With so many articles encouraging us to detox and reduce our stress levels for 2019 we thought we would help! Winter can be demanding and challenging for both tenants and landlords. Whilst your tenants may be very competent, it could be reassuring during these months to have the professional team at The Country House Company on hand to filter calls, react to urgent situations and recommend contractors. Our Managed Services allow landlords and tenants access to our dedicated management phone which is monitored by a member of the management team during out of work hours. Our management services can be adapted to suit your requirements. From Full Management through to Response Management or even an annual property management visit and access to our legal expertise throughout the year, we are able to tailor the service to match your requirements. So, to reduce the stress this winter, call us now to find the level of service best suited to your budget and property.
In the past 5 years there have been over 150 new regulations affecting landlords and there are more in the pipeline for 2019. Whilst it is good that the industry is being more tightly regulated and there is a greater focus on safety measures, it does highlight the importance of using a professional letting agent. A key target for the government for 2019 is to rid the industry of rogue agents and landlords, and a new government working group has already been set up to look at ways to improve standards for home buyers, vendors, tenants, landlords and leaseholders. We are members of ARLA Propertymark and our team attend training courses and industry updates. We regularly update our landlords on changes in legislation, so make one of your key targets for 2019 to use The Country House Company as your professional letting agent.
The first quarter of 2019 is likely to be dominated by the rumblings of Brexit. We can express our opinions, but the outcome and consequences of Brexit are largely out of our control. Decisions you make regarding your property are within your control and whilst politics can affect the market we can actively influence the reaction to it. At the Country House Company our team are able to offer a specialist service which enables us to actively promote our clients properties to the widest most effective audience whatever the state of the market. So if you want to make the move in 2019, ignore the uncertainty about the economy and let us focus on your property with you to take control and influence the outcome.
One of the delights of the BBC’s The Archers is the number of story lines constantly unfolding and although dramatised are based on real life situations. Brian and Jennifer Aldridge are about to leave Home Farm and are desperately trying to find a rental property. Last night Brian moaned that Letting Agents were closing for Christmas already. Well not so here at The Country House Company! We are open through to Saturday 22nd December and although there will be reduced staff levels on some days between Christmas and New Year, all enquiries will be dealt with and where possible we will still organise viewings.
We currently have a range of properties available to rent from a five bedroom family house for £3,000 per calendar month to a stylish one bedroom detached annex at £895 per calendar month.
If you are looking to buy, then we have a good choice from an exciting detached residence set in 4.5 acres with a spring fed trout lake to a perfectly positioned 2 bedroom village property.
So while there may be no room for some at the inn over Christmas call us now on 02392 632275 and we will be able to help you with accommodation for early in the New Year.
During the winter months and especially over the Christmas holiday period contractors in general, and particularly boiler engineers, plumbers and electricians, are very booked up and may not be available. Also, even if they can respond to an emergency, they may not have access to the parts needed to make the necessary repairs. Therefore, landlords and tenants, below is a useful check list to help minimise the chances of a breakdown, water leak or other problems.
01 Ensure that there is plenty of oil, gas and/or other fuels needed.
02 Check that boilers have been serviced and are in good working order.
03 Chimneys/flues including Aga and Rayburn flues should be swept annually.
04 Ensure that septic tanks have been emptied.
05 Check that white goods are in good working order.
06 Check that pipes are insulated with lagging where sensible.
07 Pay particular attention to outside taps and it may be worth turning off the water supply all together to outside taps or at least ensuring they are insulated.
08 Check that you are aware of the location of the stopcock and that it works.
09 Check the guttering to ensure it is free from blockages and leaves as this reduces the risks of leaks and blockages.
10 If there is a persistent cold spell it is advisable to keep the heating on low constantly to prevent pipes freezing.
11 Bleed radiators; keeping the heating system healthy is important as low pressure can cause a problem.
12 Maintain good ventilation in the property otherwise damp and mould will develop.
13 If you are going away remember to leave the heating on to prevent pipes freezing.
14 If you are going away it is wise to inform somebody who could check on the property for you. Also, please do remember tell us or your landlord if you are leaving the property for a long period of time.
15 Immediately report or attend to any leaks you may have detected however small, it may seem insignificant but a small drip will often lead to a larger problem.
16 Ensure you have torches with full batteries to hand.
* If you smell gas – Call the Gas Emergency Services on 0800 111 999.
If you are in immediate danger evacuate the building and then call the Gas Emergency Service.
If you think you could have a gas leak, you’ll need to turn off the gas supply at the meter.
How to turn your gas off at the meter in an emergency (if it is safe to do so)
If the gas supply is in a cellar or basement then don’t turn it off. Evacuate the building and do not re-enter as the concentration of gas may trigger an explosion, from even a small spark.
If your meter is easy and safe to locate, to turn off your gas supply, first locate the gas emergency control valve, which you should find next to the meter. In newer houses, the gas meter and isolation valve are often outside in a meter box. If not, try looking under the stairs, beneath the kitchen sink or in the garage. We suggest you find out where your gas meter and emergency control valve is, so you’re prepared in case of an emergency.
To turn off the gas supply, simply turn the handle a quarter turn so the lever is at 90 degrees to the upright gas pipe.
Next steps:
- Open all windows and doors.
- Don’t turn electrical switches on or off – including your TV, computer, oven, etc.
- Put out any naked lights (flames), e.g. your hob or candles. Don’t smoke, strike matches or do anything that could cause ignition.
- Open any electric doors or gates manually.
*information taken from npower
Water leak – Turn off water at the mains. Switch off electrics if the water leak is near lights or power outlets.
Electrical fault – Check that fuses have not blown, circuit breakers are in the ‘on’ position and that there has not been a power cut in the area.
The Country House Company Emergency Management phone – 07824 467 518
We have a dedicated out-of-hours phone, manned by the Management Team at The Country House Company, for our landlords and tenants of managed properties wishing to contact us in an emergency.
This phone will be checked regularly but not necessarily answered at all hours so where there is a risk to life or damage to the fabric of the property and where applicable please call the emergency services on 999.
Response management offer
Winter can be demanding and challenging for both tenants and landlords. Although your tenants maybe very competent it could be useful during these months to have the professional team at The Country House Company on hand to filter calls, react to urgent situations, recommend contractors and enable you and your tenants’ access to our dedicated management phone which is monitored by a member of the management team during out of work hours, including the Christmas period. Our management services are very flexible and vary in level to suit the landlord and property. Response management is a popular service offered by the management team which gives you peace of mind over the winter holiday period that your tenants have a point of contact. Contact Marishelle Gibson, Head of Property Management or Kate Morton, Head of Lettings to discuss your options further.
This detached property is situated within the grounds of a large country house and enjoys a peaceful, private outlook over adjoining fields.
The accommodation is light and contemporary with wooden floors, beams, high ceilings and stylish fittings.
An inner hallway with adjoining cloakroom/utility opens to a large sitting room with dual aspect French doors. Towards the rear of the property is a spacious dining room, a modern fitted kitchen with 5 ring gas hob, fitted fridge and freezer and access to the rear garden. There is a small double bedroom with en suite on the ground floor which could also serve as a study.
The first floor provides two double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes and a bathroom with shower.
Externally the property has gated driveway parking, a car port and a generously sized south west facing garden with patio and shed.
The countryside village of Binsted is between the market towns of Alton and Farnham and has a public house, Church and church hall, primary school and recreation ground with tennis and croquet clubs. The nearby village of Bentley provides an additional primary school and village shop. Stations in Alton, Bentley and Farnham make the commute to London Waterloo just over an hour.
For full details or to arrange a viewing please call Emilie or Kate on 02392 632275 or see www.countryhousecompany.co.uk
Situated in the heart of the Hampshire village of Hursley, this delightful semi detached cottage is believed to date from the 1600s and displays some beautiful period details including feature wooden beams and brick surround fireplaces/stoves.
A welcoming entrance hall doubles well as a study space and leads through into an open plan Kitchen, dining and sitting room with a small working fireplace. There is the additional benefit of a modern ground floor shower room. The first floor landing leads to three good size bedrooms and a family bathroom with bath and separate shower.
Externally, there is a courtyard sitting out area and an allocated off-road parking space in a car port.
Roughly midway between the market town of Romsey and historic city of Winchester, the village of Hursley is ideally located for access to a wide range of amenities, bars and restaurants. The village itself boasts two well regarded pubs, a butchers and post office. The M3, M27, A34, A303 and a railway station are within easy reach, providing access to London and the South Coast. Nearby Southampton airport makes trips further afield very convenient.
For full details call Emilie or Kate on 02392 632275 or see www.countryhousecomany.co.uk
The Country House Company is delighted to offer this substantial four bedroom property for sale. Centrally located in Wherewell, a sought after Test Valley Village renowned for chalk stream fishing, this lovely home benefits from light and spacious accommodation and a large mature garden.
The property presents all the features expected of its period including exposed timbers, beams, fireplaces and wooden latch doors, yet has unusually good ceiling heights throughout.
The accommodation is extremely well presented and on the ground floor includes a spacious kitchen/breakfast room with Aga, feature oak panelling, fitted units and access to a conservatory which in turn opens to the garden. Also on the ground floor is a formal dual aspect dining room with fireplace, a substantial triple aspect split level sitting room with log burning stove, a welcoming reception hall and shower room.
On the first floor are 4 double bedrooms, a dressing room, study area and a family bathroom. This floor could easily be arranged to provide two elegant bedroom suites if preferred.
To the side of the property is a gravelled drive with off road parking for two cars and gated access to the rear garden which is enclosed and laid mainly to lawn with mature borders and planting. Immediately adjacent to the property is a paved sun terrace. The garden overall benefits from a south easterly aspect.
The property is positioned within the heart of Wherewell, which lies between Winchester, Stockbridge and Andover. The village has a thriving community, popular village school, church and public house. Locally across the water meadows, at the neighbouring village of Chilbolton, there is a village store and public house. The surrounding area offers glorious countryside that is renowned for its outdoor pursuits which includes some of the reputed finest chalk stream fishing on The River Test.
For full details please call Kate Porter on 02392 633 026 or see www.countryhousecompany.co.uk