Estate Agents Surrey

Monday, April 14, 2014

Surrey property market

It is indeed peace and tranquillity along with a cool and composed atmosphere that you would vouch for in your dream house. With the exquisite house for sale Surrey deals from Barton Wyatt, a prominent Estate agent in Surrey county, UK, your most coveted dreams would surely turn to reality.

The one of a kind broad based Estate Agency is next to none when it comes to searching for house for sale Surrey. The extraordinary and lavish houses it has for sale possess exceptional facilities and speak of their grandeur in high volumes. In addition, these homes are quite secure since most of them are occupied by the owners themselves.

Be it the Wentworth Estate around the much famed Wentworth club in Virginia waters, Windsor Great Park, Runnymead or the Sunningdale village, Barton Wyatt can help you buy a plush house almost anywhere in the vicinity of the Surrey county. Besides, you could also benefit from the agency's expertise in corporate lettings, land appraisal, new home sale and other significant real estate departments while making important decisions regarding any of these matters.

A huge selection of homes are for grab in Surrey. There are the grand houses on the Main Island of the Wentworth Estate with heart raising views, and then, there are luxurious six bedroom houses with ample entertaining space. Some of them may offer you the facilities of gyms, games room, swimming pool, all at one place, the others may be the opulent family homes with generous rooms along with extended grounds. You can look out for various house for sale Surrey schemes being offered by Barton Wyatt to buy one of these magnanimous houses as per your choice and budget constraints.

Certain factors should be considered before buying a house at a particular location, these include proximity of schools, colleges, hospitals and shopping destinations from the preferred site. Availability of public transport and security is yet another dominant factor in this regard. The same holds true for a house for sale in Surrey, however, with Barton Wyatt, you can be rest assured to be facilitated by all such amenities at the closest possible distance.

Summary: Barton Wyatt is a distinctive Estate Agency in Surrey, solely own and operated by the Watt family with the help of an extended team of experienced professionals. It helps the potential buyers to finalize a house for sale Surrey deal as per their financial limits and suitability. Before helping you in any such deal, they make it sure that the house proves true to all the standards as per desired by the clients.

Monday, April 7, 2014

Bricks and mortar remain top priority for millionaires with half of the Surrey's wealthiest owning more than one home

Being a millionaire is a tough business to be in. Deciding where to invest that cash, be it hard earned or inherited, can be challenging. Do you go for an Aston Martin Vanquish, a multi-million pound mansion or just put it all in the bank? Maybe not these days!

For most millionaires, owning bricks and mortar remains a top priority with 49.9% of the UK's wealthiest people owning more than one property in the UK according to Skandia's 'Millionaire Monitor' report 2012. Furthermore millionaires under the age of 50 are significantly more likely to invest in multiple properties with over 60% of the rich under the age of 50 owning more than one property compared to 42% if they are over the age of 50.

They say an Englishman's home is his castle, but is this strictly true? Female millionaires it appears are in fact more likely that their male counterparts to own more than one property with 20% choosing to own overseas versus 16% of men.

But why exactly is owning property so appealing to millionaires?

Personal use is the driving force for second homes, perhaps a country pad, a pied-a-terre or a place by the sea to retreat to for long weekends. Having a home away from home to relax and recharge the batteries before heading back to the daily grind is clearly high on the wish list.

With second homes in mind, the Skandia report interestingly also revealed that in July 2011 the volume of UK high net worth individuals planning on leaving the UK was 7.7% compared to only 3.6% this year. Good news for the high end domestic property market.

Further boosting this sector is the ever increasing number of high net worth foreign nationals relocating to the UK, especially the South East, keen to experience a far greater degree of safety and security for their family than other parts of the globe.

Barton Wyatt Estate Agents in Surrey, multi award-winning high end estate agency located in the heart of in Surrey examined their prospective home buyers this year compared previous years discovering that 75% of their clients are from overseas rising from 65% last year. This figure appeared to reflect the same values for both the sales and the rental market and this increase in overseas clients poses some interesting challenges to the team at Barton Wyatt.

Reflecting on the findings, James Wyatt, owner of Barton Wyatt Estate Agents Surrey, comments:

"When I first started working in this area 25 years ago I would have suggested the population of foreigners living in Virginia Water was 5%. This figure has markedly increased to around 20% with droves of overseas nationals attracted here by the wonderful standard of living that the Wentworth Estate offers and often for the high standard of private education available on our doorstep.

"Our foreign clients also look to this area due to the value for money they achieve as opposed to living in central London. The sporting venues in the locality are another driver - golf, Ascot and Guards polo - and of course the area has become well known for attracting families from overseas which in turn creates more interest."

So if you are the lucky owner of a few million pounds, why not consider splashing your cash on these stunning Surrey properties:

Mariners, Virginia Water £3,995,000

A newly built mansion house in a handsome Georgian style with a contemporary internal finish. An elegant sweeping staircase leads the eye up to the first floor and impressive galleried landing. The dining area is open plan to the entrance hall and creates a tremendous feeling of space around the core of the house with views from the front door all the way through to the rear garden. The more formal drawing room and study are double aspect rooms and the tremendous kitchen/breakfast/family room is designed for contemporary family lifestyle.

The first floor has four bedroom suites with en-suite bath/shower rooms, the master having a dressing room and sitting room, opening on to a balcony overlooking the rear gardens. On the second floor is a further bedroom and bathroom suite and an adaptable room, ideal for a cinema or gym etc.

Over the three-bay garage is a studio apartment with a small kitchenette and shower, ideal for staff or an au-pair.

Eastry House, Wentworth, Surrey £4,750,000

Five bedrooms (four with en-suite dressing and bathrooms) principal bedroom with balcony and fireplace, reception hall, cloakroom, five reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room with granite worktops, conservatory, utility, gas central heating and double glazing, detached double garage, swimming pool, tennis court, long private drive, 4.4 acres.

This magnificent house is approached via its own long sweeping driveway. It has been extended over the years to form a splendid large home with en-suite facilities to all bedrooms on the first floor. The ground floor is ideal for a growing family with four good size reception rooms which all enjoy beautiful views onto the parkland style gardens that surround the house.

Eastry House forms a comfortable home that also has enormous potential to further improve or remodel subject to any planning consents. The property is located on the main island which is a much favoured location as one can walk to the golf course along the private roads that surround Wentworth.

Barton Wyatt provide luxury and select Property in Surrey. Tel: 01344 843000

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Multi-generational living more attractive than ever before as 'granny flat' Council Tax halved

Last August 25th, Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles announced new government plans to remove an unpopular Council Tax surcharge on family annexes or so-called 'granny flats' in an effort to support the housing needs of extended families.

This reduction of 50% in Council Tax is due to come into effect in April 2014 with many households containing annexes welcoming the estimated £500 annual saving. The reduction will only be applicable to annexes however which are supporting a family member - so grandparents or young adults most likely.

James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt Estate Agents in Surrey comments:

"In our neighbourhood we are unlikely to benefit from this Council Tax reduction which is a great pity. In Wentworth these annexes are almost exclusively used for housing staff, whether it be an au pair, a house keeper or a cook. The reduction only comes into play when 'family members' are residing in the annexe, achieving slightly divorced living arrangements, a sort of family apartheid!!

But Wyatt goes on to say, "there is a good argument to say that an au pair is part of the family and not an employee in the traditional sense, therefore anyone with an au pair should be entitled to this reduction. The UK government website states that an au pair should be treated as a member of the family they live with and get 'pocket money' instead of a salary - usually about £70 to £85 a week. We will definitely be looking into this further."

With an already estimated 24,150 family annexes present in the UK, it is hoped this tax break will encourage more families to build so-called 'granny flats' further boosting the construction industry and enabling more older people to live independent lives.

James Wyatt goes onto suggest a possible alternative to this double taxation if you are building a new home:

"The current legislation is all to do with kitchens! If you are building a new home and you only install one kitchen then I believe only one Council Tax will apply. The moment you start adding a second kitchen you are in trouble. Obviously the very nature of an annexe means you need a kitchen. There's little point having granny or nanny squirreled away if they need to appear in the family kitchen every time they want to make a sandwich!"

Homes with annexes

Waterford House, Wentworth Estate £4,250,000

Five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five reception rooms, cinema room, games room, three car garage with studio annexe over with shower room and kitchenette, beautifully landscaped gardens.

Waterford House was built in 2005 for the current owners, a house of considerable charm and character and individuality. No expense was spared in the construction of the house using the finest materials and construction methods. Of particular note is the amount of technology within the house with Crestron and Lutron systems controlling the audio visual, curtains, blinds and even the running of the bath via IPhone technology. Throughout the house there is a feel of sophisticated luxury with attention to detail and design.

The property is approached through wrought iron gates on brick piers with a driveway that has ample parking for many cars.

The gardens were designed and created by Urban Red Landscape Architects who have managed to achieve a wonderful variety of changing colour throughout the seasons. An extensive terrace spans across the rear of the property to a slightly raised dining area off the concertina doors from the kitchen. A pathway leads around the perimeter of the rear garden to a sun terrace in the north west corner of the garden with an attractive pond and water feature. In the centre of the garden is a very attractive Rill which can be seen as you come through the front door of the property. The gardens are really quite a feature of the property and should be viewed to be appreciated

Park Place, Windlesham £6,250,000

This is a magnificent country house which stands impressively within a mature woodland setting and approached via a private road. Wrought iron gates open onto a gravelled drive flanked by mature trees and rhododendrons which leads to a central fountain in front of the house.

Built in 1995, this Georgian style property has been built to an exceptionally high standard. The imposing reception hall with a central staircase, marble and granite floors with under-floor heating, a hand-made kitchen and custom made furniture in many parts of the house all blend to create a unique and wonderful home.

Ground floor includes: reception hall, dining room, cinema, drawing room, music area, kitchen and utility, sitting room, study and cloakroom.

First floor has the master suite and 4 further bedroom suites. Second floor - another 4 bedroom suites.

The ample garage will house 3 cars and has a staff flat over. A generous cottage in the grounds offers further accommodation with kitchen, living area, 3 beds and bathrooms.

St Christopher, Virginia Water £3,750,000

St Christopher is an elegant and impressive family home built in approximately 1994. The main reception rooms are laid out in a formal fashion, yet the kitchen/breakfast room which incorporates a generous conservatory overlooking the rear garden offers a comfortable living space, ideal for family and formal gatherings.

Set well back in a mature and established gardens, the property has an air of elegance and grace but also provides a good degree of privacy and security behind the electric wrought iron gates.

Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and separate dressing room, guest bedroom with en-suite bathroom, four further bedrooms, entrance hall, cloakroom, drawing room, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room incorporating conservatory, family room, utility room, one bedroom annexe with en-suite bathroom, triple garage, gardens.

For more details contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000.

Barton Wyatt provide luxury and select Property in Sunningdale. MNAEA, MARLA, TRC, REALTOR ® is a partner at Barton Wyatt Letting Agents Surrey. Tel: 01344 843000

Monday, March 10, 2014

Surrey House Trend Watch - Going Underground

Traditionally, the British have been a fiercely proud home owning nation and since the Queen came to her throne in 1953, the proportion of owner occupiers in England has steadily increased from 32% up to a peak of about 75% in 1981 (70% today).

Homeowners have always found ways of showing-off their property whether it be thousands of gaudy lights at Christmas, an over abundance of colourful hanging baskets in Spring or simply by building a property larger than your next door neighbour. Showing off by building tall buildings has been in vogue for centuries - in the picture postcard village of San Gimignano in Italy, the local wealthy merchants built taller and taller towers to signify their wealth and importance and that was back in the 11th to 13th Century. Even today, designers and architects cannot help themselves but build higher and higher skyscrapers all over the world, to impress.

Saying that the latest trend in the golden commuter land of Surrey - where turning your house into a skyscraper is just not an option - is to bury underground and build enormous basements. This is due to tough greenbelt policies which normally allows an owner of a modest-sized house on a good-sized garden plot to add to or rebuild his house with just 30% extra floor space. This leaves owners with only one choice, which is to dig down and create space underground. London terraced-house owners have been doing this for the last 20 years - creating rooms where the cellar was - often making laundry rooms and play rooms.

The problem with these underground rooms is the difficulty in getting any good natural light to the subterranean room. But architects have become more and more wily at stealing light from up-stairs that quite often now you would not know that you had gone underground. However, whilst it might seem attractive to extend your house by 5,000 square feet or even a lot more, what can you actually do with all that space?

The answer is that you become creative in the type of rooms you install and with some careful planning and consideration this space can become life changing. James Wyatt, Managing Director of Barton Wyatt letting agents in Surrey had some enlightening information on what goes on downstairs:

"There are a few fairly obvious choices, firstly the plant room. Not of the green and leafy variety but the machinery which is required to run your home - industrial sized boilers - man-enough to heat the pool, AC units - man-enough to cool it down. Electronic wizardry to run your alarm, your lighting system and phones. Maybe the latest state-or-the-art music system with the ability to pipe any song ever written through to any room you desire.

"You might want a communications room containing racks and racks of audio visual machinery and patch panels with wiring that would frighten most. In a large house this might contain numerous satellite boxes, a number of huge hard drives for your new music and video collection and so the list goes on.

"The next obvious room to bury is the laundry. American top load washing machine, tumble dryer, maybe a spare fridge/freezer and plenty of space to store, iron and fold. It is not uncommon to find a laundry shoot from the upstairs bathrooms - saving the bore of carrying it all downstairs.

"Cinema rooms come high on people's lists for very clear reasons and with improvements in technology, these can be incredibly grand affairs. It is of course budget dependent but anything from a run-or-the-mill sofa to luxury reclining leather seats.

"Wine cellars are an immensely sensible thing to put underground, since every wine maker in Europe stores their wine beneath the ground - then why shouldn't us mere mortals.

"Swimming pools are proving to be increasingly popular for underground space. A reasonable-sized indoor pool with seating areas, changing rooms, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room could use up as much as 2,500 square feet. Multi gyms are also in vogue with an array of gym equipment and the latest pilates apparatus to ensure supreme fitness.

"Garaging - well that speaks for itself. And of course staffing accomodation - out of the way of the main part of the house but still close enough for child care.

"Maybe all of the above might seem rather obvious - this space is yours to do what you like with - a hair dressing salon, massage room, fake tan spraying booth or in one rather extreme case - a gift wrapping room."

Here's an example of a house available in the locality of Barton Wyatt which include underground space:

Barton Wyatt provide luxury and select Property in Sunningdale. James Wyatt MNAEA, MARLA, TRC, REALTOR ® is a partner at Barton Wyatt Letting Agents Surrey. Tel: 01344 843000

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Super Suburbs: Best Buys on the market in Virginia Water today

Both the Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail have features in the last week about the property market in Virginia Water in Surrey.

The Telegraph identified "London's super suburbs: the most valuable property markets" whilst the Mail cried out "Millionaire's row spreads out of London as average cost of homes hits £1 million in more than 40 areas".

Virginia Water is well known locally for its leafy lanes hiding palatial mansions but this recent national press interest could spell good news for vendors in the area as more buyers from London are made aware of the green and pleasant lands of North Surrey.

Indeed many prime London property owners have made a packet on property in the past few years and are looking for new areas to live whilst still wishing to invest their money wisely.

Rupert Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt, the leading estate agency in Virginia Water comments on the headline news:

"It is of no surprise that Virginia Water has been identified as a Super Suburb; we have been saying this for a long time. Some of our buyers own several homes, a London pad, a ski chalet and somewhere in the sun but Virginia Water is where they come to actually live rather than float in and out of.

"With a choice of high quality international schools, a raft of top level sports facilities and speedy links to Heathrow, Gatwick and central London, Virginia Water ticks all the boxes for busy international business men and women. We are predicting steady rises in property prices over the next few years - we see no reason why gains such as 15-20% are not achievable and potentially these gains could be reached in the next couple of years."

So, which one of these five Virginia Water properties would you most like to own?

Trumps Mill Cottage is the oldest house in Virginia Water with parts dating back to 1483. It is set in informal gardens, with a wonderful mill pond. The remainder of its 14 acre grounds consists of magnificent woodland, with mature trees and carpets of bluebells.

This unique former Mill is now converted into a spacious family home and retains many original character features. It has been thoughtfully updated by the existing owners with modern kitchen and bathrooms throughout.

The property features a master bedroom suite with dressing room and luxury en-suite bathroom, guest bedroom with en-suite bathroom, two further bedrooms, family bathroom, WC, drawing room, dining room, family room, kitchen/breakfast room, entrance hall, utility/cloakroom, cellar and workshops. Priced at £1,950,000

Whickham is a recently completed, brand new classically styled and luxuriously appointed family home, ready for immediate occupation and fully furnished. The house sits on a south facing corner plot on the exclusive Wentworth Estate.

The property has a superb layout ideally suited to the contemporary family lifestyle. The hub of the house is a stunning kitchen with state of the art appliances. On the first floor is a very generous master bedroom suite and encompassing a dressing room, large bathroom and sitting room area. Over the double garage is a well-equipped staff/au-pair suite with its own entrance and staircase to be self-contained if desired.

On the second floor, there is the fifth bedroom and bathroom as well as an adaptable games room which of course could also be a sixth bedroom. The property has been fully furnished by award winning interior designers, Alexander James, and is ready for immediate occupation for a superb lifestyle. Priced at £4,250,000

4 Virginia Drive was built in 2006 for the current owners by Huf Haus, the German construction company renowned for their build quality and precise engineering. Theproperty has been immaculately maintained and is now presented for sale in beautiful condition throughout. The home offers a unique experience with a tremendous feeling of space and light, large windows being the theme throughout the house.

The accommodation is set over two floors. The ground floor reception rooms are mainly open plan with the garden being drawn to the house by the large windows which are all fitted with electric blinds for shading and security. Further ground floor rooms include a beautiful guest bedroom suite and a separate study/play room. On the first floor there is a very large landing area which doubles as a library/TV lounge and a gallery overlooking the dining area. The three first floor bedrooms all have large windows with vaulted ceilings. Priced at £2,450.000

Abbots Warren is a house ripe for someone who wants to put their mark on it. It is in good order but would benefit from some changes.

The property currently has 4/5 receptions and a large kitchen/breakfast room. The master bedroom suite has a wonderful balcony overlooking the gardens and pool, a guest bedroom suite also has a balcony. Three further bedrooms and a family bathroom complete the first floor. A triple garage with office/annexe over is ideal for a home office or staff.

The south facing rear garden has a large sun terrace, swimming pool and covered BBQ area and is a really lovely feature of the home. Priced at £2,750,000

Four Winds is a stunning brand new executive home, constructed to the highest standard of finish and specification throughout and close to the Village and local schools.

The house has a contemporary design with luxury features such as an Italian bespoke kitchen, under floor heating, quality double glazing and a built-in sound system.

The property has 3,300 square feet of accommodation and includes a magnificent kitchen/breakfast room which is open plan to a conservatory overlooking the lawned rear garden. The first includes floor four double bedrooms and three bathrooms. On the top floor there is a further bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom.

The rear garden which is fenced and lawned and has a lovely westerly aspect to catch the evening sun, ideal for BBQ's or alfresco dining! Priced at £1,395,000

Barton Wyatt provide luxury and select Property in Sunningdale. James Wyatt MNAEA, MARLA, TRC, REALTOR ® is a partner at Barton Wyatt Estate Agents Surrey. Tel: 01344 843000

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Wentworth Estate - Price Guide £6,500,000

This stunning seven bedroom property, three bathrooms, entrance hall, two ground floor cloakrooms, four reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, store room, flower room, two garages, workshop, garden store and gardens of approximately three acres, is being marketed by Barton Wyatt Estate Agents Sunningdale for £6,500,000.

The property pictured is a computer generated image of a house approved by the Local Authority and the Wentworth Estate, to be built after the demolition of a 1930's house at Hurtwood, a magnificent 3.5 acre site on the renowned 'Main Island' of the Wentworth Estate situated on high ground falling away to the rear and backing onto the River Bourne. A wonderful mature garden facing due south to the rear and with a vast array of specimen shrubs, plants and trees providing colour throughout the year. Planning permission has been approved for a classical Georgianesque style house designed by award winning architect Julian Bicknell to provide 1134 square metres, measured gross externally on three floors with a fabulous leisure complex in the basement. The new house will sit well on the site which is very private from any adjoining properties and is in a particularly quiet part of the Estate.

Hurtwood is conveniently situated on the Wentworth Estate between the Wentworth Golf Club and the picturesque shopping parades of Virginia Water with its excellent shops for day to day needs, restaurants and mainline railway station with a fast service of trains to Waterloo in 42 minutes. For the weekly household shop there is an excellent Waitrose in Sunningdale and for more extensive shopping facilities, the towns of Windsor, Guildford and Kingston are all close at hand. Junction 13 of the M25 is just 3.5 miles away giving access to London, Heathrow and the motorway network. Other than the world renowned Wentworth Club, country clubs abound in the area such as Foxhills, Queenwood, Sunningdale and the Royal Berkshire. Delightful walks can be enjoyed around Virginia Water Lake which leads up to the Polo at Smiths Lawn, adjacent to Savill Gardens and Windsor Great Park beyond for riding. The area is also very well catered for by a wide choice of private prep schools, as well as two international schools, ACS in Egham and TASIS in Thorpe.

Hurtwood is currently a typical Wentworth family home built by WG Tarrant in the 1920's set in superb gardens and woodlands or approximately 3.5 acres. The current owners have obtained a magnificent planning consent for a new mansion house designed by Julian Bicknell to replace the existing 1920's house. Computer generated images show how the front and rear of the approved plans will look when built. A classically proportioned Georgianesque property, timeless in its architectural appeal externally and designed with the modern family lifestyle in mind and open plan versatility for entertaining on a grand scale. Hurtwood has a wide frontage to Waverley Drive with a carriage driveway.

The gardens face due south to the rear and have an enormous variety of specimen shrubs, conifers, acres and magnificent trees providing colour throughout the rear in the different seasons, particularly in May when the rhododendrons and azaleas flourish and the Autumn when the leaves turn. Towards the end of the garden, a path leads down to the River Bourne through an enchanting woodland garden. The gardens are quite a feature of the property, should be viewed to be appreciated and amount to approximately 3.5 acres in all.

For further information or to arrange a viewing, call Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 - Estate and Letting Agents in Sunningdale.

Barton Wyatt provide luxury golf villas in Florida and select Property in Sunningdale. James Wyatt MNAEA, MARLA, TRC, REALTOR ® is a partner at Barton Wyatt Letting Agents Surrey. Tel: 01344 843000

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

What Can You Expect from ACS Egham and TASIS England?

Both the ACS Egham and TASIS or The American School in England is known for their top notch quality of education. Both schools are dedicated to providing the best Baccalaureate programs, and are also hailed for having the most high-tech facilities within their campuses in London. So if you are thinking of enrolling in either the ACS or the TASIS England, then read this article to find out what you can expect from these educational institutions.

About the ACS

The ACS Egham has started its operation in 1967 and serves both international and the local communities. There are currently more than 2,600 students from over 70 countries that are enrolled on all three of the campuses of ACS in London. The campuses are in Hillingdon, Egham and Cobham. All the schools of ACS are non sectarian as well as co-educational wherein both day and boarding schools are available. The UK campuses of ACS offer three International Baccalaureate Programmes, which are the Diploma, Primary Years and the Middle Years. The ACS Egham is also known to offer American curriculums including Advancement Placement courses as well as enabling graduates to enrol at some of the world's best universities.

Curriculums

All of the UK based campuses of ACS Egham are International Baccalaureate schools which offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programmes, as well as the IB Middle Years, IB Primary Years Programme and the Middle Years Programme.

About the TASIS

Another best school that offers International Baccalaureate Programmes in the UK is TASIS England, or the American School in England. The school started in 11976 in Surrey, in the south west portion of central London. Among the many programs that the TASIS offer is the In-program, where students travel in a week on some of the various countries all over the world. Some of the destinations that the students have been to are Russia, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Spain, France, Morocco and several other European countries.

Advanced Courses at TASIS

TASIS England does not offer honour courses, since students of high academic standing will be elected to take IB or AP courses. AP courses or the Advanced Placement courses will not require taking the written AP exam. The Advance Placement Classes of the TASIS England are being offered in Biology, Art History, Chemistry, Economics, English Literature, English Language, Environmental Sciences and many more.