 

pages for sale and event news. 

Looking to buy in bulk? 

We also supply to bulk and trade purchasers, 

including furniture retailers, hotels, restaurants and 

property developers on our trade site. 

At Furniture Importers, the team like to keep 

things as simple as possible and so stick to the 

following values: 

Low Prices, all year round 

We aim to keep our prices as low as we can, all year 

round, yet still provide you with high quality furniture 

that will stand the test of time. Our goods are priced 

fairly from the start. 

Delivery on time 

We promise to deliver when we say we will, bringing 

your purchases to your home in a condition you expect. 

Should there be any reason why we can’t deliver on 

time, we’ll be sure to keep you up-to-date on why we 

can’t.

MONMOUTHSHIRE 

CONSERVATORY COMPANY 

CONSERVATORIES . ORANGERIES . UPVC & ALUMINIUM WINDOWS 

SECONDARY GLAZING . DOORS . GREENHOUSES . GARDEN BUILDINGS 

We would like to take a moment to share these recent installations 

with you and explain a little about the process involved when creating 

such beautiful builds. 

The beginning stages of your extension can be daunting at times 

with so many elements to consider. Will you need planning 

permission? Would you prefer Aluminium or uPVC? What 

colour roof system, frames, doors or windows will you choose? 

With many years experience within the industry, our team can 

help you design the build that is right for you and your home. 

Marrying in with the style and era of your property whilst 

simultaneously complimenting and enhancing your living space. 

Once construction is underway, your project manager will 

keep you updated with every element of your new build, 

whilst our trusted builders, fitters, joiners, electricians and 

plasterers display the highest level of professionalism. If you 

would like to learn more, please visit our fantastic showsite, 

website or social media pages for more information. 

“I love my front door 

from MCC. When I tell 

people where I live, they 

often say ‘the one with 

the lovely door?’ 

It’s completely changed 

the look of our house, 

I love it!” 

Ms Heath 

MONMOUTHSHIRE CONSERVATORY COMPANY 

Pengethley Garden Centre 

Peterstow 

Tel: 01989 730 551 Fax: 01989 730 596 

info@monmouthshireconservatorycompany.co.uk 

Ross-on-Wye 

www.monmouthshireconservatorycompany.co.uk 

Herefordshire 

HR9 6LL

CALL: 01600 717255 

EMAIL: INFO@THEPROPERTYDROP.CO.UK 

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