Property Drop Issue 6

#THEPROPERTYDROP 

15-30 JUNE 2017 

THEPROPERTYDROP.CO.UK 

ISSUE 6 

FREE COPY 

monmoUThShiRe | SoUTh heReFoRDShiRe | WeST gloUceSTeRShiRe 

16 

LIVING IN USK 

26 

MONMOUTH AGENT WINS 

NATIONAL AWARD 

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

2 no place like home 

Householders confirm there 

really is no place like home 

We are a nation of aspiring “home improvers” according to a 

survey from one of the UK’s largest building societies. 

Homeowners in England and Wales are not 

afraid to make changes to get the house they 

want after a whopping 98.5% told Principality 

Building Society there is something about their homes 

that they would like to improve. 

But it would seem such efforts are completed out of 

a genuine love and pride for our properties, with many 

only wanting small changes to their homes. 

Of the improvements at the top of the wish list, 

almost a third (29%) confirmed that size does matter by 

admitting they’d choose to expand their homes. Whilst 

it was location, location, location for the 15% who’d 

opt to change the location of their home, a further 15% 

would choose to improve their garden. Interestingly, 

almost one in ten (8%) would elect to change their 

neighbours given the chance. 

Commissioned to gauge homeowners’ attitudes 

towards their homes and mortgages, the study of 1000 

homeowners also revealed that the kitchen has lost its 

www.archerandco.com 

position as the heart of the home as residents in England 

and Wales are smitten with their lounges. 

More than half (57%) now feel most comfortable in 

the living room, where spending time with family (50%) 

and watching television (90%) are the two most popular 

activities. Only one in ten claim to feel most at ease in 

the kitchen. 

TV presenter and host of BAFTA Winning BBC 

property series ‘Hot Houses’ Amanda Protheroe-Thomas 

said the results of Principality’s Your House Mortgage 

Survey were a fitting reflection of her home nation, 

which is well-known for taking pride in the diversity of 

its cultural and physical habitat, as well as some of its 

most famous landmarks. 

www.archerandco.com 

The pRopeRTY DRop RoUnDUp 

Page 

4 

I love where I live...usk 

Sharon Chilcott interviews Jean Williams, 

discussing her wonderful home town 

and freedom of Usk recognition for 

outstanding contributions to life in the 

community. 

Page 

26 

The sorting hat 

Phil Smith of Roscoe, Rogers and Knight 

gives some timely property buying advice 

now that the general election is over. 

He’s right, lets try on a new house and 

see if it fits… 

Pages 

16 & 17 

Monmouth Property 

bureau 

Monmouth based sales and letting 

experts, Monmouth Property Bureau, 

celebrate after recognition in the British 

Property Awards 2017. Jackie Crossman 

and her team win Gold and are shortlisted 

for further awards for their services.

3 

www.pablack.co.uk 

The Carmarthen-born home improvement expert, 

who has renovated an old vicarage and Victorian 

townhouse among other properties in her time, said: “It 

comes as no surprise to me that a land so rich in culture 

and with such a diverse landscape should discover its 

people to be a nation of house proud home improvers. 

Amanda continued: “If done properly, these 

improvements can add significant value to a property 

and can help make it a more attractive proposition for 

any prospective buyer in the future. Unfortunately, 

improving your neighbours can often be a stretch too 

far!” 

The survey also found that beige is most definitely 

not boring, with 55% preferring magnolia and neutral 

tones in their homes as opposed to the 8% who think 

bright is best and favour lively citrus colours. 

Despite a conservative approach to décor it seems no 

dream is too big for homeowners in England and Wales 

either, with a swimming pool (30%), fully equipped 

gym (12%) and hot tub (12%) coming top of the ‘outof-this-world’ 

home improvements category. 

A Star Trek ‘holodeck’, a self-cutting lawn and 

an internet enabled kitchen which did the grocery 

shopping were among the more inventive ‘out of this 

world’ improvements desired, while the Welsh lived 

up to their sport-loving reputation after residents 

there were more likely to go for a full size rugby or 

football pitch in their garden than respondents based in 

England. 

Julie-Ann Haines, Customer Director at Principality, 

said: “For most of us home is most definitely where the 

heart is but it’s interesting to see that in England and 

Wales this is something we have taken on quite literally. 

The survey has shown us that as homeowners we 

are proud of where we live but we are also clearly 

aspirational when it comes to adapting and expanding 

the homes we love so dearly to meet our ever changing 

needs.” 

www.pablack.co.uk 

www.roscoerogersandknight.co.uk 

www.roscoerogersandknight.co.uk 

Julie-Ann continued: “So whilst things on their wish 

list might only ever be a pipe dream, it’s important to 

remember careful spending and budgeting can go a long 

way for freeing up money for home improvements in 

the future. 

Local Music Festivals 

Page 

30 

With the summer festival scene starting 

nationally what do we have to offer locally 

in our Property Drop catchment area. 

We look at festivals near Ross on Wye, in 

Monmouth, Raglan and in Chepstow. 

Can I get a mortgage with 

bad or adverse credit? 

Martin Newell of Blestium Financial 

services goes through the options 

available for those suffering with adverse 

credit issues. Can you still obtain a 

mortgage, what factors affect your credit 

score and how much can you borrow 

under the right circumstances? 

Page 

32 

bedroom 

bathroom 

www.thepropertydrop.co.uk 

01600 711680 

info@thepropertydrop.co.uk 

The icons under the properties throughout 

Property Drop indicate the following: 

bedroom 

living bathroom 

etc 

bathroom 

bedroom 

central heating 

garage/covered parking parking 

garage/covered parking parking Parking 

Whilst every care garage/covered is taken parking with materials submitted to The 

Property Drop the publisher cannot accept responsibility for 

loss or damage garage/covered to such materials. parking parking Opinions expressed in 

articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is 

copyright and may parking not be reproduced in any form without 

written permission from the publishers. 

Prices and details are subject to change and the publisher 

can take no responsibility for omissions or errors. The 

inclusion of an advertiser in this paper is not necessarily a 

recommendation. 

©The Property Drop 2017 

garage/covered parking 

bedroom 

Number of 

bedrooms 

bedroom 

living room etc 

Number bathroom of 

bathroom 


bedroom 



reception 

rooms 

living room 

central 

etc 

heating 

Number of 

bathrooms 




bathroom 



parking 

ELECTRIC 

Method of 

central 

heating 

Covered 

garage 

space

pRopeRTieS 4 

The Sorting Hat 

Phil Smith of Roscoe Rogers & Knight gives some timely property 

buying advice now that the general election is over 

Many of us know about the Sorting Hat at JK 

Rowling’s Hogwarts School of Witchcraft 

and Wizardry. When a new student puts on 

the hat it tells him or her to which of the four houses - 

Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin - they are 

most suited. 

Well a property is just like the Sorting Hat. It’s as if 

it instinctively knows whether it’s right for you - and 

you for it. All you have to do is listen carefully to the 

conversation the property is having with your inner self. 

This is important, as you don’t want to be put in 

the wrong house. You want to be somewhere which fits 

your personality, as well as your pocket and your spatial 

needs. 

Of course every now and then even Sorting Hats 

can become a bit confused by the choice. Just look at 

what the British electorate Sorting Hat has done with 

the 2017 general election! It may have to have another 

go sooner rather than later. Yes there are many things to 

be confused about, especially in property. And it’s not 

just about finding the right home for you. What about 

the market? Then there’s Brexit, the economy, schools, 

transport, mortgages and even the neighbours. And 

what about prices? are they going up or down? When is 

the right time to buy? 

But the right home can magically make many of 

these concerns disappear. That is because, apart from 

our families and ourselves, our homes are one of the 

most important things in our lives. Our homes protect 

and nurture us. They keep us warm. They keep us 

secure. They inspire us. Why do we become homesick 

when we are away for too long? When we are away we 

like to create a home-from-home and find somewhere 

that is homely. We have home thoughts and like home 

cooking. We certainly like home comforts. When we 

look for somewhere to live we home in on a place that 

we can call home-sweet-home, for our home is our 

castle. 

Yes the property market is important. But more so is 

belonging to the right house. So this weekend why not 

forget the general election and Brexit negotiations for a 

while. Go and try on a house and let it tell you if you 

should move or not. 

bedroom bedroom 

living living room room etc etc 


bathroom 

bathroom 

bedroom 

coed lank Farm Broadoak, herefordshire 

Roscoe Rogers & knight 01600 772929 www.roscoerogersandknight.co.uk 

living room living room etc etc 

bathroom 



4 3 4 

4 




Set in a truly rural location on the outskirts of Garway this spacious and beautifully presented, 


Grade II Listed, 16th Century central central heating detached heating farmhouse oozes character and a wealth of original 

bathroom bathroom 


features. Restored and remodelled to the highest of standards with bright, light and spacious 

rooms throughout arranged attractively over three floors including four large bedrooms. The 

grounds total four and a half acres with mature gardens, gravelled driveways and extensive 

parking giving access to the newly completed two bedroomed, fully equipped holiday cottages 

garage/covered parking parking parking parking 

with are now being let with a potential income of £12,000 for each per annum. There is also a 

recently constructed, open fronted, detached quadruple garage with invaluable fully boarded 

spacious room over with roof lights. On the lower side of the property is a fenced high spec 

ménage, an extensive fenced paddock running down to a stream on one boundary and stabling 

together with a range of useful and well constructed outbuildings all accessed via a pair of 

automated, boarded entrance gates. Garway has an excellent primary school, village pub/ 

restaurant and active hall and Monmouth is a short distance away with its renowned schools 

and excellent links to the major road networks. 

OIL 

price 

offers over 

£900,000 

Exceptional farmhouse, holiday cottages, land & outbuildings 

parking

THE TUMP 

PENALLT, MONMOUTH 

£845,000 

GLENWOOD 

CHRISTCHURCH, GLOUCESTERSHIRE 

£560,000 

4 4 3 

E 

3 5 3 

D 

Located high on the outskirts of the popular village of Penallt, in an 

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty yet within easy reach of 

Monmouth, Chepstow and major road links, this extended and 

remodelled 4 bed character stone cottage sits in 5.7 acres of gardens 

and fenced paddocks with fine countryside views. Spacious selfcontained 

attached 1 bed annexe, substantial detached double 

garage, ample parking, luxury 1 bed log cabin, studio, covered heated 

swimming pool, useful outbuildings, a chicken run and a stream fed 

pond. 

A spacious, light contemporary 5 bed family home adjacent to 

outstanding Wye Valley walks imaginatively remodelled to an 

exceptionally high standard with a 1 bed annex ideal for multi 

generation living. Landscaped gardens with large sun terrace, a gated 

drive with parking for several vehicles including caravan or motor 

home, a double garage, summer house/log cabin and bar/shed. 

6 PRIORY STREET, MONMOUTH 

£575,000 

SWN-Y-NANT, ABERGAVENNY 

£549,000 

THE GAS WORKS, HEREFORDSHIRE 

£535,000 

D 

Located a short walk from the market town 

of Monmouth this 4 storey Grade II listed 

building has many original features. It has 

been used commercially by regional 

solicitors who rent the ground and first 

floors. Total floor areas approx. 5000ft2 

(456m2). Planning permission has been 

gained for the vacant floors as well as the 

cellar with its recessed courtyard at the rear 

to be converted into residential apartments. 

There is parking at the rear for 6/7 cars. 

Beautifully presented, this 4 bed village 

house provides spacious accommodation 

over two floors, taking full advantage of its 

lovely rural setting in the village of 

Llanvapley with its picturesque cricket 

pitch, village hall and historic Norman 

Church. It has well-proportioned rooms with 

countryside views, a sun terrace 

overlooking a brook, off road parking and 

garage, only approximately 15 minutes from 

Abergavenny station with direct rail lines to 

Manchester and Cardiff, 2hrs 20 to London. 

A rare opportunity to acquire this unique 

and characterful 3 bed Grade II listed 

private gasworks conversion on the 

outskirts of this popular village. Set in an 

elevated location with far reaching views 

across open countryside, it has a gated 

drive with ample parking, a sunny enclosed 

courtyard and conservatory, mature 

gardens of approx.1/3 acre all within easy 

reach of major road networks. 

3 Agincourt Square • Monmouth • NP25 3BT • Call: 01600 772929 

enquiries@roscoerogersandknight.co.uk • roscoerogersandknight.co.uk 

Monmouth & London offices

THE HENDRE, MONMOUTH 

LLANTARNUM, LLANTARNAM, CWMBRAN 

96 

96 

acres 

acres 

Bryn Edrych Farm 

• Excellent location with | Direct direct access to Monmouth/Abergavenny to old road 

road 

• Private situation and location with views over stunning open countryside 

• High 

specification four bedroom new build farmhouse Farmhouse (subject to to AOC 

AOC) 

• Excellent collection of of modern agricultural livestock buildings 

& general purpose 

• buildings 

EPC Rating: C | In all approximately 96 acres 

• EPC Rating: C | In all approximately 96 acres 

Guide Price - £1,500,000 

GWEHELOG, USK 

215 

acres 

215 

acres 

Pentre Bach Farm 

Pentre Bach Farm 

• Superb accessible location to all principal South Wales road connections 

• Traditional Superb accessible Grade II* location Listed five to all bedroom principal Farmhouse 

South Wales road connections 

• Impressive Traditional Grade traditional II* Listed 

brick building bedroom adjoining Farmhouse 

Farmhouse referred 

• to Impressive as The ‘Great Barn 

Hall’ brick building 

• Private courtyard with collection of agricultural outbuildings 

offering 

scope for redevelopment 

• Excellent Available appeal as a whole to a or variety in three of interests 

lots 

Guide Price - £1,850,000 

LLANFOIST, ABERGAVENNY 

12.6 

12.59 

acres 

Land known as 

pren-y-derwen land 

• Access from Old Raglan/Usk Road 

• • Paddocks Paddocks | | Grazing Grazing Fields Fields | | Hard Hard Standing 

Standing 

• • Former Stable building | | Mains water 

• • For Sale by Informal Tender 

• • In In all all approximately 12.59 acres 

Guide Price £80,000 

GILWERN, ABERGAVENNY 

SPECIALIST RURAL PROPERTY AGENTS 

• Farms & Land • Smallholdings • 

• Rural Residential • 

• Country Houses • 

• Equestrian Properties • 

• Development Sites • 

• Paddocks / Amenity Land • 

• Forestry & Woodland • 

Please contact us for a free 

no-obligation Marketing Appraisal 

01600 714140 

enquiries@powellsrural.co.uk 

S S • 

vSlmrllSsmpmpl 

46.74 

acres 

Land at Llanfoist 

• Good Very accessible grazing/fodder location grassland | Usk Valley | Hard position 

standing 

• area 

Good grazing/fodder grassland | Hard standing 

• Deciduous woodland plantation | Natural water 

• In In all 46.74 acres - available as a whole or in 

or two in lots 

two lots 

• Lot 1: 16.30 acres | Lot 2: 30.44 acres 

Guide Price £315,000 for Whole 

BWLCH, BRECON 

St Maelog Development Site 

• Excellent situation and location with attractive outlook 

• Excellent situation and location with attractive outlook 

Level development site with existing services connected 

• Level development site with existing services connected 

• Full planning consent for three detached four bed dwellings 

• Attractive ‘Border Oak’ style design of dwellings 

• No No 

affordable housing contribution payable under existing consent 

Guide Price - £300,000 

Buckland Farm Barns 

Barns 

• Superb location within the Brecon Beacons National Park 

• Direct Superb connection location within via Buckland the Brecon Lane Beacons to the A40 

National Park 

• Attractive Excellent development traditional courtyard project 

complex of stone barns with wealth 

• of Attractive character 

traditional courtyard complex of stone barns 

• Planning Planning consent consent granted granted for for conversion conversion to to 

five individual individual dwellings 

dwellings 

• No 

housing commuted sum payable 

No affordable housing commuted sum payable 

Guide Price - £950,000 

www.powellsrural.co.uk

PROPERTIES 7 

bedroom 


Bryn Edrych Farm, The Hendre, Monmouth, Monmouthshire Price 

Powells 01600 714140 www.powellsrural.co.uk £1,500,000 

4 2 3 

bedroom bedroom living living room room etc etc 

bathroom 

bedroom bedroom living room living room etccentral heating 

bathroom 


central central heating heating 



buildings and ring fenced block of good grassland extending to around 96 acres. 

bathroom 

LPG 




Bryn Edrych Farm offers a superb livestock holding situated in east Monmouthshire, 

close to the Welsh Borders, with recently constructed farmhouse, an excellent collection of 

parking 

parking 

parking 

Excellent accessible location with direct connection to Old Monmouth / Abergavenny 

Road and easy access to A40 at Monmouth & Abergavenny. Private situation and position 

with views over stunning open countryside. Four bedroom beautifully presented 

farmhouse constructed approximately 4 years ago. High specification accommodation 

set out over three floors with potential for attic rooms to form two additional en-suite 

bedrooms. Excellent collection garage/covered parking of parking modern parking parking agricultural livestock & general purpose 

buildings including twin span cattle/general purpose steel galvanised building. Ring 

fenced block of good grassland suitable for grazing & fodder and mainly south facing. 

bedroom 


Dixton Close, Monmouth NP25 3HE 

Newland Rennie 01600 712916 www.newlandrennie.com 

Price 

£395,000 




bathroom 

bathroom 

bathroom 









of the most sought after locations in Monmouth with far reaching hillside views 

3 

1 2 

A unique design for a unique buyer 

Superb new build eco friendly bungalow, built to a luxurious design and situated in one 

and level walking distance to the town 

gas 


parking 

parking 

parking 

The exacting specification includes open plan kitchen/ 

living/dining room with wood burning stove, NEFF 

and BOSCH appliances to include slide and hide ovens, 

microwave and warming drawer, tall larder fridge and 

freezer, quartz worktops, usb and tv sockets to every 

room, mechanical heat recovery system, underfloor 

heating, sprinkler system, mandarin stone tiles and new 

carpets throughout. 

The contemporary exterior includes cedar cladding 

and sedam roof, powder coated aluminium doors and 

windows and rain sensor sky light to bathroom. A sunny 

and private landscaped courtyard garden can be accessed 

via bi-fold doors from the main living space and master 

bedroom. 

The brick paviour driveway provides parking for up to 4 

cars. There will be a 10 year structural warranty provided. 

The spacious interior also offers master bedroom with 

en-suite and bi-fold doors to courtyard, 2 further double 

bedrooms, bathroom and utility room. 


parking parking

Local 

Independent 

Professional 

87 Monnow Street, Monmouth NP25 • 01600 712916 

FIRST CLASS HOMES IN A FIRST CLASS LOCATION 

THE ROLLS BuILdINgS 

Hereford Road, Monmouth 

• Plot 22 - New build, 2 bedroom, top floor 

apartment with flooring throughout priced 

at £265,000 

• Balcony to lounge/dining area offering 

stunning views. Master bedroom with 

en suite facility 

• Allocated parking and communal gardens. 

Central lift offering access to all floors 

• 10 year Premier Warranty 

MONMOUTH 

A detached Park Home in a lovely setting near the River Wye and within a short 

walk of Monmouth town centre. The property stands in a broad corner plot 

with a balcony, landscaped garden, parking and is extremely well presented 

both internally and externally with uPVC double glazed windows and doors 

and gas central heating. The accommodation includes kitchen, Sitting Room/ 

Dining Room, Bathroom, two double Bedrooms and en suite shower room. 

£142,000 

TRELLECH 

Situated in the popular village of Trellech between Monmouth and Chepstow, 

a detached house, recently built to a very high standard with character features 

including wood floors and stone fireplace with large rooms providing spacious 

accommodation including a reception hall, cloakroom, sitting room, garden 

room, kitchen/breakfast room and three double bedrooms, one en suite and 

a family bathroom. The house is approached through double wooden gates 

going through the old stone outbuilding to a parking area and detached 

garage with a level garden. EPC Band: C 

£450,000 

BROCKWEIR 

A period detached house situated on a country lane amidst the beautiful 

countryside of the Wye valley above the village of Brockweir between 

Chepstow and Monmouth. 

The attractive house provides a handcrafted kitchen and large conservatory, 

shower room, utility room and three reception rooms with three bedrooms 

and a bathroom. Outside is a mature cottage garden with a graveled parking 

area, a detached garage and orchard extending to approximately ½ acre. EPC 

Band: F 

£525,000 

MONMOUTH 

Situated in a popular area of Wyesham this 3 bedroom end of terrace corner 

plot property sits next to open council grassland and is only minutes away 

from the school, local store and post office. Having been refurbished over 

the years by the current owners the accommodation now includes lounge, 

kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, cloakroom, bathroom and 3 bedrooms 

with fitted wardrobes. The garden has been hard landscaped for ease of 

maintenance with pretty church backdrop. The garage and driveway provides 

off road parking. A great family home or investment. EPC Band: TBC 

£179,000 

MONMOUTH TOWN 

An individually designed property situated in a much sought after part of 

Monmouth town enjoying South-West views over the town to the surrounding 

countryside and Black Mountains. 

The accommodation includes Reception Hall, shower room, utility room, study, 

bedroom 4/family room and open plan kitchen, dining area and living area 

and on the first floor three double bedrooms and a family bathroom. 

Outside the property stands in a large plot with extensive gravelled area, patio 

and lawn. 

£550,000 

www.newlandrennie.com

ADVICE 

9 

Radon Gas 

You may not have heard of it, but radon is a part of your life - wherever you live. 

Below are five facts home owners should know about radon, including 

how it can affect your home and your health. 

by Sue Drew of Dobbs & Drew 

1) Radon is a gas which can seep into our homes and is created when natural 

radioactive uranium slowly decays in the ground under our homes and seeps to 

the surface. Because of the way we heat and ventilate our homes, some radon gets 

indoors through the floor. This is where we get most of our radon exposure. 

2) In some parts of the country, homes are more likely to have high radon levels. 

Every building contains radon but the levels are usually low. In some parts of the 

country homes may have higher levels, and the chances of a higher level depend 

on the type of ground. For instance, levels may be higher in parts of the country 

rich in granite, such as Dartmoor in Devon and Cornwall. 

3) It’s easy to test your home’s radon levels - if you live in an area likely to be 

affected by higher levels of Radon, you can get your property tested by placing a 

plastic detector in your living room, another in your bedroom and leave them for 

three months. After that you post them off and your radon level is calculated. If 

the level is high you can take steps to reduce radon levels in your home. 

4) High radon levels in the home can be reduced - although high levels of radon at 

home can be a problem the good news is they can be reduced by simple building 

works. Many people’s first thought is “how much is this going to cost me” but 

there are a few options to choose from, depending on the style of your home and 

your radon level, ranging from a few pounds to several hundred pounds. Radon 

solutions include replacing or 

adding ventilation bricks in 

outside walls or installing a small 

pump in the loft that gently blows 

in air. Most remedies work for 

years and only need an occasional 

check. 

5) If you have high levels of 

Radon at home, you should 

take action - if we breath in 

high levels of radon over long periods of time this exposure can lead to damage 

to the sensitive cells of our lungs which increases the risk of lung cancer. Radon 

causes about 1,000 lung cancer deaths in the UK every year. We also know that 

the combined risks of smoking and high radon exposure can really make a major 

difference to your chances of developing lung cancer. That’s why if you’ve got high 

radon at home and you smoke, it’s important you do something about it. 

When purchasing your new home your conveyancer will carry out searches which 

will alert you to any radon gas present in the property and you can then take steps 

accordingly. 

Dobbs & Drew 

Property Lawyers 

Opening hours Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 1pm 

Thinking of Moving House? 

Sell your Current home for £599 inclusive 

Buy your New home for £899 

plus Stamp Duty & Land Registry fee 

Sell & Buy together for £1399 

plus Stamp Duty 

& Land Registry fee 

Call us Today: 01594 562239 

sue.drew@dobbsanddrew.co.uk lisa.dobbs@dobbsanddrew.co.uk 

Blue Rock House, Blue Rock Crescent, Bream, 

Glos, GL15 6LW 

www.dobbsanddrew.co.uk

10 NEWS 

bedroom 


Osbaston, Monmouth 

Monmouth Property Bureau 01600 719184 

www.monmouthpropertybureau.co.uk 

Price 

£500,000 

One of the problems with DIY is you need a lot of practise before you get to be any 

good and if you’re not good at it then best to leave well alone. Personally I can’t even be 

trusted to paint a wall without either getting more on me or the floor than the intended 

surface. 

So it is rather pleasing to offer an extensively remodelled and updated property which 

also happens to be situated in one of Osbaston’s premier locations. 

Internally this immaculately presented house has been fastidiously maintained and 

modernised The jewel in the crown is a spectacular master bedroom suite boasting 

vaulted ceilings, a large dressing room/nursery (5th Bedroom) plus a luxurious ensuite 


4 




bathroom 

bathroom 


bathroom 


3 3 1 


central heating garage/covered parking 

with a double width shower. There are three more bedrooms, one with an ensuite 

shower room and a beautifully appointed family bathroom. 



On the ground bathroom bathroom floor there is an unusually wide garage/covered elegant parking main reception parking with interconnecting 

doors to the stylish dining room, ideal for entertaining. The kitchen is 

again very spacious and well appointed with a very good sized breakfast/dining area, 

all overlooking the immaculate lawned gardens to the rear. The study is situated away 

from the hubbub of the main house and makes a useful music room too. 

Agents Note: The property is located on an unadopted road and the double garage has 

been converted to create a single garage and study/music room. 

GAS 

parking 

monmouth 

PROPERTY BUREAU 

Your local sales and 

lettings specialist 

Sales: 01600 719184 

Lettings: 01600 719183 

Glen Lea, Redbrook, 

An exceptional three bedroom detached home 

set in large gardens with lovely views and a 

fantastic garage/workshop. EPC D Agency 

Fees Apply 

£825 PCM 

7 Howells Place, Monmouth 

Refurbished 2 bed cottage 2 minutes walk to 

Monnow St, entrance porch, spacious open 

plan kitchen/living room, well appointed shower 

room, Gas CH EPC F Agency Fees Apply 

£625 PCM 

The Courtyard, Craig Y Dorth, 

Delightful barn conversion in idyllic rural 

location, fully fitted kitchen, sitting room with log 

burner, EPC C. Agency Fees Apply 

£625 PCM 

The Cottage, Skenfirth, 

Characterful attached cottage with original 

stone mullion windows in idyllic location with far 

reaching views. Agency Fees Apply 

£625 PCM 

The Market Tavern, Agincourt Square, Monmouth NP25 3BT 

monmouthpropertybureau.co.uk

Sales: 01600 719184 

Lettings: 01600 719183 

OSBASTON, MONMOUTH £480,000 

CINDERHILL ST, MONMOUTH £135,000 

• Build Potential 

• Space For 2 Houses 

• Planning Required 

• 4 Receptions 

• 4 Bedrooms 

• Three Car Garages 

• 0.4 Acre gardens 

• Outstanding Views 

• EPC E 

• Needs Refurbishing 


• 2 Receptions 

• Attic Room 

• Kitchen 

• Shower/WC 

• Gardens 

• EPC D 

• Chain Free 

CLAWDD DU, MONMOUTH £136,500 

WYEFIELD COURT, MONMOUTH £162,500 

• Needs Refurbishing 


• Lounge/Diner 

• Kitchen 

• Wet Room/Sep WC 

• Cloakroom 

• Gardens 

• EPC D 

• CHAIN FREE 

• Ideal Buy to Let 


• Lounge 

• Bathroom 

• Kitchen 

• Gardens/Parking 

• Mid Terrace 

• Chain Free 

• EPC C 

TRELLECH, MONMOUTH £185,000 

MANSONS CROSS, MONMOUTH £325,000 




• Lounge 

• Kitchen/Breakfast 

Room 

• Conservatory. 

• Bath. WC 

• Driveway 

• EPC E 


• Room to Extend 


• 1/2 Acre Gardens 

• 3 Bedrooms. 2 

Receps 

• Kitchen 

• Wet Room. 2 WC 

• Garage. Driveway 

• EPC D 

monmouthpropertybureau.co.uk 

The Market Tavern, Agincourt Square, Monmouth NP25 3BT

Sales - Monmouth 




New 

Price 

New 

New 

Llanvair Discoed £559,000 

A beautifully presented 4 double bedroom detached family 

home with an indoor swimming pool and sauna. Located in one 

of the prettiest villages in Monmouthshire, the property offers 

very flexible accommodation and is set in particularly generous 

landscaped gardens offering a good degree of privacy. 

Monmouth £750,000 

On the market after an extensive refurbishment and with stunning 

views across farmland and to the Wye Valley, this property 

offers generous living accommodation to include a fabulous 

kitchen / dining / family room and self-contained annexe. 


This mid terraced home located within walking distance of 

the town centre offers two double bedrooms, large living / 

dining room and a kitchen. Outside there is ample off road 

parking and an attractive garden with mature tree and patio 

area. 

Llandogo £150,00 

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 17TH 11-12 NOON 

Offered with no onward chain, this ground floor apartment 

with outstanding Forest views has a large open plan living/ 

dining room, two double bedrooms, ample storage, allocated 

parking and pleasant communal space. 





New 

New 

New 


Although on the outskirts of an estate, this detached property 

offers privacy and is not overlooked and has accommodation to 

include two reception rooms, breakfast kitchen, utility, WC and 

four bedrooms, with pleasant front and rear gardens. 

Rockfield £450,000 

Located just two miles from Monmouth, this traditional cottage 

boasts character and charm surrounded by mature gardens. To 

the ground floor there are four reception rooms and a generous 

kitchen, and the first floor landing leads to four bedrooms and 

a large bathroom. 

Monmouth Town £350,000 

Located in the heart of Monmouth this lovingly renovated 

home offers stylish living within walking distance of all the 

local amenities. Accommodation includes three double bedrooms, 

an open plan living / dining / kitchen and an impressive 

roof terrace. 

Coleford £190,000 

This deceptively spacious and characterful property has been 

well maintained by the present owners who have lived here 

for over 30 years, benefiting from off road parking and easy 

access to the town centre, as well as two reception rooms and 

three bedrooms. 

Sales - Chepstow 

SOLD 

Subject to 

Contract 




Willow Close £200,000 St. Stephens Court, Undy £269,950 Fedw Wood £299,950 Llangwm £360,000 

Updated kitchen and bathroom, garage, new carpets, 3 bedrooms, 

ground floor WC, UPVC double glazing, level gardens 

to front and rear. 

**NO CHAIN**. Brand new kitchen/diner with integral appliances, 

brand bew bathroom & en-suite, converted garage offering two 

levels of additional rooms, open plan kitchen/diner leading into 

conservatory, set in quiet cul-de-sac, off road parking for two 

vehicles, great links to major access roads. 

Three bedroom detached family home, space to extend, catchment 

to highly regarded local schools, walking distance to 

Chepstow town centre, large driveway including garage, sought 

after area, enclosed rear garden 

Delightful detached cottage, immaculately presented throughout, 

new UPVC double glazing, semi-rural idyllic setting, enclosed 

front garden with parking, new combination boiler, 

stunning views, log burner, 


New 


New 


SOLD 

Subject to 

Contract 


New 

Holmleigh, Tintern £330,000 Castelea, Caldicot £164,950 Woolpitch, Chepstow £452,00 Lewis Way, Chepstow £245,00 

Character property, outstanding views across The Wye Valley, 

three good sized bedrooms, newly renovated bathroom, driveway 

for 2 cars, sun terrace, superb period features, popular village 

location. 

***NO CHAIN*** Two bedroom semi detached, garage & driveway 

for two cars, excellent location, walking distance to town centre, 

great access to commuter links, well-presented level gardens, entrance 

porch, 

A large spacious family home, newly fitted kitchen with Quartz 

granite work surfaces, double garage with parking for several 

cars, five bedrooms over three storeys, set in quiet cul de sac, 

stunning outlook, rear landscaped garden with deck, close to 

both The Dell & St Mary’s primary schools. 

Detached bungalow in sought after location, two double bedrooms, 

new carpets throughout, detached garage, conservatory, 

large corner plot, updated kitchen, lovely views.

PROPERTIES 13 

Carys from Shirenewton Primary School 

wins Peter Alan’s Design a Sign competition 

Peter Alan were proud to celebrate the opening of their 29th branch in Chepstow, 

specialising in both Peter Alan and pa black. 

To coincide with the launch of Peter Alan 

Chepstow the branch offered all primary 

school students across Chepstow, Caldicot 

and the surrounding area an opportunity to showcase 

their art by entering a ‘DESIGN A FOR SALE SIGN 

COMPETITION’ which resulted in the winning design 

being displayed on a one off unique FOR SALE BOARD 

and also used on properties within the Monmouthshire 

area. 

“Today we had the great pleasure of announcing 

the winner of our art competition” says manager Pete 

Burrows. “We had hundreds of entries from children 

aged between four and eleven from Primary Schools 

throughout the Monmouthshire area. Deciding on a 

winner was an incredibly hard decision as the standard 

of children’s artwork was so high. However, with its 

bright and eye catching design , the winning entry 

came from Carys Faulkner, aged Ten from Shirenewton 

Primary School. This board will be rotated around all 

of Peter Alan’s housing stock from as far as Lydney all 

the way to Magor. Huge thanks to all of the children 

and staff at Shirenewton, Pembroke and Rogiet Primary 

Schools for all of your hard work. We thoroughly 

enjoyed looking through all of your fantastic designs 

and we look forward to working with you all again in 

the near future.” 

To contact the team at Peter Alan Chepstow please 

call 01291 630876 

bedroom 


Shangrila, Well Lane, Llanvair Discoed 

PA Black 01600 714355 www.pablack.co.uk 

4 


bathroom 

bedroom bedroom living room living room etc etc 

bathroom 

bathroom 



Price 

£559,000 


2 2 2 


Located in the sought after village of Llanvair Discoed this well presented 


home has a lot to offer! Set in a generous and mature plot, the property 




offers privacy and seclusion whilst being in the heart of the village. 

OIL 

parking 

The bright and spacious accommodation can be arranged to suit your specific needs, 

with bedrooms on both the ground and first floor making garage/covered it parking ideal parking parking parking 

for multi generational 

living. There is a dining room with feature fireplace leading on to the breakfast kitchen 

that benefits from integrated appliances and plenty of space for alternative dining. The 

first floor landing is bright and spacious and leads to the living room which has a 

wonderful stone fireplace and plenty of natural light from the three windows. There are 

two bedrooms on the first floor and a large family bathroom with corner bath and walk 

in shower cubicle. The property is fitted with UPVC double glazing throughout which 

brings in lots of natural light.

Sales & Lettings Agent 

Open 7 days per week 

No Sale - No Fee 

Free Valuations 

Tel: 01291 629292 

DINWOOD COTTAGE, SHIRENEWTON 

• FANTASTIC DETACHED FAMILY HOME FULLY REFURBISHED 

THROUGHOUT • FIVE BEDROOMS (TWO EN-SUITE) 

• THREE FORMAL RECEPTION ROOMS • OPEN PLAN KITCHEN/ 

DINING ROM LEADING TO ORANGERY 

• POOL HOUSE WITH FULLY HEATED SWIMMING POOL, SAUNA AND 

SHOWER ROOM • LANDSCAPED GARDENS/OUTSIDE KITCHEN/ 

APPROX. 7 ACRES 

£949,950 

GREENACRE HOUSE, WHITEBROOK, LLANVACHES 

• INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED DETACHED FAMILY HOME 

• FOUR RECEPTION ROOOMS/FIVE BEDROOMS (TWO EN-SUITE) 

MASTER WITH BALCONY 

• KITCHEN/BREAKFAST PLUS UTILITY ROOM 

• QUITE SECLUDED LOCATION HAVING PANORAMIC VIEWS 

• DETACHED STONEWORK OUTBUILDiNG, DOUBLE GARAGE • E.E.R. - D 

£625,000 

WENTWOOD VIEW, CALDICOT 

• SPACIOUS AND WELL PRESENTED DETACHED PROPERTY 

• FOUR BEDROOMS (MASTER EN-SUITE BATHROOM) 

• TWO RECEPTION ROOMS PLUS KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM 

• PRIVATE, SUNNY GARDENS PLUS GARAGE 

• NO ONWARD CHAIN • E.E.R. - E 

£334,950 

BIRCHWOOD ROAD, WOOLASTON 

• SPACIOUS DETACHED FAMILY HOME 

• THREE BEDROOMS • LIVING/DINING ROOM 

• UPDATED FAMILY BATHROOM PLUS GROUND FLOOR W.C. 

• LEVEL FRONT AND REAR GARDENS PLUS GARAGE 

AND PARKING • E.E.R. - E 

£219,950 

SHAKESPEARE DRIVE, CALDICOT 

• STYLISH DETACHED FAMILY HOME • THREE BEDROOMS 

• LIVING ROOM PLUS ATTRACTIVE FAMILY KITCHEN/DINING 

ROOM • BATHROOM PLUS WET ROOM 

• CORNER GARDENS WITH BESPOKE SUMMERHOUSE 

• E.E.R. - C 

£224,950 

VALENTINE LANE, CHEPSTOW 

• END TERRACE PROPERTY 

• FOUR BEDROOMS (MASTER EN-SUITE) 

• LIVING ROOM PLUS CONSERVATORY/DINING ROOM 

• KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM PLUS UTILITY ROOM 

• NO ONWARD CHAIN • E.E.R. - D 

£209,950 

EXMOUTH PLACE, CHEPSTOW 

• MID-TERRACE PROPERTY 

• FULLY REFURBISHED THROUGHOUT HAVING MANY 

CHARACTERFUL FEATURES • TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS 

• TWO RECEPTION ROOMS • COURTYARD GARDEN 

• VIEWING HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 

£189,950 

CALDICOT ROAD, PORTSKEWETT 

• SPACIOUS DETACHED FAMILY HOME WITH THREE RECEPTION ROOMS 

• UPDATED THROUGHOUT WHILST RETAINING CHARACTERFUL 

FEATURES • FOUR BEDROOMS (MASTER DRESSING ROOM) 

• KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM PLUS UTILITY ROOM AND GROUND 

FLOOR W.C. 

• ENCLOSED REAR GARDEN PLUS SINGLE GARAGE • E.E.R. - C 

£384,950 

Magor/Undy Area 

Tel: 01633 745396 Tel: 01291 624881 

WYE VALLEY BARNS, BROCKWEIR 

• SUPERB BARN CONVERSION 

• 5 BEDROOMS, 3 ENSUITE 

• OPEN TERRACE AREAS AND GROUNDS 

• AVAILABLE 1ST JULY 2017 

• EPC RATING D 

£2250 PCM 

BEECH HOUSE, TINTERN 

• DETACHED PROPERTY SITUATED IN BEAUTIFUL WYE VALLEY 

• 4 BEDROOMS 

• TERRACED GARDEN LEADING TO WOODS 

• AVAILABLE 1ST JULY 2017 

• EPC RATING F 

£1250 PCM 

2 JOHN RASTRICK RISE, THORNWELL 

• MODERN DETACHED PROPERTY 

• 3 BEDROOMS, MASTER WITH ENSUITE 

• GARAGE WITH DRIVEWAY 

• AVAILABLE 26TH JUNE 2017 

• EPC RATING B 

£900 PCM 

3 MALT HOUSE CLOSE, ALVINGTON 

• 3 BEDROOM DETACHED PROPERTY 

• MAIN BEDROOM WITH ENSUITE 

• OPEN PLAN LIVING/DINING ROOM 

• AVAILABLE NOW 

• EPC RATING C 

£850 PCM 

68 ST ANNES CRESCENT, UNDY 

• MODERN 2 BEDROOM END TERRACE PROPERTY 

• REFITTED WHITE GLOSS KITCHEN 

• CONVENIENT LOCATION 


• EPC RATING D 

£650 PCM 

UNIT 2, OFF BEACHLEY ROAD, SEDBURY 

• SECURE AND LARGE LOCK UP/STORAGE UNIT 

• CONVENIENT LOCATION 

• KITCHEN AND OFFICE AREAS 

• SECURE EXTERNAL GATES 


£650 PCM 

FLAT 5, ST MARYS ARCADE, CHEPSTOW 

• PURPOSE BUILT 2ND FLOOR FLAT 

• 1 BEDROOM 

• CENTRAL TOWN LOCATION 


• EPC RATING C 

£475 PCM 

FLAT 4, THE MOAT HOUSE, CHEPSTOW 

• FIRST FLOOR FLAT 

• 1 DOUBLE BEDROOM WITH ENSUITE BATHROOM 

• 1 PARKING SPACE 


• AWAITING EPC 

£475 PCM 

www.thinkmoon.co.uk

PROPERTIES 15 

bedroom 


9 Home Farm Court, Shirenewton, Chepstow 

Moon & Co 01291 629292 www.thinkmoon.co.uk 

Price 

£424,950 




• Generous kitchen with ample dining area • Four double bathroom bedrooms bathroom (three en-suite) 

4 

bedroom 

bathroom 

bathroom 



2 4 2 

• Principal residence of stylish former model farm 

• Delightful period accommodation with outstanding rural views • Two spacious reception rooms 

• Private gardens and double garage • Energy efficiency rating - C 

9 Home Farm Court comprises of the principal wing of the former Home Farm, 

Shirenewton, itself developed at the turn of the last century as a model farm for the 

Liddell family who owned Shirenewton Hall and its surrounding environs. At the time 




of construction, it would have been a very desirable gentleman’s farm with number 9 


forming the principal accommodation at that stage. In subsequent years the property 

was sold and has now been attractively converted to the pleasant development it now is. 

parking 

parking 

bedroom 


Plas Newydd, Usk, Monmouthshire 

Fine & Country 01291 672212 www.fineandcountry.com 

Price 

£1,150,000 


Magnicent Grade 11 Listed early Victorian Residence. 

Gardens of almost 2 acres in the centre of Usk. 




Five receptions rooms, two kitchens, nine bedrooms. 

9 

bedroom 

bathroom 

bathroom 



5 4 2 




parking 

parking 

Located in most private and sheltered gardens extending to almost two acres in the lee 

of the grounds of Usk Castle yet within just a few hundred yards of the centre of the 

historic former market town of Usk, Plas Newydd ranks unquestionably among the best 

of the very few properties of this calibre found in the area. 

The house was completed in about 1836 to the order of Francis McDonell, Esq (who 

donated the site of the nearby Roman garage/covered Catholic parking parking Church parking parking opened in 1847) and occupied 

by descendants until its sale out of the family. It has had only three owners prior to 

purchase by the present Vendors in 1984.

16 Local living 

I love where I live… Usk 

Jean Williams, a well-known personality in Usk, is also quite a celebrity amongst the fly-fishing fraternity. 

Her knowledge of the River Usk, her fly-tying skills and the renown of its former owner bring anglers 

from far and wide to the doors of the legendary Sweet’s Fishing Tackle shop, where Jean has presided for 

the past 40 years. Jean has just been granted the freedom of Usk, in recognition of her 

outstanding and long-lasting contribution to life in the community, where she has been a Brownie leader 

for 50 years. Sharon Chilcott talks to her about life in the ancient market town. 

Sharon Chilcott 

So, Jean, or should I say Honorary Burgess, how long have you lived in Usk? All my 

life and that’s more than 70 years. If I was a stick of rock it would simply read Made 

in Usk all the way through! I would never have wanted to live anywhere but here. It 

was just wonderful to be made an Honorary Burgess. It means I now have the right to 

take my sheep across Usk Bridge – I don’t have any but lots of people have offered me 

some! 

And how long have you 

worked in Sweet’s? Full time, 

ever since I left school, but I 

used to come in on a Saturday 

before that. I began as an 

assistant to Lionel Sweet, a 

famous fisherman who was 

fly-fishing Champion of 

Europe for nearly 20 years. 

When he passed away in 

1978, I bought the business 

with my husband, Michael. 

What makes the town special? It has a character that’s all its own, with the castle, the 

bridge, the churches and the river. Where else could you find so many private gardens 

open to the public for charity every year? Then there’s the Usk in Bloom initiative 

with its unbeatable record of achievements and the scores of other societies and 

organisations which give the town its beating heart. 

For you, what’s the best thing about living in Usk? The community spirit and 

friendliness of its people and the beautiful scenery all around. 

Would your family say the same things? My husband and son would probably also 

mention the fact that it has good sports facilities – there are clubs for rugby, cricket, 

tennis, badminton and bowls and my husband is a member at Raglan Parc Golf Club. 

Does Usk have its own personality? Yes, people often say to me that when they go 

shopping in the town they are struck by people’s old-fashioned courtesy. 

Where’s your favourite local café or pub? When I meet a friend for coffee we often go 

to The Three Salmons. The staff are friendly and attentive and it’s fairly traditional. But 

we are spoilt for choice. I also sometimes go to Number 49 or to Sprokwobbles, on 

the opposite side of the street. 

Jean Williams at the ceremony where she was made 

Honorary Burgess. Photo: Robert Hughes 

What three words best 

describe Usk? A fisherman’s 

paradise! 

Where do you go for a spot of “culture”? I go to the theatre in Bath or to Cardiff, but 

I also like supporting our local amateur dramatic players and I like going to Silver 

Screen, which shows a film once a month in the Memorial Hall in Maryport Street.

17 

Where would you book up for a meal out? The Olway Inn on the outskirts of Usk is a personal 

favourite. I also like the Cross Keys which has a real fire and a nice ‘olde worlde’ ambience and The 

Nags Head has a good selection of food and lots of character. 

What would you do locally to “blow the cobwebs away”? Go for a walk – there’s a good short walk 

along the river, for a longer walk I go up behind the castle and for a longer walk still, along the flood 

plain. 

Where would you shop for a smart new dress? The Copper Tree, in Bridge Street and then I would go to 

D & E Rennels for the shoes. 

Where doyou shop for groceries? I usually pop 

to the Co-op in town in my lunch hour. Even 

for a special occasion, I don’t find the need 

to go further afield than Usk for my food 

shopping. 

What’s your favourite local event? The Usk 

Show is a must! The picnic basket comes out 

once a year, especially. 

How would you advise someone moving into 

the area to really get to know the place and the 

people? Join a club; go to church; if you are 

into sport join one of the sports clubs; look in 

the Usk Rural Life Museum and The Sessions 

House for information about what’s going on 

– oh, and pop along to the Country Market 

in the Conservative Club in Maryport Street 

every Thursday. 

Tell me something about Usk that’s not widely known... Well, if you have lived in Usk as long as I have, 

you are called an Usk Butterfly, after the motif that was used on the Japanware made in Usk in the late 

eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. 

Facts and Figures 

Usk is a picturesque little town on 

the banks of the River Usk, known 

amongst fishermen for its salmon and 

brown trout. Locals enjoy walking 

and picnicking on the river banks 

and, for children, there are two 

riverside playgrounds. Usk is one 

of the oldest towns in Wales. The 

Romans established it as a strategic 

fortress and the town is overlooked 

by a ruined twelfth century castle on a 

site first developed by the Normans. 

In summer, the “town of flowers” is 

a mass of floral displays, which have 

helped it win its class in Wales in 

Bloom 35 years in a row. It has also 

carried off a ‘Britain in Bloom’ title 

four times. 2017 sees it, again, making 

the list of finalists. Underlining Usk’s 

floral credentials is the annual Open 

Gardens, this year over the weekend 

of June 24 and 25. Around 20 private 

gardens will open to the public to 

raise money for local charities. A 

further draw for keen gardeners is the 

fact that the town boasts two nearby 

garden centres. Usk’s packed calendar 

of regular events features a weekly 

Country Market, a twice-monthly 

Farmers’ Market and a flourishing car 

boot sale. Annual events include Usk 

Summer Festival (July 1-2, this year) 

and Usk Show, a traditional agricultural 

show held every September since 

1844 and this year on September 9. 

The town also hosts a Winter Festival, 

with a Christmas market and a visit by 

Santa. Residents are looking forward to 

welcoming more than 15,000 cyclists 

on July 9 as VELOTHON Wales returns 

to the county. They have decorated 

old and disused cycles for display 

around the town to provide riders with 

an eye-catching entrance. Add to all 

this activity Usk’s vibrant independent 

shopping scene, a wide choice of inns, 

hotels, cafes and restaurants, and a 

variety of clubs and societies and it’s 

easy to see why Jean says that life here 

is never boring. For more information: 

www.usktown.org

18 

PROPERTIES 

bedroom 


Coombe Lea, Catbrook, Monmouthshire 

Fine and Country 01291 629799 www.fineandcountry.com 

4 



bathroom 

bathroom 


bathroom 



Price 

£695,000 


4 3 2 


An outstanding modern family house off the head of a select cul-de-sac 


within this sought after village, amidst glorious countryside above the Wye 




Valley some 8 miles from Chepstow and The Severn Bridge. 

OIL 

parking 

It stands within beautiful large gardens approached over a long drive to a detached 

double garage/workshop. Porch, hall with part galleried garage/covered parking landing, parking parking parking 

fitted cloakroom, 4 

reception rooms, huge 37ft conservatory, fitted kitchen and utility. Upstairs are 4 large 

bedrooms (2 en-suite including a superb master) and family bathroom. Catbrook is a 

sought after village surrounded by glorious countryside. There is a village hall, several 

country pubs nearby and a primary school and doctors surgery in the adjacent village of 

Trellech. Nearby Chepstow and Monmouth have facilities to satisfy most requirements. 

The Severn Bridge is a short drive distant and provides excellent road links. Bristol 

Parkway, for fast London trains, is only 20 miles away. 

bedroom 


31 Lewis Way, Chepstow, NP16 5TA 

Archer & Co 01291 626262 www.archerandco.com 

3 


bathroom 

bedroom bedroom living room living room etc etc 

bathroom 

bathroom 



Price 

£195,000 


The property is situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in a very 


pleasant and sought after location which is within walking distance 




to the local amenities of Thornwell 


1 1 1 

GAS 

parking 

This is a very well presented property and is approached via a driveway which provides 

parking for up to two cars, single garage and double glazed front door with canopy 

porch. Off the good sized hallway is a newly re-fitted kitchen providing an excellent 

range of base and wall cupboards, cloakroom, very useful under stairs storage cupboard, 

lounge/dining room with double glazed patio doors leading to rear garden. On the first 

floor are three bedrooms, garage/covered two parking very parking parking parking 

good double and one single which is currently used 

as a study and family bathroom.

twitter.com/parrysproperty 

facebook.com/parrysproperty 

01989 768484 

www.parrys.com 

penCraIG 

Spacious Accommodation 

First Floor Apartment 

Rent Inc Water Rates 

EPC Rating E 

£495 pCm 

Call In and 

Speak to one 

of our team 

lYnne, ann, dan 

Who WIll 

be happY to 

aSSISt You 

WIlton 

1 / 2 Bedroom Flats 

Tenant & Visitor Parking 

One Mile Town Centre 

EPC Rating D 

from £435 pCm 

roSS-on-WYe 

roSS-on-WYe 

Refurbished Town House 

3 Bedrooms Gas C/H 

Available Immediately 

EPC Rating D 

1 / 2 Bedroom Apartments 

Superbly Presented 

Viewing Highly Recommended 

EPC Rating D 

£695 pCm from £525 pCm 

roSS-on-WYe 

Spacious Accommodation 

Apartment On Two Floors 

3 / 4 Bedrooms 

EPC Rating E 

£795 pCm 

thIS SpaCe 

Could be 

lettInG 

Your 

propertY 

marStoW 

Detached Barn Conversion 

Open Plan Living 2 Beds 

Large Enclosed Garden 

EPC Rating C 

£725 pCm 

All rents quoted are subject to an additional administration fee paid by the tenant/s plus a deposit equivalent to 1.5 months rent 

Abergavenny Monmouth Ross-on-Wye Usk London 

Associated Park Lane Office

PROPERTIES 23 

bedroom 


The Croft, Kempley, Gloucestershire GL18 2BU Price 

Fine & Country 01989 764132 www.fineandcountry.com £450,000 



supporting the conservation garage/covered parking of parking the species. 

parking parking 




enjoying a superb outlook to the rear across open farmland to the Malvern Hills and beyond. 




3 

bathroom 

bathroom 

bathroom 




3 2 2 

The Croft is a detached 1930s bungalow in an enviable setting within the village of Kempley, 

The accommodation provides three reception rooms along with a breakfast kitchen, 

three bedrooms, a bathroom and a separate shower room. The property sits within a 

plot of a little over half an acre, featuring mature gardens, outbuildings, ample driveway 

parking and a double garage. 

Kempley - It is the special combination of a rich heritage, rare wild daffodils and its 

hard-working residents that makes Kempley an enviable place to live. Visitors from 

OIL 


all over the world come to see the churches and wild daffodils that enthusiastic local 

volunteers enable to flourish. A daffodil trail incorporates a number of nature reserves 

Kempley has recently been included in the newly formed 28 mile Newent Cycle Loop, 

bringing yet more visitors to the area. The Village Hall is the social hub of Kempley, 

however there is also a local Produce Market and the Kempley Café. 

parking 

Building Plot, Old Nurseries Site, Whitchurch, Ross-On-Wye, HR9 6DW 

Parrys 01989 768484 www.parrys.com 

Offers in region 

of £700,000 

Rural residential development site • Detailed consent for 6 detached houses 

On the site of former Nurseries a residential development site of an area with detailed 

consent for 6 executive style detached houses. The site is situated on the old A40 

between Whitchurch and Wyastone and enjoys pleasant views over fields. Whitchurch 

is about a mile and Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth about 6 miles and 4 miles respectively. 

Cetailed Planning Permission was granted on the 6th January 2017 under ref 163303 

for the development of ‘6 new residential dwellings’. Extracts from the consent are 

reproduced herein. Further details are available at our Ross-on-Wye office or on the 

Herefordshire Planning Portal.

24 ADVICE 

Property Disputes 

Buying, selling and owning residential property can be very 

stressful where problems may arise during the initial stages through 

misrepresentation of information, poor professional service or the 

condition of the property on completion of the transaction. 

The problems can continue throughout ownership with neighbour and 

boundary disputes, high hedges, party wall issues, excessive noise, parking 

and driveway access, and planning permission. 

As a landlord or tenant of a leasehold property, disputes may arise over the 

interpretation of the lease or tenancy agreement, deposits, rent reviews, repossession, 

rent recovery and claims for disrepair. 

Owning a property jointly, receiving financial help from a parent or grandparent 

to assist in purchasing , and an elderly person sharing ownership or occupation are 

all common scenarios where lawyers are rarely involved in the early stages of the 

transaction, or where the advice given has been inadequate, giving rise to disputes 

when the relationship breaks down. 

At Gwyn James Solicitors, we appreciate that those involved will wish to resolve 

or avoid the dispute as quickly as possible with costs kept to a minimum. We 

have both the expertise and the experience to assist you in resolving your dispute 

efficiently with the minimum of stress. Our Dispute Resolution Team will listen 

carefully to you to gain a full understanding of the issues giving rise to the dispute 

and practical advice will be given to assist you in taking control of the situation as 

well as offering you legal representation where required. 

Getting it right at the onset can avoid disputes in the future. Gwyn James 

Solicitors can guide you through the complex field of property law and estate 

planning, including: advice on property ownership; establishing a trust or formal 

agreement where property is jointly owned, a financial contribution made or sharing 

occupation with others; and dealing with issues relating to your property on being 

admitted into care or on your death or the death of a joint owner. 

GWYN JAMES 

S O L C I T O R S 

THE PROPERTY SPECIALISTS 

u Residential Sales and Purchases 

u Remortgage 

u Buy to Let 

u Shared Equity Purchases 

u Help to Buy Schemes 

u Leasehold Properties 

u Equity Release 

u Property Trusts 

u Sharing Ownership 

u Property Disputes 

COLEFORD | MONMOUTH | ROSS ON WYE | CINDERFORD 

(01594 833042) (01600 775950) (01989 564209) (01594 822277) 

info@gwynjames.co.uk www.gwynjames.co.uk 

Gwyn James Solicitors is a trading name of Gwyn James Legal Limited 

which is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority 

Do you have a 

Property related 

business or Service? 

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South Herefordshire and West Gloucestershire 

Next Deadline 23rd June 

01600 711680 

www.thepropertydrop.co.uk • info@thepropertydrop.co.uk 

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LIVING 

25 

Classy conservatories 

Transform stuffy glazed extensions 

with Didier & Dandelion. 

Claudia 

Forget unpleasant chunky ratton and relentlessly beige upholstery, the conservatory now has 

the power to be the most fashion-forward room in the house. 

Didier & Dandelion offer a range of gorgeous pre-loved furniture (sometimes tickled-up, 

sometimes left to speak for itself), tactile home-décor items and accessories, and a few lovely gifty 

bits. Our vintage curiosities help to offer our little shop a timeless appeal, adding to the calming 

and welcoming atmosphere. 

Get The Look 

All from Didier & Dandelion 

Wire Tree Light, £5 Rabbits, from £44 Baskets, from £30 Vintage frames, from £54 Cushions & Throws, from £30 

Didier & Dandelion • 72 Monnow Street, Monmouth, Monmouthshire, NP25 3EN 

Tel: 01600 711500 • www.didieranddandelion.co.uk

26 NEWS 

Monmouth Property Bureau 

wins prestigious Gold Award 

Monmouth Property Bureau has just won 

The British Property Awards 2017 Gold Award for Monmouth. 

The British Property Awards are one of the most inclusive estate agency awards, judging on average over 90% of agents that 

meet their criteria on a local level. With a team of mystery shoppers, agents are judged comprehensively over different 

mediums, scenarios and time scales to ensure that agents have been rigorously and fairly judged. 

Robert McLean from The British Property Awards said “If an agent has been attributed with one of our awards it is simply down 

to the fantastic customer service levels that they have demonstrated across a prolonged period of time. Winning agents should 

be proud that their customer service levels provide a benchmark for their local, regional and national competition” Monmouth 

Property Bureau performed outstandingly throughout the extensive judging and have now been shortlisted for a number of 

national awards. Owner Jackie Crossman said “Going the extra mile for our clients whether they are vendors, landlords, tenants or 

purchasers is at the core of our business ethos and to receive national recognition for the high standards we deliver by winning this 

award is testament to the hard work of everyone at Monmouth Property Bureau. “ 

If you are considering selling or letting your property call Monmouth Property Bureau on 01600 719183 or visit them at 

The Market Tavern, Agincourt Square, Monmouth. 

Online estate agents 

Online estate agents have certainly made a big splash in the property market. You only need to turn on your TV to 

see an online estate agency advert, or walk down the street to see their ‘for sale’ boards outside a home. 

As a nation that has spent many years criticising 

estate agents, it’s no surprise that a money saving 

‘do it yourself’ model was a welcomed change. 

Then came the best of both worlds - a hybrid approach 

that combined the online experience with the support of 

regional estate agents. 

There has been a lot of debate about the different 

approaches. Some have criticised hybrid estate agents 

for lack of local knowledge and others have criticised 

traditional estate agents for charging too much 

commission. At the end of the day, surely it’s simple. 

Homeowners will be happy if their property sells. 

With this in mind, it’s interesting to hear that recent 

research conducted by the estate agency comparison 

website GetAgent, found that half of online agent 

listings hadn’t sold after a 14 month period. 

The same research showed that many homeowners 

who chose an online/hybrid agent in the first instance, 

later switched to a traditional high street agent to sell 

their property, and it didn’t take sellers long to do so. 

Almost half of vendors who switched from one top 

hybrid estate agent did so in the first two months. And 

out of those properties re-listed, 65% had asking price 

changes. It does seem that homeowners were quick to 

lose faith in the online model. 

It’s of course, not unusual for homeowners to choose 

more than one estate agent to sell a property. However, 

online agents encourage sellers to pay an upfront fee 

regardless of whether the property sells. Over 80% of 

those interviewed chose to use an online or hybrid 

estate agency due to the perceived cost savings. If the 

property sells then the upfront fee is a much cheaper 

alternative to the usual commission % taken by the 

traditional estate agents. But the big worry is if the 

upfront fee is paid and the property remains unsold. 

GetAgent interviewed one online agent customer; 

“I came across the hybrid agent online and I liked 

the idea of saving money. I did not like the idea of 

conducting the viewings myself so chose the full 

packaged service. However, I found there were a lot of 

communication issues and I had to ask them to redo the 

photos they took because the quality was so poor.” 

What’s also worrying is that if homeowners are 

using both online and traditional, surely they will then 

have to pay the upfront fee to the online agent AND the 

commission to the traditional agent- definitely not the 

way to save money. 

Homeowners were crying out for a change and 

online agents have definitely disrupted the market. 

However, it’s too early to tell whether online agents 

are a better way for homeowners to sell their homes. 

With over 15,000 estate agents in the UK, you can’t 

help but think adding more to the mix will just confuse 

homeowners further. Perhaps homeowners don’t need 

more estate agents to choose from, and instead they 

need help distinguishing between the good and the bad 

from those that already exist. 

GetAgent CEO, Colby Short: 

“Homeowners should decide which estate agent to 

use based on their performance. How many properties 

they have sold in that area. How quickly they have sold 

them. How close to the asking price they were sold 

for. With this information, homeowners can feel more 

confident in their decision making and make sure they 

end up with an estate agent that suits them” 

Research overview: analysis of 500 new listings by 

Purplebricks and all listings by Tepilo, Housesimple 

and Emoov posted in January 2016. Analysis period: 

January 2016 – March 2017. Data source: Nielsen, Land 

Registry, Zoopla, Rightmove and our very own GetAgent 

questionnaire. 

Written by bethan@getagent.co.uk

MARKETS 27 

Stop-start in the town 

and country markets 

Beyond London, the prime market has seen some 

marked changes compared to those in the capital. 

Prices fell by a similar amount post-credit crunch, bottoming out 

in March 2009 after dropping by an average of 20% over 18 months. 

They then recovered over half of these losses in the following year. 

But between March 2010 and September 2014, there was little 

discernible growth. Modest increases in the commuter zone were 

offset by prices slipping back in the Midlands, the North and 

Scotland. 

A market less exposed 

By the time of the major overhaul in stamp duty, prices were 

4% below their 2007 peak on average. Even in the prime suburban 

markets, they were just 8% above the previous high-water mark. That 

has meant they have been less exposed to some of the factors that 

have caused London to falter. 

Market moves In the period following the 2014 stamp duty changes, prices in the prime 

London market have gone through large adjustments, particularly in the highest price sector 

10-year price growth 

50% 

40% 

30% 

20% 

10% 

0% 

-10% 

34.4 

44.0 

1 

15.0 13.9 12.8 

1.0 

2 

-11.4 

-14.2 

2 

But they have not been immune to those pressures either. Total 

price growth since December 2014 has been confined to 4.4% on 

average, meaning that values 

-20% 

Prime 

central 

London 

Other 

prime 

London 

Prime 

London 

suburbs 

Inner 

commute 

Outer 

commute 

Wider 

South 

Midlands 

& North 

Scotland 

are still only just back to their pre-credit crunch peak across the 

market as a whole. 

However, this broad average disguises some trends in the market. 

Where people have made the move out of London, for example, they 

have increasingly opted for the buzz and convenience of urban life – 

one reason why the townhouse has outperformed the manor house. 

New trends in buyer preference 

But that’s not the only reason why prime urban property has 

outperformed its country counterpart, given the trend has extended 

well beyond London’s commuter zone. The market for the best 

housing which the likes of York, Chester and Edinburgh has to offer 

has been more robust than for period country property. This suggests 

it is part of a wider change in preference. 

For those who prefer rural life, it has been a case of small is 

beautiful, with a stronger market for cottages and farmhouses than 

grander, larger stock, which increasingly looks like good value. Early 

evidence for 2017 is one of cautious optimism. Prices rose by 0.8% in 

the first quarter, but modest growth across all regions beyond London 

and in all 

price bands, reflects a more fluid market than London, which is 

more exposed to changes in sentiment. 

1 

Prime regional price movements by property type People are increasingly opting for 

the buzz of urban life, one reason why the townhouse is outperforming the manor house 

Price growth 

2 

14% 

12% 

10% 

8% 

6% 

4% 

2% 

0% 

-2% 

-4% 

-6% 

Strong historic price growth means there is a significant price gap between London and the commuter 

zone. It also means factors such as stamp duty are now having a greater impact in the capital. 

Due to a slower recovery, prices in the wider south of England are only just back to their levels of 10 

years ago and are lower than 10 years ago in the Midlands, the North and Scotland. 

Price growth has been most robust in the townhouse 

market, where prices have risen by an average of 

27% in the past 10 years, followed by smaller country 

properties. Meanwhile, larger-priced country properties 

remain below where they were 10 years ago, 

presenting comparitively good value for money. 

Townhouse Cottage Farmhouse Rectory Manor house Country house 

Key: Annual growth (Q1 2016-Q1 2017) Price movement since stamp duty changes (2014) 

Source Savills Research 

3.1 

11.3 

2.3 

7.4 

1.2 

3.3 

0.9 

2.1 

-0.2 

-1.3 

-1.1 

-4.6 

Source Savills Research

30 ADVICE 

Can I get a mortgage with 

bad or adverse credit? 

Martin Newell, 

Blestium Financial 

What Loan to Value can I get for a 

Bad Credit Mortgage? 

What is an Adverse Credit Mortgage? 

An “adverse” or “bad credit” mortgage is when you have a low credit score or 

historic payment issues which may make it harder for you to get a mortgage. 

What causes a bad credit history? 

There are numerous things that can result in a low credit score. 

Below are some of the key contributors to a “bad”or “low” score: 

1. Not being on the electoral roll at your current home 

2. County court judments, IVAs and bankruptcies in the last 6 years 

3. missed payments/defaults on recent credit 

4. Wrong previous addresses on credit report 

5. Lots of credit applications, especially declined ones 

6. Debt to income ratio 

7. Any payday loan information 

Negative indicators on Your Credit History: 

1. CCJs 

2. IVAs 

3. Bankruptcy 

4. Defaults 

5. Debt Management Plan 

6. Missed or Late Payment 

But it is often not as bad as you think, those people who have had credit issues 

in the past could still get a mortgage. A broker will have the knowledge and be able 

to place your application with a mortgage lender that may be more sympathetic than 

others. 

How do you know if you have bad credit? 

If you are being contacted by debt collectors, or receiving letters from credit card 

or loan companies, it will be clear that you credit history is not as strong as it could 

be. However, for some the first real sign they have a bad credit rating is when they are 

declined by a high street lender after they try and get a mortgage. Many people will 

not know their credit history until they apply for a mortgage. 

The best way to find out your credit score and history is to obtain your own credit 

report. There are three main credit report providers Experian, Equifax and Noddle. 

Blestium Financial Services will be more than happy to obtain these for you and 

explain what the report means for you. 

Poor Credit Mortgages 

If you are looking for a mortgage with poor credit and have a poor credit rating or 

some elements in your credit history which may make getting a mortgage difficult, it 

can feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle. High street lenders are typically reluctant 

to provide mortgages to those who they consider have “poor credit”, which is due 

mainly to their own process and not fully understanding each applicant. 

The loan to value (LTV) is a common way for lenders to show how much of a 

mortgage you can obtain against the value of the property. This is best thought of as 

how much deposit do you need to have in order to get the mortgage. With bad or 

adverse mortgages the LTV is very important as the less you need to borrow, the more 

likely it will be that you get the mortgage. Most lenders that will offer an adverse 

credit mortgage will usually need a 25% deposit although there are new mortgage 

lenders that will consider only a 10% deposit. 

Some mortgage lenders will ignore CCjs and defaults if they have been paid in 

full and are more than 2 years old. Other lenders will ignore small indiscretions for 

example a late credit card payment or a default with your mobile phone provider. 

How much can I borrow if I have a bad 

credit rating? 

As with all mortgage applications it will be assessed on your ability to demonstarte 

you can afford the monthly repayments. Most lenders will consider between 4x and 5x 

your income. 

Please feel free to contact Blestium Financial Services for free advice and guidance. 

mortgages, life insurance and finance specialists 

4 Re Mortgage 

4 Overseas Mortgages 

4 Buy To Let Mortgage 

4 Let To Buy 

4 Help To Buy 

Professional 

We offer professional 

bespoke mortgage 

advice. So you know 

we are providing the 

best advice for you. 

Top Floor, The Market Tavern, 26 Agincourt Square, Monmouth NP25 3BT 

E: blestium@hotmail.com 

Tel: 01600 775393 

Impartial 

The advice we provide 

is impartial and we 

are not tied to any 

lender. 

4 Equity Release 

4 Protection 

4 Asset Finance 

4 No broker fees 

Confidential 

We offer a strict 

confidential service 

so you know you 

can trust us. 

www.blestium.com

PROPERTIES 31 

A housebuilder with a difference… 

the Freeman Way 

The MF Freeman Group of Companies is an outstanding example of a truly dynamic and successful 2nd 

generation family business based locally, in Ruardean. Last year saw the 50th anniversary of this 

extraordinary business which started out in plant hire and has diversified into, amongst other things, 

property development with the homes division, Freeman Homes. 

The housebuilder has created many 

developments in the local area and their latest 

project is an intimate collection of only 6 

homes in the beautiful village of Llangrove, 

Herefordshire. Fast becoming one of their 

flagship developments, The Close is attracting 

a lot of attention and has already won awards 

with stunningly designed and contemporary 

houses. 

Being a family housebuilder and a local 

business, they aim to deliver something 

different to mass market housebuilders. 

Spacious homes are their signature, homes 

that allow you to live how you want and 

enable homeowners to embrace modern living. 

Luke Freeman, Joint CEO, is proud to 

be creating something unique “I have an 

enormous sense of pride when I see people 

enjoying the homes we’ve built.” Luke, a true 

visionary entrepreneur, also has a strong focus 

on creating a high performance, learning and 

empowered organisation. 

“What excites me as a developer is that 

we are making a difference on many levels, to 

the communities we build in, the people who 

live in our homes, the suppliers and teams 

we work alongside and also to the people we 

employ. That’s the focus that sees us building 

for a better future.” 

Village life really does offer a different 

pace of life, the air is cleaner, the stars are 

much brighter and it really is the best of 

both worlds. If you are interested in moving 

to a beautiful new home in a perfect village 

location call 01989 770360 or visit 

www.theclosellangrove.co.uk.

32 out & about 

Local Music Festivals 

Some of the music festivals taking place in the area over this coming summer... 

Raglan Music Festival 

Friday 9 - Sunday 11th June 

Celebrating over decade of 

promoting fab music in the 

heart of Monmouthshire 

the Raglan Festival will take place, 

as always, throughout the second 

weekend in June: 9-11th June. The 

boutique music festival takes place 

across the whole village and will host 

many varied and exciting gigs, open 

mics and activities for all ages throughout the weekend; 

many of which are free, so save the date in your diary 

and come along and enjoy! 

This year we host our ever-popular kids’ music 

workshops as well as hosting the finals of ‘Raglan’s Got 

Talent’ children’s competition! Highlights include music 

performances by Raglan VC Primary School, Monmouth 

Comprehensive School, Taiko Mynydd Du, Samba Viva 

and several Gwent Music groups of pupils. Also, during 

the weekend we’ll be supporting up and coming talent, 

Ted Jevans, Lucy Merrett, Ellen May and Katie Dykes as 

well as hosting a whole host of local acts, Wylde Bird 

Seed, Turner Street Crash, Catch 22, Taffy Was a Thief, 

The Rob Conley band, Shimai, Matahari jazz and Pennie 

Ray and Jonny Quick. 

As ever 2017 will see two fantastic festivals taking 

place in Raglan village. As well as the Music Festival, 

Raglan Day will also take place on Bank Holiday 

Monday 28th August. If you’d like to take part in the 

carnival parade or operate a stall at this event then 

please get in touch. 

www.raglan-festival.com 

Monmouth Festival 

Friday 28th July - Saturday 5th August 

Kicking off the 2017 schedule on Friday 28th 

July will be The Delray Rockets. Belting out 

Rockabilly/Rock’n’Roll and Blues, this high 

energy outfit will give the festival a fun filled fantastic 

first Friday night and set the scene for nine nights of 

party. Then Monmouth Busking Festival will return 

for its fourth year with the support of organiser Nick 

Penny, who doubles up as music festival treasurer too, 

on Saturday 29th July. In the evening we have Bare 

Knuckle Parade, whose debut album is due for release 

this summer. Having appeared at Glastonbury and 

having supported James Bay, this band from the South 

West come to Monmouth with glowing endorsements 

from Dermot O’Leary and Rhod Gilbert. We have great 

expectations for 

Saturday night. 

The town will be 

awash with colour 

and creativity on 

Sunday 30 July as 

we launch our first 

family fun day. Stalls 

and rides, stage entertainment throughout the afternoon 

and who doesn’t like a bit of ABBA. Get those flares out 

and be ready to sing along to all their greatest hits when 

Abba Magic hit the stage on Sunday night. A day and 

night for everyone will be followed on Monday with 

‘Monmouth’s Got Talent’ winner Ella Young opening the 

night before we see The Don Fox Scandal followed by 

Chapel Row, all the way from Merthyr, who will wow us 

with a blend of high energy rock, great guitar riffs and 

cool lyrical melodies. 

Tuesday will see the stage rocking to Voodoo 

Vegas before Monmouth favourites, Big Mac return 

to the festival on Wednesday. If you like the Beat, Bad 

Manners, The Specials or Madness then Ska tribute 

band 2Rude will light up your Thursday night. Friday 

is when the King of Rock n Roll Meets the Monsters 

of Rock - from AC/DC to ZZ Top performed by the 

one and only King Rocker. Will Elvis be eclipsed by 

the King of Pop when Forever Jackson takes the stage 

on Saturday night? Come and watch then enjoy our 

traditional firework display to close the show. 

Throughout the week there will be something for 

everyone, with most bases covered to suit all tastes. 

There will be a classical programme at St Mary’s Church, 

a great selection of Indie/folk/rock at the second stage 

in the Three Horse Shoes and a free Classic Film Show 

at The Savoy on Thursday. Our fringe events are taking 

place in even more venues this year and we are grateful 

to EE Monmouth for sponsoring us and helping us to 

expand. 

www.monmouthfestival.co.uk 

Linton Festival 

Friday 7th - Sunday 9th July 

Showcasing 14 established and up-and-coming 

artists, this 3 day festival is now celebrating 

its 17th year and is recognised as one of 

Herefordshire’s premier music events. 

Come and enjoy great music, food, real ales and 

ciders in a friendly rural country pub setting. 

This year’s line-up includes headliners The Billy 

Walton Band (Friday), Bernie Marsden (Saturday) and 

Hayseed Dixie (Sunday). 

Very much an international feel to the Festival this 

year with The Billy Walton Band returning from the 

USA, who continue in the Jersey shore tradition of 

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. 

Bernie Marsden will be doing two sets this year, 

his usual blend of Rory, Whitesnake and classic songs 

on Saturday and playing an acoustic set and telling us 

about his life’s work on Sunday. 

Hayseed Dixie will bring along their own musical 

genre “Rockgrass” to headline and close the Festival 

on Sunday. 

Two bands are visiting from the Emerald Isle, the 

awesome Band of Friends with their tribute to Rory 

Gallagher and The Mama Martin Band playing their 

sassy, raunchy blend of R&B. 

Henrik Freischlader from Germany will be playing 

some high class blues rock and all the way from 

Australia we have the Pierce Brothers who started 

busking on the streets of Melbourne and now deliver 

their own unique style of irresistible energy to festival 

crowds around the world. 

“Dynamic”, “bizarre” and “eclectic” are all words 

used to describe Wille & the Bandits. Slim Chance 

evolved around three members of Ronnie Lane’s band 

so be prepared to do some singing! Rainbreakers 

provide some “new school” blues rock. Slide stomp 

blues machine Half Deaf Clatch starts us off on Saturday 

and local band and Festival favourites Slowburner on 

Sunday. 

The Festival is run by local volunteers and is a 

non-profit organisation with the aim of supporting local 

charitable and other voluntary groups. Over the last 17 

years it has donated over £100,000 to such charities as 

Air Ambulance, St Michael’s Hospice, Cystic Fibrosis, 

Hope Support Services, Hope for Tomorrow, The 

Brownies, Scout Group and Linton Church. 

Tickets start from £20 and all details of how to get 

hold of them can be found on the Festival’s website 

together with full details of the line-up and venue 

information. 

www.lintonfestival.org 

Castell Roc 

Thursday 17th - Monday 28th August 

Castell Roc at Chepstow Castle Music Festival 

features a truly spectacular and intimate venue, 

nationally recognised for its relaxed atmosphere and 

wide variety of shows. This year featuring well known 

acts as New Model Army, The Quireboys, The Craig 

Charles Funk and Soul club, Hells Bells AC/DE Tribute 

Band, The Counterfeit Stones, The Bon-Jovi Experience, 

Colabro, The Magic of Motown, and Antarctic Monkeys 

among others. 

www.castellroc.co.uk

PROPERTIES 33 

bedroom 


6 Somerset Road, Overmonnow, Monmouth 

Michael Skidmore 01600 714466 michaelskidmore.com 

Price 

£129,000 




bathroom 


If you live an active social life and have no time for gardening, then this is the property for you. 




This modernised, low maintenance, 2 bedroom, top floor flat comes with many mod 

cons such as under floor heating, high spec kitchen incorporating a Neff double oven 

and with lovely rural views from every window. 

Its location allows easy access to all amenities the market town of Monmouth, located 

in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, has to offer, whether they be hobbies, 

entertainment, shopping or dining. 

Contemporary Town Living 

2 

bathroom 

bathroom 

living room living room etccentral heating 

1 1 1 




parking 

Competitively priced at £129,000, this property would be perfect for first time buyers 

trying to get a foot on the property market or for those looking for an investment. 

If you wish to view this property please contact Michel Skidmore Estate Agents on 


01600 714466. 

ELECTRIC 

10 Monnow Street, Monmouth, 

Monmouthshire, NP25 3EE 

www.michaelskidmore.com 

ms@michaelskidmore.co.uk 

Tel: 01600 714466 

No Upward Chain 

Delightful Views 

MICHAEL SKIDMORE 

ESTATE AGENTS 

OVERMONNOW LLANCLOUDY KING’S WOOD GATE 

RENTAL 

zoopla.co.uk • onthemarket.com 

Extremely well presented 2 Bed Top Floor Apartment. 

Refurbished Bathroom & Kitchen. Underfloor heating. D/G. 

Residents Parking. EPC rating E. 

£129,000 

No Upward Chain 

Converted Former Chapel which now provides a characterful 

3 Bed Home. Inc. Conservatory & above average sized 

Garage/Workshop. EPC rating F. 

£279,000 

Viewing Essential 

Call us to register your interest in this new build 3 Bed Semi-Det 

House with Gas CH & D/G. Garage. Available upon completion 

approx. July. Awaiting EPC rating. Bond required £750. 

£750 PCM 

MONMOUTH OVERMONNOW MONMOUTH 

RENTAL 

Standing in above average sized garden with vehicular access & 

2 Garages is this spacious 4 Bed Town House. Gas CH. Viewing 

essential in order to appreciate size & layout. EPC rating E. 

£449,950 

Improved & well insulated End Terraced House with Gas CH & 

D/G. Porch, Hallway, Cloakrm, Dining Rm, small Conservatory, 

Sitting Rm, Kitchen, Landing, Bathrm, 3 Bedrms. EPC rating C. 

£147,000 

Viewing essential for this pretty 2 Bed Cottage which is close to 

the town’s main amenities yet discreetly tucked away. EPC rating 

F. Bond required £600. 

£600 PCM

34 PROPERTIES 

bedroom 


Hill House, Blakeney Hill, Blakeney 

Ferrino 01594 811111 www.ferrino.co.uk 

3 


bathroom 


bathroom 

bathroom 

living room living room etccentral heating 




This idyllic country cottage is situated in the heart of the 


friendly hillside community of Blakeney Hill on the edge of the 




Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. 

Price 

£315,000 

2 1 2 

GAS 

parking 

It sits in a large south facing garden in an elevated position enjoying far reaching views 

over the beautiful countryside in the direction of the Cotswold garage/covered parking Hills. parking parking parking 

The accommodation 

in the cottage is arranged as a very cosy sitting room with original fireplace and a wood 

burning stove, dining room/snug, kitchen and separate utility room, three comfortable 

bedrooms and the family bathroom. The terrace to the front of the cottage is the perfect 

spot to sit out and appreciate the tranquillity and enjoy the beautiful outlook. Blakeney 

is a most popular village, the amenities include an excellent shop/off licence, Post Office, 

primary school, pub/restaurants and doctors surgery. This lovely cottage represents a 

perfect country retreat in a delightful location. A true picture postcard home offered for 

sale with ‘No Onward Chain.’ 

Silent Spaces 

by Anne Wareham 

For many years I’ve thought that gardens are wasted on gardeners. 

Not on all of us gardeners - but it is true that many gardeners visit gardens 

simply to look at plants (with a certain acquisitive eye…), have a chat with 

friends and family, nice day out - and a piece of lemon drizzle cake. 

But gardens have a lot to offer people with no interest in gardening or plants 

- beauty, escape, sometimes art - as in the garden itself or sculpture within it, - 

and: peace. 

This last is not true of every garden. I never seem to visit one of our large 

institutional gardens, as in the RHS or National Trust, without there will be a lawn 

mower or hedge trimmer at work. (I know – there are good reasons and it can be 

hard enough for us to organise) But we, like many personal gardens, I imagine, make 

sure that there is no noisy work at Veddw when we have garden visitors. We’re in the 

country and we are fortunate to have good neighbours who are not noisy, (we are 

probably the worst noise makers in our lane) so people often comment on the peace 

here. Traffic noise we have no control over, but it is rarely intrusive here. 

And now there is a new initiative, by Liz Ware, celebrating and encouraging such 

silence in gardens: ‘Silent Space’. A brilliant idea and one for anyone who opens their 

garden and who can to embrace? It seems to have interesting effects. Someone came 

to me last year to say that they had also found themselves wanting to be quiet in other 

parts of the garden, in the way that you feel like whispering in a church. 

Veddw House Garden, The Fedw, Devauden, is open every Sunday afternoon in 

June, July and August from 2-5. Further details on website Veddw.com

Making estate agency make sense. 

Contact us on 01594 811111 

or theteam@ferrino.co.uk 

47 High Street,Lydney, Gloucs GL 15 5DD 

HIGH STREET, NEWNHAM - 

£850,000 

The Ship Inn is a landmark property situated in the 

popular and historic High Street of Newnham on Severn, 

Gloucestershire. Planning permission has been granted for 

an exciting development. The development is divided to 

either side of the carriage entrance. The left hand side was the 

original Ship Inn. The new development of this side consists 

of; a four bedroomed (two en-suite), two storey house; an 

attached one bedroomed apartment with separate entrance; 

and a detached one bedroomed house. There is a garden 

together with two parking spaces. The right hand side consists 

of a five bedroomed (two en-suite) three storey house; an 

attached two bedroomed, two bathroom, mainly ground floor 

house with a separate entrance, garden and two parking spaces. 

The plans for conversion to the proposed layout are available 

from the Forest of Dean planning website, reference number 

P1262/16/LBC and P1263/16/LBC. This represents a unique 

opportunity to create either a large private residence, or an 

investment to generate a significant revenue stream from long 

term residential or holiday letting. 

HIGH WOOLASTON, LYDNEY - 

£550,000 

Tanglewood is a unique property situated in the peaceful hamlet 

of High Woolaston, a semi-rural yet accessible area of South 

Gloucestershire. The original barn was converted approximately 

seventeen years ago to create a unique and comfortable family 

home. It is extremely well presented inside and outside. A 

detached indoor heated swimming pool with summer room, 

garaging and workshop make Tanglewood a very desirable 

property. The spacious ground floor accommodation extends to 

three reception rooms, kitchen, separate utility room and shower 

room. In addition to the current facilities, the ground floor 

layout has the potential for an independent living arrangement 

suitable for extended family or dependant relative. The first floor 

offers three spacious double bedrooms, the master being en-suite 

and a family shower room. The property is enhanced by wellestablished 

landscaped gardens and colourful borders of mature 

shrubs. A large patio provides excellent outside entertaining 

space. There is a dedicated workshop, storage room, undercover 

garaging for two vehicles and ample parking space on the drive. A 

home of character in the heart of beautiful rural countryside yet 

within a short distance of major road and rail networks. 

WINTLES HILL, WESTBURY- 

ON-SEVERN - £415,000 

Treveth is a most attractive property set in beautiful landscaped 

gardens on the outskirts of Westbury Village, approximately 

eight miles south of Gloucester. This spacious family home 

offers the comfort and convenience of a modern property 

combined with pleasing original architectural features of the 

period. Tall chimneys and typical arched brickwork entrance 

add to the appeal. Internally, a fine oak parquet floor extends 

through most of the ground floor. There are four reception 

rooms, a focal point of the living room being the open fireplace, 

a fully fitted kitchen, four bedrooms, two en-suite and family 

bathroom. The second floor is given over to the loft studio, 

a room with plenty of natural daylight. The front garden 

is a heaven of established borders and beds stocked with an 

abundance of flowers, shrubs and specimen trees, whilst the 

rear garden profits from a very productive vegetable and fruit 

garden. There is a detached double garage and plenty of parking 

space. An appealing family home with a sense of the country 

yet within easy commuting distance of major road and rail 

networks. 

BREAM, LYDNEY - 

£399,000 

This unique property represents a fine example of an original 

1906 Methodist Chapel recently converted into a spectacular 

family residence, it sits in its own private garden in a popular 

central village location. The conversion maintains the integrity 

of the original building and now provides superb, energy 

efficient, high quality accommodation, the internal space having 

a stunning visual impact. This extends to an impressive open 

plan living space which incorporates the kitchen and dining 

area. Double height rooms and tall arched windows allow light 

to flood through the interior, a remarkable innovative design. 

On the first floor the master suite, three further bedrooms and 

family bathroom are accessed from a galleried landing. A truly 

individual property combining period architecture with the 

best of contemporary modern design. Bream offers a friendly, 

active community, the village shops, school and Community 

Centre are within walking distance. Along with ‘The Old 

Chapel’, is the opportunity to purchase, at additional cost, the 

adjoining Sunday School. 

HIGH STREET, NEWNHAM - 

£289,000 

Fairview Cottage is situated in the heart of the village of 

Newnham on Severn, Gloucestershire. It has been the 

much loved home of the present owners for over sixty 

years and would now benefit from some modernisation. 

There is plenty of family size accommodation including 

two reception rooms, kitchen, large utility room and 

four bedrooms. The property has a secure garden to 

the rear and a two storey outbuilding with potential 

for conversion to an office/studio. Newnham is a very 

popular village with a range of amenities. The shops, 

primary school and doctors surgery are all in walking 

distance. The property presents the opportunity for 

a new owner to put their own personal stamp on the 

design and create a unique family home. It is offered for 

sale with ‘No Onward Chain’. 

NAILBRIDGE, DRYBROOK - 

£195,000 

This traditional forest cottage sits in a lovely large garden 

on the outskirts of town, a great location convenient for 

shops, schools and the wide range of amenities the town 

and local village have to offer. It has been a much loved 

home for many years and although very functional, it 

does have gas central heating and full double glazing 

throughout, there is scope for improvement and 

modernisation. The accommodation at present extends 

to three reception rooms, two bedrooms and family 

bathroom. There are a number of useful outbuildings 

and green houses. The cottage is set back from the road 

in an elevated position enjoying an outlook towards the 

forest. It represents an ideal investment opportunity, has 

the potential to extend and is offered for sale with ‘No 

Onward Chain.’ 

ferrino.co.uk

36 MARKETS 

House prices reach new high 

despite election fears 

The latest analysis and data from Your Move has 

revealed that, despite uncertainty surrounding 

the General Election, the average price of a home 

in England and Wales reached a new high in May, with a 

rise of 0.3% to £303,200. 

According to the report, the value of the average 

home has now increased £13,934, or 4.8%, in the last 

12 months. 

The data shows that activity also remained relatively 

strong, with transactions slightly lower than usual for 

the season but still up 6% on April, with an estimated 

62,500 sales. 

Your Move says a sharp slowdown in sales in 

London, the South East and East of England is 

increasingly being offset by more resilient performance 

in the North. 

Transactions in the North East (up 10%), North 

West (6%), Yorks & Humberside (7%), East Midlands 

(4%), West Midlands (6%) and Wales (13%) are all 

higher in the three months to the end of April 2017 

than the same period in 2015. Conversely, transactions 

in high-priced areas such as Greater London and the 

South East are down by 19% and 7% respectively. 

West Midlands remains the region with the highest 

growth in prices, but Liverpool has been named the ‘city 

to watch’. 

Oliver Blake, Managing Director of Your Move and 

Reeds Rains estate agents, said: “There was a lot of 

talk about housing from the parties in their election 

manifestos it’s now time for those words to be put into 

action. 

The market remains resilient 

and there’s encouraging activity in 

the North, but we need to urgently 

address the serious blockages 

in house building holding back 

labour mobility and economic 

competitiveness in too many areas 

of the country.” 

Russell Quirk, founder and 

CEO of eMoov.co.uk, had this 

to say: “The latest industry 

data shows London property 

transactions are on the fall with 

prices likely to follow or at least stagnate. 

This lack of buyer demand will have been largely 

fuelled by those waiting for some stability from last 

week’s vote however, it is likely this market slowdown 

will now linger like a bad smell over the coming months 

as a result of the rather unsavoury outcome.” 

Written by propertyreporter.co.uk 

Millennials spend over a third 

of take home pay on rent 

Landbay Rental Index, powered by MIAC, analyses the affordability of housing for millennials 

According to the latest Landbay Rental Index, 

millennial tenants are spending a third of 

monthly take home pay on rent, with those in 

a three bed property spending 30% and those in a two 

bed spending 39%. Those attempting to live alone face 

spending over two thirds (69%) of monthly take home 

pay. 

For tenants aged between 18-39 and living alone, 

69% of a monthly post-tax income of £1,447 is spent on 

£1,012 of rent. In a shared house of two people, overall 

rent of £1,152 adds up to 39% of each tenant’s income, 

while those co-habiting in a three-bed property would 

each spend 30% of their monthly take home pay on a 

rent of £1,322. 

Rents have continued to rise over the last five years, 

increasing by 9% across the UK since April 2012 and 

by 8% in London – with monthly payments remaining 

a huge burden on those struggling to save, despite the 

pace of rental growth beginning to slow since August 

2015, from 2.66% to 0.82%. While rents have begun to 

fall in prime Central London, outer boroughs popular 

with millennials, such as Barking and Dagenham, 

Havering and Bexley have seen rents grow by 26%, 

18.9% and 18.2%. 

Although rents are beginning to turn a corner, 

for young people, who are often attempting to juggle 

the double-edged sword of inflation of over 2%, low 

interest rates – and in many cases large sums of student 

debt – spending such a percentage of take home pay on 

rent leaves little to cover regular monthly living costs 

and bills, and even less to save towards their future, be 

that a pension or a deposit for a home of their own. 

John Goodall, CEO and founder of Landbay 

said: “For intermediaries, this generation is 

the future of their client base, a generation 

who will face a tough financial journey.” 

Whether these millennial tenants 

are renting as a stepping stone on 

the way to home ownership – or 

in some cases choosing to rent for 

life – this generation are relying 

on a well-served buy-to-let 

market to ensure rental growth 

doesn’t become unbearable. 

What is now needed is some firm Government 

commitment to improving standards, affordability and 

supply of rental properties.” 

Written by Warren Lewis

INTERNATIONAL 

37 

Currency exchange experts 

could be key to a successful 

overseas investment 

UK property has long played an important role in the wealth management strategies of 

overseas investors looking for a perceived safe haven for their money. 

As the UK begins to prepare for life outside the European Union, the impetus to 

buy British has become that little bit more attractive with the Pound’s notable 

fall in value after the Brexit vote. Yet, as any experienced investor will attest, 

having a considered currency exchange strategy for real estate purchases is absolutely 

crucial to gaining maximum advantage from favourable fluctuations in the value of 

sterling. 

John Treacy, International sales director at Seven Capital, takes a look at the 

importance of managing the process for investors new and old. 

International investing by its very nature differs from investing in your home market 

in many ways but most obviously, around the issue of currency exchange. Notoriously 

difficult to read and subject to considerable fluctuations, often over very short 

periods of time, foreign exchange markets can present a significant pitfall for overseas 

investors looking to invest in British property even when the rates are in their favour. 

Sterling takes a pounding 

This is very much the case currently. At time of writing, the pound lay significantly 

lower against a basket of international currencies than it did a year ago - as much as 

11%, 10% and 8% against the US Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar and Euro respectively. 

With such considerable opportunity for significant savings to be made by foreign 

investors and budgets stretching notably further, this has naturally provided a major 

impetus for even greater overseas interest in British property. 

This is especially the case at the more affordable end of the market beyond London 

and the South East, to which Chinese and Middle Eastern investors are becoming 

increasingly drawn. 

Fledgling investors could be forgiven for not looking beyond their increased 

spending power in the UK property market afforded by the weakness of the Pound 

but the reality is that any currency gains can soon be eaten away by imprudent 

attention to the money transfer process itself. 

Banking on value? 

One of the first traps that overseas investors can fall into is using their own bank 

to handle the deposit and balance transactions, leaving themselves at the mercy of the 

exchange rates of the day and what can often be eye-wateringly high bank charges. 

Using your own bank can seem like a prudent and secure option when transferring 

funds overseas, but the reality is that with the right due diligence, using a third-party 

specialist currency firm can be equally safe and typically makes far greater financial 

sense. 

Broadly speaking, currency transfer specialists offer much better exchange rates 

than banks, with savings of as much as 4% not unheard of. Such a saving, while not 

initially appearing monumental, would equate to £6,000 on a property valued at 

£150,000. What’s more, fees and commission charges are significantly less among 

currency specialists. The average high street bank charges a fee for each transaction 

they make, regardless of the amount being transferred. Currency specialists typically 

don’t charge a fee on transactions over a certain value, enabling further savings to be 

made. 

Aside from the obvious financial benefits, currency specialists increase their appeal 

further through in-depth expertise. Ultimately, they are experts in how to handle 

international payments effectively and minimize risks, whereas a high-street bank 

handles a variety of different services and will have little expertise in the overseas 

property buying process. Specialists on the other hand typically assign clients their 

own personal trader from the outset as a sole point of contact who will be on hand to 

provide support throughout the buying process. 

Forward thinking 

One of the most popular means of securing a referred transfer rate is to use a 

forward contract. These essentially enable buyers to set a rate now for a future transfer. 

This protects buyers from adverse future exchange rate movements, allowing them to 

plan their budgets safe in the knowledge they know exactly how much they will be 

spending and receiving in both currencies. 

For investors that are willing and able to be especially fleet of foot in their decision 

making, there’s also the option of spot contracts, whereby currency is bought ‘on the 

spot’, when a rate may be particularly or unusually beneficial. 

Naturally, when transferring considerable amounts of funds overseas, safety and 

security is an important consideration. As such, when choosing a currency specialist 

to work with, buyers should specify those regulated by the relevant financial services 

regulatory body in their country of origin. In the United Kingdom, this is called the 

FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). They offer a searchable database of accredited 

suppliers through an online register at https://register.fca.org.uk. Ideally, your chosen 

specialist should operate segregated client accounts, which ensure your funds go 

direct into a client’s account as opposed to the company’s account, meaning your 

funds are safe at all times, regardless of any other unforeseen circumstances. 

A longer-term relationship? 

What’s more, your relationship with a currency specialist needn’t necessarily finish 

once a final property purchase has been made. Many investors choose to continue to 

work with a specialist after completion through regular payment plans, which can 

be used to automatically send funds to an overseas bank account to cover typical 

landlord expenses such as utility and maintenance bills and mortgage payments. 

Indeed, the most assiduous overseas investors take this a step further by setting up 

forward contracts on their regular payments. This can be particularly appropriate for 

investors with larger portfolios as it enables them to keep abreast of the exact amount 

they are set to transfer each month and allows for meticulous budgeting, and indeed 

further savings. 

As with any investment process, much of the key to success lies in planning and 

due diligence. Taking the time to research and shortlist potential specialists and 

outlining your specific requirements well in advance of your proposed purchase are 

obvious and not onerous first steps to make. Using a bank to transfer funds may well 

feel like the easiest and safest option, but investors from Qatar to Hong Kong can 

find that taking the extra time to look beyond the high street for specialist currency 

consultancy can pay significant dividends over the long run of the wealth management 

process.

38 HOME IMPROVEMENTS 

Are homeowners 

leaving themselves at 

risk with unchecked 

tradesmen? 

critchcraft 

WALL AND FLOOR TILES 

According to the latest research by home service 

marketplace Plentific.com, nearly four out of 

five homeowners admit that they would hire a trade 

professional without checking for public liability or 

professional indemnity insurance. 

Hiring a trade professional who does not have the appropriate insurance 

cover can leave a homeowner financially vulnerable if things go wrong, or if 

they are dissatisfied with the work carried out. 

All home improvement or renovation projects come with some risk. Without 

public liability insurance, any costs arising from on site injuries or damaged property 

will fall to the customer to pay. Similarly, if the work carried out, advice given or 

specialist services offered by a Pro are unsatisfactory, without professional indemnity 

insurance, the financial costs to amend the project will again fall to the homeowner 

to organise. 

Shockingly, according to the research, only 54% of homeowners check the Gas 

Safe Register when hiring tradesmen to work on their gas utilities. This percentage 

drops to 48% for under 55-year-olds, but rises to 60% for homeowners aged 55 

and over. Ensuring that a property’s gas utilities are safely maintained is essential 

to prevent serious hazards or accidents. Checking the Gas Safe Register lets 

homeowners know whether a trade professional is qualified to legally and safely 

carry out work on gas appliances. 

The research reported by Warren Lewis on the propertyreporter.co.uk website, 

shows that 57% of homeowners believe checking reviews from previous customers 

is a must before hiring a trade professional. Checking a trade professional’s website 

also ranked highly, with 43% of respondents claiming that this was a key step when 

hiring a professional. This trend was stronger for younger homeowners, with 63% of 

18 to 34-year-olds following this rule, compared to just 39% of respondents aged 55 

or over. 

Knowing what to look for when hiring a professional may be daunting for some, 

so Plentific does all the hard work for the customer when it comes to checking 

credentials. The ‘Verified Pros’ available through Plentific have been thoroughly 

vetted to ensure that they have all the appropriate cover for their trades. With the 

added backing of the Plentific Guarantee, an industry first insurance policy that 

comes as standard with Verified Pros, homeowners can also benefit from an extra 

layer of protection if the job doesn’t go to plan. 

Plentific has partnered with several high profile names in the property industry, 

including Simply Business, the UK’s biggest business insurance broker. This 

partnership makes it easier for Pros to keep on top of their insurance cover through 

automated notifications that alert them when their cover is due to expire, and by 

comparing the best deals on their behalf. For homeowners, this provides further 

reassurance when hiring a trade professional that they will be protected if something 

goes wrong. 

Stephen Jury, Spokesperson for Plentific, commented, “It’s shocking to think that 

the majority of homeowners aren’t properly checking the tradesmen they let into 

their homes to carry out renovation or repair work. These projects can be costly, so if 

something goes wrong, it’s essential to be protected. 

The fact that more homeowners check previous customer reviews over 

credentials such as the Gas Safe Register, could be surprising to some. However, it 

shows how much influence people put on real life testimonials and recent customer 

experiences.” 

We sell an extensive range of stunning bathroom, 

kitchen, wall and floor tiles to suit your home renovation needs. 

With samples available and loads of end of lines clearance prices. 

We offer extensive product knowledge at our vast showroom. 

Showroom open daily from 9am to 5pm 

01291 626588 

Bulwark Ind Est, Chepstow NP16 5QZ 

Specialists in all aspects of portable storage 

Looking for additional space or 

need extra storage facilities? 

ReeceR sell, hire, purchase and manufacture jacklegs, 

anti-vandal units, containers, shippers, sleepers, mobile 

welfare units, storage containers and modular buildings. 

Whatever your needs, we have the solution. 

01594 528224 

info@reecer.co.uk • www.reecer.co.uk 

Ashwell Grange, Stroat, Chepstow, Monmouthshire NP16 7LS 

Manufactured in the UK

MONMOUTHSHIRE 

CONSERVATORY COMPANY 

CONSERVATORIES . ORANGERIES . UPVC & ALUMINIUM WINDOWS 

SECONDARY GLAZING . DOORS . GREENHOUSES . GARDEN BUILDINGS 

When choosing your orangery, 

conservatory, doors or windows, we 

ask you to focus on three key attributes: 

style, colour and material choice. 

All of these allow for a completely 

bespoke design and enable you to 

create the perfect product to enhance 

your home. 

Take the images to the right, for 

example. A uPVC conservatory, 

complimented by a clean cut, 

streamline Aluminium roof system. 

This extension was designed as an 

artists studio so an abundance of even, 

ambient light was key when planning 

the space. 

Did you know, we do even more 

than our stunning range of tailormade 

conservatories and orangeries? 

We also supply windows, an array of 

different style doors and fascia. Here 

we would like to focus on some recent 

work where we installed all these 

products. 

This beautiful county cottage [to the 

left] has benefited from new fascia 

boards, replacement uPVC windows, 

French doors and glorious red 

composite doors. 

We hope you’ll agree that the results 

enhance this property whilst flattering 

it’s character and quality finish. 

“Working with the team from Monmouthshire Conservatory Company on our 

home improvements was very simple, straightforward and hassle-free. 

The level of customer service was excellent at all times and nothing was ever too 

much trouble. The range and quality of their products represents great value for 

money and deliver outstanding enhancements to any property”. 

Mr Carlson 

MONMOUTHSHIRE CONSERVATORY COMPANY 

Pengethley Garden Centre 

Peterstow 

Ross-on-Wye 

Tel: 01989 730 551 _ Fax: 01989 730 596 

Herefordshire 

info@monmouthshireconservatorycompany.co.uk 

HR9 6LL 

www.monmouthshireconservatorycompany.co.uk

CALL: 01600 711680 

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Property Drop Issue 6

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