I’ve heard this statement on numerous occasions and when one examines the neighbourhood it comes as no surprise.
Apart from the fact that NW8 is home to the American School, it is also home to the world renowned Lords Cricket Ground, a microcosm of all things British. With its elegant buildings, boutique coffee shops and vast expanses of pristine green grass, it provides visitors and residents with their very own piece of quintessential England without actually being in the midst of the hustle and bustle of London.
In addition, it is perfectly located for quick access into the West End and the City of London where London’s businesses, theatres and restaurants can be found. A few stops on a bus or underground train from the Art Deco style St Johns Wood Underground Station gets you into the heart of London, and when you return back home from the inner London frenzy you are back in this well-established friendly community reminiscent of a Home Counties village.
Clearly for visitors from the USA, The American School here is a big draw. It was originally founded in 1951 but has undergone massive changes over the years by incorporating adjoining buildings and completely redesigning its exterior and interior creating a spectacular environment for its pupils to study in. The school has an impressive track record of success and now teaches students from more than 50 different nationalities.
Moving home is always troublesome, but moving to a new home in a different country is understandably a hugely emotional time for families. However, in my conversations with my American clients, I am told that the expat American community find that living close to other people who are in a similar situation can be extremely comforting and, of course, having the spectacular Panzers Deli round the corner, which prides itself on having a wealth of American foods, is the perfect cure for feeling homesick.
Historically, St John’s Wood was once part of the Great Forest of Middlesex, and until the end of the eighteenth century it remained in agricultural use. Apart from a small portion around Barrow Hill, which was owned by the Portland Estate, most of St John’s Wood had been acquired by the Eyre family in 1732. A second, smaller estate, nestled alongside Edgware Road, was acquired by John Lyon in 1574; the estate was later given by him to his foundation, Harrow School, on trust to maintain the roads between London and Harrow in good repair. Hence, a number of local road names reflect these links. John Lyon’s Charity is today one of London’s leading endowed educational charities.
When building began in this area at the beginning of the nineteenth century, St John’s Wood became the first part of London to move away from the typical terraced houses and instead began to showcase the semi-detached villa. This somewhat revolutionary move was later copied in other districts of London. Despite many of the original houses and gardens not surviving the Second World War bombing raids, the area has still managed to preserve its original character.
As well as its history and the aforementioned famous cricket ground, there are many other attractions which draw both tourists and local residents to the area. Regent’s Park is just a stone’s throw away and is the largest open space for sports in Central London. The park not only hosts the world famous London Zoo, but also the highly acclaimed open air theatre where popular plays are regularly performed.
In modern times, St John’s Wood became home to the most famous recording studios in the world, the Abbey Road Studios, often used by The Beatles who brought the area into the public eye with the iconic album covering featuring an image of the group on the zebra crossing outside the studios. Today tourists from all over the world dodge the traffic in an attempt to recreate this iconic cover shot.
If moving to London is on your agenda and you want to discuss the St Johns Wood location further please don’t hesitate to contact me for more in depth information or just for some local restaurant suggestions.
Article by Paul J Bennett, Proprietor, Behr & Butchoff, 105 St. Johns Wood Terrace, London, NW8 6PL Telephone: 020 7722 7222
Americans have always had a deep connection to Britain, and London is home to many Americans for its exceptional schools, culture and job opportunities. Given the ongoing dip in property prices and relatively strong dollar to the pound, it’s a great time for Americans thinking of buying in the capital. So here is my summary of some of the major differences between buying a property in the US versus the UK (please note that every US state will have its own laws and processes, so this is just a general guidance on how things work).
Getting Financing
In America, your first step in the buying process is to consult with a bank or mortgage broker to get a sense of what you can afford. Serious buyers will actually get pre-qualified which means that the lender has checked credit and verified documentation to approve a specific loan amount and interest rates (usually for a particular period). In the UK, lenders will offer a “mortgage in principal” giving indicative mortgage amounts and rates. However, this will have been done without a formal application so their level of review of your circumstances will not be as in depth.
Hiring An Agent
In the US, the next step is to hire a real estate agent who will get you in to see every property that may be of interest. They will negotiate on your behalf and assist in writing the contract which is presented and negotiated with the selling agent that represents the seller. The seller will usually only list with one agent at a time and will pay a sales commission that is split between the selling agent and buying agent (typically 6%).
In the UK, the market is dominated by estate agents who work on behalf of the seller (vendor). The seller will typically pay 2% commission for a sole agency, but may decide to hire several agents, and in this “multi- agency” scenario, the fee will be around 3%.
In the UK, potential buyers must register with the specific agent listed on a particular property in order to see it, and that agent can only show the stock that they have. This can be extremely inefficient as busy professionals and foreign buyers must deal with several different agents and arrange viewings at different times. In the states, your buying agent will typically go out with you and be your consultant every step of the way. This was one of the things that surprised me most as a real estate professional when I moved to London - that people are buying the most expensive purchase of their life with no one guiding or supporting them directly; instead they must rely on the estate agent that really works for the seller.
Making An Offer
In the states once a buyer wants to make an offer on a particular property, in consultation with their agent, an offer is written including price and any other terms (such as subject to a home inspection, appraisal and financing being obtained). The buying agent then presents the offer to the selling agent and negotiations commence until price and terms are agreed. A legally binding contract is then signed and usually a deposit of around 10% is held in escrow until completion. Next appraisal/ inspections are conducted as per the contract. If any issues are found, the buyer may decide not to proceed, to renegotiate based on items identified, or to release the contingency and proceed with the deal. In the UK, the offer is made to the estate agent who represents the seller. Once the offer is accepted, both parties engage solicitors and a sales memorandum is issued summarising the details.
Closing Process
During the closing process you will find a stark difference between the UK and the US. In the UK, until you exchange contract - which can be weeks or months later and after solicitors have been hired and title searches, surveys, valuations and financing have occurred - either party can walk away. For example, a seller can accept a higher offer
(being “gazumped”), or the buyer can simply decide not to proceed. This leaves both parties highly exposed throughout this time. It is only at exchange of contracts that both parties are legally bound and the buyer will put up a deposit of around 10% and a completion date is set (usually a couple of weeks later, though sometimes simultaneously). At completion, the solicitors will arrange for the remaining monies to be paid and keys exchanged.
In America, the legal work and transfer of ownership is handled by a single attorney/title company appointed by the buyer. At closing, all documentation is signed, including loan documents and bank funds. Within a few days after funds have cleared, keys are then released (this also can be done at closing if a cashiers cheque is issued).
If all this sounds overly complicated, it doesn’t have to be. If you are considering buying in London, whether you’re American or a local resident, please get in touch to discuss our buying service. We will navigate and streamline the entire process for you and guide you with sound advice every step of the way. We also work with renters and can help you figure out where to live and will preview properties so you’re only seeing those that meet your criteria. Our commitment is to deliver exceptional service to all our clients whether they are buyers, sellers, renters or landlords. We look forward to working with you.
Ugo Arinzeh is founder and Managing Director of Onyx Property Consultants. She has an MBA in finance and spent over 10 years with Bank of America Merrill Lynch structuring and negotiating real estate transactions. Over the years she has personally bought, sold and managed properties both in the US and in London. She is passionate about property and founded Onyx to utilise all her skills from her corporate and investor background to deliver exceptional results for her clients. As part of Keller Williams, she is connected to the largest network of agents globally.
Gardens for viewing, tending and education are prolific throughout all of Britain. Inexhaustible choices exist for the enthusiast to enjoy throughout the calendar year. The blooms and aromas change along with the season and locations, Japanese gardens, Royal gardens, topiary, water, wildlife and woodland gardens. Finding them is not difficult, choosing one for the day may be. Perhaps gardening is not an affair for your family, however, many lovely gardens throughout the British Isles do boast plenty of youth activities, without spoiling it for everyone else. Some will have trails or adjacent museums, others may have play areas or animals for delighting children.
Hever Castle & Gardens is the perfect setting for horticultural lovers whether alone, with friends or family. More than 20,000 spring bulbs and 15,000 bedding plants are planted in the gardens annually guaranteeing you a breath- taking display no matter what time of year you visit. For history lovers this castle in Kent is a great place to learn about the Tudors. Spend the day admiring the interiors and historic elements as well as the awesome grounds with statues and a variety of ornamental gardens laced throughout the 125-acre grounds. There is an adventure playground, complete with Water Maze and the 100 year old Yew Maze, miniature model houses and a beautiful lake to take a boat ride on or stroll around. Practice archery, paint a shield, watch a jousting event or marvel at the giant topiary chess set. Festivals and events are scheduled throughout the year including a Rose Festival. It’s no wonder with 4,000 rose bushes in the English Rose Garden and its own ‘Hever Castle Rose’ which was launched by Dame Judi Dench, the award- winning British actress, in 2011. The signature rose produces velvety deep-red blooms which fade to cerise, offset by golden-yellow stamens and has proven resistant to disease in rose trials. Be sure and see it if you visit between May and October its long blooming season.
Everything that you need to fuel your own appetite for gardening is present at The Chelsea Flower Show held by the Royal Horticultural Society and the most famous garden show in Britain, if not the world. For five days in May walk the grounds of the Royal Hospital and witness their transformation into a festival of flowers, festoons and fragrance that attracts over 150,000 visitors from all over the globe. Indulge in the display gardens by some of the most prestigious garden designers of this generation and marvel at the plantings. The Great Pavillion is roughly 11,775 square metres or 2.90 acres, enough room to park 500 London buses and serves an exhibition of almost everything that blooms and thrives in Britain. More than 100 nurseries will be present and flower arranging displays are held daily during the Show.
Community gardens provide fresh produce and plants as well as another opportunity for getting physically, socially, environmentally active this spring. Culpeper Community Garden in Islington, London, Redhall Walled Garden on the west side of Edinburgh, and Camden’s Phoenix Garden support
the premise that gardening has therapeutic benefits. People from all walks of life come to these spaces to improve their lives and their environment and for respite from urban stress.
All details for this year’s event were not yet in at the time of printing, but Open Garden Squares Weekend in June bears witness to around 200 gardens, including some private, opening their doors to the public, with no scaling of walls or entries required. The lineup includes traditional private squares, contemporary roof gardens, as well as skips, barges, museums, schools and allotments. Unfortunately, this year 10 Downing Street will not be accessible. Bummer.
How many gentle flowers grow, in an English Country Garden? The Dutch may have their windmills, tulips and canals; the French their lavender fields and vineyards; the Norwegians their fjords and forests.The British love their Gardens.
This national passion for plants has become a metaphor for home, security, freedom, serenity; an antidote to the manmade world; a celebration of senses and the imagination, where climate meets culture and art meets the outdoors. There is perhaps no better symbol for a country where so much conversation revolves around the weather, where a deep relationship with nature has long been feted by
poets, playwrights, philosophers and kings, and recited in the most familiar of nursery rhymes. Perhaps Sir Thomas More summed it up best when he said, “The soul cannot thrive in the absence of a garden.”
The garden has held a special place in British hearts as far back as Roman times. Medieval monasteries were famed for kitchen herb gardens, the Plantagenets had their Red Rose and White Rose and the Tudors their knot gardens, while explorers of the time ventured into the world and brought back plants, herbs, bushes and trees. Henry VIII and Shakespeare were both renowned gardeners. The Georgians followed with dramatic landscapes, while the Victorians gloried in gardens with massed flower beds, exotic colours, complex designs and the invention of the public park.
The modern era has brought ‘garden cities’ like Letchworth and Welwyn, wartime Victory Gardens, allotments, bluebell woods and wildflower walks, organic gardening and everyday back garden pride. Every town, village and suburb has its Garden Centre, many with elaborate tea rooms, play trails, animal farms and sophisticated shopping. The Chelsea Flower Show, National Garden Competition and Shed of the Year are flourishing annual events.
Nowadays there seems an insatiable national appetite for gardening on TV and other media. The Great British Garden Revival, Big Allotment Challenge and Show Me Your Garden are amongst the recent telly crop and Gardeners World has been a hugely popular show for almost 50 years. Gardeners Question Time has been pitting BBC radio listeners against celebrity gardeners from village halls around the UK weekly since 1947. There are hundreds of dedicated magazines, websites and blogs like Deadheading, Gravel Garden Joy and Wild About Agapanthus.
If you’d like to share in the nation’s horticultural hysteria, there are many wonderful gardens around the country open to view. We highly recommend Sissinghurst, Hidcote Manor, Beth Chatto Gardens, Great Dixter and Trebah. And in this nation of gardeners, you may just find some of the loveliest gardens in your own neighbourhood.
We all love spring for its fresh and the first sign of good weather. The chirping of birds, flourishing of flowers, refreshing fragrance fills our heart with peace and joy. But to enjoy that feeling, we have to spend some time on cleanliness and hygiene, to make your house get freshen up and get a head start on the seasons of spring and summer. Our superb and easy to use springs cleaning tip will help you make your house keeping workload not felt at all. You will get to know how to clean anything you have at home and I hope you will enjoy browsing our tips.
Let’s get started; Are the walls dirty? Just follow these simple tips:
Tips for cleaning walls:
For cleaning interior walls you would need Wall cleaner, mix 1/2 c. ammonia, 1/4 c. white vinegar, and 1/4 c. baking soda to 1 gal. warm water. If you have a textured walls use nylon socks instead of a sponge or cloth to avoid leaving material chunks behind. You can tie a dust cloth over your broom and work from the top down, to dust wall paper. If you have naughty kids, who have filled non-washable papers with pencil marks and drawings with other non-greasy spots, use an art-gum eraser t remove that. You can also remove remove greasy spots or crayon by applying a paste of cleaning fluid and fuller’s earth and cornstarch. Let the wall dry and brush off residue. Repeat the treatment until the spot is gone.
For exterior walls Use a water hose to spray the outside of your house. This will remove siding cobwebs and dirt.
If you have textured siding, attach a car-washing brush to the hose to remove dirt.
Tips to Clean Windows:
You can make your own spray cleaner. Its easy. Fill a spray bottle with 3 tablespoons ammonia, 1 tablespoon vinegar & the remainder with water. After that Dust blinds by wrapping a cloth around a ruler. Spray cloth with a dusting spray and run the flat end across each blind. After that shine the windows using an old newspaper. To avoid streaks, clean windows on an average temperature, preferably on a cloudy day. Dry windows outside in one direction then inside in the other direction so that If you see a streak, you will know which side is the mistake. To clean window sills, pour diluted rubbing alcohol on a cloth and rub the entire surface. Then dust off the sill with a clean cloth.
Tips to clean Bathroom:
If the bathroom mirror is not clean, to remove the dull haze, rub alcohol on the surface. Rubbing alcohol can remove the dull haze from mirrors. Rubbing alcohols also removes spots from bathroom fixtures. But for having a sparkling Glass shower doors, clean it with white vinegar. If the shower is dirty then use a solution of 1/2 cup vinegar, 1 cup ammonia, and 1/4 cup baking soda added to one gallon of warm water to clean it.
Water spots on metal frames are a great pain in the bathroom. To clean those use the Lemon furniture oil.
Rusty tile marks can be removed with kerosene. Running the shower on hot for five minutes will steam the dirt loose. To clean Grout Wash with 2 tablespoons chlorine bleach in one quart of water. Dry thoroughly, and then apply Several coats of lemon oil. Let dry one hour between coats. Dull walls will shine when washed with vinegar and water and polished with a dry cloth. Lighter fluid will remove most stains from porcelain sinks and bathtubs.
How to keep your kitchen clean:
Remove stubborn water spots from a stainless sink with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. These spots can be removed with vinegar. If the stainless steel is rusty then rub stainless steel sinks with lighter fluid. For a sparkling white porcelain sink, place paper towels across the bottom of your sink and saturate with house hold bleach. Let it rinse for 3 min.Be careful and donot use bleach in colored sinks.
To fight with refrigerator odor keep an open box of baking soda. It will absorb odors for a month or so. Can also use a few drops vanilla extract on a piece of cotton placed in the refrigerator. This will eliminate odors.
Wipe refrigerator with vinegar to prevent mildew and Use your vacuum on the front of the coils and motor to remove dust and dirt from the refrigerator.
Appliances Care:
Yellowing of white appliances is a perennial problem. To stop that mix 1/2 cup bleach, 1/4 cup baking soda and 4 cups of warm water. Apply with a sponge & keep for 10 minutes. After that rinse & dry thoroughly. You can also use car wax to wax large appliances and make them shine. You can also use it to remove small scratches as well.
Wood Floors:
You can make your own floor cleaner. It is very easy to make. Make a solution of 1/2 cup of white vinegar in 1 gallon of warm water. Damp mop with a mop squeezed nearly dry. It is safer to mist the mop with the cleaner than to apply to floor. Do a section at a time and throw an old towel on the floor and scoot back and forth with foot to dry and prevent streaks. Standing liquid from mopping, spills, and pet accidents can damage floors.
The greatest damage done to wood floors is from grit. Mats at doors are necessary to collect grit and it’s important to keep these clean. Frequent dust mopping in high traffic areas to collect grit is the best prevention. This should be done based on the amount of traffic, which may require dust mopping several times a day in an active household. The brush attachment of a vacuum can be used (no beater bars). Felt and furniture protectors should be installed on furniture. Never scoot furniture on wood. Put a piece of waxed paper under your dust mop. Dirt will stick to the mop and the wax will shine your floors.
Tips to keep Carpets Clean:
To clean dry spots, loosen soil and vacuum away prior to moistening it. When taking out stains, always use a white cloth. If you have dropped Wax on carpet or upholstery and want to clean it then set a clean, absorbent cloth over the wax stain and hold a hot iron on it. Then remove the cloth. Coat mildly greasy stains with aerosol shaving cream, use a hair dryer to speed dry. Then vacuum. Sprinkle a greasy stain with baking soda, cornstarch or talcum powder. Leave on at least 8 hours, and then vacuum. The works done.
Apply these simple and effective tips and have a happy spring!!
I’ve heard this statement on numerous occasions and when one examines the neighbourhood it comes as no surprise. 
Making An Offer
Ugo Arinzeh is founder and Managing Director of Onyx Property Consultants. She has an MBA in finance and spent over 10 years with Bank of America Merrill Lynch structuring and negotiating real estate transactions. Over the years she has personally bought, sold and managed properties both in the US and in London. She is passionate about property and founded Onyx to utilise all her skills from her corporate and investor background to deliver exceptional results for her clients. As part of Keller Williams, she is connected to the largest network of agents globally.
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Gardens for viewing, tending and education are prolific throughout all of Britain. Inexhaustible choices exist for the enthusiast to enjoy throughout the calendar year. The blooms and aromas change along with the season and locations, Japanese gardens, Royal gardens, topiary, water, wildlife and woodland gardens. Finding them is not difficult, choosing one for the day may be. Perhaps gardening is not an affair for your family, however, many lovely gardens throughout the British Isles do boast plenty of youth activities, without spoiling it for everyone else. Some will have trails or adjacent museums, others may have play areas or animals for delighting children.
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