Latest Homes magazine

Andrew Kay discovers that where there is a will there’s a way

In recent weeks my brother and I have been thrown into slight panic by the parents. Sturdy beasts they were – until the last few years – when niggling ailments leave them frustrated and vulnerable. Dad, a skilled master stonemason, a committed yoga enthusiast and now retired yoga teacher, and a serious cyclist still at 74 years old, has, since retirement, endured the indignity of two hip replacements and a multiple by-pass. A non-smoker and very occasional drinker with an obsession with fitness it just doesn’t seem fair. Mum has wobbliness, no firm reason but she tumbles over rather a lot and hurts herself. I can cry at the injustice of this and sometimes I do, as if rampant ageism were not enough, to work all you life only to retire and become sick seems like the final indignity.

“As if rampant ageism were not enough, to retire and become sick seems like the final indignity.”

Of course, we now face the issue of increasing infirmity and dependence. Can they cope? What can we do? Given that the pair of them are stubborn old mules it’s not easy. Mum insisted that Dad walks with a stick but resolutely refuses to do so herself. “There’s nothing wrong with me love,” she cries, when clearly there is.

This week Dad spent an hour on the phone berating the local cleansing department about the fact they they have to walk their waste and recycling a good 100 metres from their front door to a communal collection point. In the end, the man on the other end put a note in the file to authorise an assisted pick up. Quite right too as they both have disabilities. “Well done!” I cried. “Yes, I’ve just wheeled it all round the front for the last time I hope.” I pointed out that he should have not done that as they would no doubt report back that, despite the note, the residents of the cottage are clearly quite capable of delivering the rubbish to a common pick up point in order to make the official cleansing operatives’ lives easier. He could not see the point.

Discussions of this kind are always difficult so imagine the horrors of broaching the subject of wills and ‘arrangements’. It’s not easy, I know because I had my will properly written and that was painful enough.

“We have nothing to leave in a will.” they insist. It’s not that simple. We want to know what they want and not what they have got. Without clear instructions and guides what do you do?

I suppose we could send Mum off to ‘I Can’t Help Falling (In Love With You)’ and Dad to a rousing chorus of ‘Rock Of Ages’. I plan to show them this in the hope that it might jolt them into action. Feel free to do the same if you are in a similar position.

For the past seven years, I have been lucky enough to possess a dishwasher. Well, not the same dishwasher in that whole period obviously, because they are built to last only about two years before they go horribly wrong, flood the kitchen and cost an entire month’s salary to repair. That is, of course, if the solid gold-plated part (possibly encrusted with the finest diamonds and emeralds) is available in Europe at that particular moment, which it never is.

“My children might not have A-levels, or be bilingual, but they know how to wash up”

Strangely enough, I seem to go through dishwashers at roughly the same rate as I go through husbands, boyfriends, etc. Stranger still, both current Boyfriend and dishwasher have withstood the most erratic period of my life so far with few complaints. The current dishwasher makes very strange noises – something like a cement-mixer with jellybeans inside it – but still manages to complete a cycle without flooding the kitchen, or filling it with smoke. This is in spite of the fact that, for the entire past year it has been used by people who were incapable of emptying the kitchen bin, or flushing a toilet. I suspect that they were using it to clean only two mugs at a time and therefore, the dishwasher enjoyed something of a holiday during their occupancy.

I currently have two temporary lodgers, who are leaving next week. They are both 18-year-old boys, thoroughly charming and bilingual, but seemingly incapable of either using the dishwasher or washing dishes in the traditional manner to a satisfactory level. If they do actually manage to wash any cups or glasses, they leave them to drain the ‘right’ way up, so that the water still sits in them. My children might not have A-levels, or be bilingual (or even be capable of speaking proper English) but they know how to wash up.

It’s no wonder The Boyfriend can’t even look in my fridge without almost having a seizure. He is permanently on a kind of Nazi cuisine duty. As a chef who works at least 16 hours per day, one would imagine that he’d be sick of the sight of food on his days off. One would be entirely wrong. Last week, he had three days off. On the first day, he made a game pie with root vegetable mash. This was in spite of the fact that, the night before, he and I had drunk ridiculous amounts of alcohol and as a result failed to get up until 3pm.

On the second day, I popped round on my way back from yoga, to discover him gleefully hacking three baby chickens to pieces. Breasts and legs were being carefully assigned to separate Tupperware containers, while the precious carcasses had their own special container for stockmaking purposes. Meanwhile, his flatmate – also a chef – lay on the sofa in disbelief, unwilling to have anything to do with food on his day off. On the third day, I had to go to Hastings to get mine and Katy’s flat valued. The Boyfriend phoned at around 4pm – but not to see how, or indeed where I was – but to find out whether I’d washed his chef’s whites. I could hear something spluttering away in the background. It was confit duck, which was to be eaten before he went to play football at Waterhall.

I’m sure most 5-a-side teams aren’t nearly as posh. Which is probably why they always win…

Matt McGuire meets a man who knows what to do when your ‘computer says no’

If your computer’s got a problem, if no one else can help, then you should find him, you should hire: The Tech Guy!

Well, yes, alright, that’s possibly an overly dramatic introduction. But when your computer next goes pear-shaped and you’ve got vital business data or a lifetime’s music and photos at risk, you’ll swiftly discover that anyone capable of rescuing the situation is elevated to superhero status. So step forward Tim Rose: he ain’t got no cape, but he’s here to save your day.

“It’s important to be able to to advise and reassure people in everyday language”

“I’ve been involved with techy things all my life and fixing computers for the last five years,” begins Tim. “I started out helping mates and then gradually got more work through word of mouth.” Informal networking even got him a job while on the operating table. Awaiting surgery at hospital, one of the two nurses preparing him for his operation was having trouble with her PC. “She asked me: ‘You don’t happen to fix computers do you?’ Luckily it was only a local anaesthetic and I was able to help!”

Tim fixes PCs and Macs (either on-site or he’ll pick up/deliver) and also builds PCs to order. But you can rest assured he’s not a codebabbling nerd. “No, I don’t talk tech,” he smiles. “I think it’s important to be able to advise and reassure people in everyday language. I might know computers, but I’m still a normal human being!”

The Tech Guy’s services also extend to Tim’s other passions: sound and light design. “I’ve done dozens and dozens of gigs and theatre events,” reveals Tim. “I’m also hoping to move into full AV [Audio Visual] home installation – surround sound, plasma screens; the full in-home set-up. That’s the perfect combination of all the bits I do, the natural progression.”

I ask him about the proudest moment so far in his life as The Tech Guy and he recalls a friend who had just finished her PhD. “Her hard drive blew up – literally! The circuit board was singed and her whole dissertation was on there. Obviously, it was ridiculously important to try and save it. I scoured internet forums and eventually found someone selling a circuit board for a similar machine and replaced it. It worked twice, before blowing up itself, but just long enough to be able to extract all the information. I saved the day! It was great.”

Tim Rose, The Tech Guy, PC/Mac repair, call 07971 404580 or email thetechguy@bigstring.com

The Paul O’Grady Show’s Marc Abraham invites you to some canine capers in the capital

Are you a doggy person? Are you looking for something fun and interesting to do this weekend? Well I reckon I’ve got the perfect day out for you…

This coming Saturday and Sunday, London’s Earls Court will play host to the annual Discover Dogs event – the ideal place to learn more about the joys of canine companionship. This really is the ultimate day out for the dog enthusiast, providing a fun, interactive experience dedicated to every aspect of canine care, as well as promoting responsible dog ownership and showcasing both the diversity and talents of ‘man’s best friend’.

“You’ll never get a better chance to chat with so many expert owners and breeders”

As ever, the most popular attraction of this show is of course the dogs themselves, and the Kennel Club is showcasing nearly 190 pedigree dog breeds at this year’s Discover Dogs. From the chihuahua to the Chinese crested dog, the Welsh springer to the weimaraner, with each example of the breed, visitors will find experienced and knowledgeable owners who provide essential advice on training, dog health, what to look for in a pedigree puppy and what to ask a breeder.

If you’re considering getting a dog, or if you already have one and you’d just like to learn more, then you’ll never get a better chance to chat with so many expert owners and breeders, picking up useful hints, tips and essential information on every aspect of caring for your pooch.

You’ll also be able to check out the winner’s display from the Dog Photographer Of The Year 2007 photographic competition and enjoy over 100 trade stands, selling all you can possibly imagine for you and your dog. A perfect chance to buy your four-legged friend that special treat after the terrifying loud bangs and flashing lights of these last few days!

Discover Dogs is a busy, stimulating environment that might prove stressful to pet dogs unaccustomed to such events. For this reason, please don’t bring your own dog unless they’ve been specifically invited by the Kennel Club, as they will not be permitted into the show.

Discover Dogs, Earls Court 2, London, 10 and 11 November 2007. For more information visit www.discover-dogs.org.uk or call 0870 606 6750.

The Blind Shop is an online business with a face and can transform your windows into something special

The Blind Shop is a brand new business which has landed right on the Sussex coast. It’s essentially an online business, servicing customers throughout the UK, but apart from the lower prices you would expect from an online business, local customers in the Sussex area are able to enjoy greater benefits. We met with Justin, the owner, to find out more about the company.

“Apart from a coat of paint, blinds are the simplest way to modernise a room”

“We don’t have shops on the high street, so we’re able to keep our overheads really low and pass the savings onto our customers. But we’re not just a faceless online business, we can offer our Sussex customers added benefits. We have a showroom in Shoreham where they can see our range of blinds and speak to our staff for any advice. But the biggest benefit is that they’re able to take advantage of our local fitting service and free measuring service.” This really is a fantastic bonus for those who aren’t very handy or are worried about getting the sizes all wrong.

Standing out from the crowd

The Blind Shop is different to most other blind retailers as they have a limited and exclusive range. “We recognised that there are endless choices in blinds and this can be really confusing so we’ve concentrated on putting together a carefully selected range of modern blinds.” A prime example is their wood Venetian blinds which come in just four colours, all with coordinated fabric ladder tapes rather than strings. “We think blinds with fabric tapes are superior as they block the light more effectively and they have a more contemporary and luxurious look,” Justin says. Their limited range also means further savings for customers. “We don’t have the expense of keeping loads of different blinds in stock and this is another way we’re able to keep our prices so low,” Justin explains.

The Blind Shop is also focused on providing a fast and friendly service. Their blinds are all made-to-measure and ready within just seven days. Having worked in the interiors industry for over 15 years, including several years with Terence Conran, Justin knows the tricks of the trade: “Apart from a coat of paint, blinds have got to be the simplest way to modernise a room. They’re a low cost solution that give an instant result.” So, whether you’re thinking of a blind for your bathroom, or blinds for your next development, visit the The Blind Shop.

The Blind Shop, Unit C8, Dolphin Enterprise Centre, Dolphin Road Shoreham. Call 0845 6800645 or see www.theblindshop.com for more information.

After a great party comes the inevitable clean-up. Here are our top tips for a stress-free morning after.

The winter party season is upon us. From Halloween through to New Year’s Eve, each weekend seems to hold something worth celebrating… and an eternal hangover. Hosts be warned: nothing makes a hangover worse than postparty clear-up blues. Awakening to cigarette butts in the goldfish bowl, something unidentifiable in the bathroom and wine stains on the carpet can turn a pounding head into a full-blown case of man ‘flu. Planning some festive fun? Send not a single invitation till you’ve read our indispensable guide to keeping it clean…

Pre-party planning

First things first: be prepared. If you’re hosting a party, limit the potential for any damage before you even start. Roll up the rugs, put away your knick-knacks and stash anything you don’t want on public display (or that you don’t intend for consumption: an aged parent’s vintage Cognac, for example). Tidy up bathrooms and lavatories, bearing in mind that your bathroom cabinet and toiletries are fair game whenever (a) a houseful of people have had more than three glasses of wine or (b) bored children or teenagers are present.

Stock up on bin liners, cleaning products and so on when you buy the party supplies – that way, no-one has to see your hungover, un-groomed self in PJ-bottoms and uggs at the corner shop the next morning.

The morning after

Wake any house-guests, arm them with bin bags and send them off on a reconnaissance of each room: Pick up rubbish and report back on damage. Bribing with a cooked breakfast at the end may be helpful (or it may not, depending on combinations and quantities of alcohol consumed). Open lots of windows, burn a citrus-based candle or oil to banish party smells and get cleaning.

Emergency fixes

Most stains can be treated: blot beer spills with a kitchen towel, add some white vinegar solution (1/3 vinegar, 2/3 water), blot again and clean with a fabric cleaner. Red wine should be sponged with white wine and then cleaned. Candle wax spills should be scraped, covered in brown paper and gently ironed off, and burn holes (oh dear) should be trimmed and patched.

Call in the experts

Sometimes, it all gets a bit too much. For any serious breakages or damage, phone around and get some expert quotes. The really savvy host, if they have a little cash to spare, would be well advised to book a professional clean in the days following a party: A really good deep clean will leave you wondering if the party ever happened. Most agencies will accommodate a weekend booking for the right price, leaving you free to pop out for a quick hair of the dog. After all, it is the party season.

What’s coming up in the garden this week. By Louisa Bell of City and Country Gardens

Design and construction

The gardens of tomorrow
I think garden styles are diverging. The garden trend is towards ‘outdoor rooms’ yet it’s impossible to make a natural and wild garden into a pristine area. Outdoor rooms can only pay homage to a similar room indoors, for the wind and rain will always create dust and blow in leaves. The house can be hoovered and dusted and look fairly pristine for a couple of days. Windows and doors are closed against the weather, but outdoors there’s no hiding place. Still, we try.

We are just building a large projector screen wall for a client so that films can be shown outdoors throughout the summer, and I think this is the way that garden designers will try to go in the future. Indoors outdoors. New outdoor furniture, even from safe old Marks and Sparks, is weatherproof, rot proof and waterproof. Sofas and armchairs can stay out all winter and it’s a better bet than the wooden tables that need oiling or staining every season. However, I think it will become increasingly difficult for us to build gardens as a room that successfully emulates an indoor space.

We can provide rugs for outdoor use that look good all through any rain storm, lighting adds the illusion of home from home and speakers provide music for a party atmosphere. But… it’s still outdoors. At any moment the sky could darken. There’s no heating to turn up and make it cosy.

On the other hand, there’s the traditional garden and gardener and we find this amongst the younger generation too. This is a group of folk with wellies that are green and covered in mud – no pink Hunters for them. This true gardener wants to grow vegetables and nurtures some deeply felt instinct to be part of nature. Sowing seeds, taking cuttings, coaxing small emerging plants into life – this is part of some huge plan to keep the world turning. No outdoor sofa can replace this inner meaning. There are still two camps. Clients may say they want a mix of traditional and contemporary, but it really comes down to those who do garden, and those who don’t.

As climate change becomes fixed in our psyche and we find ourselves outdoors more and more throughout the summer months, the garden as part of our living space will continue to influence design and products. If you’re happy to go out in all weathers and love nothing more than taking your cuttings on a blowy Autumn day, then you probably already have a garden you love. If, on the other hand, you’re a fair weather gardener, you’re probably looking out onto a winter dreary garden already, with no change ahead for months. The non-gardeners need our help far more than the Percy Throwers of this world, but you’d be amazed how many sceptics have gone from garden hater to passionate plant lover. It’s not exactly the meaning of life, but it could be close.

Plants

Buxus sempervirens
It’s not politically correct to call these box balls anymore. Apparently, we have to call them spheres. Or so I’m told by the society of garden designers. You can imagine my response. Pick a word in the first sentence, and you’re there.

Buxus has been used for centuries and it’s such an obliging plant. I do feel sorry when it has its dignity removed and some wit clips it into a ridiculous shape. Our local nursery has had a full size carriage and team of horses, clipped out of box plants, for sale for years. At £5000 it’s a snip. Or quite a lot of snipping. Our wholesale nursery has a dolphin jumping through a hoop, and another clipped novelty, a helicopter. Why? As my teenage son would say about my cooking “It’s just wrong”. Low box hedges give form and structure to a detailed plant area and it’s a brilliant plant for crossing the boundary between contemporary and traditional. I like the squares to use as ‘full stops’ at the end of borders.

The defined shapes add an anchor point so that more ‘blowsy’ plants can be used in groups. Add a clipped box, and the whole border looks ordered. Buxus is used to edge ‘knot gardens’ – the patterned, hedge-edged flower beds in stately homes – but it also looks great on its own in a pot. The pyramid shapes are a little more contrived, and should be used carefully. Squares and sphere balls can be used less sparingly. Every garden should have one. Or two.

Things to do

Bring it on home
This is a good time to pot up little tender treasures from the garden and bring them indoors for the winter. Plants that have stopped flowering will respond really well to a feed, a water and a bit of warmth. You can keep geraniums going on a sunny windowsill, or better still – pot up some of the herbs in the garden and bring them indoors too. Basil, parsley, rosemary, thyme – all the usual suspects – will be quite happy in the warmth of the house and will send up new growth to keep your spag bol tasting almost Italian throughout the winter months. Buy some old terracotta pots, as they make any plant look wonderful. The little pansies – violas – are in the nurseries now, and putting half a dozen into one pot will produce such a pretty display. They have such cheerful little faces.

If you’re hard up, and worrying about Christmas presents, buy some bulbs – hyacinths or narcissi – paper white is a good variety for this – and plant the bulbs for a lovely thoughtful present. Plant the bulbs with their noses showing and put the pot into the dark. Once the leaves are showing at the top of the bulb, bring it into the light but keep it cold. You can then add your own choice of personal decoration.

For all the things in your garden, talk to us!
City and Country Gardens
01273 202115 / 01903 892285
www.city-gardens.net

We can all help to change the world when Gladstone Row eco-homes do it so stylishly

It may have been a long time coming but the development of the New England Quarter, formerly the site of Brighton Station’s sidings, has risen phoenix-like from the wasteland of so many years. Offices, colleges, retail and smart new hotels have emerged in this abandoned swathe of prime Brighton land and breathed new life into the area that has got the city talking. In amongst all this there are intimate areas of exciting residential property and this week’s dream home is no exception.

The Latest Homes magazine website is being worked on and will return on Wednesday 7th November 2007 with all new features.