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Top Marks for McCartneys Staff
30th March 2009
McCartneys is celebrating after four of its staff qualified as members of the National Association of Estate Agents.
Mary Stone-Belben, Charlotte Prince, Billy Price and Karl Salter all passed their exams in residential sales with flying colours, with Karl even scoring a rare 100% in one of the units.
“We’re delighted for all four of them,” said Wyn Jones, property chairman at McCartneys. “Not only is it a personal triumph, but also it’s good news for the company – it is evidence of our professionalism and shows our clients they are dealing with staff who are knowledgeable and who they can trust to do a good job.”
Mary works at McCartneys in Tenbury Wells, Charlotte at Church Stretton, Billy at Llandrindod Wells and Karl at Ludlow. They all studied for their exams alongside their full-time work, supported by the company.
“For McCartneys, Billy’s success is of particular note,” added Wyn. “He joined the company on its apprentice scheme as an 18 year old. Now, less than two years later, he’s secured a nationally-recognised professional qualification.” -
Success for Jon
19th March 2009
McCartneys is delighted to announce that Jon Bury has become a member of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV), having passed the relevant exams.
Jon, who has a degree in rural land management, moved to McCartneys office in Tenbury Wells last year, when the rural professional department expanded. He’d previously worked at Ludlow Market with John Uffold and at Worcester Market with Clive Roads.
Jon covers all aspects of rural professional work - from letting and selling land, to compensation claims, to planning appraisals and applications - across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire.
“Jon is a valued member of our rural professional department,” said McCartneys chairman, John Uffold. “His hard work has paid off and we’re really pleased for him.”
Jon Bury is available for consultations at the Ox Pasture, Ludlow every other Monday and he’ll also be at McCartneys in Cleobury Mortimer every other Friday afternoon. Alternatively, you can always book an appointment with Jon by calling him on his mobile 07968 870124, or at the Tenbury office on 01584 811999. -
Historic Hall Throws Open Its Doors
16th February 2009
A forward-thinking estate agent is trying something new to sell an historic hall in Powys in a difficult property market – an open house.
McCartneys has decided to hold an open day at Milford Hall, just outside Newtown.
“Open houses are the norm in Australia and the States, but are still relatively rare here in Britain,” said Tom Carter, manager of McCartneys in Newtown.
“Milford Hall is an absolutely beautiful property, with a great feel to it, and we think the best way to appreciate it is for people to see it for themselves – hence the open day.
“Basically the property will be open for prospective buyers to look around and ask us any questions they have, rather than having individual viewings. Hopefully this way all interested parties will come, including the more reticent potential buyers.”
James and Jane Raprager are the current owners of Milford Hall, which was built in the 1760s. They moved in almost ten years ago, and are looking to move to somewhere smaller now their two sons have grown up.
“We fell in love with it at first sight, even though the mice had the run of the place as it had been empty for a year,” said Jane, a retired ward sister, who married American James after buying his flat in Cardiff.
The hall, which is a mile from the centre of Newtown, has seven bedrooms, six bathrooms and stands close to the River Severn. It’s on the market for £850,000. The Rapragers have updated the house, but have always been careful to maintain its character.
“It’s a Georgian property with many original features,” explains Jane. “We’ve kept the style appropriate to the house and are proud of what we’ve done. The hall is a grand and elegant building and has been a beautiful well-loved family home for us.”
The open day at Milford Hall is on Saturday 14th March from 12noon.
For further information please contact Tom Carter at McCartneys in Newtown on 01686 623123 or 07855 834282. -
A Fine Conference for McCartneys
11th February 2009
A training conference held by McCartneys aimed to highlight the benefits to home owners of putting their property on the market with themselves and the national Fine and Country brand.
Staff from across McCartneys’ branches attended the event, at which, Mike Bidwell, the Chief Operating Officer of Fine and Country was the guest speaker.
“We combine the national and international market with the local expertise and knowledge of carefully selected independent property professionals,” said Mr. Bidwell. “We have the latest sophisticated software, a new website and widespread national advertising, which can really help sell houses.”
Wyn Jones, Property Chairman at McCartneys, said the conference was a great success. “We want everyone to be aware of our close relationship with Fine and Country as it’s such a powerful brand. Having an office in London in which we can advertise properties is a real benefit to all of our clients.
“In these difficult times it’s really important that all of our staff are up to date with the latest information and technology so they can pass on the best advice to home owners and potential purchasers. -
Affordable Homes With Affordable Bills
27th January 2009
Last October, BBC news reckoned the average UK household domestic energy bill amounted to some £1,308 per year. This was at a time when oil prices had fallen from its heights to around $70 a barrel and petrol had fallen below £1.00 a litre for the first time since December 2007.
Imagine then, if you were able to cut this cost, and bring down your domestic energy bill to a more affordable figure - around £398 per year, on average!
That is the suggested average fuel cost for the new energy efficient affordable homes being built at Rocks Green, Ludlow by South Shropshire Housing Association, and marketed by McCartneys Ludlow.
Simon Smith, one of McCartneys own Domestic Energy Assessors, says, “I was most impressed with the predicted results for each property at Rocks Green, which suggest that due to the modern building requirements and an environmentally friendly centralised heating scheme, powered by sustainable energy, the average annual fuel bill for the development could be up to a staggering 70% cheaper than the UK average.
“For example a 3 bed semi-detached property has a predicted annual fuel bill (for 2008/9) of around £426.00 pa, a 4 bed detached house around £476.00 pa, and a 2 bed apartment £354.00 pa.”
Simon continued, “Much of the saving can be put down to the biomass powered community heating scheme being installed at the site. This burns woodchips from local sourced timber in centralised boilers to provide all the heating and hot water for the properties. Each home will be metered, so you will only pay for the heating and hot water you actually use. This is also very eco-friendly, being almost entirely carbon neutral, as the CO2 released as the wood is burnt equals the amount absorbed by the trees during their lifetime”
Prices for these homes start at £65,000 for a two bedroom home for a 50% share, or at £108,000 on an equity mortgage basis. For more information and full details please contact McCartneys Ludlow office on 01584 872153.
Pictures below show properties at Rocks Green, Ludlow and Simon Smith of McCartneys. -
Townhouse Conversion Scoops Award
13th January 2009
A local developer is celebrating after scooping an award for his conversion of a Grade II listed building in Ludlow.
Martin Capps, who’s 37, bought Number 5 Mill Street in 2007 and has spent the past 18 months converting it into four luxurious homes.
“I bought the property on impulse really,” said Martin. “I thought it was a lovely looking old building with a great deal of potential, despite the fact it was virtually falling down at that time!”
The Georgian property is in the heart of Ludlow and was built in 1750 by local master carpenter William Waring.
“I wanted to make the most of the original features,” said Martin, who runs development company Urbanmatt. “There were some real architectural gems hidden inside, and I took my inspiration from them and replicated them throughout the conversion.”
Martin’s attention to detail and hard work has paid off and he has now been awarded a Ludlow Heritage Award by South Shropshire District Council in recognition of the high quality restoration work.
“I’m delighted to have won this award,” said Martin. “Mill Street is my biggest restoration project to date and it was important to get it right.
“I believe the new properties offer great value and are solid investment opportunities.”
The four unique new homes at 5 Mill Street are on the market with McCartneys, starting at £195,000. For details contact McCartneys Ludlow office on 01584 872153. -
Knighton Spring Property & Land Auction - Thursday 9TH April
6th January 2009
KNIGHTON SPRING PROPERTY & LAND AUCTION AT
The Knighton Hotel, Knighton
on THURSDAY 9TH APRIL at 3pm.
Tel: 01547 528621
After a successful December Auction of Land selling up to £10,000 per acre, entries are now invited for the Knighton Spring Auction of Land and Property. This is to be held at The Knighton Hotel on Thursday 9th April at 3pm and auctioneer Jenny Layton stated
"We already have three entries of land to sell and this could be an ideal opportunity to sell land in the Spring when the land looks well and prices remain high".
For a free Valuation of a Farm, Land or Property please contact Mr Glyn Owens FRICS, FAAV,FLAA or Miss Jenny Layton MRICS, FAAV, FLAA at the Knighton Office on 01547 528621. -
Tenbury Office Sparkles in Competition
16th December 2008
The Christmas spirit has definitely arrived at the McCartneys office in Tenbury, where members of the team are celebrating scooping an award for their festive window display.
A winter scene - complete with flying snowman and plenty of snowflakes – greets people looking in the McCartneys window on High Street.
The display was entered into the Chamber of Trade Window Dressing Competition, where it won second prize.
“We’ve had lots of people commenting on how good the window looks,” said Mary Stone, of McCartneys in Tenbury. “Children are always dragging their parents back to have another look!”
The decorations are even more of a triumph for Mary as they were made by her two daughters, aged 9 and 4. “They spent ages making the snowman,” said Mary. “And we’re all delighted with the outcome.”
The snowy display will be in McCartneys window throughout the festive period. -
Land to go Under the Hammer
17th November 2008
Land with a view will come under the hammer at a McCartneys auction next week.
Brynedin is 3.24 acres of amenity pastureland set in the Teme Valley with stunning views of the surrounding area.
Also on the plot, which is in a renowned livestock rearing area, are the remains of a cottage. Although it’s now dilapidated, it may prove a potential renovation project for a suitable purchaser.
The land is situated in Powys, 6 miles from Knighton, between the hamlets of Lloyney and Dutlas.
Brynedin will be auctioned at The Knighton Hotel on Thursday 27th November at 3pm. For more information please contact Jenny Layton at McCartneys on 07867 522859. -
Great Deals to be Had at New Development in Yarpole
11th November 2008
A new development of four new homes has just been completed in the heart of the historic and picturesque Herefordshire village of Yarpole.
All four houses on the St. Anthony site have been finished to a high specification throughout, providing modern living in a quiet setting.
There are two homes of three bedrooms and two homes of four bedrooms, all with en suite facilities, underfloor heating to the ground floor, fitted kitchens and finished floor coverings of carpets and tiling.
The developer is now offering a fantastic opportunity on No.1 St. Anthony. If you are a cash buyer and able to complete on this home before Christmas you will save £45,000. The current value has been placed at £345,000 but you will buy it for £300,000.
Richard Probert of McCartneys Estate Agents says “ This is a great offer for anyone currently looking for a new home. G P Thomas & Son Ltd are a well known local firm of high quality builders that provide an excellent after-care service. You can buy this house knowing that they will continue to look after you and help with any snags. Given the current economic climate the saving of £45,000 means that however the property market proceeds this will remain a good investment.”
For further information contact McCartneys LLP Leominster office on 01568 610222
