QUAFFER’S CORNER October 31, 2011 HEAD SOMMELIER AND MANAGER OF LUTYENS RESTAURANT Pinot Noir is a tricky grape to grow. Countries in the New World struggle to reproduce the fragrance and elegance that characterise red Burgundy where this grape originates (and, I would add, the best wines of Germany, where it is know as Spätburgunder). New Zealand is probably the [...]
House prices now falling twice as fast October 30, 2011 THE DECLINE in house prices doubled its speed in October as economic turbulence scared prospective buyers and hit demand, a leading survey claimed this morning. Average house prices were down 0.2 per cent in England and Wales this month, compared to declines of 0.1 per cent in each of the previous five months, the report [...]
Knits and the City: how to rock the season of toasty jumpers October 30, 2011 1 Cashmere fair-isle V-neck sweater For him: wear on the weekend. Brora, £299, brora.co.uk 2 Wool blanket-scarf All-purpose for the rustic cottage. National Trust shop, £12. nationaltrust.org.uk 3 Ribbed wool cardigan For him: cosy glass of wine after work. J Crew at Mr Porter, £170, mrporter.com 4 Wolsey tank For her: wear to work with [...]
“Mandigans”: what women really think October 30, 2011 THE topic of men and knitwear has always aroused strong reactions in women – it’s like marmite: you either love it or hate it. The ski slopes are a particularly divisive arena for observing the male in action sporting knits. Even resorts as chi-chi as Verbier and Courchevel become a jamboree of outlandish bobble hats [...]
Affjordable Norway: a mountainous trekker’s paradise October 30, 2011 IF you want to turn back at any point, you can.” Our sympathetic Norwegian host was suddenly full of reassurance. She was looking across the breakfast table with the concerned expression of a mother observing her sick, ailing child. Fear, dread. Pity. Maybe a hint of disdain for being put in this position. With a [...]
TRAVEL NOTES October 30, 2011 Grand boutique hotel in Quito Old Town Ecuador is South America’s hot new destination for the luxury traveller – and has the prices to go with. Old Town Quito now boasts a hotel in the vein of a mini-Ritz: Casa Gangotena, a newly restored historic mansion overlooking the cobbled Plaza San Francisco, with 31 rooms [...]
Why crisis-hit Nintendo was my first real love October 30, 2011 It has been a mixed week for Nintendo. On Tuesday it hosted the last of three concerts to celebrate the 25th anniversary of one of its most successful and enduring franchises: The Legend of Zelda. Two days later it announced the first annual loss in its 122-year history, sending the company into crisis mode. Its [...]
Living – if you dare – in a Halloween home October 27, 2011 WITH Halloween weekend here, some people cannot resist the excuse to look at a haunted house. Strangely enough, there are buyers for whom a distinguished relationship with the dead makes a property all the more attractive. “Haunted houses are a funny one,” says veteran estate agent Kevin Allen of John D Wood & Co. “It [...]
FOCUS ON: BRAINTREE, ESSEX BY DONATA HUGGINS October 27, 2011 ST THOMAS COURT, OLD SAINT MICHAELS Price: £275,000 This two-bedroom apartment features a double-height living area with exposed roof trusses and mezzanine floor. The property has been designed to maximise on space, natural light and historical features. Contact: City & Country Group on 01376 335 800 or go to www.oldsaintmichaels.co.uk Place House, Dunmow Road Price: [...]
SELL October 27, 2011 DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL LONDON ESTATE AGENT KAY & CO Q.I would like to put my flat on the market but I’m concerned that now might not be the best time given the current economic climate. What do you advise? A.In recent months, buyers have become more cautious and there has been a lack of urgency [...]