Peathead’s paradise on the Hebrides September 5, 2011 FOR the malt whisky enthusiast, the Scottish island of Islay is undoubtedly the place to visit when it comes to exploring some of the finest and most flavoursome whiskies in the world. Once the staple preserve for a generation of rosy-cheeked grandfathers, malt whisky is currently enjoying something of a renaissance with a new group [...]
Chilled red wine? You must be…deadly serious September 5, 2011 HEAD SOMMELIER AND MANAGER OF LUTYENS RESTAURANT IMAGINE for a moment that the English weather hasn’t let you down, that you’re basking in the sunshine of a glorious late summer (or early autumn) day. You want the refreshment of a white wine but you’re more of a red drinker. You could reach for the rosé [...]
Housing boom would create 200k new jobs September 4, 2011 AS the government’s proposed planning rules are debated by environmentalists and concerned “nimbys”, a report out today claims a housing boom could create 201,000 jobs. The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) estimates that policies which free up the housing market supply to match the level of demand would create a housing explosion. In [...]
Ritblat nears Plantation Place takeover September 4, 2011 DELANCEY Estates, the investment vehicle led by Jamie Ritblat, is poised to take control of Plantation Place, one of the largest buildings in the City of London, in a deal valuing the property at £500m. Delancey, which is backed by George Soros’s Quantum fund, is understood to be in exclusive talks to buy the 550,000 [...]
Ronson targets Millbank flats September 4, 2011 BUSINESS magnate Gerald Ronson is to purchase yet more of the capital’s prime property, it has emerged. Riverwalk House, a series of luxury riverside apartments on Millbank, is set to be bought for around £70m. Ronson Capital Partners are in talks with vendors Derwent London. The deal will see Derwent share a portion of Ronson’s [...]
China’s answer to Vegas is Eastern gambling paradise September 4, 2011 OF all the improbable consequences of China’s headlong rush into beating capitalism at its own game, Macau is the weirdest.In common with nearby Hong Kong, the former Portuguese colony returned to Chinese ownership in 1999, but remains largely self-determining. As a result, gambling is legal. And not just legal: Macau is known as the Vegas [...]
A home of very grand designs September 1, 2011 Buying an old home to do it up is one thing. Doing it in the teeth of a major recession, in a house with no heating, collapsing ceilings, shot plumbing and rampant damp, and living there while you renovate it from scratch, is probably rather beyond the call of duty. It’s arguably rather a miracle [...]
The only way is Essex for hidden gems September 1, 2011 ROLLING countryside, boutique shops and country pubs – but most importantly not a vajazzle in sight. Essex has a whole lot more to offer than the controversial The Only Way is Essex TV series would like to portray. The area has all the charms and convenience of the most-desired Home Counties of Surrey and Kent. [...]
STEVENAGE, HERTS September 1, 2011 SWALE CLOSE Price: £239,995 This three-bedroom semi-detached house is located in a quiet cul-de-sac and within the sought-after Great Ashby area. It offers ample space since it is spread across three floors and has a large conservatory extending from the back. Contact: Vincent Giddings on 01438 960 010 or go to www.vincentgiddings.co.uk JACKDAW CLOSE Price: [...]
PROPERTY NEWS BY LYDIA ELLIS September 1, 2011 NEW MERIBEL DEVELOPMENT LAUNCHED A new property development in Meribel has launched and is due for completion in December 2012. The Les Balcons de la Chapelle development comprises of two, three and four bedroom apartments and chalets, offering easy access to numerous ski runs with just a short walk to ski lifts, shops and restaurants. [...]