A Very Chiltern Christmas: Moose Milk, Moves & Marlow Santas
It’s beginning to look a lot like year end here at Chiltern Relocation and that means we are as busy as ever. We wanted to share a snapshot of our active week from relocating international clients to running in a Santa suit! It’s always busy at this time of year but we also love taking the time to catch up with clients we have moved during the year and check how they have settled in.
Monday:
We tend to be in the office on a Monday morning to catch up with viewings over the weekend and to plan for the week ahead. If we have a Viewing Day scheduled for later in the week it is also a time to update property availabilities and alter the plan accordingly. The rental market moves much faster than the sales market so there are often a few changes to factor in at the start of the week.
We are also digesting the news from the recent Budget regarding the new ‘Mansion Tax’ and how it will impact our clients and the housing market in the short and the long term.
Tuesday:
Today we are taking a client on a Viewing Day to view apartments in Wembley, Ruislip and Northwood. The client is over from North America and only has the one day to view and hopefully choose a suitable apartment. These areas have seen a lot of regeneration recently and there are some fantastic options that include the popular ‘Build to Rent’ apartments. These modern blocks are designed for young professionals with many fabulous perks including gardens and roof terraces, gyms, social lounges and dining rooms and organised events such as supper clubs.
However, our client decided that an apartment in Northwood was the one and put in an offer that also requested some level of redecoration. We were thrilled that the offer including the cosmetic work was accepted and move in is mid-December.
In the afternoon we spent some time on vital website admin by updating our Area Guides. These guides help those who an unfamiliar with the area to get a feel for different towns and villages and what they have to offer in terms of commuting, schooling and community feel.
Wednesday:
Today we are out and about pre-viewing properties for a downsizing couple. They live in a fabulous character house and want to move to somewhere with just as much charm but with a little less space. The search is one of our more challenging as the couple would like the house to be able to accommodate a lift to the first-floor bedrooms in addition to an annexe for care staff. They love their current rural retreat and would like something equally peaceful but also within walking distance of shops and amenities. Our search takes us to the towns of Berkhamsted, Tring and Amersham and the village of Wendover.
Thursday:
The morning is spent catching up with office admin before heading off to west London to join one of our clients for their Canadian ‘Moose Milk’ celebration. The format of the event was to taste competing samples of a unique drink that includes coffee, rum, whiskey, Kahlua, milk, ice cream, nutmeg and maple syrup, amongst other tipples. Sharon was invited to our Canadian client’s annual gathering to help judge the offerings. It was a very festive event with lots of Christmas jumpers and plenty of Moose Milk to sample. It was also a fantastic opportunity to meet up with some of the clients we have relocated this year and hear how they have settled in.
Friday:
Today we are on a Viewing Day with a different type of downsizer. Our client is keen to look at the towns of Henley-on-Thames, Marlow and Windsor. We view a number of different options including a cute mews house off Marlow High Street to more modern apartment developments in Windsor and Henley. All three towns have so much to offer all generations with buzzing High Streets and a wide range of social amenities – so it is no wonder that these locations have been short-listed. Looking at properties for downsizing clients can often be quite emotional so we make sure we build in plenty of rest stops and a chance to take in the surroundings and reflect on the options.
Saturday:
Following a day of Christmas prep at home, Sharon and her husband joined a local developer for their staff Christmas party. Chiltern Relocation has worked closely with the developer over the year and we were kindly invited to join the festivities at a local pub. We have introduced clients to this developer and they have enjoyed very successful partnerships either building properties from scratch or remodelling existing homes.
Sunday:
The week ended with Marlow’s annual Santa Fun Run – a must in the Christmas calendar. The annual Marlow Santa 5k Fun Run attracts over 3000 people dressed as Father Christmas and Sharon and family limbered up in their Santa suits to join the masses running up the historic High Street to the cheers from locals and supporters. The Marlow Santa Fun Run has been ‘running’ for 19 years and this year was raising money for local food banks and local charities. The event brings the whole town together to kick off the festive season Santa-style!
If you are thinking of moving to the area and would like more information about the housing market and advice then please do get in touch. Call 01494 672086, email enquiries@chilternrelocation.com or visit our site for more information www.chilternrelocation.com
