Double the wow with a Costa Rica and Nicaragua duo September 11, 2011 SEPARATED only by a narrow land border and united by a single language, the two Central American countries of Costa Rica and Nicaragua couldn’t be more different. On one side Costa Rica, with its well-developed, well-trodden tourist trail, offers unrivalled wildlife-watching opportunities and some of the most luxurious hotels in the region. On the other, [...]
Why read Ulysses when you can shoot a zombie? September 11, 2011 In a meeting last week I bonded with my colleagues over shooting a poison pod into the mouth of a necromorph leviathan in the sixth chapter of Dead Space. We laughed at how I spent nearly two hours running in frustrating circles in an anti-gravity chamber, being splattered to the wind by giant alien tentacles. [...]
Housebuyers struggle to get loans in London September 8, 2011 HOUSEBUYERS across the country were buoyed by higher levels of purchase approvals in August, the surveyors’ group E.surv said yesterday. Approvals were up 4.3 per cent on August 2010 and hit a 15-month high. However, Londoners missed out on the boost, with approvals dropping by 10 per cent compared with July’s figure. That is because [...]
Land on Park Lane and you know you’ve won the game September 8, 2011 SOUTH AUDLEY STREET Price: £8.495m This attractive townhouse has been comprehensively refurbished in a style that shows off the beautiful period details but also incorporates the latest interior design styles and modern technology. There are five bedrooms, four bathrooms and four reception rooms. Contact: Knight Frank on 020 7499 1012 or go to www.knightfrank.co.uk CHARLES [...]
DALSTON, LONDON September 8, 2011 DALSTON SQUARE Price: £425,000 Dalston Square is a £160m development in the heart of Dalston, just two miles from the City. This three-bedroom apartment is on the second floor with a balcony. In total, it comprises 919 square feet. Contact: Barratt Homes on 020 7241 1833 or go to www.barratthomes. co.uk/London ARTHAUS, LONDON FIELDS Price: [...]
PROPERTY NEWS September 8, 2011 CHARLIE CHAPLIN’S CHILDHOOD HOME FOR SALE Charlie Chaplin’s home in 1889 at Methley Street in Kennington has just come onto the market for the first time in over a decade. Boasting its official blue plaque, this pretty brick-fronted mews house was Chaplin’s home during his early childhood and is a part of the “Charlie Chaplin [...]
SELLING September 8, 2011 DIRECTOR OF ESTATE AGENT DOUGLAS & GORDON Q.I have been told by three different agents that I will be able to sell my current property quickly, but I’ll struggle to buy an upgrade. Should I wait? A.Sometimes the best time to upgrade your property is when prices start to fall. This is because the gap between [...]
Christie’s beginner’s guide to buying investment antiques for your home September 8, 2011 WILLIAM Morris once said: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” It’s a fabulously indulgent way to look at interior design, and certainly gives you an excuse to start buying antique [...]
Welcome back to suit patterns September 8, 2011 THE pin stripe is the classic pattern of the City – the iconic way of adding charisma and boldness to a dark suit, and one that’s forever going to be associated with bankers. That’s also one reason why it hasn’t been seen around very much in the last couple of years. The City’s humbling during [...]
TIPS FOR REFRESHING THE MALE WARDROBE September 8, 2011 FOUNDERS OF ROUS ILAND MEMBERS’ BOUTIQUE, WWW.ROUSILAND.COM Q. I can’t stand clothes shopping, but I’ve a feeling it’s about time I replaced some of my old togs. I don’t really know where to start – any tips? A.With the new season upon us, it is a good time to for a wardrobe update.It is best [...]