A specially curated guide to the next 48 hours (or more) in Bath
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FESTIVAL | GET YOUR TICKETS
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Photo Credit: Nick Spratling
The Bath Festival, a joyous celebration of books and music
The Bath Festival 2024, Friday 17 - Sunday 26 May. Tickets go on sale Friday 22 March. For full programme and tickets: thebathfestival.org.uk
Highlights include: BBC journalist Clive Myrie, poet Salena Godden, novelists Howard Jacobson, Katty Lette and author David Mitchell (Cloud Atlas) comedians Shaparak Khorsandi, Sara Pascoe, Ruby Wax, Helen Lederer and Cariad Lloyd, space scientist Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock and campaigner George Monbiot. Hear singer Michael Ball talk about his career, or watch the 1922 classic Nosferatu with live organ accompaniment. Renaissance music in Bath Abbey with Stile Antico, Music artist in residence, guitarist Sean Shibe, will be playing with the Carducci Quartet and with singer Ema Nikolovska for a musical exploration of Virginia Woolf’s Orlando.
Party in the City, Friday 17 May, kicks off the festival with Bath’s biggest FREE night out.
For more details on the line up, please find our full programme here for you to download: bit.ly/tbf24
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OUR APRIL ISSUE IS OUT NEXT WEEK!
You'll love our fabulous April magazine which features a collection of great reading by our team of wonderful writers as well as beautifully presented advertising by Bath's best businesses.
This month we visit the restored Caisson Gardens in Combe Hay, finding a stunning landscape that’s rich in wildlife; we profile a new exhibition at Victoria Art Gallery showing an exciting range of Parisian posters from Toulouse-Lautrec and his artist contemporaries celebrating the nightlife and gaiety of the Belle-Epoque; we talk to the founders of The Bath Publishing Company, who had the vision to publish Nick Wallis' Great Post Office Scandal book before the scandal hit the nation; and you can discover the subjects of our new Portrait of Bath image from photographer Joe Short. Plus so much more!
Every month we deliver 15,000 copies door to door, but if you don't get a copy at home then you can pick up a copy at many places around town and from our floor stands at: Waitrose, Sainsbury [Green Park], M&S Foods in Twerton, Tesco in Weston Village, and at The Holburne Museum.
Click here to enjoy the digital version of our current issue!
And if you would like to have a copy sent in the post every month, then we offer a postal subscription for just £33 for 12 issues, £18 for six issues or buy a copy for just £4.25. UK mainland prices. For Euro and World zone subscription prices – click here to subscribe on our website.
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WEEKEND RECIPES | TIME FOR A FRESH SPIN
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Words by Melissa Blease
Lamb Stifado
This robust casserole combines all the classic Greek taverna flavours in one comforting pot, perfect for warming up a chilly March weekend – or putting a fresh spin on the traditional roast lamb feast this Easter? Yamas!
Ingredients (serves 6)
800g lamb shoulder, chopped into generous cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
500g shallots, peeled and chopped in half if large
1 tbsp brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried rosemary
1 tbsp dried mint
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp tomato puree
2 x 400g tins of cherry (or chopped plum) tomatoes
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
200ml red wine
To serve: a generous handful of crumbled feta cheese
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 5. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a flameproof casserole over a medium-high heat and brown the lamb all over (you will probably need to do this in batches, removing the seared lamb to a plate with a slotted spoon as you go).
2. Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil into the pan. Add the shallots to the pan, and scatter with the sugar. Allow to sizzle for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until starting to caramelise. Add the garlic, oregano, rosemary, cinnamon and nutmeg and cook for a further minute. Add the tomato puree and cook for another minute, then add the seared lamb back into the pan, along with any resting juices. Stir well to coat the lamb in the spiced onion mixture.
3. Add the tinned tomatoes and red wine vinegar to the pan. Rinse the cans out with the red wine and pour it into the pot, along with enough water to just cover the lamb. Season well, bring to a simmer and stir again, then cover with the lid and transfer to the oven for 1 hour.
4. Remove the pot from the oven and stir again – if the sauce looks very thick, add a splash more water. Cover again and return to the oven for another 1-1.5 hours, or until the lamb is meltingly tender.
5. Sprinkle the feta cheese across the top and serve accompanied by chunks of fresh crusty bread, steamed rice or mounds of mashed potato.
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WEEKEND WINE | BIODYNAMIC THINKING
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Biodynamic Wines
Biodynamics is a form of organic farming that emphasises the interrelationship of soil fertility and plant growth; it draws on the spiritual theories of Austrian occultist Rudolf Steiner, that studies the astrological sowing and planting calendar, as well as treating the earth as a living and receptive, holistic organism.
Some grape growers who have adopted biodynamic methods claim to have achieved improvements in the health of their vineyards, specifically in the areas of biodiversity, soil fertility and crop nutrition, as well as pest, weed and disease management.
Why not check out some of The Great Wine Company's full cellar of biodynamic wines from dedicated producers:
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Beautiful Chaos Pinot Noir – Seresin Estate
This has a bit of natural wine funk, which is quickly overtaken by bright, exuberant fruit, freesia, lily and lipstick aromas. It is dry, fresh and exciting on the palate, with light texture, crunchy fruit, brisk acidity and an appealing note of liquorice on the finish. | £25
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Rosso di Montalcino – Il Poggione
Lovely rounded red fruit character, very easy and immediate, yet backed up by satisfying complexity and structure. Tuck right into it straight away, and enjoy over the next 2-3 years. Produced entirely from the Brunello variant of Sangiovese grapes, from Il Poggione's younger vines, this is aged for 12 months in large casks before a period of bottle aging. | £22
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Monastrell Remordimiento – Bodega Cerron
This wine shows the elegance of which Monastrell is capable, from the Mediterranean influence on the south-facing vineyards. It has an approachable red fruit character, alongside hints of aromatic herbs. Balanced and smooth on the palate, the flavours are pure and refined, with mineral hints. | £15.50
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Canon du Marechal Rosé – Domaine Cazes
A Provence-style organic and biodynamic rosé with a pale salmon-pink colour and a lovely, soft, silky texture. It has lip-smacking aromas and flavours that bring to mind strawberries and cream. | £15.95
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Asphodele – Château Climens |
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Fresh green apple and peaches combine with a floral hint on the nose of this beguiling wine. Tangy passionfruit comes through on the palate, alongside fresh-cut grass, and a murmur of beeswax. The wine has a smooth and gently rounded texture, before giving way to subtle honey and nutty flavours on the finish. | £42
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Easter at The Ivy Collection
Enjoy a gorgeous Chocolate Afternoon Tea at The Ivy, available until 8 April from 3pm–4.45pm.
This Afternoon Tea is beautifully presented in a three-tied stand, with an assortment of freshly baked scones, clotted cream and strawberry preserve, a selection of delicate finger sandwiches.
You can then choose from a selection of delightful cakes and tarts which are now available with a limited-edition chocolate twist. For the perfect finishing touch, add a glass of The Ivy Champagne to celebrate in style.
Finally, celebrate with The Ivy Collection over the long Easter weekend and dine on a variety of sweet and savoury options crafted for the occasion. Enjoy its new Aromatic Moroccan Lamb served with harissa spiced couscous, broad beans and a spiced tomato sauce.
For more information click here.
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Looking for more delicious foodie inspo?
Click through to browse our full Delicious Guide!
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SUNGLASSES | RETRO IS BACK
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Jimmy Fairly: The Nax | £135
Introducing the Nax: Jimmy Fairly's new oversized frame. With its brown tortoiseshell, its double bridge and its '70s' vibe, retro is back.
It is best suited for round, triangular or oval faces. All Jimmy Fairly stores offer eye tests, free adjustments, style advice or simply browsing.
Click here to purchase.
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ANTHROPOLOGIE | STEP INTO SPRING
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Kachel Lulu Flutter Sleeve Ruffle Maxi Dress | £148
This dress has a maxi silhouette style and is perfect to wear in the spring time.
The Kachel brand is renowned for its array of billowing blouses, swishy skirts and flared dresses doused in paisley motifs, feminine blooms and colour-pop tie dye - not to mention accessories set to imbue your every look with retro charm.
Click here to purchase and to shop the collection.
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OBJECTS OF DESIRE | VERY GOOD EGGS
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Fabergé eggs for Easter
The Fabergé dynasty really began in 1882 when Peter Carl Fabergé took over his father’s very ordinary 40 year jewellery business. Together with his brother Agathon, he quickly transformed it into an international phenomenon.
The success of the two brothers was changing the nature of the business. Out went the then-fashionable style where diamonds prevailed. In came the design-led artist-jeweller with a penchant for colour through both stones and reviving the lost art of enamelling.
They added objets deluxe to their repertoire, including objets de fantaisie such as the Imperial Easter Eggs, now regarded as pinnacles of the goldsmiths’ art.
Today these are treasured in some of the world’s leading museums and private collections. The craftsmanship of all their creations was of the very finest standard. This formula of design and craftsmanship made Fabergé irresistible and the ultimate objects to own, as well as the gift of choice.
These Fabergé egg pendants are not only wearable and highly collectable but are keepsake investments to be treasured for years to come. From left to right:
• Fabergé Heritage Palais 18ct White Gold Royal Blue Enamel and Diamond Pendant and Chain £8,160
• Fabergé Emotion 18ct Yellow Gold Multicoloured Gemstone and Diamond Pendant and Chain £12,960
• Fabergé Heritage Palais Tsarskoye Selo 18ct Rose Gold Rose Enamel and Diamond Pendant and Chain £6,000
There’s a full range of Fabergé jewellery to be discovered at Mallory Jewellers: click here to see more.
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CHANEL | SPRING COLLECTION
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Les 4 Ombres eyeshadow palette – Rivage | £54
The LES 4 OMBRES RIVAGE palette features the colours found along the coast, the four shades represent the meeting of land and sea that inspired Valentina Li for this collection.
A satiny turquoise, a subtly satiny champagne, a luminous matte brown, and a translucent hue whose gold and pink shimmer enhances any eye look. Embossed with curved ridges that resemble ripples on the water’s surface, the four shades in the palette evoke the movement of waves.
Click here to shop the spring collection.
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FRAGRANCE | FIND YOUR SCENT
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Penhaligon's Alula | £215
Don't miss Penhaligon's Alula's new arrival. This perfume smells of warm plum, meeting a mirage of patchouli tinged with turmeric.
Vanilla winds whisper across the horizon. Plum, Patchouli, Palms reach skyward, taller than incense, next to a monolith of spice and tobacco. A sweeping desert of saffron, born of sand and drenched in sky.
Click here to purchase.
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SHOPPING | PEUGEOT SUR LA TABLE
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Luxury Bakeware and Kitchen Accessories by Peugeot.
Yes, you heard right… Long before turning their attention to the automobile, Peugeot invented the tabletop pepper mill almost 150 years ago. Where tradition and history are a huge part of the DNA of Peugeot. Innovation and modernism are at the forefront, and its beautiful range of manual or electric salt and pepper mills are sustainably crafted in France, with an original steel grinding mechanism and over 200 years of expertise behind the technology.
Now with a beautifully crafted kitchen and bakeware range - all sustainably crafted in France - you can prepare, season and cook your dishes to perfection with Peugeot's innovative technologies, premium materials, high-performance mechanisms and user-friendly designs.
Shown here are the Peugeot Premium Salt, Pepper & Spice Mills from £13.50, available from Peugeot.
Click here to see these and many more bakeware, kitchen and table accessories
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CREAM CORNWALL | STOCK UP ON CHINAWARE
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Swallows and the Sharks |
Cream Cornwall decided to combine the two classic maritime tattoo's, the Swallows and the Sharks to decorate its chinaware. Both images have deep symbolic meanings, click here to read more about the inspiration of these fascinating designs.
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Medium Bone China Swallows & Shark Jug | £24 |
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Jugs are more than something to hold milk or a sauce, they're great as a decorative item and perfect for that freshly picked bunch of flowers.
Click here to purchase.
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Swallows & Anchor Nibbles Dish | £13 |
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These small dishes are so versatile, perfect for anything, from dips and oils, to even jewellery and keys. Hand decorated in Britain.
Click here to purchase.
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MAGAZINE KIOSK | MAGALLERIA
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Curated by Daniel McCabe
Family Style is a new magazine launched this month, New York-based but edited from around the world by alumni from the United Nations, Vogue magazine and The New York Times. It takes the ingredients of a standard lifestyle title: fashion, art, design, and whips them into 'a fantasy dinner party' in the form of a quality cultural journal. The launch issue divides its content into dinner course sections, not unlike an express service version of Luncheon magazine, and offers the usual fare of premier indie icons – Michèle Lamy, Chloë Sevigny, Gus Van Sant, Anohni et al. Worth a look. | £12
magalleria.co.uk
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EASTER WEEKEND | PARTY SEASON STARTS
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Easter weekend at Green Park Brasserie and Bath Pizza Co.
Easter weekend, 29 March–1 April, earmarks the start of the party season for 2024 at Green Park Brasserie and Bath Pizza Co.
Live music from 6.30pm 4 nights a week starts again, as well as the famous Sunday Roast and nationally acclaimed Bath Pizza Co menu.
The lively Green Park venue will be celebrating their launch of their new venue on the first floor opening with the Bath Comedy Festival in the first week of April.
Follow @bathpizzaco for the latest details greenparkbrasserie.com
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Andrew Scott stars in new series Ripley on Netflix 4 April
If Saltburn left you hungry for more dark tales of jealousy, greed and high society imposters, then be prepared to fill up with Ripley - a new Netflix series based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel, Tom Ripley which was told in 1999 with Anthony Minghella’s film: The Talented Mr Ripley, starring Matt Damon, alongside Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law.
This stylish Netflix limited series released 4 April has Andrew Scott (Sherlock, Fleabag) taking the antihero role as the story of a New York grifter in 1960s' New York, who is hired by a wealthy family to track down Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn), their wayward playboy son and to try and persuade him to return home from Italy. But Tom's introduction to Dickie Greenleaf's leisurely life abroad is the first step into a complex life of deceit, fraud and murder.
You may know how this ends [spoiler: not well] - but the journey there is quite delicious. It’s a vision of high society, beautifully cast and brilliantly filmed. Andrew Scott is both convincing and excellent.
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BUSINESS EVENT | TOAST TALKS
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A winning mindset: tips for winning bids, tenders, and proposals
Join Heywood House for its next in-house event with special guest speaker Pippa Birch on Wednesday 24 April at 8am–10am.
Ever wondered how to win public sector work? Pippa will walk you through some tips on how to score highly with the evaluators in your submissions, offering you an improved chance of winning.
Pippa owns Pipster Solutions, a Heywood-based company providing practical help for winning public sector work. The company's core services focus mainly on highways and civil engineering, and include consultation, management, coordination, writing, and review.
Click here to book your space now and secure your chance to gain valuable knowledge and network with like-minded professionals.
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The Royal Crescent Hotel works in partnership with Temperley Bridal
Join in for a day filled with bridal delights as timeless elegance meets modern allure at The Royal Crescent's wedding showcase, inspired by Alice Temperley's enduring design signature on 28 April from 12pm.
Prepare to be immersed in a world of wedding wonder as an exquisite array of top-tier wedding suppliers converge at The Royal Crescent's iconic venue, ready to assist and inspire your journey towards the perfect day. From florists to photographers, experience firsthand the finest in the wedding industry, all under one roof.
Seize the opportunity to purchase items from Temperley's Heritage collection and some archived one-off pieces that are sure to captivate your style sensibilities.
Entry is exclusively available through pre-booked tickets:
General Entry ticket - £20 per person to include entry to the showcase, along with a welcome glass of fizz.
Enhanced Entry ticket - £70 per person to include full afternoon tea and granting you access not only to the showcase but also the sensational Temperley fashion show.
Click here for more information and to book your place.
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OUTDOORS | CONNECT WITH NATURE
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Spring wildlife at Westonbirt
Something magical is happening at Forestry England’s Westonbirt, The National Arboretum this spring. The warmer and longer spring days bring the emergence of many forms of new life.
One of the most exciting things to see is new leaves appearing on the trees and flower buds opening. Springtime is also signalled by the sound of songbirds and sights of newborn wildlife.
Bring the family to explore Westonbirt’s spring walk trails, free after paying admission, to learn more about this beautiful home to wildlife.
Click here for more information.
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Bath Rugby vs Sale Sharks
Bath Rugby welcome Sale Sharks to The Rec in Round 13 of the Gallagher Premiership this Sunday 24 March.
Bath Rugby are set to take on last season’s Premiership finalists in what promises to be a fiercely competitive match as both sides are in contention for play-off spots. Kick-off at 3pm.
The team are also pleased to confirm the signing of Jacques du Plessis following completion of a successful rehabilitation period with the club.
Watch live on TNT Sports and don't miss out!
bathrugby.com
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A Brazilian Holiday at Wiltshire Music Centre
Enjoy a Brazilian night up at the Wiltshire Music Centre with a brilliant Brazilian jazz concert by Iain Ballamy and Friends on Friday 29 March.
Called 'Fascinada' or 'Spellbound', the concert features compositions created in the spirit of Ivan Lins, Joao Bosco and Hermeto Pascoal, with Rob Luft on guitar, Huw Warren on piano, Laurence Cottle on bass and Will Glaser on drums, in addition to Iain Ballamy.
This beautifully designed venue is also introducing its first bowl food offer that evening. Fat Fowl Kitchens will be serving Brazilian spiced chicken, coconut-infused rice and tomato and coriander salsa, or sweetcorn and chickpea Brazilian curry with coconut-infused rice and tomato and coriander salsa served in a ceramic bowl for £13pp.
Dining is informal: there will be places to stand or sit to eat this tasty dish that will be available from 6pm. Concert starts at 7.30pm.
Concert and food £35pp. Concert tickets £22 / £12. Pre-ordering your food at checkout is essential as there is only limited availability. Deadline to order is 12pm on 27 March.
Click here for more information.
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FUNDRAISER | GET INVOLVED
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St Stephen’s Church School to raise £50,000 for school hall
St Stephen’s Church School in Bath has launched ‘Go For 50!’ a fundraising campaign to raise £50,000 to renovate and refurbish the school hall.
As the only indoor space large enough to house the entire school, the hall is one of St Stephen’s most utilised and hardworking areas. It fulfils various purposes and undergoes several transformations in just one day – from a breakfast club venue to a dining hall, to a PE and games area and a space for baking or cookery lessons, as well as for assembly Collective Worship and after school care.
In addition, it is used regularly as a performance or meeting space, not to mention vital for whole school and community events such as Christmas carol services, and school fairs.
Supported by its PTFA, St Stephen’s Primary Church School is kicking off its fundraising campaign with Grow50! an exciting fundraising activity which the whole school can get involved in.
Thanks to sponsors We Are Penelope, each child has been given a £5 note and can work individually or together to use their creativity and entrepreneurial skills to turn this £5 into £50! If every class reaches their fundraising target, this will raise a massive £13,000 towards the refurbishment of the School Hall.
Visit ststephensschoolbath.org for more information.
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HOMES & INTERIORS GUIDE | CATRIONA ARCHER
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Catriona Archer Interiors
Providing half-day interior design consultations to full end-to-end renovations for homeowners, holiday lets and boutique commercial projects.
Catriona takes a flexible, affordable approach by working with your existing items to quickly identify where savings and further investment is best placed: because interior design should be accessible to all and shouldn't cost the earth.
Telephone: 07823 884945 Visit catrionaarcher.com for more information
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PROPERTY | A BEAUTIFUL DETACHED HOME
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6 Longmeadow, Warminster Road, Beckington BA11 6BA
Offered for sale by Bath estate agents Cobb Farr
A stunning and beautifully presented detached home offering the latest levels of quality from a renowned local builder. The property offers 4 bedrooms, ensuite facilities, a super kitchen, dining room, double garage and an extremely generous garden with a fully fitted studio/home office.
Number 6 is one of 8 beautifully designed homes built with fine views of the village and fields. The property has been finished to a high specification with luxury bathrooms, underfloor heating and Systemair clean air system throughout. The house is accessed by a large double opening oak door leading to the hall, where the ground floor rooms have beautiful floor coverings.
The sitting room runs front to back through the house and has a handsome fireplace, wood-burning stove and glazed doors opening onto the large terrace and garden.
The flexible nature of the accommodation allows for either a snug/separate dining room or family room located to the front aspect and a very well-appointed kitchen/diner leading to a near fully glazed garden room. There is also a utility room and cloakroom.
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Upstairs the galleried landing allows access to all bedrooms and a family bathroom and there is a sumptuous ensuite shower room to the main bedroom.
Externally a driveway and double garage with a sedum roof is attached to the house and has a private door to the garden. The garden itself is wonderful with mature trees, and a large area of patio to the rear of the house.
A winding path leads to the studio which is ready for home working, a gym or an entertaining space with a decked area to the front and side, enjoying the view over the lawn and a sunny aspect. | Guide Price £1,300,000
Click here to view more images and read through the details on the Cobb Farr website
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