All About your AreA: A locAl perSpective from Strutt & pArker

A particular take on property ISSUE ONE

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Published on behalf of Strutt & Parker by Sunday sundaypublishing.com

02 &Cambridge

Welcometo &Suffolk, a magazine showcasing local properties and giving you a taste of the area. Strutt & Parker is one of the most diverse property businesses in the UK, and the Ipswich office is a focal point for the wide range of departments and services we offer. The residential team specialises in selling a variety of properties across Suffolk in its many towns and villages, while Strutt & Parker also provides unrivalled expertise in farming, land management, commercial property, planning and development.

Read on to find out morePage 03 Insight: Strutt & Parker discusses the local market

Page 04 First & foremost: the hottest properties and local highlights

Page 06 Portfolio: property showcase

Page 08 Trends & analysis: expert overview of the national market

Page 09 Why Strutt & Parker?

Page 10 Why we love Suffolk: locals reveal why there’s no place like home

Page 11 Find us: local highlights

A particular take on property ISSUE ONE

Published on behalf of Strutt & Parker by Sunday sundaypublishing.com. All information and pricing correct at time of going to press.

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Published on behalf of Strutt & Parker by Sunday sundaypublishing.com

INSIGHT

trutt & Parker’s Ipswich office opened in 1952 and we have remained a firm feature on the East Anglian property scene ever since. In that

time, we have built up extensive local knowledge and experience, selling some of the finest houses in Suffolk and the wider area.

‘The region is growing in popularity with a noticeable increase in buyers moving here from London and counties such as Essex, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. The appeal of Suffolk is not surprising, with its wide tracts of unspoilt countryside, the Heritage Coast dotted with famous seaside towns and the slightly slower pace of life.

‘Along with the many picturesque villages and market towns, Ipswich is growing in demand. The area around Christchurch Park is the most sought-after part of town, with some impressive period houses and the renowned Ipswich School. The park itself is a real gem, with more than 70 acres of landscaped grounds and Christchurch

Mansion, which houses a selection of paintings including works by Constable and Gainsborough. The harbour is a major attraction with a wide range of restaurants and bars lining the waterfront overlooking the marina.

‘For the commuter, transport links are excellent. The A12 and A14 provide ready access to London and Cambridge, while mainline railway stations at Manningtree, Ipswich and Stowmarket have direct services to London Liverpool Street.

‘The East Anglian market is evolving due to a more transient workforce, and this wider focus provides the perfect opportunity for Strutt & Parker to make use of its national network of offices, including 10 in central London.

‘While the local market is still challenging, we are seeing an increase in buyers from London looking to cash in on their investment and move to the country. Compared with the capital, house prices in the East have remained on a flat line and are attractive to buyers from outside the region.’

Charlie Mitchell, Partner, explains how our Ipswich office brings a range of services and experience to the county’s robust property market

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First & foremost

Charsfield Hall, CharsfieldLocated in beautiful countryside between Woodbridge and Framlingham, Charsfield Hall is an impressive Grade II Listed 16th-century country house. Recently renovated, it is beautifully presented with a self-contained annexe. Outbuildings include a Suffolk long barn, two storage barns and a workshop. Landscaped gardens surround the house and feature a moat, tennis court and swimming pool. The land includes a paddock and two belts of woodland in more than 22 acres. Price on application Contact 01473 220444

rural idyll

04 &Suffolk

glorious food‘Please sir, can I have some more?’ is the typical refrain at artisan food heaven Suffolk Food Hall. Located next to the Orwell Estuary, it is home to the Broxtead Butchery, where whole carcasses hang and you can buy locally produced Red Poll beef, sausages and game; an artisan bakery in full flow before the dawn chorus to produce delicious loaves; and a knowledgeable fishmonger happy to share cooking tips for his sustainable stock. There’s also a chocolatier specialising in Belgian treats, the Market Hall for fresh fruit and vegetables, a beer market, and a deli with antipasti, cheese and tarts – the Suffolk Gold, a semi-hard farmhouse cheese, is a top choice. You can also enhance your foodie reputation at regular events such as cake-decorating, bread and pasta workshops. suffolkfoodhall.co.uk

Coastal CharmsEscape the rat race with a walk along the Suffolk Coast Path, taking in 50 miles of unhurried calm from Felixstowe north to Lowestoft. You’ll see avocets, bitterns, marsh harriers, butterflies and wildflowers in the low marshes, dunes and on the beaches. Of particular interest are the RSPB’s reserves at Aldeburgh, Orford and Minsmere. While passing through the pleasing seaside towns of Thorpeness, Walberswick, Southwold and Orford, you can stop and relish a plate of oysters washed down with a pint of local Adnams ale. suffolkcoastandheaths.org

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LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

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Two of England’s finest painters were born in Suffolk: Thomas Gainsborough (1727–88) and John Constable (1776–1837)

Suffolk has a viable contender for the title of patron saint of England – St Edmund, who was made patron saint in 869, only to be usurped by St George 481 years later in 1350

The UK’s only surviving Regency playhouse is in Suffolk’s Bury St Edmunds

SUffolKUnCovEREd

MUSiCal noTESAldeburgh Music is celebrating the centenary of Benjamin Britten’s birth in Lowestoft with a series of performances at the world-famous concert hall at Snape Maltings, the venue that, along with his partner Peter Pears, the composer launched in 1948. Those attending a concert need not stray far away, as self-catering holiday homes are available within Snape Maltings, plus there’s an art gallery, bookshop, toy emporium, the Plough and Snail pub, food hall and a café overlooking the marshes. Keep the children entertained with story walks through the mysterious marshes, or chocolate making, pizza and pasta workshops, while autumn highlights include the new FlipSide festival celebrating Brazilian culture. aldeburgh.co.uk

Woolverstone House, WoolverstoneWoolverstone House is believed to be the only complete work in Suffolk by Sir Edwin Lutyens and is Grade II* Listed. The house has been sympathetically restored and has some magnificent rooms and architectural detail. The formal gardens are beautifully laid out and include a sunken terrace, kitchen garden, swimming pool and tennis court.Price on application under offer

Contact 01473 220444

RaRE RETREaT

KinG of ThE CaSTlESForget modern-day etiquette and wallow in a world of battling knights at Framlingham Castle. Carl Eastwood from Strutt & Parker Ipswich says his four-year-old son loves the archery demonstrations and medieval tourneys at the 12th-century fortress: ‘He simply adores it and comes home with toy bows, arrows and swords.’ Typical events at the castle where Mary Tudor once took refuge include training in the art of combat in a Weapons and Warriors workshop and a weekend of duelling at the Knights Tournament. english-heritage.org.ukW

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06 &Suffolk

Mendlesham Manor, MendleshamAn historic Listed Elizabethan manor house, sympathetically renovated and in a delightful rural location. £1,250,000

Hill House, Ashfield A charming period house in an exceptional setting with outbuildings and more than three acres of grounds. £695,000

Little Manor Farm, Brundish

An attractive 16th-century timber-framed house with

picturesque, partly moated gardens and a good range

of outbuildings.£850,000

Ridley House, Old Felixstowe

A striking Italianate villa set in mature

gardens on the sea front. There are

stunning panoramic views, especially

from the tower room. £1,350,000

For further details of any of these properties, contact 01473 220444

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

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PORTFOLIO

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White Rose House, LindseyA spacious Grade II Listed

village house with a stunning entertaining room, recently

updated kitchen and workshops.£795,000

Park House, Tattingstone

An idyllic property that includes a three-

bedroom annexe and fabulous walled

gardens that lead on to Alton Water.

£1,500,000

The Hall, EykeA lovely Georgian-style family house with light, spacious rooms. Set in a landscaped setting and close to the popular market town of Woodbridge.£465,000

Berners Street, Ipswich A spacious five-bedroom Grade II Listed townhouse presented in excellent condition with gardens and garaging. £499,000

Bridge Farm, Semer A Grade II Listed farmhouse

in a lovely setting in the Brett Valley with annexe,

two holiday cottages and equestrian facilities. £1,650,000

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

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he country house market has weathered the worst of the recession and

although last year’s 2% rise in stamp duty did have an impact, James Mackenzie, Head of the Country Department at Strutt & Parker believes that this was a just a blip. ‘People take these things on the chin and move on, particularly when you’re talking about buying a family home.’

And while the hard winter of 2012/13 did little to encourage buyers out into the country, Mackenzie believes the market is making up for lost time. ‘It’s heading back to where it should be, with the potential to get stronger over the next 12 months.’

Little regional variation exists – it’s all about properties and prices – but the robust London market remains a key driving factor, with buyers recognising the potential that city budgets have beyond the capital. Equally, international and expat interest remains steady and it’s here that Strutt & Parker’s relationship with Christie’s International Real Estate comes into its own.

‘Many more international buyers are being pushed in our direction,’ explains Mackenzie. ‘Our auction house colleagues are also helping introduce potential sellers to Strutt & Parker. It’s simply a much bigger playing field for us now.’

Regional growth

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25%of Strutt & Parker

vendors outside

London are looking

to move to smaller

properties

up to 32%of London buyers are

planning to move to

the country

ost considerations, lifestyle choices, local economic factors and government

efforts to kick-start the housing market are creating a complex UK residential property picture, according to Michael Fiddes, Head of Agency at Strutt & Parker.

‘There’s definitely been a stimulus at the bottom of the market because of what the government’s sought to do for first-time buyers,’ says Fiddes. ‘Secondly, while more people are selling up in London and benefiting from fantastic value outside of the capital because of the large price differential, buyers are becoming much more conscious of the costs such as commuting, property maintenance and heating, and education.’

Lifestyle choices, too, are resulting in more people living in an urban or suburban environment beyond London. That’s been good for Oxford, Cambridge, St Albans and

Guildford in particular. ‘These key regional centres are seeing more growth in residential value than their rural counterparts, although there are hotspots around the UK where different economic factors affect the marketplace,’ says Fiddes. ‘An example is around Aberdeen, where the oil industry creates a massive number of jobs.’

A complex market then, but one in which Strutt & Parker remains best placed to negotiate, with the interests of clients always paramount.

‘When people are moving house, they’re usually dealing with their most valuable asset, something that’s going to have one of the greatest effects on their lives,’ says Fiddes. ‘Selling a house is about getting the best possible deal for the client, but also about helping them on a journey. We always endeavour to look after them and proactively make things happen, rather than merely hoping they’ll happen.’ w

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Getting stronger

Trends & analysisStrutt & Parker experts reflect on the

nationwide property picture

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OVERVIEW

T he new research team at the company’s London head offi ce is making its

presence felt with vital insights into short- and long-term market trends. While many industry researchers have a narrow focus, this department takes a ‘holistic’ approach, keeping abreast of developments across the full range of Strutt & Parker’s interests.

‘Our work is about understanding the markets, knowing what the trends are, and identifying where the demand and stock is coming from,’ says Stephanie McMahon, Head of Research at Strutt & Parker.

But examining statistics is just part of the process. ‘We’re interested in the behaviour of buyers and vendors,’ explains McMahon. ‘It’s important to understand what’s driving their decision-making.’

Downsizing, or ‘right-sizing’ as McMahon calls it, is one of the trends currently being tracked by the team. ‘Outside London, 25% of our vendors are looking to move to smaller properties,’ she says. ‘And out in the country, over 80% of people are using their homes for primary use. Even in London, that fi gure is almost at 55%.’

McMahon is seeing evidence, fi nally, of movement in the mortgage market: ‘It’s becoming a little bit more accessible for some buyers, so that’s a positive sign.’ W

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OUR BRAND

For more than 125 years, Strutt &

Parker has created a brand that

signifi es outstanding results

delivered through high-quality

and integrity-rich service.

OUR MARKETING EXCELLENCE

We are committed to constantly

evolving our marketing approach

to ensure that your property is

seen ahead of the rest. Our

dedicated in-house marketing

and PR team ensures that our

brand and your property is

consistently and strongly

represented in every media outlet.

OUR ONLINE PRESENCE

Strutt & Parker has built an

industry-leading website

for buyers of quality real estate,

with more than 200,000 visitors

to struttandparker.com

every month. We also have a

mobile-friendly website and use

QR codes and NFC technology to

give access to properties on the

go and from any mobile device.

OUR NATIONAL NETWORK

Strutt & Parker’s extensive and

growing network of 50 offi ces

covers the whole of the UK, from

Exeter to Inverness. Our 400+

sales professionals work as a

team to help achieve great

property results for you.

OUR BUYERS DATABASE

With 2,000 buyers registering

with us every month, we have

more than 26,000 active buyers –

all of whom are shared across

our network of UK offi ces,

showcasing your home to more

prospective buyers nationally.

OUR GLOBAL REACH

As the sole UK affi liate of

Christie’s International Real

Estate, we have access to 920

affi liate offi ces in 41 countries

worldwide, bringing global

buyers to your door.

OUR EXPERTS

We offer a total solution approach.

Our specialist teams include

Residential Sales, Lettings,

Building Surveying &

Architecture, Farms & Estates,

Land Management, Farming,

Commercial, Planning,

Development, Resources &

Energy and Professional Services.

A holistic view

WHY STRUTT

& PARKER?

Fiona Stewart, Head of Marketing & Communications at Strutt & Parker, explains why Open House Days are a must

BRINGING BUYERS AND SELLERS TOGETHER

Q What is Open House Day?A It’s a day when we throw open the doors of all the houses we’re selling, so that prospective buyers have the chance to view as many properties as they wish, without the need to make appointments. We run Open House Days twice a year, in the spring and autumn.

Q How does it help buyers and sellers? A Buyers like it because it gives them the freedom to see lots of properties on one day. They can plan their own route and it’s really time effi cient. They also like the opportunity to meet vendors. From a seller’s perspective, you’ve got a lot of prospective buyers coming through the door to see your

house on a single day. We know that 90 per cent of searches start online, but nothing replaces the value of seeing a property for real.

Q How effective is Open House Day?A We had 700 properties take part in our last event, with one in ten receiving offers on the day, to a value of more than £85 million. The results speak for themselves.

Q What do you have to do to get involved?A You can register to take part online at struttandparker.com/openday or with your local Strutt & Parker offi ce. Once you’ve provided your details, you’ll receive a registration card. You can then view as many houses on the day as you wish.

BRINGING BUYERS AND SELLERS TOGETHER

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10 &Suffolk

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‘I love Suffolk because I was born and brought up here. The investment and growth in the area has turned it into a hub for commerce and culture, without losing the beauty of the landscape or our access to outstanding local produce.’Liz Ambler, owner, Arlington’s Brasserie

‘Having moved to Suffolk when I was nine years old, I am one of the many who moved back here from London for the quality of family life. I am a huge Suffolk fan – there is no better place for a child to grow up. As an entrepreneur, I’m surrounded by like-minded people who live and work here running their own businesses. I’m 20 minutes from the coast – how can you not love it?’Paddy Bishopp, co-founder, Paddy and Scott’s Coffee ‘There’s so much to see

and do on our beautiful coastline and it’s the perfect place to windsurf. My sons already enjoy sailing at Alton Reservoir, a place where I spent much of my youth.’ Andrew Mexome, property developer, owner, Mexhomes

‘With happy memories of growing up in Suffolk, it was an easy decision to return 10 years ago when Birketts offered me a job. I love Aldeburgh Golf Club, the Low House pub in Laxfield and a victory at Portman Road for Ipswich Town.’James Dinwiddy, Partner, Birketts Solicitors

‘I love the Suffolk landscape and feel connected to it through our furniture-making business. We work with local landowners near our Suffolk workshop to use the timber from their woodlands. Suffolk is a beautiful county and that local provenance is very important to us.’ Tom Luxmoore, co-founder, Luxmoore & Co

Why we love SuffolkWhat makes the county such a special place to work and live? We ask a few local residents

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FIND US

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Strutt & Parker Ipswich11 Museum StreetIpswich IP1 1HHTel: 01473 214841ipswich@struttandparker.com

S&P

Strutt & Parker Ipswich is part of a national network with 50 offices around the UK, including 10 offices in central London. As sole UK affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, we also work with a network of 920 affiliate offices in 41 countries around the globe.

To complement our Residential Sales team, we offer clients a complete service with experts across a wide range of disciplines, including:

Farming – our specialist agricultural advisers work with farmers and landowners to help manage their land and increase profitability.

Land Management – we offer advice to estate and land owners managing thousands of acres with diverse business interests.

Valuation & Enfranchisement Services – from property valuations to client support on planning processes, we offer many specialist property services.

Resources & Energy – we help clients seize the opportunities and manage the risks that energy issues present.

Commercial Property – our highly successful commercial team provides forward-thinking advice across all commercial property sectors.

Planning & Development – we advise on planning strategy and submit applications for clients, as well as advising on development value and selling land with consent.

struttandparker.com/ipswich 11

Strutt & Parker network and services

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struttandparker.com

To visit the Ipswich office homepage, simply

hover your phone over the QR code (right).

Ipswich11 Museum StreetIpswich IP1 1HHTel: 01473 220444

Cambridge66-68 Hills RoadCambridge CB2 1LATel: 01223 459500

ChelmsfordCoval Hall, Rainsford RoadChelmsford CM1 2QFTel: 01245 258201

Harpenden49 High StreetHarpenden AL5 2SJTel: 01582 764343

Norwich4 Upper King StreetNorwich NR3 1HATel: 01603 617431

St Albans34 St Peters StreetSt Albans AL1 3NATel: 01727 840285

Stamford5 South View, Tinwell RoadStamford PE9 2JLTel: 01780 484040

LondonTen offices in central LondonVisit struttandparker.com for details

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