cambridge mini mag september 2014

Dukes Court SEPTEMBER 2014 A4.indd 1 13/08/2014 14:03

The World of Fine & CountryThere have been many exciting developments within Fine & Country over the last few months. We have joined forces with European Tour Properties and Troon Golf to market an elite portfolio of golf properties under the brand ‘Fine & Country Golf’.

The new division was launched on 12th July 2014 with representatives from six luxury golf venues presenting a collection of properties to potential buyers and Fine & Country agents. Over 100 people attended the event including Fine & Country agents from South

Africa, Cyprus, France, Portugal, Spain, Russia, Dubai, and the UK.

Fine & Country Golf is now in ‘full swing’ and represents a step forward in the golf property industry. Fine & Country has also opened new offices in the UK and abroad, including our beautifully designed offices in Fulham and Estoril, Portugal.

The team at Fine & Country has also dedicated time to making an even bigger change. Malcolm Lindley, Managing Director, reminding us of our social responsibility to help others, has set up the Fine & Country Foundation in aid of one of the biggest social issues in the UK – homelessness.

A Gala Dinner and Charity Auction in aid of the Foundation has already been held and, so far, over £40,000 has been raised. Get ready for a whole host of charity events including the annual Fine & Country Cambridge Christmas Carol Concert in aid of three Cambridge homeless charities: Emmaus, Winter Comfort and Jimmy’s.

If you think you too are ready for a change, put your feet up and relax by browsing through some of the most inspiring properties in the Cambridge area.

Happy house hunting!

Mike Bidwell, [email protected] An absolutely stunning, architect designed residence offering extremely spacious, versatile

accommodation with magnificent contemporary additions. Benefitting from five double bedrooms, four excellent reception rooms, library / studio annexe, luxurious heated swimming pool with waterfall and terracing, ample parking and three garages. All set within wonderful mature grounds of approximately 0.6 of an acre with breath-taking views over far reaching countryside. EPC Rating C.

GREAT CHISHILL, CAMBRIDGESHIRE guide price £1,395,000


An elegant Grade II Listed detached Georgian residence located close to Kimbolton School and St Neots commuter station, well screened from the road and with beautifully presented gardens and grounds extending to two acres. The property benefits from many character features throughout the accommodation, which includes five reception rooms, a conservatory and four double bedrooms, plus two attic rooms and a detached studio / annexe. EPC Exempt.

STONELY, CAMBRIDGESHIRE guide price £1,000,000

An impressive and imposing former manor house set in about 1.8 acres and attractively situated in this most sought-after village. Offering welcoming reception hall, three spacious reception rooms, potential self-contained ground floor annexe and five further bedrooms, two being en suite. The grounds are truly stunning and include a superior al fresco entertaining area.

GREAT SHELFORD, CAMBRIDGE

A charming Grade II Listed detached thatched cottage set within its own grounds in excess of one acre and boasting a wealth of period charm and character including exposed timbers and inglenook fireplaces. The property offers accommodation to include a kitchen / breakfast room, three reception rooms and five bedrooms (two interconnecting on each side). EPC Exempt.

GREAT SAMPFORD, ESSEX guide price £595,000

“We changed Estate Agents and Sold”


OVER, CAMBRIDGE guide price £425,000

Dating back, we believe, to the 1600’s, this delightful Grade II Listed cottage has been lovingly restored using traditional methods and materials while retaining many original period features. Offering two large reception rooms, superb bespoke fitted dining kitchen and utility room, three first floor bedrooms plus study / single bedroom and off road parking. EPC Exempt.

Set in the heart of this highly desirable village, a thoughtfully extended Grade II Listed detached thatched cottage, which has been modernised and refurbished, whilst retaining a wealth of character and charm. With surprisingly high ceilings, spacious breakfast kitchen, four reception areas and three first floor bedrooms, this really is a fantastic family home. The large rear garden enjoys a southerly aspect and boasts a separate, self-contained annexe / office. EPC Exempt.

ELSWORTH, CAMBRIDGE guide price £800,000

HASLINGFIELD, CAMBRIDGE

Situated in the quiet backwaters of this sought after village is this thoughtfully extended, five bedroom detached residence with outdoor heated pool and the additional benefits of a self contained annexe and detached double garage. Offering four reception rooms, kitchen / breakfast room, five bedrooms and a conservatory with splendid views of the delightful rear garden.



A most impressive example of a Grade II Listed former farmhouse of significant local importance, which has been subject to major renovation and extension during the current ownership, whilst retaining many character features and providing a truly superb five bedroom, four reception room family home nestled within gardens in excess of half an acre. Two substantial barns offer much potential for development, subject to obtaining the relevant planning consents. EPC Exempt.

WILLINGHAM, CAMBRIDGE guide price £775,000

RIVERSIDE, CAMBRIDGE guide price £500,000

HARSTON, CAMBRIDGE

A delightful, double fronted 1930’s detached family home on a mature plot. Beautifully refurbished throughout and stylishly decorated with a warm and welcoming reception hall, through lounge with open fire, three further reception rooms, open plan kitchen / dining room and four well proportioned double bedrooms including master with en suite dressing area and shower room.


Positioned beautifully to enjoy not only the morning sunrise but also the evening sunset across the river is this truly stunning riverside duplex apartment in the heart of the city. Immaculately presented throughout and offering two bedrooms, two bathrooms, “floating” breakfast kitchen and a feature floor to ceiling window with door overlooking the riverside terrace. EPC Rating C.


A most impressive and substantial extended detached family home, situated in a desirable location within easy walking or cycling distance of the city centre. Immaculately presented throughout, the main house offers five reception rooms and four bedrooms while there is the added benefit of a self-contained, two bedroom annexe, ideal for an older child or a dependent relative. Among the many impressive rooms on offer is the dining room, which flows seamlessly into the drawing room,

making this the perfect setting for dinner parties with its delightful views of the garden through fully retractable, glazed sliding doors. The rear garden enjoys a sunny, south westerly aspect and is mainly laid to lawn with flower and shrub borders, fenced and hedged to the boundary for privacy and includes paved terraced areas. The luxurious addition of the heated swimming pool enjoys a facility to create a tidal effect to challenge keen swimmers. EPC Rating D.

SHERLOCK ROAD, CAMBRIDGE guide price £1,350,000

FEATURE PROPERTY


This five bedroom detached home, set on a generously sized plot, offers more than you might expect at first glance. With a free-flowing layout to include a welcoming reception hall, lounge with open fire, dining room with galleried landing and conservatory. Planning permission is in place to convert the garage into an additional living room and build a new detached garage.

ICKLETON, ESSEX

Set back from the road and secluded by a double avenue of Lime and Ash trees planted by the current owner, this substantial Grade II Listed former farmhouse offers delightful accommodation with a wealth of character and charm. The welcoming reception hall leads onto four receptions rooms, an open plan kitchen / breakfast room and six first floor bedrooms. All set within its own grounds of approximately 17 acres and accessed via a private bridge and driveway. EPC Exempt.

CHRISTCHURCH, CAMBRIDGESHIRE guide price £900,000

MARCH, CAMBRIDGESHIRE guide price £595,000

Offering a wealth of character and charm, a spacious 1920’s detached home occupying a superior position and plot in the heart of this market town. With a private, well stocked rear garden of excellent size, four reception rooms, five bedrooms, two en suites, dressing room / sixth bedroom, double garage, heated outdoor swimming pool and two outbuildings. EPC Rating E.



STOW-CUM-QUY, CAMBRIDGE guide price £800,000

A truly delightful, modernised and extended detached family home with flexible accommodation over two floors. Set on a plot of almost half an acre to include formal gardens and a paddock, this most spacious property offers four bedrooms, two additional bedrooms or reception rooms, open plan kitchen / breakfast room, detached annexe, ample parking and garaging. EPC Pending.

A substantial, extended and improved five bedroom (two interconnecting) detached Grade II Listed residence occupying a stunning plot of approximately 0.75 of an acre and adjoining open farmland in this delightful village setting. The property offers four reception rooms, three bathrooms (one en suite), ample parking, garage and a double cart lodge, as well as many beautiful character features to include solid wood floors and Inglenook fireplaces. EPC Exempt.

WITHERSFIELD, SUFFOLK guide price £700,000

An attractive 1930’s extended detached home offering five bedrooms and free-flowing ground floor accommodation. With an open plan kitchen / dining / living area overlooking the garden, forming the hub of the house, plus a separate reception room. Benefitting from an impressive master bedroom with en suite bathroom, private rear garden and garaging. EPC Rating ‘E’.

GIRTON, CAMBRIDGE guide price £690,000

OPEN DAY

Open Day

Saturday 13th September

11:00 - 14:00

No Appointment Necessary


A most impressive and substantial detached family residence located in this highly regarded village, benefitting from luxurious accommodation to include five bedrooms, two en suites, two excellent reception rooms and a stunning bespoke kitchen / breakfast / family room. There is ample parking, double garaging with store room above and two garden areas. EPC Rating C.

HISTON, CAMBRIDGE guide price £725,000

STRADISHALL, SUFFOLK guide price £895,000

A deeply impressive 1930s residence of enormous, elegant proportions and fine traditional character, originally built for an officer of former RAF Stradishall. Offering eight bedrooms, four reception rooms and set in a plot of well over two acres of delightful mature gardens, which include a swimming pool, detached leisure building, garaging and ample driveway parking. EPC Rating G.

HOUGHTON, CAMBRIDGESHIRE guide price £360,000

One of two luxury apartments occupying what we believe is a superior position tucked behind the main mansion. Offering two bedrooms, master with en suite and dressing room, and nestled in six acres of mature, landscaped communal gardens, ensuring maximum privacy throughout the year, this private gated development has to be viewed to be fully appreciated. EPC Rating E.

#CAMBUNTINGTDF

Back in July, you may have noticed thousands of mini knitted jerseys decorating the streets of our city to welcome and celebrate the Tour de France. Owing much to his passion for social media and eagerness to embrace the local community, Gavin Human of Fine & Country teamed up with around 400 local people to knit over 2000 jerseys, making over half a kilometre of bunting.


When you’re buying a new house, it’s easy to be seduced by the look and feel and ignore the bubbling paintwork, crumbling brickwork or gurgling pipes, but a few hundred pounds spent on a survey could save you thousands in the long run. It may provide power in negotiating a price reduction or it may point out fatal flaws in the property, preventing you from home heartbreak later down the line.

Buyers often rely on the mortgage lender’s valuation and while this will show up serious defects likely to affect the property value, it is really only a cursory look at the property by the mortgage lender to ensure it’s worth the money they’re lending. A valuation is a simple process. A surveyor will check the property and assess the value based on its general condition, the value of recently sold properties in the area, and the buoyancy of the housing market. The report will contain a summary of the condition of the property and comments on any general faults that may exist.

This valuation is probably enough if purchasing a relatively new house but if you are buying an older property, it’s worth getting a more comprehensive survey before you buy. There are two main kinds of survey recognised by The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – a homebuyer’s or a building survey – both carried out by chartered surveyors. A homebuyer’s survey is more detailed than a valuation report. Like the valuation, the survey will check the general condition of the property and any major faults, as well as urgent problems that need specialist advice. They will test for damp in the walls, damage to timbers, the condition of damp-proofing, insulation and drainage and the estimated cost of rebuilding the property for insurance purposes, along with the value of the property on the open market.

This kind of survey is not suitable for properties needing renovation or major alterations. For this I would recommend a full structural survey or building survey, although any building survey can be performed on any property. In addition to covering the elements in a homebuyer’s survey this in-depth survey advises on not only major issues, but also minor defects as well as technical information on the construction of the property and the materials used.

So why would you invest in a structural survey? This is your potential new home’s health check. While a survey may seem like an unnecessary cost, it’s the equivalent of a full check-up so you know exactly what you’re buying and what it is worth. A home is a big investment and it is worth paying a few hundred pounds now to save you potential expenditure, disappointment or heartache in the future.

Vendors may also want to consider investing in a survey before putting a property on the market. While it may mean addressing some issues with the property in readiness for selling, it can save time and lengthy negotiations once the house is on the market. It can also show a potential buyer that you care about your property and have done everything in your power to ensure it’s ready for a new owner.

For advice on selling or buying property, please contact Fine & Country Cambridge on 01223 363700 or visit www.fineandcountry.com

Know Your Worth

Gavin D Human, [email protected]

You’ve found the house of your dreams but before you get swept away, you need to know that it’s not going to crumble around you. Gavin Human from Fine & Country Cambridge talks about the various property surveys available to choose from.


WEST COUNTRYLONDON & SOUTHERN HOME COUNTIESHEART OF ENGLAND & SOUTH WALESEAST ANGLIA & EAST MIDLANDSYORKSHIRE & NORTH EASTNORTHWEST & NORTH WALES

Call 01223 363700Fine & Country Cambridge3 Dukes Court, Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8DZ [email protected]

International Head Office119 Park LaneMayfairLondon W1K 7AG Tel: +44 (0)20 7079 1515Fax: +44 (0)20 7629 2329www.fineandcountry.com

Fine & Country Cambridge

Fine & Country is a global network of estate agencies specialising in the

marketing, sale and rental of luxury residential property. With offices

in the UK, The Channel Islands, France, Portugal, Spain, Malta, Russia,

Dubai, Qatar, Egypt, South Africa, East Africa, West Africa, Namibia,

New Zealand and Mauritius, we combine the widespread exposure of

the international marketplace with the local expertise and knowledge

of carefully selected independent property professionals.

Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive and more expensive

properties require a more compelling, sophisticated and intelligent

presentation - leading to a common, yet uniquely exercised and

successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of the property.

This unique approach to luxury homes marketing delivers high quality,

intelligent and creative concepts for property promotion combined

with the latest technology and marketing techniques.

We understand moving home is one of the most important decisions

you make; your home is both a financial and emotional investment.

With Fine & Country you benefit from the local knowledge,

experience, expertise and contacts of a well trained, educated and

courteous team of professionals, working to make the sale or

purchase of your property as stress free as possible.


cambridge mini mag september 2014

Documents

fine country agents

fine country foundation

brand fine country golf

world of fine countrythere

troon golf

spacious reception rooms

cambridge area

excellent reception