When designing a lighting scheme one of the first factors we consider is “who lives in this house”.
You may think that we all need light so the same scheme will suit everyone. That is true, but there are many things we can do to ensure the lighting can help everyone in the house, throughout our lives.
As someone ages their visual acuity declines. A 20 year old needs 3 times less light than a typical 60 year old, to perform the same task. Young children can function on very little light, as any parent will know.
So how do we build these considerations into our lighting schemes? Here are a few tips :
1. When young children wake in the night they need to feel safe, reassured, and to find their way to their parents’ bedroom quickly. Very small LED lights installed in the skirting board, switched on a separate lighting circuit, will light the way. These can be painted in the same finish as the skirting board so that they are nearly invisible. Low level light doesn’t not register as much in the eye & brain as top light, so keeping the light at low levels, as well as low power, will help children get back to sleep again.
2. In bathrooms we install small led wall lights on a motion sensor mounted flush in the ceiling. In the dead of night children, or guests, do need to search for the light switch. The light comes on automatically and casts just enough light required. After a set amount of time it turns off automatically.
3. Bedside reading lights are great for older children although we recommend these are plug in and wall mounted. This is for several reasons – one of which being that as children grow up to early teens they do tend to like to rearrange the furniture in their rooms!
4. Older people always need very good task light to read. Wall lights or portable standard lamps, at an appropriate height are a great idea for this. It’s also important to have a high general ambient level of light, for safety and comfort, to reduce tiredness & strain.
Everyone in the family has different needs and a well-planned lighting design can be designed to work for them all.
If you would like any help planning your scheme please contact us on : info@owl-lighting.co.uk. www.owl-lighting.co.uk T. 01962 738689
As the dark evenings close in, temperatures change and the wetter days are ever increasing the desire to hibernate becomes ever more appealing.
Inactivity can be more common place during the winter months and for some eating habits change with a desire for more hearty, warming foods. We tend to want to slow down and sleep for longer. These are quite natural instincts and some of them are needed in order to conserve energy and wellbeing. The risk is we become too slow and lethargic during the winter months so this year try to be more mindful of habits and start the season with positive, good intentions.
Meditation is a great way to destress and reflect on emotions and reoccurring thoughts. In Yoga meditation is used throughout the practice by focusing on breath. Try to combine moments of stress with 8 full breaths to reenergize your body and calm any feelings of anxiety.
Exercise through the winter can be challenging whether it is due to the wet and cold stopping us or just motivation. Try to find activities and exercises that you are motivated to do and keep to a routine as best you can. Workout in warm environments or ensure your clothing is suitable for outdoor activities – layers are essential throughout the winter so invest in some good base layers!
Reducing the pace of your training over the winter can help keep energy levels more regulated. Movement classes such as Yoga and Pilates can really help keep the body more mobile and flexible especially if you find you are more sedentary during the colder months. Including plenty of forward and back bends into any Yoga and Pilates practice is recommended as they send energy into the kidneys and bladder and support spinal health.
Tops tips for eating during the winter months are:
• Try to eat earlier in the evening. We tend to want to sleep for longer during the winter so eating earlier will mean bedtime is a period for rest and not digestion.
• Avoid iced or cold food and drinks. Our kidneys are more vulnerable during this season and cold food and drink can chill the kidneys.
• Eat homemade soups and stews to maintain body temperature.
• Avoid going on diets and instead focus more positively on eating a well, balanced diet throughout winter.
• Avoid eating between meals and try not to drink too much during the middle of your meals which will dilute your digestive juices.
Above all Stay Warm, Active, Healthy and Happy!
Eliud Kipchoge might have broken the two-hour marathon barrier in Vienna on 12 October, but he’s still yet to the conquer the gruelling Hambledon Hilly Run course. Even the promise of a free-race t-shirt and a Hartridges soft drink has yet to attract the Kenyan long-distance runner to one of Hampshire’s most scenic and welcoming villages.
The fifth Hilly event on 21 September 2019, was especially hot with habitual winner Julian Manning unable to get near his own course record. Like Roger Federer in his Wimbledon pomp during the last decade, he still looks unbeatable.
Sarah Zacal is the latest ladies champion after finishing in a hugely impressive 49 mins 38 secs. Former champion Celia Fox-Robinson was just 52 seconds behind.
A new trophy for the first lady in the 60+ category, was presented to Jacqui Hands in memory of the much missed Hambledon villager Jo Thompson. Michael Stares earned the Gordon Birdwood trophy once again as the oldest competitor in the race.
For many, the highlight of the event is the Mini Hilly up on the National Trust protected Speltham Down. Nearly 100 children took on the steep and challenging 1km and 2km routes with some of the more vertical sections near impossible to run up.
Thanks to all the runners, supporters and volunteers for making the Hambledon Hilly the great event that it is. A special thanks to our key sponsors de Mellow & Co, Hartridges Soft Drinks, Hambledon Vineyard, Rebalance Pilates and The Country House Company. Thanks also to the Friends of Hambledon, who provided the fantastic food and refreshments. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2020.
If you are looking for an exciting opportunity to explore different income potential and a family home then we have a unique property, in the South Downs National Park, which could be ideal; a well presented, 5 bedroom detached property with in excess of 8 acres, stable block and established B&B facility, situated at the edge of West Meon.
This versatile home has been sympathetically upgraded and whilst it is a comfortable home for the owners, also provides additional income as an established B&B and DIY livery. Given the acreage, stables and enviable location, this could be the ideal property for those looking for a home/income lifestyle or simply for those with an equestrian interest looking for a property with good equine facilities surrounded by an abundance of outriding.
The accommodation is very well presented and arranged over two floors. On the ground floor is an extensively fitted kitchen/ breakfast room with utility, a sitting room with fireplace, a conservatory and a formal dining room which could (subject to planning permission) be opened into the double garage which it adjoins to create further living space.
The first floor has an open plan landing which is an ideal study/library space and there are three double bedrooms each with their own ensuite facilities. In addition, there are two further good-sized bedrooms and a large family bathroom.
The grounds are a particular feature of the property which is approached via a private driveway which leads to the house and then onto the stables and paddock land beyond.
To the front of the house are established flower/shrub borders and immediately to the rear is the enclosed garden which has been attractively landscaped and laid out as a large sun terrace with stunning raised perennial and shrub borders.
The driveway continues behind the house to the yard and stable block which has power and water. There is an area where chickens are housed and a further area with attractive planting enclosed by formal hedging. The driveway also leads to the paddocks which benefit from being slightly elevated. There is no additional access to the land so there is a very good degree of privacy and security overall.
West Meon is a sought after village situated on the South Down Way making it incredibly popular for ramblers, cyclists and riders creating a high demand for stop over accommodation for paying guests.
Available for sale through The Country House Company at £1,100,000. For full details please call Kate Porter on 02392 632275 or see www.countryhousecompany.co.uk
We have a variety of properties that are available for a shorter or more flexible term. So if you are looking for a more flexible rental arrangement or unwilling to commit to a year’s tenancy then we can help.
A stunning four bedroom barn conversion in Selham, West Sussex, is available fully furnished on a weekly basis as a holiday let, or on a 3 – 6 month contract. The property incudes a stunning kitchen with electric Aga, large open plan dining space, vaulted ceilings, galleried landing, courtyard garden and lawn area. It is situated in a beautiful setting close to Midhurst and Petworth.
In an equally beautiful setting in the Meon Valley is a stylish, fully furnished two bedroom brick and flint cottage, available fully furnished for 9 months. The cottage has an open plan kitchen, dining and sitting room, with wonderful views over private grounds.
Available furnished or unfurnished for either 3, 6 or 12 months is a 2 double bedroom barn conversion in Broughton, Nr Stockbridge. It is set in a courtyard with separate private terrace and views to open countryside beyond. The Property is approached via electric gates and has open plan living space with vaulted ceiling, fireplace with stove and book-shelving. To the rear of this room is the well-appointed kitchen with dining space and a comprehensive range of equipment and appliances.
For full details on these properties and more see www.countryhousecompany.co.uk or call 023 92 632275
Bedales have a record team of 65 entering in the Great South weekend of running events being held in Southsea on 19 & 20 October. The team is being supported by The Country House Company and comprises of Dunhurst pupils, Bedales students, teachers, support staff, parents, Old Bedalians and other friends.
Over 20,000 runners will be competing over the weekend as the event celebrates it’s 30th anniversary. Previous winners of the 10 mile race include running legends Mo Farah (GB), Paula Radcliffe (GB), Sonia O’Sullivan (Ireland) and Joseph Ebuya (Kenya).
Along with Pledgit, The Country House Company is supporting the team by funding their running shirts and matching the first £1,000 raised for charity. The team are raising funds for two charities: the John Badley Foundation which provides transformational opportunities to attend Dunhurst and Bedales for young people in difficult situations – without fully funded places, they would not otherwise have been able to consider an independent education; and the locally based Fitzroy charity – where Bedales students volunteer – supporting people with learning difficulties and autism.
Support on the day is welcomed. Saturday’s schedule is: age 14+ 5k (10.30am); Mini 1.5k (from 12pm); Junior 2.5k (girls 1pm; boys 1.45pm); and on the Sunday, the 10 mile event starts from 10.15am. Look out for the race on TV! Donations would be much appreciated online here which will be split between the charities. Many thanks to all runners and supporters.
For more information see Great South Run or Bedales
Bedales have a record team of 65 entering in the Great South weekend of running events being held in Southsea on 19 & 20 October. The team comprises of Dunhurst pupils, Bedales students, teachers, support staff, parents, Old Bedalians and other friends.
Over 20,000 runners will be competing over the weekend as the event celebrates it’s 30th anniversary. Previous winners of the 10 mile race include running legends Mo Farah (GB), Paula Radcliffe (GB), Sonia O’Sullivan (Ireland) and Joseph Ebuya (Kenya).
Along with Pledgit, The Country House Company is supporting the team by funding their running shirts and matching the first £1,000 raised for charity. The team are raising funds for two charities: the John Badley Foundation which provides transformational opportunities to attend Dunhurst and Bedales for young people in difficult situations – without fully funded places, they would not otherwise have been able to consider an independent education; and the locally based Fitzroy charity – where Bedales students volunteer – supporting people with learning difficulties and autism.
Support on the day is welcomed. Saturday’s schedule is: age 14+ 5k (10.30am); Mini 1.5k (from 12pm); Junior 2.5k (girls 1pm; boys 1.45pm); and on the Sunday, the 10 mile event starts from 10.15am. Look out for the race on TV! Donations would be much appreciated online here which will be split between the charities. Many thanks to all runners and supporters.
October 2019
Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Alarm legislation
As a recent question arose on the regulations for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, we thought it worth clarifying the current legislation.
The Government introduced the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations (2015) to make landlords in the private rented sector in England responsible for ensuring that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are appropriately installed and are in proper working order at the start of a new tenancy.
The law applies to landlords renting residential accommodation to one or more tenants occupying all or part the property as their only or main place to live.
As from 1 October 2015 landlords have to ensure that a smoke alarm is fitted on every floor of their property where there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation. They will also have to put a carbon monoxide alarm in any room where a solid fuel is burnt, such as wood, coal or biomass and includes open fires. It does not include gas, oil or LPG.
Landlords or agents will then have to ensure that the alarms work at the start of each new tenancy. For example, by pressing the test button until the alarm sounds. The start of each new tenancy is the first day of the tenancy and the first day of the tenancy is the date stipulated in the tenancy agreement (even if the tenant decides to actually move into the property on a later date).
Landlords are also required to demonstrate that the alarms were working at the start of the tenancy, so it is advisable to get the tenant to sign a receipt confirming the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working or ensure it’s in the inventory at check-in which is signed by the tenant.
During the tenancy it is a tenant’s responsibility to ensure the alarms work and it is their responsibility to change the batteries during the tenancy. However, should the alarms become faulty during the tenancy landlords are responsible for replacing them.
Under the proposals, a bathroom or lavatory is classed as a room used for living accommodation and a room covers halls or landings. Stairways are also included in the regulations. For instance, for maisonettes or flats above shops where the flat is on the first floor but you enter via stairs on the ground floor a smoke alarm will be required in the stairwell.
In addition, landlords do not need to check the alarms when a tenancy is renewed under the same conditions i.e. for the same premises by the same landlord to the same tenant.
An explanatory booklet to help landlords further understand and comply with the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 has been issued by The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) available through the link below:
We are passionate about our beautiful environment in Hampshire and delighted to hear that others are taking the same pride in improving the area.
For years there was widespread concern at the decline of river life associated with the River Meon, sparking the formation of the Meon Valley Partnership (MVP).
The Meon Valley Partnership is made up of volunteers, professionals and local people all with an interest in a healthy river for a healthy community. Their mission is to provide a coordinated, strategic approach to conserving and enhancing the Meon Valley from source to sea.
The Meon is an internationally-important chalk stream and one of only 200 of its kind in the world.
Decades of pollution, modification and invasive species had taken its toll on the river and reduced its biodiversity.
Over the last decade the MVP has:
Re-introduced Water Voles – an important species of river habitat that recorded as locally extinct in 2003, but has now been returned to 30 locations along the river. Over six years, a total of 2,833 water voles were released along the river;
Helped otters to return – There are now thought to be three breeding females.
Worked with The Wild Trout Trust to make the river narrower in places, created deep pools, installed flow deflectors in the form of large tree trunks, and fenced out the cattle to allow plants on the banks to recover from trampling and grazing. The result is there are now lots of plants and insects on the banks and in the river, refuges for fish from predators, and a river that will stay cool in summer.
Together with The Wild Trout Trust have modified a weir, created a new wildlife friendly river bank and continue to manage and improve the river for wildlife.
In conjunction with other associations they have improved the stream as it goes through East Meon creating a more natural looking stream which should greatly improve the number of plants, insects, birds, bats and maybe trout too in this reach of the Meon.
They work with the River Fly Partnership to help monitor the water quality.
For further details see www.meonvalleypartnership.org.uk, www.wildtrout.org , www.gwct.org.uk , www.southdowns.gov.uk