bernard skinner magazine

...where experience counts www.bernardskinner.co.uk

Edition One 2015

New Community Hospital

Eltham Palace Refreshed

Scaling the Heights

ESTATE AGENTS VALUERS CHARTERED SURVEYORS 020 8859 3033

Long establishedRange of Services

Experience

Internet Coverage?Professional

?Why choose

www.bernardskinner.co.uk

“Thank you so much for your help all the way through… your kindness and all of your hard

work when ‘the going got tough’ has been so appreciated. Thank goodness I chose your estate

agents to deal with the sale. Best wishes to the Best Estate Agent in town.”

Started by Bernard Skinner in 1957, the business has now been serving buyers and sellers in the area for over 50 years and is still an independent family business.

As well as property sales and lettings our comprehensive service includes mortgage facilities, a surveying service for home buyers, and a probate valuation and sale service.

The company is now run by Ian Skinner who has over 40 years property experience, and Amanda White who joined the business in 1987.

In addition to www.bernardskinner.co.uk we feature on over 20 websites including market-leaders, Rightmove and OnTheMarket, to ensure extensive exposure for our sales and lettings properties.

Our Sunday opening ensures comprehensive coverage for your property when most other agents are closed.

We are open 7 days a week.

We are an established company with a reputation for professional standards. We are also members of the Ombudsman Services and the RICS – both internationally respected organisations.

P. M. Eltham

Availability

3

This is an interesting year for Eltham with a number of significant events taking place. In particular, we look

forward to the Progress Estate centenary and we send our best wishes to the residents of this popular conservation area for successful and enjoyable celebrations.

Progress houses continue to attract interest from far and wide – a tribute to the architectural character of the buildings, and to the endeavour of the tradesmen and labourers who built the estate in less than a year. One date for your diary is the Summer celebration and treasure hunt on Lovelace Green on 25th July. More information at www.progressestate.co.uk

Also celebrating a landmark year is the Eltham Society. Having been founded in 1965 when the hunger for redevelopment was often at the expense of historic character, it is now celebrating 50 years of protecting and conserving the history and character of the area, and is a must for anyone with an active interest in the area. Congratulations to the members of the Eltham Society on their 50th anniversary. Details of the Eltham Society and their planned events are on their website at:

www.theelthamsociety.org.uk

This year, it will 80 years since the Eltham Heights residential area was created. Built on land previously set down to trees and farmland, the new houses catered for aspiring commuters travelling to London via Falconwood station. The station itself opened, in time for the newly arrived residents, in 1936 and was built in art deco style.

Eltham Heights is a network of homes in 15 different styles, all attempting to reflect the semi-rural surroundings, prices originally starting from £730 up to £1,225. They now sell for between £400,000 and £800,000.

The original sales brochures described the Heights as ‘on the fringes of Avery Hill Park, an area endowed by nature as a perfect setting for a modern home developed in an intelligently artistic manner’.

It was said to be one of the finest and healthiest locations in London at more than 200ft above sea level. First built was Crown Woods Way, previously a gentle farm track leading to Shooters Hill from Avery Hill.

Scaling the Heights

Amanda White

Editor: Marek Kolodziej Contributors: John Webb, Ian Skinner and Amanda White

Design & Print: triptych-design.co.uk Cover photo: triptych-design.co.uk Advertising Enquiries: [email protected]

photo: triptych-design.co.uk

44

SE9’s art deco and medieval wonder, Eltham Palace, stepped into a new era when it opened its doors again this Spring, after significant restoration.

Over the winter it has had a £1.7million makeover, catapulting it into the front rank of English Heritage tourist attractions.

Five new rooms, a multimedia tour and children’s trail are among new attractions on offer. The Courtauld wing is one of the nation’s best preserved Art Deco buildings, and from early April, visitors to Eltham Palace will be able to explore the family’s luxury wartime bunker, an extensive basement billiards room, an opulent walk-in wardrobe, two new bedrooms and wander through the restored Art Deco rose garden.

There will also be a brand new Visitor Centre, shop and café in the former glasshouses.

Visitors will be invited to step back in time to experience one of the Courtauld’s legendary cocktail parties with the help of a new multimedia guide. For the first time a fully interactive children’s tour will be on offer exploring the animals who lived at the palace – including Mah Jongg the family’s pet lemur who had his own heated bedroom.

Laura Houliston, English Heritage curator at Eltham Palace, said: “We’ve opened up new rooms, the ropes will come down and we’ll be inviting people to step back in time and experience one of the Courtauld’s lavish parties as they try on vintage inspired designs, play in the billiards room and watch cinefilm of the family.”

Visitors will be whisked back in time to the swinging 1930s where Stephen and Virginia Courtauld entertained the elite of society including members of the Royal Family, composers, artists, politicians and key socialites.

Bernard Skinner, who founded the business in 1958, grew up locally in Lee Green and for most of his adult life lived in Eltham.

Bernard served as a Gunner in the Royal Artillery during the war but, after leaving the army, he found himself a job in Lang’s, a long-established Estate Agency in Woolwich, where Bernard also studied in his spare time and passed his final exams to become a qualified Estate Agent and Auctioneer in 1952. He later went on to qualify as a Chartered Surveyor.

Gwen grew up in Eltham and met Bernard while working in the same estate agency. After marrying and starting a family,

Bernard established his own estate agency and surveying business trading as Bernard H Skinner & Co, initially in small premises in Mottingham, but soon moving to Well Hall Road to become established as a reputable firm among the people of Eltham and the local business community. Gwen assisted in the business, particularly in the early years until the demands of a growing family took over, and was a partner in the business for some years.

In his spare time, and in retirement, Bernard pursued his hobbies as a skilled cabinetmaker, and also as an accomplished artist, while Gwen was enjoying embroidery and pottery as her past-time. Bernard and Gwen established long friendships through local

organisations including The Eltham Society, and The Rotary Club and Inner Wheel.

Bernard and Gwen were married for over 65 years and enjoyed each other’s support in later years. Bernard passed away in October aged 93 and Gwen followed in February aged 89. The business continues to be run as a family firm, now in the hands of their son, Ian Skinner.

Eltham Palace Refreshed

22 May 1921 to 19 October 2014Bernard Skinner

29 September 1925 to 20 February 2014Gwendoline Skinner

Find out more at: www.english-heritage.org.uk

75%of people looking

for property,

carried out a

search on the

internet

All our properties are listed on Rightmove, OnTheMarket and, of course, our own website.


We have many years of experience dealing with probate properties and offer a comprehensive service to help you through the process. From providing a formal valuation by a Registered Valuer to taking the final meter readings, this is all included in our Probate Sale Service.

Probate Service The prospect of dealing with a loved one’s home

can be rather daunting at a difficult time.

A new chapter in Eltham’s health services began this March with the phased opening of the new

community hospital in Passey Place.

6

A Healthy Community

The long-awaited hospital, which has been on the drawing board for at least a decade, finally opened its doors at the start of March.

It is a part of a new jigsaw of health service provision which brings facilities closer to the community, taking pressure off district hospitals such as the Queen Elizabeth in Woolwich and

Queen Mary’s in Sidcup.

Built on the site of the old 19th century Eltham and Mottingham Cottage Hospital, latterly a nursing home, the new £14m centre will host a wide range of services.

First will be the transfer from Court Road of two of Eltham’s busiest GP practices, Eltham Palace Surgery and Eltham Medical Practice, together serving more than 16,000 patients.

The hospital’s diagnostic suites will give GPs and health professionals access to equipment including, non-obstetric ultrasound, echocardiogram and x-ray.

In addition to the two wards there will be out-patient consulting rooms with the capacity to treat around 32,000 people per year, as well as a minor surgery suite to deliver up to 1,500 low complexity procedures per year.

Find out more at: www.greenwichccg.nhs.uk

photo: triptych-design.co.uk

7

Built by JE Webb & Co the homes at Eltham Heights came in a variety of interesting styles and sizes, some were in a mock Tudor style, some had a tile-hung finish to the front walls, some were semis, and some were detached. In the original sales details Eltham Heights was described as:

‘The most beautiful setting in S.E.London for a modern house. The estate is flanked to the South by the beautiful Avery Hill Park and to the West by Eltham Warren Golf course. Situated on the borders of the Kentish Countryside and within the ‘Green Belt’ yet it is within 23 Minutes (SRElectric) of the City and within 9 miles of the West End.’

The Kentish Countryside has now retreated a little but Eltham Heights remains an appealing area still benefitting from not only the open space of Avery Hill Park but also the extensive woodlands stretching from Eltham Park to Shooters Hill. Offering a choice of 3 or 4 bedrooms (some extended to 5 or 6

bedrooms) there is also still the considerable benefit of easy access to Central London from Falconwood

station nearby.Article by John Webb

Property View

Crown Woods Way in the 1930s

progressestate.blogspot.co.uk

Scott McDonald

The scheme has been completed by the Greenwich Clinical Commissioning Group, and its predecessor, the Greenwich Primary Care Trust.

Early March also saw the opening of two wards containing intermediate care beds. The modern facilities, with many single rooms having private ensuite bathrooms, is aimed at making the transition from hospital to home a much better experience with more individual care than is possible in a general hospital.

These wards will be on the hospital’s upper storey and have been named after the GCCG asked the Eltham public to suggest and vote on names for them.

The public favoured the names Fergusson after a long standing local GP and Nesbit to remember children’s author E Nesbit, who wrote her famous novels while living at Well Hall from 1899 to 1922.

Other community services will move in over the next few months including podiatry, therapies, children’s services,

mental health services and services that provide support to people with long term conditions.

A walk-in minor injury clinic should be available in April. Outpatients will commence from May and minor procedures will become available in the summer.

The new hospital is part of an increasing trend for health services to be provided in the community and as close to people’s homes as possible.

Pharmacies are also taking a leading role in this movement, offering a range of clinical test and procedures which previously

involved a journey to Woolwich or Sidcup.

At Mangal’s Pharmacies in Well Hall Road and Sherard Road and at the Eltham Pharmacy in Westhorne Avenue there are blood testing facilities to help patients with diabetes and on warfarin. Both offer flu and pneumonia immunisation as well as anti-smoking courses and health-check consultations.

Eltham Pharmacy, 560 Westhorne Avenue, 020 8850 1944 Mangal Pharmacies are at 71 Sherard Road, 020 8859 0036 and 59 Well Hall Road, Eltham, 020 8850 6680

Leader of Royal Greenwich Council, Denise Hyland and local MP Clive Efford inspect

the new hospital prior to opening. Crown Woods Way today

Independent Estate Agents serving the SE9 area for over 50 years www.bernardskinner.co.uk

22 Well Hall Road, Eltham, SE9 6SF OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

u 3 Bedroom House u 2 Reception Rooms u Modern Fitted Kitchen u Off Street Parking u Very Sought After Area u Detached Garage u 99’ Rear Garden u Potential to Extend (STPC)

Eltham Heights OFFERS OVER £550,000This mock Tudor style semi-detached house in the popular Eltham Heights offers great family accommodation with three good sized bedrooms, two spacious reception rooms, modern kitchen, bathroom/separate wc, and large garden. Additonal features include off street parking and detached garage and plenty of potential to extend subject to usual consents.

EPC rating – D.

Call us now to arrange a viewing.

8

MORTGAGES

Need an update

on the mortgage

situation? Contact

us to speak to our

financial adviser.


020 8859 3033


PROBATE SERVICEPhone for details of our comprehensive service designed to help you through the process.

Eltham Park Guide £400-420,000Well presented three bedroom end terrace house in the heart of Eltham Park. Excellent potential to extend to side subject to consent. In an enviable location with park and woodland within a few hundred yards away and two stations about three quarters of a mile away. EPC – E.

Eltham Park Guide £600,000Four bed Edwardian house – features including fireplaces, ceiling roses and original doors. Benefits from extension across the rear providing large kitchen and spacious shower room. Three receptions rooms, stylishly fitted bathroom to first floor and situated in a sought after location. EPC – E

Eltham GUIDE £415-430,000So much space – this has got to be one of the largest three bedroom homes in the Progress Conservation area. All bedrooms are good doubles; living room has a triple aspect (17’7 x 14’); spacious recently fitted kitchen/diner with utility, bathroom and ground floor cloakroom. EPC – D.

Eltham Heights £499,995Well-presented three bedroom semi, situated in a popular spot on a wide tree lined road, with Falconwood station about three quarters of mile away, handy for local shops, Avery Hill park and the recently built Crown Woods Academy secondary school. EPC – D.

PROPERTY TO SELL?

We have a queue of buyers looking

for properties in the Eltham area.

Progress houses, Corbett houses,

and all types in the Eltham Park

and Eltham Heights areas are

always in demand.

9

THINKING OF SELLING?

Free valuations –

phone for one of

our experienced

valuers to call.

SURVEYS

Already found a

property? Call our

Chartered Surveyor

for details and a

free quote.

SOLDSTC

SOLDSTC

SOLDSTC

Eltham GUIDE £500-525,000A three bedroom Corbett house situated on a desirable road, touching distance of the highly regarded Gordon primary school and just under half a mile from Eltham station. These Edwardian properties get snapped up, so don’t miss out! Call the office to view now. EPC – E

Mottingham OIEO £410,000A spacious family home where convenience is a must. This well-proportioned 3 bed semi is a stone’s throw from station and amenities. Offering a good sized bathroom, conservatory overlooking landscaped garden. A wider than usual plot offers ample off street parking and scope to extend (STP). EPC – D

Lee £220,000An excellent opportunity to get onto the property ladder with this welcoming first floor, 2 bedroom maisonette. This property could not be more conveniently located, under a mile from Lee station and Colfe’s school and with local amenities close to hand. EPC – C

Eltham Park OIEO £725,000Features galore, character in bundles, location highly desirable! A fine example of a sought after Edwardian double fronted Corbett house. A rare commodity with a wealth of original features in a location second to none, situated within view of acres of parkland at Eltham Park South. EPC – E.

Central Eltham £177,500Cash buyers only. So convenient for all amenities, this spacious two double bedroom, split level flat is located in Eltham High St, above shops and within about half a mile of the station. Offered with the benefit of a sizeable lounge/diner, own small patio garden and entryphone. EPC – D.



10


SOLDSTC

SOLDSTC

Kidbrooke £310,000A great opportunity to get on the property ladder with this three bedroom house in SE3. Tastefully decorated throughout, this family home is conveniently located close to Kidbrooke Station. Living room, kitchen/diner and family sized bathroom. Secluded garden. EPC – D.


020 8859 3033


Eltham Park GUIDE £725-750,000Restoration project. 6 bed triple-fronted Corbett house ready and waiting for someone to bring back to its former glory. In the same household for almost a century, the property has a wealth of original features, providing plenty of character – come see for yourself. EPC – F.

Eltham GUIDE £400-420,000Semi-detached Corbetts of this size are rare so don’t miss out! A stone’s throw from Deansfield primary school, close to Oxleas Meadows and 0.8 miles to station. In good order, this property comprises a through living room, recently fitted kitchen and family bathroom, garden with side access and OSP. EPC – TBC

Eltham £350,000A charming 3 bed house in the popular Progress Conservation area. Famed for its “cottage style” architecture, these properties have never been more popular and with the Progress centenary this year, this is your opportunity to be part of history! Conveniently located for Eltham Station. EPC – D

11


Central Eltham OIRO £285,0000Opportunity not to be missed! One of the spacious ‘Sherard Mansions’ apartments, rarely offered to the market. Located central Eltham and close to station. Three beds (two doubles), big living room, kitchen/diner and modern bathroom. Balcony, new lease being arranged and NO ONWARD CHAIN! EPC - D

Sidcup £399,995Situated in a popular crescent with lots of period character, this property is convenient for the High Street. Sidcup station is located approx 0.6 miles away and with the property falling under Birkbeck primary school catchment area, we urge any growing families to take a look! EPC – D.

SOLDSTC

SOLDSTC

Charlton OIRO £325,000Wow! A great blend of the old and new with this charming one bedroom, ground floor Victorian conversion apartment. Could not be more conveniently located, situated a stone’s throw from all amenities and Charlton station (zone 3). Take a look. EPC – E.

SOLDSTC

Thinking of selling or letting?

Already found your dream home?

Contact us for a no-obligation

FREE valuation on:

020 8859 3033

As experienced Chartered Surveyors, we can help you decide with your head

and not just your heart...CONDITION REPORTS

A Condition Report gives you clear ‘traffic light’ ratings on the condition of the property, plus

pointers for your legal adviser to check on, and details of urgent defects.

HOME BUYER REPORTSThis gives the same ‘traffic light’ ratings as the

Condition Report, additionally a market valuation and insurance reinstatement cost, and advice on defects that might affect the value of the property.

BUILDING SURVEYSThis is a comprehensive report upon the condition

of a property, highlighting defects, necessary repairs and maintenance options. This is

particularly suited to larger or older properties.

FORMAL VALUATION REPORTSFormal valuations are often required for probate,

insurance, transfer of ownership, etc. Our qualified Registered Valuer can provide a formal report.


photo: bonninturina

22 Well Hall Road, Eltham, SE9 6SF

bernard skinner magazine

Documents