Norsey Wood, Billericay

Only a short distance from Billericay’s thriving High Street is the 165 acre expanse of Norsey Wood.

The wood is associated with an astonishing 4,000 years of history. It holds an important collection of archaeological features unique to the region, including occupation areas and burial sites dating from prehistoric and Roman periods.

From more recent history, a network of trenches from the two world wars stretches along the eastern part of the wood. During World War II, the wood was used for Army manoeuvres and ammunition storage.

Norsey Wood's topography also sets it apart in Essex. Its clay valleys and gravelly, sandy hilltops are not only rare and interesting, but also botanically significant. This has led to the site's designation as a local nature reserve by the Nature Conservancy Council.

The area is particularly famous for its bluebells, which cover the woodland floor between April and May. The brightly coloured domes create a beautiful spectacle – especially valued as this protected species does not easily colonise new woodlands. Visitors can either join one of the guided wildflower walks or explore alone to their hearts' content.

The area is much loved and many of the local people take an active interest in preserving its natural beauty. The Norsey Wood Society receives community input, while a volunteer work party meets every Thursday to undertake conservation work.

Taken from Essex Life.

http://www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk/

Beresfords Support Macmillan Cancer Trust

Beresfords are proud to support local and national charities and one such organisation is Macmillan Cancer Support. One vendor was particularly happy with the services of our Chelmsford office that they wanted to give the team a monetary gift to thank them for all their hard work in negotiating the sale of their property. As you would expect the team were very grateful for the offer but felt the money should be used to help such a worthwhile charity, namely Macmillan Cancer Trust. With the vendors permission the money was donated to the Chelmsford arm of Macmillan Nurses.

For many people affected by cancer, Macmillan nurses are a valued and trusted source of expert information, advice and support - free of charge. There are over 3000 Macmillan nurses across the UK, working both in hospitals and in the community. For further information about the charity visit

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/

http://www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk/

Properties Selling in Record Time

Offices are reporting properties selling in record time which is another sure sign that the property market is stabilising.

One such office is Ingatestone who recently sold a property within 2 days of commencing the marketing. In total the property received 8 viewings over the 2 days and was sold for above the asking price.

A two bedroom maisonette in Gidea Park came onto the market at £168,000. The property attracted 8 viewings on the same day, had 8 offers and sold for above the asking price. What’s more the sale happened within 6 days.

To book your valuation visit:

http://www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk/

Seeing is Believing

Introducing a grand design style contemporary detached house located in central Brentwood. The spacious and superbly presented accommodation includes a stunning 50' lounge with a full height vaulted ceiling with an impressive glass and stainless steel staircase leading to a galleried landing. There are three further reception rooms with a superb kitchen/breakfast room and four double bedrooms with four exceptional bathrooms. Outside the property stands in landscaped gardens including a thatched open air gym/bar area and driveway providing ample parking leading to a detached double garage. The property is situated in a sought after turning in central Brentwood offering easy access to both Brentwood High Street with its multiple facilities and railway station with links to London Liverpool Street.

Full details

For further information contact Beresfords Brentwood office on

01277 231515

http://www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk/

http://www.beresfords.tv/

Mortgage Lending Shows Further Signs of Growth

According to new figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), there has been a significant pick up in house purchase activity. The CML revealed that gross mortgage lending totaled £12.5bn in September. Lending in the third quarter of 2009 reached an estimated £38.9bn, an 18 per cent increase from the second quarter.

John Lineham, Financial Services Director of Beresfords, comments: “This new is very much welcome and highlight the continued stabilisation in the housing market.”
“House buying activity is running at considerably higher levels than around the turn of the year. If you look at the number of people looking for houses, the number of houses available and the number of sales agents are making it becomes clear that there has been a marked improvement in the housing market over recent months.”

What’s more competition is returning to the mortgage market with a series of lenders cutting their rates by up to 0.6 per cent, including Woolwich, Nationwide and Northern Rock.

John continues: “Homeowners and buyers will benefit from these cheaper deals as banks and building societies compete for business.”

“As independent advisers we are not tied to any one lender and have access to the whole mortgage and protection market. There are some great deals out there to be had even if you do have a limited deposit.”

For further information on Beresfords Financial Services division contact 0800 389 9986

http://www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk/

Beresfords Triumph at the UK Property Awards

On Friday 16th October leading representatives from the estate agency world gathered in London for the highly prestigious Daily Mail UK Property Awards. These much sought after awards are presented annually to companies and individuals who have shone through and made a notable contribution to the property market as a whole.


Leading Estate Agent Beresfords scooped two awards at the ceremony; best Estate Agency in Essex and the highly esteemed national accolade for best Estate Agency Marketing.


Paul Beresford, Chairman/Managing Director of Beresfords, commented: “To have our achievements and hard work recognised by the industry was a very proud moment. What’s more this is the first year we have entered these awards, so to win two of the most competitive awards is quite an accomplishment!”



“In recent times many other agents have cut back on their marketing spend due to tightened budgets. Beresfords opted for the other route, maintaining a high profile with continued advertising and promotion whilst moving into other innovative marketing approaches such as Beresfords.tv. I am delighted that the judges recognised this and we have been rewarded as a result.”


The Daily Mail UK Property Awards are part of the globally respected International Property Awards, which have been running for 15 years. Supported by a host of well-respected professional bodies such as FIABCI, NAEA, NHBC and NAR to name but a few, the awards are judged by an independent team of experts in the property, design and construction fields, together with property writers and sponsors.





For further information on Beresfords contact 01245 397497 or visit:


www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk

or

www.beresfords.tv

Country Homes Manager Cycles for Charity

Beresfords Country Homes Manager, Simon Wills, took part in the annual Cycle for Life on the 13th September to help raise money for Farleigh Hospice.

The 50km cycle ride started at Farleigh Hospice’s grounds at Broomfield and visited all 8 of the beautiful Essex Rodings. Over 800 cyclists took part and between them pledged to raise over £600,000 for the charity. These donations will play a big part in helping the hospice to continue to provide care for local people affected by cancer and other life limiting illnesses.

Simon commented: “The day was a great success and it was marvelous to see hundreds of people gather together to help raise money for such a worthy cause. Both my wife and I are keen supporters of this charity and for the past 3 years I have also taken part in the ‘Race for Business’ which Beresfords support, again to raise funds for Farleigh Hospice.”

Donations are still coming in and so far Simon has raised £75 through this event.