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#THEPROPERTYDROP<br />

1-14 MARCH 2018<br />

THEPROPERTYDROP.CO.UK<br />

ISSUE <strong>23</strong><br />

FREE COPY<br />

MONMOUTHSHIRE | SOUTH HEREFORDSHIRE | WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE<br />

12&13<br />

I LOVE WHERE I LIVE IN HEREFORD,<br />

WITH SHARON CHILCOTT<br />

<strong>23</strong><br />

INSIDE OUR HISTORICAL FRONT<br />

COVER MONMOUTHSHIRE MANOR<br />

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


2 PHIL SPENCER ON...<br />

Finding your forever<br />

home this Spring<br />

Letting you head rule your heart is often sage advice when it comes to buying property.<br />

But there are a few key decisions where emotions should hold sway.<br />

Choosing your dream home is a bit like trying<br />

to find the perfect partner. There are pros and<br />

cons to each, but on certain aspects you need<br />

to follow your heart. Such as… Phil Spencer’s 7 things<br />

you’ve got to love in a new home.<br />

1. The view<br />

If your life-long dream is to look over a lake from<br />

your living room armchair, then don’t abandon it<br />

completely.<br />

Unless the Local Authority search states anything to<br />

the contrary, the view from a home is something that’s<br />

set to remain for a long time.<br />

So if a view matters to you, then make sure it’s love<br />

at first sight.<br />

2. The natural light<br />

Just like with a partner, the things you’ll need to love<br />

about a property are the things you can’t change about<br />

it. And one of the big ones is natural light.<br />

So you’re not caught out, arrange viewings for<br />

different times of day and take note of which rooms get<br />

the most natural light and when.<br />

But always bear in mind that décor, such as dark<br />

walls, heavy curtains or poor lighting can make the<br />

home appear darker than it should be.<br />

THE PROPERTY DROP ROUNDUP<br />

Page<br />

11<br />

Page<br />

12 & 13<br />

Page<br />

16<br />

in<br />

Plas<br />

Usk<br />

Mawr High quality independent living in<br />

beautiful Usk, with vacancies at the<br />

Monmouthshire Housing Association<br />

over 60’s development.<br />

at our Plas Mawr<br />

for people aged 60+.<br />

I Love Where I live<br />

Edwin Kirk, co-owner of Hereford’s trendy<br />

A Rule of Tum restaurants, tells Sharon<br />

Chilcott about Hereford’s fast-developing<br />

independent food culture... and the city’s<br />

growing appeal for young professionals...<br />

House Price Data<br />

The average price for property in<br />

Herefordshire stood at £270,661 in<br />

February 2018. This is a fall of 0.30% in<br />

the last three months (since November<br />

2017) and rise of 2.22% since 12 months<br />

ago. In terms of property types, flats<br />

in Herefordshire sold for an average<br />

of £138,937 and terraced houses for<br />

£185,390. This is according to the<br />

current Zoopla estimates.


3<br />

3. The garden<br />

If you’ll be spending a lot of time enjoying the<br />

garden, find a home that has one you love (for better or<br />

worse).<br />

South-facing will get the most sunlight throughout<br />

the day, and if you’re unsure of the aspect, a handy tip<br />

is to check with the compass on your smartphone at the<br />

viewing.<br />

East-facing gardens will suit early risers as they get<br />

most sunlight in the mornings. And, if you’re most<br />

likely to be in the garden in the afternoons or evenings,<br />

opt for west facing.<br />

A great garden can easily add the same value as an<br />

extra room. But while you can always make it look more<br />

attractive, it won’t change size unless you can buy more<br />

land.<br />

4. The style<br />

There is only so much you can change about a<br />

property’s structure.<br />

If you love the high ceilings of Georgian architecture,<br />

or long for the cosy comfort of an open fire, then buying<br />

a functional new build is never going to meet your style<br />

requirements.<br />

You’ll likely need to compromise on some features,<br />

but if you cannot stand a particular style of home, then<br />

living there is only likely to fuel further resentment - no<br />

matter how practical a purchase it might seem.<br />

5. The storage<br />

Not the sexiest proposition to obsess over, but if<br />

your new home does not have the space to store your<br />

beloved belongings, then it’s going to be a constant<br />

source of frustration. And it’s not always easily rectified.<br />

You might pledge to de-clutter your wardrobe, but<br />

what about the the large family heirlooms you feel<br />

emotionally attached to and want on display?<br />

And it’s not just inside the property. If you’re short<br />

of parking options, or have nowhere to stash the bicycle<br />

you commute on every day, then life can quickly<br />

become wearing.<br />

6. The location<br />

You might find a property with all these attributes.<br />

But if it’s not ‘in the right place’, the relationship’s going<br />

nowhere.<br />

You’ll also need to be 100% comfortable with the<br />

time it takes to get to whatever’s important to you – be it<br />

the shops, local school, train station or pub.<br />

Remember, if this is your ‘forever’ home, priorities<br />

are likely to change as life evolves.<br />

7. The ‘feeling’<br />

Of course, the most important aspect of finding a<br />

person or property is how they make you FEEL.<br />

So trust your instincts and follow your heart. To<br />

paraphrase an old adage: “It’s better to have loved once<br />

than never to have loved at all.”<br />

Page<br />

<strong>23</strong><br />

Page<br />

33<br />

Llanthony Secunda Manor<br />

Our front cover property marketed by<br />

Fine & Country is an 800-year-old manor<br />

house which has been traditionally<br />

restored over the past couple of decades.<br />

The property has a separate barn for<br />

either additional accommodation (subject<br />

to the usual planning consents) or as<br />

a garage. It’s also currently a holiday<br />

let, so you can try before you buy!<br />

medievalaccommodation.com<br />

Properties needed<br />

DJ&P Newland Rennie are currently<br />

looking for new properties.<br />

They have a long list of applicants who<br />

are waiting to find their new dream home.<br />

Free no obligation valuations from<br />

this expert team.<br />

3672 The <strong>Property</strong> <strong>Drop</strong> 1-3-18.qxp_3672 The <strong>Property</strong> <strong>Drop</strong> 1-3-18 <strong>23</strong>/02/2018 16:04 Page 1<br />

NEW<br />

bedroom<br />

bathroom<br />

www.thepropertydrop.co.uk<br />

01600 717255<br />

info@thepropertydrop.co.uk<br />

The icons under the properties throughout<br />

<strong>Property</strong> <strong>Drop</strong> indicate the following:<br />

bedroom<br />

living bathroom<br />

etc<br />

bathroom<br />

bedroom<br />

bedroom<br />

Guide Price £<strong>23</strong>9,000 Guide Price £665,000<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

bedroom<br />

Number of<br />

djandp.co.uk<br />

bedrooms<br />

newlandrennie.com<br />

living room etc<br />

Rural Residential Commercial Designbathroom<br />

bathroom<br />

Holywell Close, Monmouth Monmouthshire<br />

A modern detached house situated in a popular residential location on the south-west side of Monmouth, within easy walking<br />

distance of the town and local amenities, including excellent junior and senior schools, and providing easy access to the major road<br />

networks. The property is located at the end of the road giving a large garden extending to the front, side and rear of house.<br />

The accommodation includes a large sitting room, kitchen and conservatory, 3 bedrooms and bathroom, and attached garage.<br />

EPC rating C.<br />

Newland Rennie Monmouth office 01600 712916<br />

NEW<br />

NO CHAIN<br />

Monmouth Monmouthshire<br />

living room<br />

central<br />

etc<br />

heating<br />

bathroom<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

central heating<br />

living room etc<br />

bedroom<br />

living room etc<br />

living room etc<br />

Number of<br />

reception<br />

rooms<br />

central heating<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

Number of<br />

bathrooms<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

central heating<br />

central heating<br />

central heating<br />

parking<br />

parking<br />

parking<br />

parking<br />

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

<strong>Property</strong> <strong>Drop</strong> the publisher cannot accept responsibility for<br />

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

articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is<br />

copyright and may parking not be reproduced in any form without<br />

written permission from the publishers.<br />

Prices and details are subject to change and the publisher<br />

can take no responsibility for omissions or errors. The<br />

inclusion of an advertiser in this paper is not necessarily a<br />

recommendation.<br />

©The <strong>Property</strong> <strong>Drop</strong> 2018<br />

An impressive character Victorian house situated in a sought after part of Monmouth town, enjoying south-west views, opposite the<br />

Haberdashers School for Girls. The substantial house provides excellent accommodation including drawing room with ornate ceiling<br />

and Victorian fireplace, garden room, kitchen/conservatory, scullery, shower room, bedroom/study, 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.<br />

Outside are landscaped gardens, parking and a large outbuilding/garage. EPC rating F.<br />

Newland Rennie Monmouth office 01600 712916<br />

ELECTRIC<br />

Method of<br />

central<br />

heating<br />

Covered<br />

garage<br />

Parking<br />

space<br />

SOLD


4<br />

PROPERTIES<br />

bedroom<br />

living room etc<br />

The Folly, Trellech, Monmouthshire<br />

RRK 01600 772929 www.roscoerogersandknight.co.uk<br />

Price<br />

£1,100,000<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

living living room room etc etc<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

living room living room etc etc<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

central central heating heating<br />

• Detached Triple Garage with Office/Apartment bathroom bathroomabove • Detached Gym<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

5<br />

bathroom<br />

Five Bedroomed Contemporary Georgian Detached House<br />

• Open Plan Kitchen/Dining Room • Vaulted Living Room<br />

Approximately 3 Acres of Land • Raised Avant-Garde L-Shaped Balcony<br />

bathroom<br />

bathroom<br />

central heating<br />

central heating<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

parking<br />

parking<br />

central heating<br />

2 3 3<br />

OIL<br />

parking<br />

There are very few homes that have such privacy and stunning views across the valleys<br />

of Whitebrook as well as the renowned Wye Valley area of outstanding natural beauty.<br />

This totally unique five bedroomed contemporary house has been impressively<br />

designed to attract high levels of light with an ambiance that truly enhances this<br />

outstanding, elevated location. The centre piece is a galleried and glazed atrium that<br />

pours light into the spit level communal spaces linking all the rooms with bespoke<br />

and very individual fixtures and fittings of the highest quality used throughout.<br />

A beautifully designed, shaped avant-garde cantilevered wooden and glazed balcony<br />

set high on the front corner of the house capitalises fully on the panoramic views. A<br />

purpose built and extensive detached triple garage with office/apartment over has been<br />

cleverly set near the entrance and spacious parking area and there is also a detached<br />

fully equipped gym. Modern cavity walled construction, custom made joinery,<br />

‘Futronix’ automated scene lighting and oil fired central heating with thermostatically<br />

controlled ‘Arboniar’ sectional radiators throughout, the owners really have thought<br />

of everything.<br />

The major road networks, Monmouth and its many amenities including the renowned<br />

schools are just a short drive away.<br />

garage/covered parking parking parking parking<br />

Dedicated to letting properties since 1990<br />

We offer a professional service tailored to suit landlords individual needs.<br />

For a quality service at sensible prices speak to our letting team.<br />

MONMOUTH £1,500 pcm LLANGOVAN £2,500 pcm<br />

Five double bedrooms, three bathrooms, two<br />

reception rooms, garage and enclosed garden.<br />

Agency Fees Apply<br />

B<br />

A spacious Six bedroom property offering<br />

stunning views and quiet rural location.<br />

Finished to a high standard throughout<br />

including bespoke oak granite kitchen.<br />

Agency Fees Apply<br />

B<br />

MONMOUTH<br />

£795 pcm<br />

ST OWENS CROSS<br />

£495 pcm<br />

B<br />

A modern 2 bedroom apartment situated on the<br />

edge of the Town centre comprising master<br />

En-suite and full integrated kitchen. Agency<br />

Fees Apply<br />

One bedroom annexe finished to a high<br />

standard throughout. All bills included except<br />

telecoms, available now. Agency Fees Apply<br />

Call: 01600 772929 • lettings@roscoerogersandknight.co.uk<br />

www.roscoerogersandknight.co.uk


18 THE GARDENS<br />

MONMOUTH<br />

£580,000<br />

PRIORY COTTAGE, MONMOUTH<br />

£329,500<br />

2 4 2 2 3 2<br />

This top quality, detached, 4 bedroom contemporary home is ideally<br />

located within walking distance of the town. Its innovative and very<br />

attractive split level design provides great space and high levels of<br />

light and takes full advantage of its elevated aspect with fine views<br />

across the Wye Valley to the Kymin, with gardens to front and back,<br />

off street parking and an integral garage.<br />

A rare opportunity to acquire this characterful 3 bed end of terrace<br />

cottage tucked away in a quiet lane just off the High Street in the<br />

historic town centre. Carefully restored and upgraded the cottage is<br />

brimming with original features and has a very private and secluded<br />

west facing walled courtyard garden.<br />

16 AGINCOURT SQUARE, MONMOUTH £425,000 4 CHAUCER WAY, MONMOUTH £245,000 111 MONNOW ST, MONMOUTH £215,000<br />

C<br />

D<br />

Ideal investment opportunity. This Grade II<br />

listed terraced building set in a prime location<br />

in the town square with 4 floors & fully<br />

up-graded. The ground floor is set up as a<br />

building society with tanked lower ground<br />

floor kitchen & storage rooms and courtyard<br />

garden at rear. A separate entrance leads up<br />

to offices on two floors (the owners have<br />

applied for planning permission for<br />

residential).<br />

Set in a quiet road in a very popular location<br />

in Osbaston on the edge of town, this light<br />

and airy detached 3 bed bungalow has a<br />

spacious lounge, a small sunny garden, an<br />

integral single garage and drive and enjoys<br />

attractive far reaching countryside views<br />

towards the Monnow Valley.<br />

A great opportunity to acquire a well<br />

presented lock-up shop in a prime high<br />

street position in this sought-after historic<br />

market town. Located across the road from<br />

Waitrose the shop has approx. 29 m2 of<br />

retail and storage space with the unusual<br />

benefit of a conservatory and spacious<br />

garden overlooking the river Monnow.<br />

3 Agincourt Square • Monmouth • NP25 3BT • Call: 01600 772929<br />

enquiries@roscoerogersandknight.co.uk • roscoerogersandknight.co.uk<br />

Monmouth & London offices


6<br />

PROPERTIES<br />

bedroom<br />

living room etc<br />

High View, Staunton<br />

Monmouth <strong>Property</strong> Bureau 01600 719184<br />

www.monmouthpropertybureau.co.uk<br />

Offers in excess<br />

of £250,000<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

living living room room etc etc<br />

central central heating heating<br />

bathroom bathroom<br />

while they paid the toll at the toll house next door.<br />

4<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

bathroom<br />

bathroom<br />

bathroom<br />

living room living room etccentral heating<br />

2 1 3<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

OIL<br />

central heating<br />

central heating<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

High View is a character four bedroom detached property with parts of the building believed to date back<br />

garage/covered parking parking<br />

to the 17th century when, we understand, travellers would stop at the property<br />

parking<br />

parking<br />

Situated in the popular village of Staunton the property<br />

is located adjacent to the A4136 with a local church,<br />

hostelry, antiques shop and footpaths leading on to lovely<br />

country walks. Monmouth is approximately four miles<br />

distance and Coleford two miles.<br />

In more recent years the High View has been extended to<br />

provide a large single storey extension to the rear for the<br />

spacious kitchen/diner whilst there is a sitting room and<br />

study in the original part of the cottage.<br />

The property offers an excellent opportunity to<br />

modernise, update and extend (STP) boasting very good<br />

sized garden, approximately 660m 2 with a parking area<br />

for two or three cars.<br />

garage/covered parking parking parking parking<br />

monmouth<br />

PROPERTY BUREAU<br />

Your local sales and<br />

lettings specialist<br />

Sales: 01600 719184<br />

Lettings: 01600 719183<br />

Thinking of selling your house?<br />

Here at Monmouth <strong>Property</strong> Bureau we<br />

take you and your property personally.<br />

We are proud of our reputation for<br />

excellent service and work hard to get the<br />

best price for your property.<br />

Our fees undoubtedly offer the best value<br />

for money in town at 1%*, which<br />

includes solicitors fees for your sale,<br />

saving you a minimum of £500.<br />

So if you are looking for a local,<br />

independent estate agent offering a flexible,<br />

customer focused approach, call<br />

Magur, Welsh Newton, Welsh<br />

Spacious detached 3 bed house with rural<br />

views, easy access to Monmouth. 2 reception<br />

rooms, house bathroom plus en suite, Oil CH<br />

EPC C Agency Fees Apply<br />

£1,200 PCM<br />

8 Dixton Close, Monmouth<br />

Well presented 3 bed bungalow in popular cul<br />

de sac location within level walk of town with<br />

private garden, garage, warm air gas CH EPC<br />

E Agency Fees Apply<br />

£775 PCM<br />

Monmouth <strong>Property</strong> Bureau<br />

on 01600 719183<br />

or visit us at<br />

The Market Tavern,<br />

Agincourt Square, Monmouth<br />

monmouthpropertybureau.co.uk<br />

* Terms & Conditions Apply<br />

2 Ox House, Nr Usk<br />

Beautiful 2 bed stone property in rural hamlet<br />

with well appointed kitchen & utility large<br />

reception room, WC, bathroom, patio garden,<br />

parking. LPG CH. EPC E Agency Fees Apply<br />

£750 PCM<br />

The Market Tavern, Agincourt Square, Monmouth NP25 3BT<br />

monmouthpropertybureau.co.uk<br />

Flat 3 Brook House, Monmouth<br />

WELL APPOINTED 1 bed ground floor<br />

apartment, open plan kitchen/sitting room,<br />

bathroom with shower over, communal garden,<br />

parking, Gas CH EPC B Agency Fees Apply<br />

£475 PCM


Sales: 01600 719184<br />

Lettings: 01600 719183<br />

GLENDOWER STREET, MONMOUTH<br />

GUIDE PRICE £345,000<br />

An attractive and characterful three bedroom<br />

Georgian Grade ll listed link end terrace house.<br />

Set over three floors featuring vaulted ceilings,<br />

gas central heating, modern fitted kitchen and<br />

bathroom, courtyard and small garden. Chain<br />

Free.<br />

ST JAMES ST, MONMOUTH<br />

GUIDE PRICE £329,000<br />

A fine example of a tastefully modernised and<br />

extensively refurbished three bedroom Georgian<br />

terrace on three floors boasting an outstanding<br />

roof terrace, Monmouth Town centre is less than<br />

a 1/4 mile level walk. EPC E<br />

CWRT WILLIAM JONES, MONMOUTH<br />

£289,950<br />

An exceptionally well presented contemporary<br />

two bedroom terrace townhouse on two floors<br />

built circa 2012 with 2 secure parking spaces.<br />

Situated in an exclusive gated community<br />

centrally located for Monmouth Town centre,<br />

approximately 350 yards distance. Agents Note:<br />

Valid NHBC warranty. EPC B<br />

THE BURGAGE, MONMOUTH<br />

GUIDE PRICE £225,000<br />

Close to town centre and both state and<br />

independent schools. This 3 bedroom terrace is<br />

set over three floors with gas central heating,<br />

lounge/diner, kitchen, bathroom, cloakroom,<br />

converted garage and patio garden<br />

Chain Free. EPC D<br />

TRELLECH, TRELLECK<br />

GUIDE PRICE £640,000<br />

Trellech House is a substantial, grade ll listed,<br />

five bedroom, semi detached Georgian residence,<br />

on three floors with some distinguished period<br />

features. Large Barn, 2.4 acre paddocks plus 3rd<br />

acre walled gardens and sweeping driveway.<br />

Flying Freehold<br />

WONASTOW CLOSE, OVERMONNOW<br />

GUIDE PRICE £189,950<br />

A very pleasant two bedroom bungalow with a<br />

well-planned and functional layout offering<br />

attractive gardens, driveway for 3 cars and<br />

garage. Situated on a small cul de sac 1/2 mile<br />

for town centre. Chain Free EPC D<br />

OLD COURT BANK, WHITCHURCH<br />

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £250,000<br />

Recently built, two bedroom link detached<br />

bungalow with under floor heating, garage and<br />

driveway. The location of Old Court Bank is<br />

rather special as it offers easy access to the A40<br />

with Monmouth 5 miles and Ross on Wye 7 miles.<br />

EPC C.<br />

LLANGROVE, ROSS-ON-WYE<br />

GUIDE PRICE £499,950<br />

Super detached bungalow presently arranged as<br />

three bedrooms and three receptions plus a very<br />

large loft room including a full sized snooker<br />

table. The property offers generous half acre<br />

gardens, driveway and garage/workshop. Well<br />

regarded local school with Monmouth 6 miles,<br />

Ross on Wye 8 miles EPC E<br />

WYE RAPIDS COTTAGES, SYMONDS<br />

GUIDE PRICE £205,000<br />

A truly delightful and well appointed two<br />

bedroom cottage situated in a beautiful semi<br />

rural location partly overlooking the River Wye.<br />

Reception, Modern Kitchen, Modern Bathroom 2<br />

car parking spaces EPC D<br />

monmouthpropertybureau.co.uk<br />

The Market Tavern, Agincourt Square, Monmouth NP25 3BT


8 FINANCE<br />

The Illusory promise:<br />

1 in 6 FTBs are funding their home purchase from a parental<br />

loan yet 87% have no proper agreement in place<br />

• Parents are loaning an average of £24,347 to help their children get on the<br />

property ladder compared to an average of £32,101 for those who gift the money<br />

• Majority of parents do not formalise an agreement with their house buying<br />

children and are failing to provide a deed of gift or letter of intent which could put<br />

them at risk legally.<br />

• Only one in five millennial buyers agree a monthly repayment plan with parents<br />

- paying back £500 a month for an average of 4 years (but <strong>23</strong>% will need to<br />

renegotiate due to a change in their circumstances)<br />

• Post Office Money and The Money Charity create a ‘Bank of Mum & Dad’<br />

conversation guide to help both parties reach a family financial agreement that will<br />

protect their relationship<br />

One in six first-time buyers (16% - 2.2 million buyers) are entering a longstanding<br />

loan agreement with their parents in order to get on the housing ladder,<br />

according to new research from Post Office Money.*<br />

Previous research by the Post Office had found that a third of first time buyers<br />

(35%)** are buying homes using a financial gift or a loan from their family, a common<br />

occurrence as cash-strapped young people lean on their loved ones to tackle the UK’s<br />

tough housing market.<br />

A new investigation into 1,000 first-time buyers who needed financial support and<br />

500 generous parents, has found that increasingly high house prices have driven some<br />

younger buyers to borrow an average of £24,347 from their parents towards a deposit.<br />

Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics, found that first-time buyers are<br />

spending £210,928 on average on a property, with £160,442 mortgage advanced<br />

– meaning that young buyers are funding approximately 50% of their deposits<br />

(£50,486) with loans from their parents.<br />

Parents on the whole are very keen to help their children realise their property<br />

ambitions (83%) but commonly have to make this agreement on the understanding it<br />

will be a loan (38%). This is to protect parents’ own finances when they can’t afford to<br />

give the money outright (31%) but also to help them provide a similar level of support<br />

to their child’s siblings (26%). Young buyers are far more likely to be hesitant about<br />

borrowing money (82%), often because they want to maintain a good relationship with<br />

their parents (20).<br />

Let’s make a deal<br />

Despite the large amounts of money being shared, families have neglected to formalise<br />

loan agreements, most commonly, attempting a verbal agreement (29%) and some not<br />

discussing the terms of the loan at all (19%). Only 16% consult a third party, such as a<br />

solicitor. Furthermore, the majority of parents (83%) are neglecting to put a letter of<br />

intent or deed of gift in place to formalise their financial support. Without this, both<br />

parents and buyers are left legally vulnerable and could even be pursued for additional<br />

costs such as stamp duty.<br />

For those that do sit down to discuss the terms of their loan, many factors are<br />

commonly considered to help ensure repayment is fair. Families will consider the<br />

child’s household income (42%), the potential for their income to grow over time<br />

(31%) and their cost of living (29%). The debates often include a consideration of<br />

what will happen if either the buyer (17%) or the parents (13%) suddenly lose their<br />

income.<br />

Despite this, only one in five families will agree a regular repayment plan (21%),<br />

with parents showing a great deal of trust in their children to pay them back ‘at some<br />

point’. On average young buyers who borrow pay back their parents £500 amount<br />

a month*** for an estimated 4 years and are very committed to honoring these<br />

repayments. Only 4% of young buyers who borrow will miss a payment but much<br />

more often families will have to renegotiate, due a to change in circumstances (24%).<br />

Home Hesitations<br />

When accepting a gift, young buyers are often initially concerned about feeling<br />

indebted to their parents (24%), particularly if there is a chance that their parents’<br />

finances might be adversely impacted by parting with such a large amount of money<br />

(17%). Some young buyers are also worried that accepting a gift will compromise their<br />

financial independence (22%).<br />

In comparison, millennial buyers who take out a loan from their parents, are more<br />

likely to be unsure of the agreement initially than those that receive it as a gift (82%<br />

vs. 71%); this is possibly because an ongoing financial relationship may present more<br />

opportunities for difficulty. Indeed, one of the biggest concerns for young buyers taking on<br />

a loan from their parents rather than a gift was that they wanted to make sure they keep up<br />

their repayments (20%).<br />

Despite these worries, most buyers do not see these arrangements lead to difficulty<br />

in their relationship with their parents. Some families will even grow closer as a result<br />

of the generosity (15%)<br />

Owen Woodley, Managing Director, Post Office Money said: “The level of support<br />

that the UK’s parents want to provide their children is truly heartwarming. High<br />

house prices and a challenging cost of living has meant that families have had to<br />

increasingly live out of each other’s pockets to make the most of their combined<br />

financial capability. Indeed, 46% of young people who receive money from their<br />

parents anticipate that they will support them financially later in life. Despite this,<br />

it’s important for everyone to be clear about the nature of their agreement so that<br />

everyone’s expectations are aligned.<br />

Stephanie Hayter, The Money Charity said: “We have worked with Post Office to<br />

create this guide to help parents and adult children navigate what may be a pretty<br />

heavy, but very important conversation. This new aspect of your relationship with<br />

each other will impact your family dynamics as well as your finances, so it’s important<br />

you get this conversation right and make sure everything is carefully thought through.<br />

Then you can feel confident and enjoy the journey together.”<br />

Corinne Sweet, Psychologist & Psychotherapist said: “Talking about money – even<br />

with our closest loved ones – can sometimes make us feel awkward. It’s important<br />

to try and see things from each other’s perspective in order to maintain a good<br />

relationship.<br />

“Parents, should try to be sensitive to how their children feel about borrowing<br />

money and make sure that the details of the agreement are well-defined so that<br />

everyone is clear on what is expected. People borrowing from their parents should be<br />

patient and willing to have an open discussion about how the arrangement will work<br />

long-term, keeping in mind the big financial commitment their parents are making.<br />

Both parties should set aside time to sit down and talk about this in a place where<br />

they are both comfortable and won’t be distracted, making sure that neither of them is<br />

pressured into making a commitment straight away.”<br />

So, if you’re thinking of offering or asking for financial support to get<br />

#OnTheLadder download the Bank of Mum & Dad Conversations Guide.


NEWS<br />

9<br />

Leading counties helping to solve<br />

the housing shortage in the UK<br />

New funding to help speed up planning decisions and help deliver quality new homes has been<br />

announced by Housing Minister Dominic Raab, 24 February 2018.<br />

The first wave of the Planning Delivery Fund, totalling £15.8 million,<br />

has been awarded to enable councils to process more applications,<br />

implement new reforms and also train planners to tackle the housing<br />

challenges faced by their local area.<br />

This funding boost will support local authorities working together on<br />

ambitious new joint local plans and core strategies, which will engage residents<br />

on how future development will take place in their areas and outline the<br />

locations suitable for new homes where demand is high.<br />

The funding will also support greater best practice and innovation within<br />

councils as they decide planning applications, resulting in more being<br />

determined over a shorter period of time.<br />

It was reported in the Guardian last week that almost a quarter of<br />

councils in England alone had invested £130m in setting up 58 local housing<br />

companies (LHC) since 2012. Five councils said they were in the process of<br />

Money awarded to bidders will also allow local authorities to access the<br />

latest expertise on design and town planning, driving up the quality of new<br />

homes built.<br />

Housing and Planning Minister Dominic Raab said:<br />

This cash boost ensures councils have the resources needed to make<br />

quicker decisions on planning applications, delivering quality housing at a<br />

faster rate.<br />

It’s part of our strategy to build the homes this country needs whilst also<br />

supporting residents to have their say on the kind of development that takes<br />

place in their area.<br />

This first wave of funding has been split into 3 streams that will assist in<br />

delivering new homes across England: The Joint Working Fund (£9.4 million),<br />

Design Quality Fund (£4.82 million) and Promoting Innovation Fund (£1.07<br />

million).<br />

A total of 68 projects from Gateshead to Cornwall will receive funding from<br />

the Planning Delivery Fund across all 3 streams, from 2017 until 2019.<br />

The launch of this fund will give successful councils a greater capability to<br />

implement the government’s reforms of the planning system and comes as the<br />

Ministry for Housing prepares to launch its revised National Planning Policy<br />

Framework later this spring.<br />

Housing associations in our own counties are joining authorities around the<br />

UK developing commercial arms to build affordable homes to manage, rent and<br />

sell to locals, as well as homes for release on the competitive new builds open<br />

market.<br />

establishing their own house builders. The article went on to state there were<br />

many in the industry who see a transformation of public housebuilding in<br />

the making. They argue that it is early days, because most of the initiatives<br />

only date back to 2016 and 2017 and councils haven’t had time to do much<br />

more than wade through the legal bureaucracy and identify possible sites. But<br />

certainly progress is being made.<br />

The benefit of a local housing authority being involved in home build is<br />

a clear link with the community, enabling individual local needs to be met.<br />

While we have many national builders erecting fantastic homes in our towns<br />

and villages, it can only be good news to have more choice from a developer<br />

that has historic inside local knowledge.<br />

Monmouthshire Housing Association are one such association linked to<br />

many different sectors of the community, well placed to understand the needs<br />

of the locals, and therefore surely their offerings then reflect that.<br />

Their vision states “By 2022 MHA will be the top performing Social<br />

Enterprise in Wales providing quality homes and services, transforming<br />

peoples’ lives and giving them the confidence and support to realise their<br />

ambitions. We will create an environment where people can have a brilliant<br />

quality of life, in areas where they aspire to live and work.”


10 SECURITY<br />

Swinton group partners up with Yale UK to reveal<br />

the nation’s worst social media habits putting their<br />

homes at highest risk of being burgled<br />

An interactive social media crime map has been launched by Swinton Group, the UK high street broker,<br />

to make families aware of the correlation between crime hotspots and risky social media posts.<br />

The findings reveal which cities are putting themselves most at risk of being<br />

burgled, by disclosing when most homes are empty and the purchasing habits<br />

of residents.<br />

Crime data shows that 49% of burglary offenders are known to the victim, 31%<br />

know the victim well and almost 20% are known by sight or have spoken to them<br />

before. These findings indicate that thieves could be monitoring social media accounts<br />

to seek opportunities for burglaries.<br />

In February 2017 footballer John Terry’s Surrey home was burgled while he was<br />

away on a family ski trip. During this trip he shared holiday snaps across his social<br />

media accounts, revealing his house was unoccupied.<br />

More than 93,000 risky social media posts were identified across the nation. Social<br />

media posts, which are classified as risky, include posting about being on holiday,<br />

being away from home, purchasing a new home and buying a new car.<br />

The UK’s riskiest social media habits<br />

Region % vs National Riskiest Safest<br />

Average City Overall City Overall<br />

South East 63% Portsmouth Dover<br />

North West 42% Manchester Carlisle<br />

North East 11% Newcastle Scarborough<br />

East of England 10% Norwich Peterborough<br />

East Midlands 7% Nottingham Leicester<br />

South West 7% Bristol Plymouth<br />

Wales -14% Cardiff Swansea<br />

Scotland -28% Edinburgh Perth<br />

Yorkshire & The Humber -30% Leeds York<br />

West Midlands -34% Coventry Stoke<br />

Northern Ireland -63% Belfast Omagh<br />

More than 80% (76,805) of the posts analysed were about upcoming holidays<br />

making this the highest category for oversharing in the UK. Those in the North West<br />

were more likely (82%) to post about a trip, putting them in the highest risk category,<br />

followed by the North East (30%) and the East Midlands (19%).<br />

Stephen Roberts, marketing manager at Yale UK, said: “With nearly 45 million<br />

social media users in the UK alone, sharing your personal details and whereabouts on<br />

social media sites can put your home and belongings in a vulnerable position. It’s vital<br />

that users keep an eye on their security settings to prevent being opportunistically<br />

targeted by online criminals.<br />

“Alongside updating security settings, upgrading your home security can also deter<br />

potential burglars from making your home their next target. Investing in a high quality<br />

security system from a reputable brand will help secure and protect your home, even<br />

if you happen to share too much on social media.”<br />

Richard Beaven, distribution director at Swinton Group said: “On Twitter alone<br />

88% of all profiles are public, in our small study of 3,000 random UK tweets, a<br />

staggering 66% of user’s biographies include the town they lived in. Regardless of the<br />

information you share on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, burglars can piece together<br />

key facts about a person by linking information across all platforms.<br />

“Oversharing has now become a part of everyday life. Many people are making<br />

themselves vulnerable to praying burglars by publicly sharing when they are out of<br />

the house, away on holiday and even posting about expensive purchases. We’re keen<br />

to make social media users aware of how much information they are sharing across all<br />

channels, who can see this and act on it.”


NEWS<br />

11<br />

Energy price cap bill<br />

welcome news for<br />

older consumers<br />

Commenting on the news that the bill to introduce an Energy Price Cap will be introduced to Parliament,<br />

Matthew Bath, Saga’s director of publishing and PR said:<br />

“The announcement that the Department for Business Energy and Industrial<br />

Strategy have put a bill before parliament to implement an energy price cap for<br />

those on their energy supplier’s standard variable tariff is great news for the some<br />

of the most vulnerable energy consumers in the UK.<br />

“Whilst many older consumers do now exercise their right to switch energy<br />

providers, the plethora of tariff options makes it incredibly complex for many to be<br />

able to directly compare deals - putting many off from even trying to switch. More<br />

often than not this leaves them on tariffs that are not the best or the cheapest for their<br />

individual usage.<br />

“Many consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about paying their energy<br />

bills. In fact in a recent poll of more than 10,000 Saga members, 63% said that they<br />

were worried about the cost of their energy this winter, this compares to 44% the<br />

previous winter. Whilst energy suppliers have made progress over recent years to<br />

simplify tariffs and help sign-post consumers to better deals, for many consumers<br />

these measures simply don’t go far enough so they will feel it is absolutely right for<br />

government to step in to protect those that need it most.”<br />

Find your ideal home in Usk<br />

Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) has vacancies at our Plas Mawr<br />

scheme in Usk. Plas Mawr offers high quality, independent living for people aged 60+.<br />

To move into a new MHA home in Usk you must be registered with Monmouthshire Homesearch – Monmouthshire’s<br />

choice based lettings scheme.<br />

To register visit www.monmouthshirehomesearch.co.uk or call 0345 900 2956 during office hours for more information.<br />

T: 0345 900 2956<br />

E: homesearch@monmouthshirehousing.co.uk<br />

W: www.monmouthshirehomesearch.co.uk<br />

MHA0806


12<br />

LOCAL LIVING<br />

I love where I live…<br />

Hereford<br />

Sharon Chilcott<br />

Edwin Kirk, co-owner of Hereford’s trendy A Rule of Tum restaurants, tells Sharon Chilcott about Hereford’s<br />

fast-developing independent food culture… and the city’s growing appeal for young professionals…<br />

Have you lived in Hereford for long?<br />

My family moved to Herefordshire from Scotland’s<br />

whisky producing island Islay 22 years ago, when I<br />

was nine. We lived just outside Ross, then we moved to<br />

Kingsthorne and now I live in Belmont, near the River<br />

Wye.<br />

What was it like growing up in the area?<br />

I remember summers with friends, biking and<br />

camping up in Aconbury Woods. And weekends down<br />

by the River Monnow, swimming, canoeing and having<br />

barbeques…<br />

What makes Hereford special?<br />

It’s a stunning little city and the countryside around<br />

it is beautiful too. It’s also place that’s moving forward<br />

where a lot of towns and cities are stagnant. Here there’s<br />

a lot of organic, independent growth.<br />

What for you, personally, is the best thing about the city?<br />

I love the huge independent food scene that’s<br />

springing up - for a place of its size, there are a lot<br />

of independent cafes and restaurants and there’s still<br />

room for more. A Rule of Tum Burger Shop and The<br />

Bookshop are part of that scene; we are all trying to<br />

create events and places where young people can really<br />

enjoy themselves and we are also trying to put Hereford<br />

on the food map. It’s why we were delighted, last year,<br />

when The Bookshop won the Observer Food Monthly<br />

Award for Best Sunday Lunch - the first time in nine<br />

years that the Sunday Lunch award has been won by<br />

a restaurant outside London. It’s also why, in 2016, A<br />

Rule of Tum started the Hereford Indie Food Festival to<br />

celebrate the city’s food culture. Last year we had nine<br />

independent food stalls, a food market with 10 artisan<br />

producers and also a local makers’ market. It’s really


13<br />

popular and we hope it will become a regular fixture<br />

over the August Bank Holiday.<br />

Describe Hereford’s “personality”.<br />

It’s old, it’s got roots and depth and history but it is<br />

trying to move forward and adopt a youthful spirit – a<br />

youthful cheekiness!<br />

What‘s one of the most exciting things about to happen in<br />

Hereford?<br />

The proposed new university will make a big<br />

difference economically and culturally, helping to make<br />

the city the sort of place where young people will want<br />

to come and stay.<br />

What, if anything, spoils Hereford for you?<br />

Probably the traffic - and it is maybe lacking a live<br />

music and events scene but I think that will come with<br />

the proposed university. I also feel very strongly that<br />

Hereford seems to have turned its back on the river,<br />

which I think is a missed opportunity…<br />

Describe the vibe in your favourite local café or pub...<br />

I like the vibe we have created in The Bookshop - it’s<br />

an old building, with roots and heritage but we have<br />

made it cool, fun and quirky.<br />

So, when you are not working at The Bookshop, where<br />

would you choose to go for Sunday lunch?<br />

I would probably relax at home.<br />

And where would you shop for your meal?<br />

Fodder, the health food shop in Church Street and<br />

Waitrose - or Sainsbury’s if I couldn’t get through the<br />

traffic from Belmont.<br />

Where would you go, locally, for a casual night out?<br />

Well, the other evening I went to a leaving do and<br />

we went to The Shack Revolution for pizza and then on<br />

to The Barrels.<br />

Where else would you go for entertainment on a<br />

night off?<br />

I’d probably choose to go to the cinema or The<br />

Courtyard Comedy Club. And it is not far to Bristol or<br />

Cardiff for a night out.<br />

What would you do locally to “blow the cobwebs away”?<br />

I’d go for a walk up The Skirrid.<br />

What leisure pursuits do you enjoy locally?<br />

Swimming, either in the river or in a local pool;<br />

playing squash and cycling - the Breinton Loop is good.<br />

Where would you shop for clothes?<br />

There’s a great independent, ethical clothing shop in<br />

Widemarsh Street called FIT.<br />

What’s the most fun you have had at a local event?<br />

Last year’s Hay Festival. We took over Saint John’s<br />

Place, a fine dining restaurant in Lion Street, Hay-on-<br />

Wye and did a Burger Shop pop-up there - we will be<br />

there again this year. It was hard work but great fun<br />

and going to see Bill Bailey on the final night made for a<br />

marvellous ending.<br />

In what ways are you involved in your local community?<br />

As a business we support the local food bank and<br />

part of our plan this year is to try to give 10 per cent<br />

of our time towards helping the community. And the<br />

whole point of The Hereford Indie Food Festival is to<br />

provide a showcase for the small independents in our<br />

community and to make the rest of the country aware of<br />

what’s going on here.<br />

If adult friends were staying with you for a week, what<br />

are the top, local places you would take them to visit?<br />

I’d show them what Hereford has to offer as a food<br />

destination so I’d take them for lunch at The Burger<br />

Shop; probably to Rocket or Sensory and Rye for coffee;<br />

The Shack Revolution for cocktails; The Barrels for a<br />

pint or Noble and Wild if they were wine drinkers…<br />

Would you fit in any sightseeing?<br />

Definitely the cathedral and the Mappa Mundi..<br />

Tell me one fascinating fact about Hereford that you don’t<br />

think is generally widely known.<br />

Hereford’s Castle Green, Castle Street and Castle<br />

Mill indicate that Hereford once had its own castle<br />

(sometimes referred to as Hogg’s Mount.) The castle<br />

had a chequered history – it was established some time<br />

before 1052 but was badly damaged in the Civil War<br />

and demolished in 1660. My favourite bit of history<br />

associated with it is that Prince Edward, the future King<br />

Edward I, was held hostage there after his capture at the<br />

Battle of Lewes in 1264 but he managed to escape to<br />

Wigmore Castle whilst out riding on Widemarsh.<br />

Facts and Figures<br />

Hereford was established as a Saxon settlement on the banks of the<br />

River Wye, near a ford. A place of worship was founded on the site of<br />

the cathedral in the eighth century and by the end of the twelfth century<br />

Hereford was a medieval, walled town, thriving on wool and leather-making.<br />

From the seventeenth century it began to become known for brewing and<br />

cider making.<br />

Today the city has a population of around 60,000. Alongside reminders of its<br />

past, including timbered Old House in High Town and the Cider Museum, is<br />

a modern and vibrant commercial centre.<br />

There’s a wide choice of independent shops in the historic centre and many<br />

of the larger chains can be found both there and a short walk away at Old<br />

Market, built on the site of the now relocated livestock market.<br />

Leisure and cultural venues includes The Courtyard centre for the arts, which<br />

offers a varied programme of live theatre, music, film and exhibitions.<br />

Plans for the future of Hereford include the establishment of The New Model<br />

in Technology and Engineering (NMiTE) a proposed new university to be<br />

sited in the city’s historic core.


14<br />

PROPERTIES<br />

bedroom<br />

living room etc<br />

Winforton, Hereford<br />

Northwood 01432 352116 www.northwooduk.com<br />

Price<br />

£270,000<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

bathroom bathroom<br />

3<br />

living living room room etc etc<br />

central central heating heating<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

bathroom<br />

Superb and very well presented three bedroom character barn conversion,<br />

fully renovated with an abundance of character features.<br />

Resplendent with gardens, oil heating, double glazing, ample parking with garage, this<br />

property makes for a perfect environment for families with dogs and children.This<br />

stunning cottage has been comprehensively renovated to provide a character three<br />

double bedroom accommodation. With maintained gardens in a courtyard setting, Oak<br />

Barn benefits from this genuine rural location and is a real gem waiting to be discovered<br />

and must be viewed.Oak Barn has been transformed into a warm and beautiful family<br />

bathroom<br />

living room living room etc etc<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

bathroom<br />

central heating<br />

central heating<br />

parking<br />

parking<br />

central heating<br />

1 2 1<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

home with comfortable and neutrally decorated rooms that ooze charm - additional<br />

features include excellent oil heating and double glazing.<br />

In summary, the accommodation comprises: garage/covered parking parking parking parking large entrance hall, spacious cloakroom,<br />

kitchen/family with dining/living room and wood burner. To the first floor there are<br />

three double bedrooms, the Master with ensuite and a family bathroom.<br />

OIL<br />

parking<br />

bedroom<br />

living room etc<br />

Mews Cottage, Peterstow, Ross-on-Wye<br />

Parrys 01989 768484 www.parrys.com<br />

Price<br />

£280,000<br />

3<br />

garage/covered parking parking parking parking<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

living room living room etccentral heating<br />

central heating<br />

bedroom bedroom living living room room etc etc<br />

bathroom<br />

central heating<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

bathroom<br />

Delightful three bedroom semi detached cottage with Garden/Courtyard area and ample parking.<br />

Nestled away down a quiet country lane near the village<br />

of Peterstow is this delightful semi detached stone built<br />

cottage.<br />

The property was converted just a few years ago, and<br />

has been finished to a very high standard, with measures<br />

taken to ensure great energy efficiency. There is lots of<br />

character present throughout the house, with exposed<br />

bathroom bathroom<br />

beams and solid oak cottage style doors throughout.<br />

The accommodation comprises a spacious modern<br />

kitchen, downstairs cloakroom, living room with double<br />

bathroom<br />

1 2<br />

parking<br />

doors opening out to the front garage/covered patio, parking 3 bedrooms, parking master<br />

central central heating heating<br />

with en-suite, and a family bathroom. Outside is a good<br />

garage/covered parking parking<br />

sized patio, a lawned area adjacent to the driveway, a<br />

courtyard with parking for several vehicles and a timber<br />

storage shed.<br />

OIL


Guaranteed Rent<br />

365 days a year<br />

Even if the property is empty or in arrears<br />

01432 352116 www.northwooduk.com


16 HOUSE PRICE DATA<br />

This month - Herefordshire<br />

Average price paid<br />

£241,877<br />

Current average value<br />

£270,661<br />

Sales<br />

2,260<br />

Value change<br />

£5,870<br />

2.22%<br />

<strong>Property</strong> value data/graphs for Herefordshire<br />

<strong>Property</strong> type Avg. current Avg. £ Avg. No. Avg. £ paid<br />

value per sq. ft. beds (last 12m)<br />

Detached £367,958 £240 3.7 £324,207<br />

Semi-detached £219,167 £2<strong>23</strong> 3.0 £205,171<br />

Terraced £185,390 £222 2.7 £177,748<br />

Flats £138,937 £225 1.8 £125,153<br />

Average values in Herefordshire (Feb 2018)<br />

450,000<br />

Current asking prices in Herefordshire<br />

Average: £308,911<br />

<strong>Property</strong> type 1 bed 2 beds 3 beds 4 beds 5 beds<br />

Houses £122,094 £171,301 £271,112 £386,048 £622,460<br />

(10) (120) (179) (202) (43)<br />

Flats £93,561 £173,680 £<strong>23</strong>2,500 - -<br />

(35) (30) (2)<br />

All £99,902 £171,776 £270,685 £386,048 £622,460<br />

(45) (150) (181) (202) (43)<br />

400,000<br />

Current asking rents in Herefordshire<br />

350,000<br />

300,000<br />

250,000<br />

200,000<br />

150,000<br />

100,000<br />

50,000<br />

0<br />

Detached Semi-detached Terraced Flats<br />

Average: £678 pcm<br />

<strong>Property</strong> type 1 bed 2 beds 3 beds 4 beds 5 beds<br />

Houses £461 pcm £648 pcm £851 pcm £969 pcm £1,101 pcm<br />

(17) (40) (41) (11) (1)<br />

Flats £438 pcm £567 pcm £583 pcm - -<br />

(44) (30) (2)<br />

All £444 pcm £614 pcm £838 pcm £969 pcm £1,101 pcm<br />

(61) (70) (43) (11) (1)<br />

Information from Zoopla at time of print<br />

bedroom<br />

living room etc<br />

The Laurels, Bowens Hill Road, Coleford<br />

Ferrino 01594 811111 www.ferrino.co.uk<br />

Price<br />

£325,000<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

4<br />

living living room room etc etc<br />

central central heating heating<br />

bathroom bathroom<br />

garage/covered parking parking<br />

The four bedrooms are all double and have good storage space. The garden is easily<br />

garage/covered parking parking parking<br />

the shops, cinema, doctor, school and the park.<br />

parking<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

bathroom<br />

3 1<br />

bathroom<br />

bathroom<br />

living room living room etccentral heating<br />

GAS<br />

central heating<br />

garage/covered central heating parking<br />

This delightful period town house is set in a private garden, a short distance from Coleford Town centre,<br />

garage/covered parking parking<br />

in the heart of the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.<br />

It is a beautifully presented home of much character. The original features and wellproportioned<br />

rooms with large windows create a sunny, relaxing living space with a<br />

calm and restful atmosphere. There are three reception rooms including a lovely sitting<br />

room with an open fire and doors to the garden, a second peaceful reception room also<br />

with access to the garden, kitchen, dining room and utility /laundry room.<br />

parking<br />

managed and offers a good deal of privacy in the secluded courtyard and rear terrace.<br />

This is a lovely comfortable family home in a quiet location within walking distance of


Making estate agency make sense.<br />

Contact us on 01594 811111<br />

or theteam@ferrino.co.uk<br />

47 High Street,Lydney, Gloucs GL 15 5DD<br />

POPES HILL, NEWNHAM<br />

- £549,950<br />

This individual family home is set in a large plot in the<br />

peaceful rural countryside of Popes Hill, Gloucestershire,<br />

a beautiful location enjoying superb views over the<br />

surrounding countryside and Severn Vale. The property<br />

has a flexible layout that can be arranged to suit different<br />

living requirements and lifestyle. With independent<br />

access to both floors it is possible to use the house as two<br />

units. The accommodation includes a large sitting room,<br />

kitchen/dining room, conservatory, study, four bedrooms<br />

and two bathrooms. Outbuildings include a workshop, a<br />

hen house with attached chicken run and a large timber<br />

shed. The raised decking and patio provide great outside<br />

entertaining space, there is off road parking for a number<br />

of vehicles. A versatile home, lots of space inside and out,<br />

a fabulous location within easy reach of major road and<br />

rail networks. The property is offered for sale with ‘No<br />

Onward Chain’.<br />

CHRISTCHURCH, COLEFORD<br />

- £525,000<br />

This unique family home with separate annex overlooks<br />

the forest in the peaceful neighbourhood of Christchurch,<br />

Gloucestershire, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is<br />

a versatile, well presented, well equipped living space suited to<br />

extended family occupation if required. The style is modern<br />

contemporary, very tasteful and very comfortable. Space is<br />

what this fantastic home can offer, both inside and out. It has<br />

a well-designed open plan kitchen/family room, lovely sitting<br />

room and further reception room. There are five bedrooms and<br />

four bathrooms including a ground floor en-suite bedroom<br />

in the main dwelling. There is potential to link internally to<br />

the annex which is self-contained and has potential for rental/<br />

holiday let. There is access to the forest for walking and cycling.<br />

The garden is arranged for relaxing and entertaining, low<br />

maintenance and very private. There is also a useful studio/<br />

office and timber chalet. The double garage and drive provide<br />

ample secure parking. An impressive, bright and stylish family<br />

home in a beautiful sought after location. The property is for<br />

sale with ‘ No Onward Chain’. Offers considered.<br />

CLEMENTS END, COLEFORD<br />

- £495,000<br />

This four bedroom detached cottage is situated in<br />

the peaceful village location of Clements End in<br />

the heart of the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. It<br />

has a recent addition of an attached one bedroom<br />

annex, this is a work in progress. The cottage has two<br />

good reception rooms, a large kitchen/dining room<br />

and separate utility/boot room. There is potential<br />

for further investment. The garden is enclosed<br />

and private with a sunny sheltered courtyard and<br />

a detached garage. There is direct access into the<br />

surrounding woodland from the property. An<br />

attractive family home with flexible accommodation<br />

in a lovely village setting. The property is offered for<br />

sale with ‘No Onward Chain’.<br />

HIGH STREET, NEWNHAM<br />

- £280,000<br />

This unique landmark property is situated in the heart of<br />

this popular village on the doorstep of the beautiful Forest of<br />

Dean, Gloucestershire. Blakeney is a village with a friendly<br />

welcoming community. It is an ideal location for families<br />

and has much to offer, including an excellent general<br />

store, doctors surgery, pubs and restaurant, primary school<br />

and secondary school transport. This is an opportunity to<br />

purchase a family home of character with attached business<br />

premises. It is presently operated as the local Post Office<br />

with space given over to retail. The cottage has a cosy sitting<br />

room and dining room each with open fires, a spacious<br />

kitchen/breakfast room and three double bedrooms and a<br />

large shower room. It has a sheltered south facing walled<br />

garden and private secure parking. There is an opportunity<br />

to continue trading or alternatively, revert to residential use.<br />

A charming property with a number of exciting options in<br />

a great location.<br />

SPOUT LANE, COLEFORD<br />

- £275,000<br />

The cottage sits in a very large garden at the end of<br />

one of the oldest roads in Coleford Town, a private<br />

and surprisingly peaceful location. The family size<br />

accommodation extends to two reception rooms and<br />

three bedrooms. There is an opportunity for further<br />

investment and improvement. The cottage has lots<br />

of character and interesting features including a<br />

fabulous stone fireplace, exposed beams and stone<br />

walls and an unusual curved ceiling. The garden is<br />

the biggest surprise, it being such an unexpectedly<br />

generous plot in the heart of town. This is a family<br />

home with lots of outside space, plenty of parking<br />

and very convenient for the shops, schools, cinema<br />

and bus routes.<br />

BLAKENEY, LYDNEY<br />

- £275,000<br />

Furnace Valley is situated on the outskirts of the popular<br />

village of Blakeney, the doorstep to the beautiful Forest<br />

of Dean, Gloucestershire. This position offers peace and<br />

privacy with direct access into surrounding woodland. This<br />

three bedroom cottage has been completely refurbished<br />

by the present owner. It now offers unspoiled cottage style<br />

accommodation extending to three reception rooms, kitchen,<br />

three bedrooms and a family bathroom. The garden provides<br />

plenty of easily maintained outside space. There is an attached<br />

garage and off road parking for two or more vehicles. The<br />

ancient Forest of Dean is a most desirable location and the<br />

destination of choice for walking, cycling and riding and<br />

many more outdoor activities. Blakeney is a popular village<br />

with an excellent shop/off licence, Post Office, primary<br />

school, pub/restaurants and doctors surgery. The cottage<br />

represents a perfect country retreat in a delightful location. A<br />

rarely available gem. Offers are considered and it is available<br />

for sale with ‘No Onward Chain.’<br />

ferrino.co.uk


3 1 2 E<br />

4 3 3 D<br />

3 2 3 D<br />

3 1 2 F<br />

GARDEN CITY, CHEPSTOW<br />

Spacious 3 bed semi-detached property<br />

Very convenient for town centre<br />

Elevated position with views<br />

Archer & Co Chepstow 01291 62 62 62<br />

£225,000<br />

HIGH WOOLASTON<br />

Very well presented substantial barn conversion<br />

Possible annexe potential with 3-5 bedrooms<br />

Indoor heated swimming pool<br />

Archer & Co Chepstow 01291 62 62 62<br />

£525,000<br />

ST BRIAVELS<br />

Substantial 3 bed detached house<br />

Well presented with self-contained annexe<br />

Superb views to the rear<br />

Archer & Co Chepstow 01291 62 62 62<br />

Guide price £535,000<br />

BROCKWEIR<br />

Detached 3 bed house in need of renovation<br />

Situated in Brockweir Common with superb views<br />

Planning permission for significant extension<br />

Archer & Co Chepstow 01291 62 62 62<br />

Guide price £420,000<br />

5 2 2 D<br />

4 2 2 F<br />

4 2 2 D<br />

2 1 1 D<br />

PWLLMEYRIC, CHEPSTOW<br />

4/5 bed detached property on half acre plot<br />

Annexe potential, Popular village location<br />

Ample parking & double length garage<br />

Archer & Co Chepstow 01291 62 62 62<br />

£525,000<br />

TINTERN - LOWER WYE VALLEY<br />

Home and retail unit in famous beauty spot<br />

Excellent shop & two large 2 bed flats<br />

Attractive garden, outbuildings & parking<br />

Archer & Co Chepstow 01291 62 62 62<br />

£425,000<br />

PWLLMEYRIC, CHEPSTOW<br />

Individually designed large family home<br />

Large attractive wrap around gardens<br />

Very popular location, easy access to motorway<br />

Archer & Co Chepstow 01291 62 62 62<br />

£499,950<br />

CHEPSTOW<br />

Well presented 2 bed detached bungalow<br />

Very popular location<br />

Level private gardens to the rear<br />

Archer & Co Chepstow 01291 62 62 62<br />

£295,995<br />

5 4 2 C<br />

2 1 1 Exempt<br />

1 1 1 B<br />

5 3 2 E<br />

CHEPSTOW<br />

Substantial modern end terrace house<br />

5 good bedrooms (3 en-suite)<br />

Ideal for a growing family. Garage & parking<br />

Archer & Co Chepstow 01291 62 62 62<br />

£320,000<br />

BEACHLEY<br />

Two bedroom park home<br />

Rural location<br />

Allocated parking space<br />

Archer & Co Chepstow 01291 62 62 62<br />

£90,000<br />

TUTSHILL, CHEPSTOW<br />

One bed ground floor apartment<br />

Allocated parking space<br />

Conveniently located. No upper chain<br />

Archer & Co Chepstow 01291 62 62 62<br />

£114,950<br />

PWLLMEYRIC, CHEPSTOW<br />

Individually designed 5 bed family house<br />

Very popular village location<br />

Large private gardens, Lovely views<br />

Archer & Co Chepstow 01291 62 62 62<br />

£525,000<br />

3 1 2 D<br />

3 1 2 C<br />

2 1 1 D<br />

4 3 2 New<br />

USK<br />

Large Three Bedroom Second Floor Flat<br />

Central Usk Location<br />

Spacious Family Accommodation<br />

Archer & Co Usk 01291 67 22 12<br />

£210,000<br />

USK<br />

Modern Semi Detached Family <strong>Property</strong><br />

Full Double Glazing & Gas Central Heating<br />

Garage & Rear Garden<br />

Archer & Co Usk 01291 67 22 12<br />

£249,950<br />

LLANBADOC, USK<br />

Lovely Compact Terraced Cottage<br />

Pleasant Rural Location<br />

Parking Space and Sunny Rear Patio<br />

Archer & Co Usk 01291 67 22 12<br />

£165,950<br />

BLAENAVON - PLOT 24<br />

Substantial 4-bed family home<br />

Welcoming lobby and hallway<br />

High specification, granite worktops<br />

Archer & Co Usk 01291 67 22 12<br />

O.I.R.O £274,950<br />

Associated Park Lane office


Ever since the news that the Severn Bridge toll<br />

was set to be reduced, Bristol buyers have been<br />

crossing the Severn in search of value for money.<br />

More recently the confirmation that the toll is<br />

due to be abolished altogether has sparked a<br />

further wave of buyers looking to move to our<br />

side of the river, which is why we advertise all of<br />

our properties on both sides!<br />

To see what this means for the value of your home<br />

call us now to arrange a free market appraisal or<br />

visit our website for a free instant online valuation.


Chepstow<br />

Monmouth<br />

Usk<br />

Ross-on-Wye<br />

Abergavenny<br />

Newport<br />

PONTSHILL<br />

A superb individually designed modern family house overlooking open<br />

countryside. It stands within private, beautifully landscaped sunny gardens<br />

bordered by a stream. Built to the vendors exacting specification and is still<br />

under an NHBC guarantee. It provides a spacious and stylish family home<br />

featuring a huge fitted kitchen/family/sitting room, 5 double bedrooms and 2<br />

en-suites. EPC Rating: C<br />

HUNTLEY<br />

Combining the best of old and new is this superb converted barn with<br />

character features, coupled with a sleek interior including a large open plan<br />

living space. Located at the end of a small country lane, yet within walking<br />

distance of the village. Wonderful landscaped gardens and a double bay<br />

carport. EPC Rating: C<br />

Forest of Dean<br />

Fine & Country Ross-on-Wye 01989 764132 £650,000<br />

Fine & Country Ross-on-Wye 01989 764132 £640,000<br />

Cheltenham<br />

Bristol<br />

Cardiff<br />

London<br />

LITTLE MILL - NR USK<br />

Nestled in an idyllic location on the fringe of Little Mill Village in the beautiful Vale of Usk<br />

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

being surrounded by farmland, meadows and woodland. The original Barn we<br />

understand was built in 1856 and was converted by the occupying owners in<br />

approximately 2008. The accommodation offered is spacious and well proportioned and<br />

has many unusual and unique features which the Agents feel can only be fully<br />

appreciated by an early internal inspection. The property has the benefit of an LPG gas<br />

central heating system providing under floor heating to the ground floor and radiators to<br />

the first floor. EPC Rating: D<br />

COEDYPAEN, USK<br />

Ty Perrot is a particularly well maintained and sympathetically modernised and<br />

renovated 18th Century cottage. The property is Grade II Listed and has many unusual<br />

and unique period features & stands in approximately a 1/3 acre of garden with a superb<br />

cottage garden & detached Single Car Garage, to one side of the property is a stone<br />

built room currently used as an Office ideal for the generation of people working from<br />

home. The property has a spacious lounge/dining room, well appointed farmhouse<br />

kitchen with Aga, utility room and cloakroom to the ground floor and to the first floor<br />

three good size bedrooms. EPC Rating: N/A<br />

Fine & Country Usk 01291 672212 O.I.R.O £435,000<br />

Fine & Country Usk 01291 672212 Offers based on £550,000


Regionally<br />

32 offices<br />

throughout<br />

the south west<br />

CHURCH ROAD, CALDICOT<br />

We are delighted to offer for sale this piece of history. This property is an 800<br />

year old manor house which has been traditionally restored over the past<br />

couple of decades. The property is approached by a driveway offering parking<br />

for numerous cars and has a separate barn for either additional<br />

accommodation (subject to the usual planning consents) or as a garage. EPC<br />

Rating: Exempt<br />

LLANISHEN<br />

A STUNNING AND IMPRESSIVE HOME of considerable style and character,<br />

immaculate throughout and commanding breath-taking, uninterrupted, panoramic views<br />

over the Usk Vale to Welsh mountains. Standing within circa 4 acres of manicured<br />

gardens and grounds there are MODERN STABLES, an ALL-WEATHER MANEGE and<br />

a valuable PADDOCK with excellent outriding on the doorstep. Originally a modest<br />

cottage the recent extensions, largely in bespoke oak framed double glazing, in addition<br />

to the modern luxuries including a fully equipped cinema room, take full advantage of<br />

the wonderful views to the South and West. EPC Rating: D<br />

Nationally<br />

225 offices across<br />

Great Britain<br />

Internationally<br />

Plus 75<br />

offices globally<br />

Fine & Country Chepstow 01291 629799 Offers in excess of £800,000<br />

Fine & Country Chepstow 01291 629799 £1,100,000<br />

5000<br />

professional<br />

associates all<br />

around the world<br />

THE KYMIN, NR MONMOUTH<br />

In an elevated country setting commanding superb panoramic views, an<br />

extended detached bungalow with garden, woodland and paddock of circa 2.6<br />

acres. The original building has been extended to provide up to two further<br />

bedrooms (four in all), a lounge and new kitchen. Virtually all rooms enjoy the<br />

magnificent panoramic view over Monmouth to the Welsh Mountains and the<br />

lounge has bi-fold doors to the decking and the pretty gardens, bounded by<br />

beautiful woodland. EPC Rating: D<br />

THE HENDRE, NR MONMOUTH<br />

Occupying a delightful semi-rural location on the edge of the Hendre. A<br />

conversion of substantial Grade II* Listed stone barns, arranged around a<br />

courtyard providing a delightful setting. The conversion of former granary and<br />

threshing barns has been carried out by the present owners who have taken<br />

care and pride in the overall development. Retaining many of the original<br />

features this sympathetic conversion is in keeping with the traditional style of<br />

the buildings. Blending modern living benefits to enhance the overall appeal of<br />

the property. EPC Rating: D<br />

Fine & Country Monmouth 01600 775930 £499,999<br />

Fine & Country Monmouth 01600 775930 £625,000


22<br />

PROPERTIES<br />

44b Maryport Street, Usk, Monmouthshire<br />

Archer & Co 01291 672212 www.archerandco.com<br />

This flat is one of three executive self contained units each occupying one floor of a<br />

building previously known as The Lamb & Flag which was renovated and converted<br />

approximately 25 years ago. The flat offers exceptionally spacious accommodation and<br />

Price<br />

£210,000<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

bathroom bathroom<br />

3<br />

living living room room etc etc<br />

central central heating heating<br />

garage/covered parking parking parking parking<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

2 1<br />

A large three bedroom second floor flat with exceptionally spacious accommodation<br />

which enjoys a convenient central Usk location.<br />

bathroom<br />

bathroom<br />

living room living room etc etc<br />

central heating<br />

central heating<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

enjoys a pleasant southerly aspect towards Wentwood over Old Market Street frontage.<br />

The entrance is through a common hall shared by the three flats with a carpeted internal<br />

staircase leading to the first and second floors.<br />

GAS<br />

parking<br />

parking<br />

bedroom<br />

living room etc<br />

Valleyside, St. Briavels, Chepstow<br />

Archer & Co 01291 626262 www.archerandco.com<br />

Price<br />

£535,000<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

bathroom bathroom<br />

3<br />

living living room room etc etc<br />

central central heating heating<br />

garage/covered parking parking parking parking<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

3 2<br />

Well presented & substantial three bed detached house with self-contained annexe<br />

and superb views to the rear over Wye Valley & Forest of Dean<br />

This appealing detached three bedroomed property is<br />

well situated in an idyllic and tranquil setting on the edge<br />

of the historic village of St Briavels which benefits from<br />

many local amenities including public house, village<br />

shop, Church, Doctors’ surgery and dry moated castle.<br />

The property is approached off a quiet country lane<br />

on the outskirts of the village with driveway entrance<br />

providing ample parking and comprises entrance porch,<br />

reception hall, sitting room, snug/dining room, kitchen,<br />

utility room, family room, side porch, cloakroom, three<br />

bathroom<br />

bathroom<br />

living room living room etc etc<br />

central heating<br />

central heating<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

bathroom<br />

GAS LPG<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

parking<br />

parking<br />

central heating<br />

bedrooms (bedroom one with en-suite shower room) and<br />

family bathroom.<br />

The garage was converted to a self contained annexe,<br />

currently used for Airbnb but also suitable for teenage<br />

retreat or granny annexe.<br />

parking


FRONT COVER HOME<br />

<strong>23</strong><br />

Llanthony Secunda Manor<br />

Caldicot, Monmouthshire - £800,000<br />

This property is an 800-year-old manor house which has been traditionally<br />

restored over the past couple of decades.<br />

This magnificent 12th Century manor house, one<br />

of the oldest buildings in Wales, occupies a superb<br />

location within the charming village of Caldicot, on the<br />

southernmost tip of the spectacular Wye Valley.<br />

This fine example of medieval architecture, which<br />

was originally built by the monks of Llanthony Prima<br />

in 1120 and was at one time owned by Henry VIII,<br />

is a property that is steeped in history and one that<br />

fortunately has been lovingly restored to its former glory.<br />

The property is approached by a driveway offering<br />

parking for numerous cars and has a separate barn for<br />

either additional accommodation (subject to the usual<br />

planning consents) or as a garage.<br />

The main house has a wealth of historical charm<br />

throughout with original bread ovens to lime washed<br />

walls. The ground floor offers a formal reception room,<br />

characterful Kitchen with the original bread oven recess<br />

and range cooker with four ovens and six burners,<br />

dining room, study/snug, downstairs cloakroom and<br />

utility room.<br />

On the first floor (accessed from two staircases) has<br />

the Great Hall which is a magnificent dining hall and<br />

the separate library. Off the Great Hall there is access to<br />

the stunning main bedroom with an en-suite wc. Off the<br />

main landing there is access to the utility room which in<br />

turns leads to a spacious bathroom and store room. On<br />

the second floor (accessed from a spiral staircase) there<br />

are three further bedrooms and a modern period style<br />

bathroom with separate shower cubicle.<br />

On the top floor there is a further 17`5 x 13`9 room<br />

which could become bedroom six or a further reception<br />

room. On this floor there is also access to a large roof<br />

void which measures 32`1 x 15`9.<br />

Outside the gardens are to three sides of the<br />

property with a mixture of courtyards, lawns, there is<br />

even a covered well.<br />

This house has to be viewed in order to appreciate<br />

this piece of history which we believe was once owned<br />

by Henry VIII.<br />

Fine & Country • 01291 629799 • www.fineandcountry.com


24<br />

PROPERTIES<br />

bedroom<br />

living room etc<br />

Wintour Close, Chepstow<br />

Moon & Co 01291 629292 www.thinkmoon.co.uk<br />

Price<br />

£269,950<br />

Three bedroomed detached family home featuring 22’ reception room and double glazed conservatory<br />

garage/covered parking parking<br />

set in pleasant gardens with driveway and garage.<br />

2 Wintour Close is located in a pleasant mature cul-de-sac located on the periphery<br />

of Chepstow giving easy access to local schools, shops and other amenities as well as<br />

excellent road access via the M48 motorway to Cardiff and Bristol.<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

bathroom bathroom<br />

3<br />

living living room room etc etc<br />

central central heating heating<br />

Please note that the Severn Bridge toll charges will be scrapped from the 1st January,<br />

2019. This conveniently located house is well presented throughout and viewing is<br />

highly recommended.<br />

garage/covered parking parking parking parking<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

bathroom<br />

bathroom<br />

living room living room etc etc<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

bathroom<br />

central heating<br />

central heating<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

parking<br />

central heating<br />

2 1 1<br />

GAS<br />

parking<br />

bedroom<br />

living room etc<br />

The Oaklands, Stroat, Chepstow NP16 7LR<br />

Fine & Country 01291 629799 www.fineandcountry.com<br />

Price<br />

£500,000<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

bathroom bathroom<br />

4<br />

living living room room etc etc<br />

central central heating heating<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

bathroom<br />

Detached 4 bedroomed bungalow set in gardens and grounds of<br />

just over two acres, in a rural location with far reaching views.<br />

This detached 1930’s built four bedroomed bungalow is being sold for the first time in<br />

31 years and has been a loving family home during that time.<br />

The landscaped gardens and grounds extend to just over 2 acres with many useful<br />

outbuildings/workshops and fine views overlooking open countryside and giving easy<br />

access to the famous and renowned Forest of Dean.<br />

The accommodation comprises glazed vestibule, reception hall, living room, dining<br />

bathroom<br />

living room living room etc etc<br />

central heating<br />

central heating<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

bathroom<br />

ELECTRIC<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

parking<br />

parking<br />

central heating<br />

2 1 2<br />

room, kitchen, utility room, cloakroom, three ground floor bedrooms and bathroom<br />

with a further bedroom on the first floor.<br />

The property is approached via a long garage/covered parking parking parking driveway parking leading to the ample parking/turning<br />

area. The landscaped gardens and grounds extend to just over 2 acres and comprise<br />

lawns, rockery, raised patio/barbecue area, several seating areas making the most of the<br />

views and the abundance of local wild/birdlife.<br />

parking


Sales & Lettings Agent<br />

Open 7 days per week<br />

No Sale - No Fee<br />

Free Valuations<br />

Chepstow Office Tel: 01291 629292<br />

GREEN STREET, CHEPSTOW<br />

• IMMACULATELY PRESENTED MID-TERRACED PROPERTY<br />

• THREE BEDROOMS<br />

• TWO RECEPTION ROOMS<br />

• MODERN KITCHEN<br />

• NO ONWARD CHAIN • E.E.R – D<br />

£210,000<br />

HUGHES CRESCENT, CHEPSTOW<br />

• CHARACTERFUL MID-TERRACE PROPERTY<br />

• THREE BEDROOMS<br />

• OPEN PLAN LIVING/DINING ROOM<br />

• KITCHEN AND UTILITY ROOM<br />

• LANDSCAPED GARDENS • E.E.R – D<br />

£225,000<br />

THE ORCHARDS, WOOLASTON<br />

• IMMACULATELY PRESENTED DETACHED FAMILY HOME<br />

• FOUR BEDROOMS MASTER WITH EN-SUITE<br />

• OPEN PLAN KITCHEN/DINING ROOM WITH ACCESS TO UTILITY<br />

• GENEROUS LIVING ROOM WITH CONSERVATORY OFF<br />

• DETACHED DOUBLE GARAGE • E.E.R – D<br />

£385,000<br />

ST LAWRENCE PARK, CHEPSTOW<br />

• IMMACULATELY PRESENTED DETACHED 3 STOREY HOME<br />

• FIVE BEDROOMS, TWO WITH EN-SUITE FACILITIES<br />

• TWO RECEPTION ROOMS<br />

• FULLY UPDATED KITCHEN/DINING ROOM & UTILITY ROOM<br />

• DETACHED DOUBLE GARAGE AND PARKING<br />

£525,000<br />

WILLOW COURT, CHEPSTOW<br />

• SPACIOUS DETACHED FAMILY HOME<br />

• FOUR DOUBLE BEDROOMS, MASTER WITH EN-SUITE<br />

• KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM<br />

• GENEROUS GARDENS APPROACHING 3/4 ACRE<br />

• DOUBLE TANDEM GARAGE • E.E.R - D<br />

£525,000<br />

CATS, LEYS HILL, ROSS-ON-WYE<br />

• RESIDENTIAL PLOT WITH FULL PLANNING PERMISSION FOR 5<br />

DETACHED DWELLINGS<br />

• EACH PROPERTY TO BENEFIT FROM 6 BEDROOMS (2 EN-SUITE)<br />

• 3/4 RECEPTION ROOMS AND DOUBLE GARAGE<br />

• EACH PLOT COMPRISING OF APPROXIMATELY 3/4 OF AN ACRE<br />

• PLANNING REFERENCE: P161689/F (HEREFORDSHIRE COUNCIL)<br />

£1,750,000<br />

THE FORGE, ST ARVANS<br />

• CHARACTERFUL SEMI DETACHED COTTAGE<br />

• THREE DOUBLE BEDROOMS<br />

• SPACIOUS LIVING ROOM<br />

• UTILITY AND GROUND FLOOR BATHROOM<br />

• ENCLOSED PRIVATE GARDENS • E.E.R - E<br />

£389,950<br />

BROADHURST, CHEPSTOW<br />

• CHARACTERFUL DETACHED PROPERTY<br />

• FOUR BEDROOMS, TWO OF WHICH WITH EN-SUITE<br />

• TWO RECEPTION ROOMS & SEPARATE KITCHEN/DINING<br />

• UTILITY AND GROUND FLOOR W.C.<br />

• PARKING FOR NUMEROUS VEHICLES • E.E.R - D<br />

£599,950<br />

Magor/Undy Area<br />

Tel: 01633 745396<br />

Chepstow Lettings Office<br />

Tel: 01291 624881<br />

WELSH STREET, CHEPSTOW<br />

• REFURBISHED GROUND FLOOR FLAT<br />

• ONE DOUBLE BEDROOM<br />

• LIVING ROOM OPEN TO KITCHEN<br />

• AVAILABLE NOW<br />

• EPC RATING C<br />

£495.00 PCM<br />

WILLIAM MORRIS DRIVE, NEWPORT<br />

• MID LINK PROPERTY<br />

• TWO BEDROOMS<br />

• GARAGE AND SINGLE DRIVEWAY<br />

• AVAILABLE NOW<br />

• EPC RATING B<br />

£550.00 PCM<br />

POUND COTTAGE, ST BRIAVELS<br />

• DETACHED BUNGALOW<br />

• TWO BEDROOMS<br />

• COURTYARD GARDEN<br />

• AVAILABLE NOW<br />

• EPC RATING E<br />

£625.00 PCM<br />

WESTERN AVENUE, BULWARK<br />

• END LINK<br />

• THREE BEDROOMS<br />

• OPEN PLAN LIVING/DINING ROOM<br />

• AVAILABLE 16TH MARCH<br />

• EPC RATING E<br />

£675.00 PCM<br />

OAKGROVE LODGE, CHEPSTOW<br />

• DETACHED LODGE BUNGALOW<br />

• TWO BEDROOMS<br />

• SPACIOUS LIVING ROOM<br />

• AVAILABLE NOW<br />

• EPC RATING E<br />

£750.00 PCM<br />

WOODLAND VIEW, DEVAUDEN<br />

• DETACHED BUNGALOW<br />

• TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS<br />

• PARKING FOR SEVERAL VEHICLES<br />

• AVAILABLE 1ST MARCH<br />

• EPC RATING E<br />

£875.00 PCM<br />

HUNTFIELD ROAD, CHEPSTOW<br />

• WELL PRESENTED DETACHED PROPERTY<br />

• FOUR BEDROOMS<br />

• DRIVEWAY WITH SINGLE GARAGE<br />

• AVAILABLE 9TH MAY<br />

• EPC RATING C<br />

£975.00 PCM<br />

LAUREL PARK, ST ARVANS<br />

• SPACIOUS DETACHED FAMILY HOME<br />

• FOUR SPACIOUS BEDROOMS<br />

• DOUBLE GARAGE AND OFF ROAD PARKING<br />

• AVALABLE NOW<br />

• EPC RATING E<br />

£1100.00 PCM<br />

www.thinkmoon.co.uk


NEWS<br />

27<br />

House-Hunters<br />

flood the market<br />

The number of house-hunters looking for new homes rose by 37 per cent in January<br />

In line with this, the supply of available properties and the number of sales agreed also increased<br />

Increased competition stifled first time buyers (FTBs) as sales to the group fell<br />

NAEA <strong>Property</strong>mark issues January Housing Report<br />

Demand for housing<br />

2018 started with a boom for the housing market, as<br />

demand from prospective house-hunters increased by<br />

more than a third (37 per cent)<br />

In December, agents registered 268 per branch,<br />

compared to 367 in January.<br />

This is the highest figure since September 2017,<br />

when there were 394 registered per estate agent branch.<br />

Supply of properties<br />

In line with rising demand, January saw an influx<br />

of sellers marketing their properties – the supply of<br />

available properties increased to 36 per branch on<br />

average, from 33 in December.<br />

Sales to first-time buyers (FTBs)<br />

Earlier this month, UK Finance reported that sales to<br />

FTBs in 2017 were higher than any other year since the<br />

financial crisis.<br />

However, increased competition moving into 2018<br />

looks to be affecting the group with sales falling to 27<br />

per cent in January, from 32 per cent in December.<br />

Mark Hayward, Chief Executive, NAEA<br />

<strong>Property</strong>mark said: “As we usually see in January, buyers<br />

and sellers have re-entered the market after the festive<br />

slow-down and triggered an uplift in the number of<br />

sales agreed. While this is good news for the market<br />

generally, the increased competition seems to have<br />

affected FTBs, who generally have less bargaining power<br />

when it comes to bidding for properties.<br />

“Our members have noticed FTBs holding off on<br />

making purchases typically outside of London, and<br />

saving for longer to maximise the full stamp duty relief.<br />

They’re skipping the ‘first time home’ and moving<br />

straight onto their second homes, to avoid growing out<br />

of their property in four or five years and facing the cost<br />

of stamp duty. This is a smart move and an example<br />

of how FTBs are making legislation work to their<br />

advantage.”<br />

mortgages, life insurance and finance specialists<br />

4 Re Mortgage<br />

4 Overseas Mortgages<br />

4 Buy To Let Mortgage<br />

4 Let To Buy<br />

4 Help To Buy<br />

4 Equity Release<br />

4 Protection<br />

4 Asset Finance<br />

4 No broker fees<br />

Professional Impartial Confidential<br />

Top Floor, The Market Tavern, 26 Agincourt Square, Monmouth NP25 3BT E: blestium@hotmail.com<br />

Tel: 01600 775393<br />

www.blestium.com


Sales - Monmouth<br />

Apartments<br />

Sales - Monmouth<br />

Viewing<br />

Essential<br />

Must<br />

View<br />

Sales - Monmouth<br />

Sales - Monmouth<br />

NEW<br />

The Rolls starting from £194,995<br />

The Rolls Buildings provide a delightful and stylish combination<br />

of intriguing apartments within the renovated Arts & Crafts<br />

former cottage hospital. Residents to date have moved here<br />

for several reasons, one being grandparents moving closer to<br />

their families and enjoying the beautiful gardens. EPC Exempt.<br />

Whitchurch £490,000<br />

This impressive 5 bedroom family home offers over 3600<br />

square feet of beautifully presented accommodation. The<br />

former chapel was converted just over 12 years ago, making<br />

full use of the large windows and abundance of natural light.<br />

EPC E.<br />

Welsh Newton £1,400,000<br />

Set in well-defined grounds of over 5 acres (STM), with<br />

outstanding views across open countryside, Newton Lodge is<br />

a large 5 bedroom country house with a range of outbuildings<br />

and stone barns that have been converted into residential<br />

dwellings which provide a substantial rental income. EPC G.<br />

New Dixton £385,950<br />

Situated just minutes from the centre of Monmouth, a traditional<br />

style 3 bedroom semi-detached home that has been extended to<br />

provide generous accommodation to the ground floor. The property<br />

is well presented throughout and conveniently located for many of<br />

the amenities and schools within the area. EPC B.<br />

Sales - Monmouth<br />

Sales - Monmouth<br />

Sales - Monmouth<br />

Sales - Monmouth<br />

NEW<br />

NEW<br />

NEW<br />

New<br />

Home<br />

Goodrich £500,000<br />

***OPEN HOUSE OVER 2 DATES, 17TH & 31ST MARCH 11AM-1PM***<br />

please call to book. No onward chain with this stone built 4 bedroom<br />

detached property was once the stable block of a large country house<br />

and was converted in 1975 into a two storey residential property by<br />

the previous owner. Wonderful elevated position above the village, with<br />

stunning views of the surrounding area. EPC G.<br />

Abergavenny £120,000<br />

***OPEN HOUSE 10TH MARCH 11AM-1PM*** please call<br />

to book . This quaint one bedroom traditional mid terrace<br />

property situated in a bustling market town offers outside<br />

space and plenty of lovely features. CALL NOW TO BOOK YOUR<br />

VIEWING, BEFORE IT’S GONE! EPC E.<br />

Monnow Keep £280,000<br />

A most desirable 3 bedroom, contemporary town house with<br />

accommodation situated over 3 floors including first floor lounge<br />

and far-reaching countryside views. NO UPPER CHAIN. EPC C.<br />

Joys Green starting from £435,0000<br />

READY TO VIEW NOW - CALL TODAY TO ARRANGE YOUR<br />

APPOINTMENT! A charming detached newly built 4 bedroom<br />

family house boasting wonderful views across the Wye<br />

Valley and finished to a high standard throughout, with stone<br />

cladding and bespoke kitchen. EPC Exempt.<br />

Sales - Chepstow<br />

SSTC<br />

Sales - Chepstow<br />

Stunning<br />

Location<br />

Sales - Chepstow<br />

NEW<br />

Sales - Chepstow<br />

Reduced<br />

Sedbury Court, Sedbury £299,950<br />

Don’t miss out of this immaculately presented four bedroom<br />

house in the sought after location Sedbury with its nearby<br />

schools, services and transport links. It benefits from its southwesterly<br />

facing rear garden and its conservatory. Plus garage<br />

and parking,<br />

Romanesque, Caerwent £370,000<br />

DON’T MISS THIS ONE! CALL TO BOOK YOUR VIEWING TODAY.<br />

Set on its generous plot in an idyllic position with local village<br />

services on your doorstep. Great access to major link roads, and<br />

the nearby town centres of Caldicot, Chepstow and within 25<br />

miles of Cardiff Centre.<br />

Caldicot Road, Rogiet £290,000<br />

Excellent Location. A prominent Four bedroom detached stonebuilt<br />

house benefiting two reception rooms, enclosed gardens,<br />

off road parking and detached workshop. Great access to major<br />

link road and rail services.<br />

Wyndcliffe, St Arvans £300,000<br />

*Village Location* Want that Village location? Backing on to fields and<br />

countryside. Offered with NO ONGOING CHAIN this ideal family home<br />

has a lot to offer. This extended semi-detached property would make an<br />

ideal family home. Offered with NO CHAIN the property is conveniently<br />

situated in the very desirable village location of St Arvans, just outside of<br />

Chepstow Town Centre. EPC D<br />

Sales - Chepstow<br />

Still under<br />

NHBC<br />

Sales - Chepstow<br />

Viewing<br />

Advised<br />

Sales - Chepstow<br />

Corner<br />

Plot<br />

Sales - Chepstow<br />

Immaculate<br />

throughout<br />

Roundbush Crescent, Caerwent £300,000 Holmleigh, Tintern £330,000<br />

A DELIGHTFUL FOUR BEDROOM FAMILY HOME! This detached<br />

four bedroom property is immaculately presented throughout<br />

and is still under NHBC warranty. With generous bedroom sizes<br />

and the additional reception room there is space for the whole<br />

family. EPC C.<br />

A viewing is essential of this lovely family home in the popular<br />

village of Tintern. With breath taking riverside views, this is one<br />

not to be missed! The property benefits from spacious living<br />

accommodation and open plan kitchen diner. EPC E.<br />

Wintour Close, Chepstow £325,000<br />

Extended Detached house located in a popular area in<br />

Chepstow, positioned at the end of a cul de sac and just a short<br />

walk from the town centre. The accommodation benefits from<br />

being on a larger than average plot. EPC D.<br />

Bayfieldwood Close, Chepstow £269,950<br />

*STUNNING TOWN HOUSE* Call to book your viewing now! A stunning<br />

3 storey house with 3 double bedrooms and parking! Immaculate<br />

throughout, landscaped garden and ensuite to master. Just a short<br />

walk from the town centre. The accommodation also benefits from<br />

ground floor shower room. Ideal First Time Buy!! EPC B.


Peter Alan and pa black<br />

71 Monnow Street, Monmouth NP25 3EW<br />

Tel: 01600 714355<br />

1a Bank Street, Chepstow NP16 5EL<br />

Tel: 01291 630876<br />

You Bet, We Let!<br />

Meet our new Peter Alan lettings Manager of Monmouth, Harriet.<br />

Harriet will be able to assist landlords with:<br />

• Assessment of rental value<br />

• Deposits<br />

• Inventories<br />

• Periodic visit<br />

• Maintenance coordination<br />

• Advice on current regulations<br />

• Advertising your property<br />

• Deposits<br />

• <strong>Property</strong> viewing<br />

• Tenancy agreements<br />

• Tenancy renewals<br />

• Rental arrears process<br />

• Serving of notices<br />

• End of tenancy arbitration<br />

Call now for you FREE RENTAL APPRAISAL<br />

on 01600 714355<br />

Under our managed services we will hold the deposit in our ring fenced client account as we are members of the<br />

Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). We can then arbitrate directly with your Tenants, on your behalf, on any issues that<br />

may arise at the end of the Tenancy and follow this if necessary via the scheme provider.<br />

If you are a LET ONLY Landlord you will need to register yourself with the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS).<br />

71 Monnow Street, Monmouth NP25 3EW Tel: 01600 714355<br />

1a Bank Street, Chepstow NP16 5EL Tel: 01291 630876


30<br />

PROPERTIES<br />

bedroom<br />

living room etc<br />

Gobion House, Llanvihangel Gobion NP7 9BA Price<br />

Fine & Country 01873 858990 www.fineandcountry.com £575,000<br />

A charming and delightful period house with views across the rolling Monmouth<br />

countryside, located just off the B4598 Abergavenny to Raglan Road, ideally placed for<br />

access to Abergavenny, Monmouth and Usk. This delightful home is set over several<br />

levels providing a quirky and unusual family home with much character. The recent<br />

addition of a beautiful, contemporary garden room complements the more traditional<br />

rooms of the original building. Gobion House is not only an attractive family home, it<br />

would lend itself to a ‘Bed and Breakfast’ enterprise providing a home and income.<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

bathroom bathroom<br />

4<br />

living living room room etc etc<br />

central central heating heating<br />

garage/covered parking parking parking parking<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

bathroom<br />

bathroom<br />

bathroom<br />

living room living room etccentral heating<br />

5 2 4<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

OIL<br />

central heating<br />

central heating<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

A delightful character country home in a convenient location with spacious living accommodation<br />

garage/covered parking parking<br />

and beautiful views over the Monmouthshire countryside.<br />

parking<br />

parking<br />

To one side of the house is a driveway via double wooden gates leading to a large<br />

parking area and access to the generous double garage with power and light. The<br />

level, mature gardens, which are mainly laid to lawn with a variety of trees and shrubs,<br />

adjoin open fields to the side and afford beautiful countryside views. Trees include a<br />

number of productive fruit varieties, with damson, pear and apple. Other plants include<br />

blackcurrant and gooseberry bushes. There is a wooden summerhouse, which enjoys<br />

the garden and views towards the Usk Valley offering a place to while away the day.<br />

Unlock the value of your<br />

home with Equity Release<br />

Improving health and an increase in life expectancy is putting a strain on people who<br />

fund their lifestyle on limited resources, particularly in times of instability on stock<br />

markets and low interest rates.<br />

Coupled with this is the increase in debt being carried into retirement, funding the<br />

provision of care, supporting children in adulthood and the growth in relationship<br />

breakdown with the over 60s.<br />

As an owner, your property is probably your biggest asset and with the passage<br />

of time there has been an ever-increasing number of homeowners turning to equity<br />

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

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

developed into an integral part of financial planning to be used in a variety of ways<br />

including:<br />

• maintaining your standard of living by supplementing income or replacing capital<br />

• consolidating credit cards, loans and other debts<br />

• paying off an interest-only age restricted mortgage<br />

• home improvements and adaptations<br />

• holiday of a lifetime<br />

• funding medical and social care<br />

• assisting children and grandchildren on the property ladder<br />

• funding divorce or civil partnership settlements for self or children<br />

• paying school and university fees<br />

• mitigating inheritance tax<br />

Equity release is highly regulated and there are many safeguards in place to protect<br />

those who take out a plan, however, it is important that advice is sought from a<br />

specialist solicitor and financial adviser with the relevant experience early in the<br />

process.<br />

GWYN JAMES<br />

S O L C I T O R S<br />

THE PROPERTY SPECIALISTS<br />

u Residential Sales and Purchases<br />

u Remortgage<br />

u Buy to Let<br />

u Shared Equity Purchases<br />

u Help to Buy Schemes<br />

u Leasehold Properties<br />

u Equity Release<br />

u <strong>Property</strong> Trusts<br />

u Sharing Ownership<br />

u <strong>Property</strong> Disputes<br />

COLEFORD | MONMOUTH | ROSS ON WYE | CINDERFORD<br />

(01594 833042) (01600 775950) (01989 564209) (01594 822277)<br />

info@gwynjames.co.uk<br />

www.gwynjames.co.uk<br />

Gwyn James Solicitors is a trading name of Gwyn James Legal Limited<br />

which is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority


HOMES FROM PARRYS<br />

2 Agincourt Square, Monmouth, NP25 3BT | 01600 775930 | monmouth@parrys.com<br />

Dixton Road, Monmouth<br />

£499,950<br />

• Attractive 1930’s style family property<br />

• Conveniently situated for town and travel<br />

• Appreciating original and modern features<br />

• Well presented versatile living accommodation<br />

• Enjoying delightful rear garden bordering field<br />

• Private driveway providing parking area and Garage<br />

• EPC Rating D<br />

Dixton Road, Monmouth<br />

£569,000<br />

• Impressive elegant period property<br />

• Conveniently situated on the edge of town<br />

• Well presented both externally and internally<br />

• Delightful character features<br />

• Extensive landscaped garden<br />

• Detached garage to the rear<br />

• EPC Rating D<br />

Lydart, Monmouth<br />

Offers in excess of £450,000<br />

• Character lodge house incorporating an annexe<br />

• Situated in a slightly elevated semi-rural setting<br />

• Enjoying fine Westerly views across countryside<br />

• Attractive accommodation with character features<br />

• Mature gardens with terrace appreciating views<br />

• Garage and Parking, grounds circa 0.43 of an acre<br />

• EPC Rating F<br />

Bolingbroke Close, Monmouth,<br />

£149,950<br />

Holywell Close, Monmouth,<br />

£249,950<br />

• Attractive two bedroom mid link property<br />

• Situated towards the head of the cul de sac<br />

• Convenient edge of town location<br />

• Extended Kitchen Dining Area<br />

• Sitting Room with door to rear<br />

• Interesting well stocked garden<br />

• EPC rating C<br />

• Superb three bedroom detached property<br />

• Convenient edge of town position near local shop<br />

• Well proportioned accommodation<br />

• Beautifully fitted open plan Kitchen/Dining Room<br />

• Bi-fold doors leading out to the rear garden<br />

• Driveway parking to front, private access to rear<br />

• EPC rating D<br />

Osbaston, Monmouth,<br />

£540,000<br />

Cornpoppy Avenue, Monmouth,<br />

£229,000<br />

• Individually built and designed by the current owners<br />

• Offering fine well-proportioned accommodation<br />

• Situated in a convenient and sought after area<br />

• Extensive lawned garden to rear<br />

• Integral Garage, Cellar, parking and turning area<br />

• Sitting Room with door opening out to balcony<br />

• EPC Rating C<br />

• Modern three bedroom property<br />

• Popular area of similar style homes<br />

• Pleasantly situated towards far corner of Close<br />

• Kitchen with Breakfast area<br />

• Open plan through to stunning Conservatory<br />

• Rear garden with access to Garage<br />

• EPC Rating C<br />

2 Agincourt Sqaure, Monmouth, NP25 3BT | 01600 713030 | monmouth@parrys.com


32<br />

PROPERTIES<br />

bedroom<br />

living room etc<br />

School House, The Narth. Monmouth<br />

Newland Rennie 01600 712916 www.newlandrennie.com<br />

The addition of a sizeable double glazed conservatory at<br />

the rear creates further living space to complement the<br />

other large and comfortable reception rooms.<br />

The house has uPVC double glazing along with a<br />

comprehensive oil central heating system run from a<br />

modern condensing boiler. A solar energy system from<br />

panels fixed to the barn roof which to-date has produced<br />

Price<br />

£550,000<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

bathroom bathroom<br />

a noticeable financial return back to the household. The<br />

house stands in a generous overall plot of one third of<br />

an acre.<br />

At the front of the property is a large paved forecourt<br />

fronting the garage/outbuilding providing an extensive<br />

parking and turning space. The oak framed outbuilding<br />

has two double doors open to an open garage area with<br />

4<br />

living living room room etc etc<br />

central central heating heating<br />

garage/covered parking parking parking parking<br />

bedroom bedroom<br />

bathroom<br />

bathroom<br />

living room living room etc etc<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

bathroom<br />

central heating<br />

central heating<br />

garage/covered parking<br />

parking<br />

central heating<br />

3 3 3<br />

School House has been renovated and improved to a high standard providing family accommodation<br />

garage/covered parking parking<br />

whilst retaining the character of the property.<br />

power and light. A further set of double doors open to a<br />

further garage/store room.<br />

Solid wood double gates open to an extensive patio area<br />

at the rear of the house providing a very large space<br />

for outdoor leisure and entertaining with attractively<br />

landscaped south facing gardens and a detached garden<br />

room/workshop (formerly the garage) with pitched roof.<br />

OIL<br />

parking<br />

Dobbs & Drew<br />

<strong>Property</strong> Lawyers<br />

Opening hours Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 1pm<br />

Thinking of Moving House?<br />

Sell your Current home for £599 inclusive<br />

Buy your New home for £899<br />

plus Stamp Duty & Land Registry fee<br />

Sell & Buy together for £1399<br />

plus Stamp Duty<br />

& Land Registry fee<br />

Call us Today: 01594 562<strong>23</strong>9<br />

sue.drew@dobbsanddrew.co.uk lisa.dobbs@dobbsanddrew.co.uk<br />

Blue Rock House, Blue Rock Crescent, Bream,<br />

Glos, GL15 6LW<br />

www.dobbsanddrew.co.uk<br />

DO YOU HAVE A<br />

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3 distribution methods: • Door to door in three towns<br />

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Why not advertise in the only property specific<br />

publication in Monmouthshire, South Herefordshire<br />

and West Gloucestershire<br />

Next Deadline 9th March<br />

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www.thepropertydrop.co.uk • info@thepropertydrop.co.uk


Rural Residential Commercial Design<br />

djandp.co.uk<br />

newlandrennie.com<br />

NEW<br />

NEW<br />

NO CHAIN<br />

Guide Price £<strong>23</strong>9,000 Guide Price £665,000<br />

Holywell Close, Monmouth Monmouthshire<br />

A modern detached house situated in a popular residential location on the south-west side of Monmouth, within easy walking<br />

distance of the town and local amenities, including excellent junior and senior schools, and providing easy access to the major road<br />

networks. The property is located at the end of the road giving a large garden extending to the front, side and rear of house.<br />

The accommodation includes a large sitting room, kitchen and conservatory, 3 bedrooms and bathroom, and attached garage.<br />

EPC rating C.<br />

Newland Rennie Monmouth office 01600 712916<br />

Monmouth Monmouthshire<br />

An impressive character Victorian house situated in a sought after part of Monmouth town, enjoying south-west views, opposite the<br />

Haberdashers School for Girls. The substantial house provides excellent accommodation including drawing room with ornate ceiling<br />

and Victorian fireplace, garden room, kitchen/conservatory, scullery, shower room, bedroom/study, 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.<br />

Outside are landscaped gardens, parking and a large outbuilding/garage. EPC rating F.<br />

Newland Rennie Monmouth office 01600 712916<br />

SOLD<br />

WANTED - PROPERTIES<br />

URGENTLY REQUIRED<br />

TO MEET HIGH DEMAND<br />

CONTACT US FOR A FREE & NO OBLIGATION VALUATION<br />

Guide Price £62,500<br />

DJ&P Newland Rennie are currently looking for new properties.<br />

We have a long list of applicants who are waiting to find<br />

their new dream home. Please contact our Monmouth office:<br />

Call: 01600 712916<br />

Email: monmouth@newlandrennie.com<br />

St Briavels Gloucestershire<br />

As a small property in the heart of the Forest of Dean, this compact studio apartment has great potential with a private entrance hall,<br />

shower room, airing cupboard, a bed/sitting room and separate kitchen. It benefits from the use of communal grounds, and the new<br />

owner will enjoy breathtaking views across the Wye Valley every day from its position on the second floor of a Grade II Listed<br />

building, originally converted in 1982. The apartment is accessed by a communal ground floor entrance with stairs to all floors,<br />

and is conveniently placed in the heart of the charming village of St Briavels. The village is renowned for its Norman castle, directly<br />

opposite the apartment, as well as the next-door village inn/restaurant (The George), a small village shop/delicatessen (The Pantry),<br />

and regular farmers markets. EPC rating E.<br />

Newland Rennie Monmouth office 01600 712916<br />

DAVID JAMES<br />

PARTNERS WITH NEWLAND RENNIE


34 MARKETS<br />

Finance of the future<br />

predictions<br />

An in-depth study using 80+ years of government data predicts the cost of weddings,<br />

divorces, housing and pensions for the next 10 years<br />

• The average house price in the UK is set to increase by 100% over a 25-year period<br />

• The average price of rent is set to rise by 24% from £813 in 2011 to £1,016<br />

by 2028<br />

• The average price of a wedding is set to increase by a whopping 60%<br />

• The average price of a divorce sees the biggest increase at over 300% from<br />

2003-2028<br />

• The average UK weekly income for Pensioners is set to increase 115% from<br />

£2<strong>23</strong> to £479 in 2028<br />

Have you considered how your finances could look<br />

in 10 years time?<br />

Financial comparison site money.co.uk predicts our future finances by analysing<br />

ONS data from the past 80 years to make a forecast for the next 10 years, taking into<br />

consideration inflation and rising expenses.<br />

As the tool analyses personal finance data over the past 80 years, money.co.uk can<br />

reveal the shocking rate at which we can expect our personal finance costs to increase<br />

by 2028.<br />

Average house to increase by 20% to £255,292<br />

The tool estimates the number of Brits buying a home in 2028 will decrease.<br />

In 2017, money.co.uk estimates that 14.6 million people in the UK own a home.<br />

However, in the next 10 years, this is looking to drop to 14.4 million<br />

The average price of rent set to increase by 10% by 2028<br />

The tool by money.co.uk not only reveals that house prices will go up by 20%, but<br />

that average monthly rent across the UK is set to increase by only 10%, from £925<br />

to £1,017. Could this mean that the UK property market will become more geared<br />

towards renting rather than buying?<br />

The average cost of a wedding to hit £32,064 by 2028 with<br />

divorce costing double<br />

On average, Brits are saving £105 a month to put towards their wedding – which<br />

means it takes around 10 years for the average couple to save for a wedding costing<br />

£25,000 (£25,090 being the national average). By 2028, the tool predicts a 17%<br />

increase in the total cost of getting married to a huge £29,838. This is almost £3,000<br />

more than the average current UK salary of £27,500 in 2017.<br />

The cost of a divorce will see the biggest increase according to money.co.uk’s<br />

financial forecasts, with the average cost expected to increase by a huge 25%, from<br />

£47,014 to £60,415.85 in 2028.<br />

Moreover, when considering the earliest recorded data from 2003, divorce costs<br />

have seen an astronomical increase of 360% between 2003 and 2028 from £13,050 to<br />

£60,415.85.<br />

In 10 years, our pensions will exceed the current average monthly<br />

wage<br />

In 2017, the average yearly salary was £27,500, which equates to £1,837 a month.<br />

By 2028, the average pension is expected to exceed the average monthly take home<br />

and reach £1,916 a month.<br />

Between 1995 and 2016, weekly pension income increased 1.7 times, from £2<strong>23</strong><br />

per week to £386. However, between 2016 and 2028, pension income will only<br />

increase 1.2 times, to £479 a week (£1,916 a month), equating to a 22% increase<br />

in pensions by 2028 (* This is based on average payment to pensioner household<br />

receiving state benefits, including but not limited to Pension Credit and State Pension)<br />

Hannah Maundrell, Editor in Chief of money.co.uk, said:<br />

“The cost of our major life events like buying a house and getting married are<br />

rising but wages are not keeping up. More than ever before people need to make their<br />

finances a priority. Our predictions can give people a good indication of how much<br />

these life events are going to cost and the amount they need to save for their dream<br />

futures.<br />

It’s no surprise the UK is adopting a renting culture as house prices are quickly<br />

outstripping what people can realistically afford. It’s really hard to save a deposit while<br />

you rent. If buying a property is on your bucket list, you need to seriously work out<br />

how you are going to achieve it. Getting a handle on your outgoings and incomings<br />

is the first step to budgeting for your life. It sounds daunting to budget for life events<br />

that feel so far away. However, with prices evidently on the rise it will take you far<br />

longer to save up to achieve your life goals.”<br />

The figures we’ve predicted are based on trends in government data. We expect<br />

certain external events may have a large impact on future finances, such as large<br />

political milestones like Brexit or wage freezes in the public sector”.<br />

You can explore the full future forecasts by money.co.uk at: https://www.money.co.uk/<br />

financial-forecast/


INTERNATIONAL<br />

35<br />

On location in …<br />

Verbier, Switzerland<br />

With snow falling as we go to press, what better place to explore than Switzerland with Savills Guy Murdoch.<br />

The market<br />

The Swiss ski resort of Verbier is fourth in the<br />

Savills Global Ski Resort Prime Price League, with<br />

asking prices of prime residential properties just<br />

over CHF22,000 per sq m, rising to just under<br />

CHF32,000 per sq m for super prime properties<br />

A chronic shortage of new development sites,<br />

caused by recent planning changes and the more<br />

draconian Lex Weber second homes legislation, will<br />

do nothing to harm the already premium prices of<br />

this resort. This season the snow conditions across<br />

the Alps are some of the best in 30 years and this<br />

should erase any doubts among potential buyers of<br />

the long-term investability of Verbier.<br />

Resort overview<br />

In Verbier, the commune of Bagnes is busy<br />

redeveloping the sports centre, as well as the train<br />

and lift station at the foot of the resort in Le Chable.<br />

This is a total regeneration project costing CHF27<br />

million which will include an underground train<br />

station and a further 46,000 sq m of development<br />

potential. There is talk of permanent football<br />

training academy. A new 45-seater gondola, running<br />

at 10 m per second, opened this season which takes<br />

400 people per hour to the top of Mont Gelé. There<br />

is another lift planned from Le Rouge to Savoleyres,<br />

however this is pending approval.<br />

Apart from the recent addition of the prestigious<br />

W Verbier hotel, which has significantly smartened<br />

the departure and arrival area of Médran lift station,<br />

there are rumours of a new Mandarin Oriental hotel.<br />

This would be welcome in a resort top heavy with<br />

private chalets and lacking, at least until recently,<br />

world-class hotels. Meanwhile, Vie Montagne,<br />

part of the exclusive Rosalp development on Rue<br />

de Médran, opened in September 2017 and has<br />

proved hugely popular this season. Vie Montagne,<br />

spearheaded by renowned restaurant entrepreneur<br />

Tom Etridge, is a hybrid restaurant and members<br />

club concept, with two restaurants and a stylish bar<br />

area with its own artisanal micro-brewery.<br />

Insider’s tip<br />

My favourite pit stop in the Four Valleys is<br />

Chalet Novelly in Siviez. Tucked away off the main<br />

drag below Combatselline, this quaint mountain<br />

cabin has a sunny terrace from which to soak up<br />

the mountain rays. The perfect hangout for a beer<br />

and a homemade burger after a gruelling hack down<br />

Tortin or a powder adventure down ‘Stairway to<br />

Heaven’.<br />

www.savills.co.uk


36 HOME STYLE<br />

Spring Style<br />

Give your<br />

home a treat<br />

this Spring with<br />

a statement<br />

look.<br />

£369<br />

£27.99<br />

£150<br />

VonHaus Retro<br />

Coat & Umbrella Stand<br />

Domu.co.uk Tel:0161 833 5443<br />

Alexander & Pearl Antique Gold<br />

Flamingo Table Lamp<br />

with Pink & White Shade<br />

www.alexanderandpearl.co.uk Tel: 0208 508 0411<br />

Oxford Dining Armchair<br />

www.bridgman.co.uk Tel: 0208 712 4324<br />

from<br />

£995<br />

from<br />

£21<br />

The Hedonist Collection Black 4-Poster Bed,<br />

The French Bedroom Company<br />

www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk Tel: 01444 415430<br />

Caroline McGrath Indigo <strong>Drop</strong> Collection<br />

www.carolinemcgrath.co.uk Tel: 01572 747 156


HOME IMPROVEMENTS<br />

37<br />

Value-added Renovations<br />

Considering updating your property? Joe Parry from Fine & Country Monmouthshire<br />

provides some tips on worthwhile renovations and what to think about.<br />

Have you been inspired by the plethora of<br />

renovation programmes on television that show<br />

miraculous upgrades to properties? Before you<br />

leap into action, a little time spent planning and setting<br />

a budget will ensure you avoid many of the pitfalls<br />

awaiting the unwary.<br />

Not all renovations will make a tidy profit when<br />

it comes to selling your property, with some projects<br />

costing more than they return. It is generally agreed,<br />

however, that one of the top renovations for profit is<br />

updating or replacing a kitchen. While there are a range<br />

of modular kitchens that can be a cost-effective and fast<br />

way to update a property, the cost of a basic kitchen<br />

supplied and installed by a custom kitchen builder may<br />

not be significantly more expensive and can reduce the<br />

stress of fitting set sizes into a custom space.<br />

To successfully present a property for sale, it is<br />

important for a potential buyer to make an emotional<br />

connection with the lifestyle. Designing an area to<br />

be liveable, rather than to feel like an empty space,<br />

provides greater appeal. Any renovation, however, must<br />

be consistent. For example, installing an expensive oven<br />

with DIY cupboards doesn’t work.<br />

Updating or adding bathrooms can be a worthwhile<br />

renovation to undertake. Both buyers and tenants<br />

expect modern and up-to-date bathrooms with stylish<br />

fixtures and fittings. Setting an appropriate budget<br />

for a bathroom renovation is especially important,<br />

as there are so many components it is easy to over<br />

capitalise. There is also no point in spending all your<br />

budget on installing designer kitchens and bathrooms<br />

and neglecting the rest of the property. It is always a<br />

preferable renovation strategy to bring the entire home<br />

up to a set standard, rather than spending all of your<br />

resources on one room.<br />

One of the most powerful and cost-effective<br />

renovation tools is paint. A coat of paint in a<br />

contemporary colour scheme can instantly refresh a<br />

tired property.<br />

Areas to take care with include landscaping. It is<br />

easy to spend money on landscaping a garden, which<br />

might add to the street appeal, but buyers will often<br />

factor in maintenance costs before making an offer and<br />

it is unlikely the expense will add significant resale<br />

value. Adding a pool to a property is also unlikely to<br />

add significant value, although it can be a beneficial<br />

lifestyle choice if you intend to use the pool before<br />

selling. While an inground pool might be an attractive<br />

feature for some buyers, bear in mind it may decrease<br />

the attractiveness for those who see it as an additional<br />

maintenance cost.<br />

A general rule of thumb is to set a renovation budget<br />

at five percent of the value if you are thinking of selling.<br />

If you intend to occupy the property for five years or<br />

more, a seven percent budget is appropriate, as this will<br />

be recouped in capital value.<br />

For advice on selling or buying property, please<br />

contact Fine & Country on 01291 629799 or visit<br />

www.fineandcountry.com


38 HOME IMPROVEMENTS<br />

Critchcraft, from boat builders<br />

to tiling specialists<br />

The Critchley family business started in the early 1950’s, building boats, introducing sailing and<br />

boat building techniques into the school curriculum. They bought a boatyard in Poole and built<br />

around the world sailing boats, hence the name Critchcraft.<br />

The business then moved to the Car Museum in the Old Bulwark Camp in<br />

1963. Keeping most of the 100 or so cars and turning the warehouse into a<br />

cash & carry selling everything from DIY to household goods.<br />

They then moved to their current location in Bulwark, building a new giant<br />

warehouse, specialising in supplying wall and floor tiles from around the world,<br />

winning the best independent title retailer in the UK award in 2002. Since then<br />

their showroom and range has become bigger and better. Showcasing room sized<br />

tile displays, to allow customers to browse and visualise just what your bathrooms<br />

and kitchens can look like, virtually everything is in stock and we offer Free<br />

storage until you need the tiles.<br />

critchcraft<br />

WALL AND FLOOR TILES<br />

Retail, Storage & Garage Complex to Let<br />

Critchcraft have plenty of retail and storage warehouses<br />

available and a 6,000-sq. ft. garage complex<br />

to let at an exceptionally low price.<br />

We sell an extensive range of stunning bathroom,<br />

kitchen, wall and floor tiles to suit your home renovation needs.<br />

With samples available and loads of end of lines clearance prices.<br />

We offer extensive product knowledge at our vast showroom.<br />

Showroom open daily from 9am to 5pm<br />

01291 626588<br />

Bulwark Ind Est, Chepstow NP16 5QZ


Have you ever considered replacing<br />

your Conservatory roof?<br />

Have you noticed that over the recent months you cannot help but notice somebody having their conservatory<br />

roof or ads in the paper or on the radio selling solid roof options? It is not surprising as the replacement of<br />

old plastic or glass roofs with solid roofs is a big thing at the moment. So what it is all the fuss about?<br />

Cost effective option<br />

The good news is, you almost certainly don’t need to replace the whole conservatory.<br />

You can breathe new life into your conservatory at the fraction of the cost, simply<br />

by replacing the roof. Your conservatory company will be able to advise whether the<br />

structure and foundations are adequate for this transformation.<br />

Save money on bills<br />

And as well as looking fantastic, a replacement roof would be more energy efficient<br />

and could save you a considerable amount on your energy bills. So it’s win win all<br />

round.<br />

Tiled replacement roof<br />

You might like the look of a tiled roof for your conservatory. A lightweight tiling<br />

system like UltraRoof380, regulates the temperature through colder and warmer<br />

months. And it creates a vaulted ceiling inside – offering height and space. To allow<br />

even more natural light into your conservatory, add one or more windows to the<br />

roof. High performance glazing will reduce glare from the sun and control the heat.<br />

Inside, the internal pelmet of the roof can be used to add spotlights or speakers. Or if<br />

you prefer, a flat panel can be inserted in the middle for a pendant light as a striking<br />

feature.<br />

Solid and glazed roof<br />

What if you want all of those features, but really love a glazed roof? It’s a real plus<br />

point for many – the natural light, enjoying gazing up at the sky at night and the<br />

feeling of an outside space indoors. With a roofing system like LivinRoof you can<br />

combine a solid and a glazed roof in one. There’s complete flexibility with the look<br />

and feel of your replacement roof if you decide to go down this route. Made from<br />

insulated panels, you’ve ticked the efficiency box too. Add a number of glazed panels,<br />

in any shape or design, and you have a stunning ‘new’ conservatory. Choose from a<br />

striking vaulted ceiling, or a suspended celling – for a cosier feel.<br />

Summing up the benefits<br />

Quick to install, energy efficient, a fresh new contemporary look, adding value to<br />

your property and no planning permission required …a replacement conservatory<br />

roof is definitely something to consider.<br />

Before you buy<br />

Do some research online, make sure the materials used are accredited and of the<br />

highest quality, select a reputable installer, ask about a guarantee and ask friends and<br />

family for their recommendations.<br />

Then relax and enjoy everything your beautiful conservatory, the room that links the<br />

home with your garden seamlessly, has to offer.


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