Galbraith is bringing to the market a delightful three-bedroom traditional cottage nestled within the countryside of Perthshire.

The Gardener’s Cottage has beautiful, south-facing gardens mainly laid to lawn, edged with mature trees. The walled garden is a particularly attractive feature of this property, providing a sheltered space for colourful flowering plants or to grow fruit and vegetables, with a lovely patio area to enjoy during the summer months.

Iain Paterson of Galbraith, who is handling the sale, said: “The Gardener’s Cottage combines spacious and very attractive accommodation with wonderful gardens, offering great privacy and seclusion. The setting is peaceful and quiet yet the village of Methven is close by and the property is easily accessible to Crieff and Perth. The purchaser will be able to enjoy a wonderful rural lifestyle while being within easy reach of schools, shops and all amenities.”

The property is very well presented throughout, in particular the  cosy sitting room with wood burning stove. There is also an excellent dining kitchen with fitted cabinetry, utility room, study and sunroom with lovely views out to the walled garden. Upstairs there are three well-proportioned double bedrooms served by a generous family bathroom, all very well presented.

The Gardener’s Cottage is about two miles from the pretty village of Methven, which has a shop, post office, primary school, doctor’s surgery and a couple of restaurants.

Just over 11 miles to the west is the thriving town of Crieff, while the centre of Perth is only 15 minutes by car, providing an extensive range of facilities including schools and a range of restaurants and cultural attractions.

Glasgow and Edinburgh are both just over an hour’s drive.

The Gardener’s Cottage is for sale through Galbraith for offers over £385,000.

-ENDS-

For further information or images please contact Caroline Middleton Gordon or Lorna Gardner at Media House: caroline@mediahouse.co.uk / lorna@mediahouse.co.uk

About Galbraith

Galbraith is an independent property consultancy with offices including; Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Ayr, Blagdon, Castle Douglas, Cupar, Hexham, Inverness, Kelso, Morpeth, Penrith, Perth and Stirling, and consultants based in Argyll, Stranraer, Elgin and Galashiels.

The firm provides the full range of property consultancy services across the commercial, residential, rural, natural capital and renewable energy sectors. Galbraith is the largest and leading rural consultancy in Scotland and the North of England managing farm, forestry and woodland, land and estate interests on over 3.5 million acres.

OnTheMarket features thousands of new properties each month, 24 hours or more before they are advertised on other property portals.

To find out more about Galbraith visit www.galbraithgroup.com  or follow:

•             Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GalbraithPropertyConsultancy

•             Twitter: https://twitter.com/galbraith_group

•             Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GalbraithGroup/

•             LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/galbraith

Green-fingered Brits are being encouraged to beat the winter blues with mood-boosting houseplants.

The experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have named seven plants that help reduce stress and improve well-being.

January’s third Monday, “Blue Monday”, is said to be the most depressing day of the year, with many people experiencing stress due to the gloomy weather and returning to work after the holidays.

There is a green solution to improving your mental and physical health during winter and that is incorporating mood-boosting plants in your living space.

Often overlooked, houseplants offer a myriad of benefits beyond merely improving indoor aesthetics.

Plants are natural humidifiers and air purifiers and by improving the air quality in your home they can help prevent symptoms such as fatigue, headaches and dizziness.

They remove harmful pollutants from the air and release fresh oxygen, which helps with concentration and promotes productivity levels.

Studies* have also found that houseplants can help reduce stress, as being around greenery can evoke a sense of calm and tranquillity.

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Many people experience a decrease in their mood and overall well-being during January.

“A great way to combat the January blues is by adding some greenery into your living spaces, providing both physical and mental health benefits.

“Indoor plants such as Peace Lilies and Spider Plants create a more comfortable and relaxing indoor environment by adding humidity and removing harmful toxins from the air.

“This is especially important during winter because using heating systems can sap the air of moisture.

“Living in an environment with fresh, clean air contributes to improved mood and overall health and well-being.

“Besides purifying air, houseplants can also reduce stress and create a more relaxing ambience.”

The experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have identified seven mood-boosting plants:

1. Peace Lily

Peace lilies are beautiful and elegant plants but besides their aesthetic appeal, they’re also very effective in removing indoor air pollutants. Better air quality has been linked to improved mood and cognitive function. Additionally, breathing fresh air can contribute to improved well-being and reduce stress.

2. Lavender

Lavender is commonly used in aromatherapy because of its distinctive and soothing fragrance which is believed to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety and stress. Adding a Lavender plant to your bedroom can help create a calming ambience for better sleep which is important for improving your mood and energy levels.

3. Spider Plant

Spider Plants are also great air purifiers, removing harmful toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene, and are known for their ability to contribute to a healthier and cleaner environment. Spider Plants are also easy to maintain and require little watering, therefore they’re also good options for those who are new to gardening.

4. English Ivy

English Ivy has been found to reduce mould levels indoors. Mould can have negative effects on your respiratory health, so it might be a good idea to incorporate English Ivy into your living spaces to promote your well-being. 

5. Monstera

With its large bright leaves, Monstera is a great option if you want to add a bold green statement to your home. The expansive leaves are effective at absorbing water vapour and balancing humidity levels. This is important for mould prevention.

6. Boston Fern

Boston Ferns are particularly effective at increasing humidity levels in their surroundings. Maintaining optimal humidity levels can have positive effects on respiratory health and overall comfort, potentially contributing to a more pleasant atmosphere.

7. Orchids

Orchids are elegant and exotic plants and their visual beauty is aesthetically pleasing and uplifting. They also bloom all year round, so they’ll bring some brightness into the room even during gloomy winter days. Orchids are also very appreciated in Feng Shui.

Yorkshire-based Woodlands Home & Garden Group, a leading garden building manufacturer and online retailer, proudly unveils a distinctive new look for its award-winning e-commerce brand, Tiger Sheds – backed by a nationwide TV and press campaign.

With outdoor living becoming increasingly popular over the last few years, more homeowners than ever now plan to update their garden spaces. The new styling for Tiger responds to the overarching consumer need for more space, whether it be for gardening, storage, living, working, playing, for pets or even a workout. It embodies the spirit of allowing the consumer to find their own perfect space. As part of the launch campaign for the new look, Tiger Sheds will be showcasing a national TV campaign across ITV channels from April 6th, 2022, accompanied by a national press campaign, two unique 100-page brochures and an updated website at tigersheds.com

The distinctive look reflects the renowned quality of Tiger’s garden buildings and retains the same core values of quality and service that have made Tiger a popular choice for consumers for many years. With a heritage dating back to 1913, the business has been helping customers find their perfect space for decades. Tiger sheds and cabins are built from slow-grown, thick-cut, sustainably sourced timber, machined at their own timber mill. With tongue and groove boarding throughout, Tiger sheds are finished with their premium TigerFelt® roof covering and their protective TigerSkin® treatment. Every building is then tested against an 8-point quality check to prove they’re fit to bear the reputable Tiger badge and come with Tiger’s market-leading 20-year guarantee. It’s these high standards that underpin the brand’s message to consumers – Beware of Imitations.

The national TV advertising campaign is a major investment and has been brokered with ITV as part of its Backing Business initiative. Airing across ITV and ITV Hub, the collaboration is one of the largest yet under the Backing Business scheme and will run until June with 30” and 10” spots with two separate stories.

Woodlands’ Managing Director, Ged Lees, explains “We are always looking to make our offer to consumers the best it can be, and the distinctive new styling for our garden buildings marks a further step up in quality and value. We also have a distinct message to offer consumers the choice they need – this is why we have invested significantly in printed brochures, digital marketing and not just one but two TV creatives, to make clear to consumers that Tiger has a building for whatever they require. Tiger can help find your perfect space.”

With consumers becoming increasingly confident when it comes to shopping for garden buildings online, it has become evident that both quality and choice is of utmost importance. Providing flexibility for consumers has been core to the business, with the innovative modular TigerFlex® range first introduced nearly 10 years ago. This range is now being expanded for the discerning consumer, to encompass sheds, summer houses and cabins, all with customisable options, giving customers greater choice, control, and flexibility.

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

The late March sunshine has led to a flood of people heading outside to enjoy their outdoor spaces, and with a heatwave projected for April, the spring/summer outdoor season is about to begin in earnest.

In London’s Wembley Park, residents of Ferrum – one of ten buildings offering homes to rent from the award-winning management company Quintain Living – have plenty to look forward to as the warmer weather arrives. The 627 apartments are known for their New York loft-style interior vibe, but Ferrum’s apartments also offer an array of outstanding outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy.

Between each of Ferrum’s buildings, south-facing podium gardens provide generous lawn space as well as seating and dining areas for residents’ exclusive use. Built-in BBQs and outdoor games will ensure fun in the sun for grown-ups while for younger residents, there’s a wooden play area where they can climb, clamber and slide to their hearts’ content.

Pets, also welcome due to Quintain Living’s pet-friendly policy, are treated to their own space too, with an on-site dog park where pooches and their owners can socialise in the sun.

Ferrum is also home to a rooftop garden that provides magnificent 360° views out over the urban London landscape as far as the City and south over the rolling Surrey countryside. It also delivers views of the iconic Wembley Stadium arch.

Each apartment also comes with its own private outside space, in the form of a balcony or terrace – ideal for curling up with a book in the sunshine or taking a few minutes to sip a coffee and enjoy the view. And when residents want more room, there’s also a hireable roof space for private events.

With bicycles a popular eco-friendly spring and summer lifestyle choice in London, Ferrum provides bike storage for residents looking to get out and about with ease. Its Wembley Park location also means that residents can enjoy a host of amenities in the local area, including shopping at London Designer Outlet, eating at BOXPARK Wembley and enjoying a wealth of sporting, music and cultural events at Wembley Stadium and the OVO Arena Wembley.

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

Daval Furniture, award-winning British designer and manufacturer of quality fitted furniture anticipate a surge in indoor-outdoor living spaces, as homeowners seek new design solutions, which expand the main residence and make allowances for both home and garden living.

“There is steady growth in relation to well-considered property investments, which are sensitive to the needs of the 21st homeowner and contemporary lifestyle. The ‘race for green space’ during the pandemic has brought a newfound appreciation to the home and garden, with several trends now coming together like sustainable living and holistic design, which are helping to shape custom design schemes,” said Simon Bodsworth, Managing Director at Daval.

“We are seeing a growing number of alternatives to the traditional conservatory or orangery, welcoming stylistically pure indoor-outdoor spaces that can function as a home office, gym, alfresco kitchen or garden retreat to entertain guests separate from the main house.”

The past two years have served as a wake-up call for consumers, raising important considerations about sustainability, both personally and professionally. It is no surprise, that home interiors are now reflecting the need for individual schemes, which are designed for extra comfort and convenience.

With this in mind, storage has become increasingly important, enabling homeowners to take full advantage of outside buildings, which are designed to benefit from year-round garden views and natural daylight.

“With an emphasis on picture windows and integrated landscapes, we are seeing the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architecture come to the fore, along with a subtle Scandinavian aesthetic that is both natural and light. Fitted furniture is a well-established and effective way to optimise space in the home, and as outside living spaces are becoming an increasingly high-value addition in the UK property market, we are primed and ready with our range of British made to order furniture,” explained James Bodsworth, Design Director at Daval.

As a family business, Daval Furniture understand that changing times require creativity, honesty and a unique blend of the very best time-honoured design and manufacturing techniques. Deepening the connection with nature, heritage and family life have become the cornerstones of Daval, which is why it is so proud of its sustainably sourced furniture, lovingly made in Yorkshire.

“Our products enhance the lives of thousands of people across the country through the expertise of our Design Partners and independent retailers who deliver practical and luxurious solutions tailormade for you and your home,” concluded Simon.

With spring upon us, many will be turning to garden upgrades and make-overs as the weather improves and lockdown restrictions begin to ease to allow meeting in private gardens and outdoor spaces. Hard and soft landscaping will add texture, character and structure to outside spaces, with rewards to be reaped by summer once the grounds are in full bloom. There may however be instances in which landscaping projects don’t go to plan, leaving traders unable to reinstate gardens back to what they originally were. Consumers often expect a full refund if things go wrong, however what would be the ‘law of the land’ or a reasonable solution in these circumstances?

It’s not uncommon for garden remodelling projects to contain aspects of supply of goods, provision of services and a combination of both, overseen by a project manager. This can further be complicated if sub-contractors are used for different aspects of the work, for example, a specialist tree-surgeon might be required for preparatory works, whilst an electrician might be needed with finishing touches such as lighting effects. Therefore, even without the unreliable nature of the weather, such projects can be notoriously difficult.

Supply of Goods

A consumer’s rights in relation to goods are straightforward where goods are supplied in isolation, but this will rarely be the case in landscape gardening.  That said, a free-standing outdoor piece of furniture (i.e. a bench) which does not conform to contract would be subject to a short-term right to reject, allowing customers to seek a full refund. Following expiry of that 30-day period, consumers may be entitled to either a repair or replacement. The trader has one opportunity to carry this out and if the matter is still not resolved, a full or partial refund may be awarded.

Supply of Services

Where services are not carried out with reasonable care and skill within a reasonable time, consumers are entitled to a repeat performance at no extra cost. This must also be carried out within a reasonable time and without significant inconvenience to them, failing which they may be entitled to a price reduction which could be up to 100%.

Goods & Services

But what about a scenario where a trader has carried out a design, lifted lawns and removed trees (service); supplied plants, or products such as weed control and furniture (goods), built a summer house (a combination of goods and services) and in doing so has literally changed the landscape, so that to put the outdoor area back in the condition before the work began would be very difficult?

In such cases customers may be able to treat this as a breach of requirement for services as well as for goods and can therefore choose to use either the route of services remedies or goods remedies.

Practical Advice

If the works specified originally become impossible, whilst a price reduction or full refund might be the legal remedy, the business could work with the customer to agree to a variation from the contract which would allow for the works to be completed, with whatever amendments are required to finish the job. Any such variations should be in writing; give the customer the option to walk away and ensure any price reduction is reflective of the revised specification.

At the outset of any project,  having the right paperwork at the right time, is not only a legal requirement, but can also reduce complaints and aftercare issues. A check-list to ensure best practice etiquette and to evidence sign-offs can also be useful to have in advance. If a trader engages a sub-contractor, they are also responsible for their work being completed with reasonable care and skill and for any remedy arising if they are not.

Kevin Grix, CEO and Chief Ombudsman, Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman said, “Gardens are seen as an extension of the home, and our not-for-profit, government approved Ombudsman scheme, provides consumers with additional peace of mind and supports businesses and their customers in finding solutions when disputes occur, without the need for costly and lengthy litigation.

“We offer training to traders to help our members get it right first time for their consumers and our insight from the cases that we investigate, provides invaluable advice to businesses who are committed to promoting fair trade and inspiring consumer confidence.” To find out more, visit www.fhio.org.

Property & Development Magazine

Cleaning and maintaining your garden for the summer

We are finally saying goodbye to the winter and saying hello to the spring and summertime. With that in mind, it’s time to start planning some cleaning and to maintain your garden, so it looks great for the warmer months. Year on year, the British public wastes £672 million on our gardens because we don’t know how to take care of them throughout the winter period.

To make the most out of the spring and summer months, it’s best to get the maintenance done as early as your can. So, to help! we’ve brought you this article which will advise you and how you can fix your garden to enjoy throughout the warmer months.

Tidy up your garden

First task to begin with, would to be to give your garden a tidy. There’s no doubt your garden may have become out of control no thanks to the winter season, so begin with waste and weed removal to get rid of unwanted intruders. Hold off on intricate plans to include a water feature or garden shed for now, because it’ll be wasted on a messy garden. Although it may seem to take forever, it will instantly look a whole lot better.

For any decking in the garden. Give it a good sweep and clear away any dirt, debris and fallen leaves that may have built up throughout the winter season. High-pressure cleaners can be particularly useful in removing tough, stubborn marks. You can also do this on concrete areas, examining for broken or chipped tiles that could be replaced for a more presentable look.

If you have fencing and sheds, why not give them a fresh lick of paint. Chances are that the harsh winter weathers would have left them looking beaten and run down.

Staying on sheds, it may also be a good idea to declutter yours. Although the inside of your shed is far from visible, a build-up of mess can make garden maintenance that little bit tougher and demotivating.

Introduce some garden furniture

Are you thinking your garden’s looking bit bare and empty, why not add some furniture to add a social element to your space? If you do have a relatively small garden, adding a hammock will take up less space. If you can fit garden furniture, placing it at the bottom of the garden will make your garden appear bigger rather than taking up a lot of space. Including a mirror in your garden adds a quirky touch, also making your garden appear larger. Just make sure it’s reflecting something appealing like a nice area of flowers or decoration.

For al-fresco dining, BBQs are essential! There are a range of BBQs to choose from, including charcoal, electric or gas BBQs, instantly turning your outside area into a fun haven. Although the British weather is notoriously unpredictable, when the sun shines, there is a national rush for a good, tasty BBQ. And when the night comes and the temperature cools, consider investing in an outdoor heater to keep everyone cosy.

Add colour to your garden

Unless you’re a gardening expert, any plants and flowers you had last year would have likely withered throughout the cold period, so it’s time to nurture them back to good health. Make sure you don’t start too late! Plan ahead and get started early on fixing up your garden. It’s always a good idea to incorporate some hanging baskets into your garden, which look good all year round. If you plan on blossoming some beautiful flowers for the summer, start planting them in April, and be prepared to shield them from frost that could last into May. Calibrachoa and blue petunia flowers are ideal for baskets due to their weather resistant abilities. If you plan on planting other flowers, make sure you research optimum planting time so that your garden has full potential this summer.

How to make your garden attractive to wildlife

Why not consider adding a water feature, such as a pond or bird bath? Not only do that look great in your garden, they also attract fascinating wildlife and animals to your space too. An essential consideration during the current climate, providing food and water for birds and other animals will help support them during tough times and cold months.

Water features don’t just benefit animals either, they also create a soothing ambience outside, which can improve your mood and make you happier.

These are just a few tips that can ensure your garden is looking it’s best this summer. So, all you need to do is warmer months while you can!

Sources

Property & Development Magazine