The Journal

The Property Week

North leads in recovery NORTHUMBERLAND, Tyne & Wear and Stockton are leading the way in the regional housing market recovery, according to the latest Land Registry figures. Full story: page 4 First-timers fuelling demand DEMAND from first- time buyers is rising, while buy-to-let investors are now gravitating more towards houses than flats, according to the latest Housing Market Survey from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. It said member surveyors reported that 13% of new inquiries ...

Bargain of the Week

WAS: pounds 129,000 NOW: pounds 115,000 THIS mid-terraced cottage is set in a picturesque village location in Northumberland and would make an ideal weekend retreat or holiday let. The traditional property includes a sitting room with open fire and access to the fitted kitchen. The first floor has two bedrooms and bathroom.

Hallowe'en Already - Which Means [ ... ]

HALLOWE'EN already - which means that tomorrow brings the start of November - and the real start of the WITCH season. With only eight weeks until families and friends flock together for festive parties, partners just about everywhere will be put on notice that those much-postponed decorating and repair jobs must soon be finished.

Agents This Week

Splendour ; Coastal Home with Eco-Friendly

IT'S not every day you find a North East property with the pedigree to stand up to Arctic conditions, yet remain cool in the summer. And one that's eco-friendly yet stylish. Jacqui and Paul Ryalls built their eco-friendly log property in Hadston, Northumberland, five years ago.

Cottage Boasts Views of Castle

THIS stone-built property is set in a picture-perfect village. The property is well positioned in the centre of the village of Warkworth, close to spectacular beaches on Northumberland's coastline.

Modern Four-Bed Detached Would Be Ideal for Families

THIS modern four-bedroom property could make an ideal family home. The two-storey detached home offers spacious accommodation and includes a double garage.

Housing Market Recovery Continuing

NORTHUMBERLAND, Tyne & Wear and Stockton-on-Tees are leading the way in the regional housing market recovery, according to latest Land Registry figures. The Government's report for September shows monthly price rises of 0.6% in Northumberland, 1% in Stockton and 2.1% in Tyne & Wear, although values are still 10% to 15% less than a year ago.

If You're Looking for Space but Don't Want the Hassle of Renovating, Homemaker Picks Out Three Already Extended Homes. ; Three of a Kind

What: An extended four-bedroom, end-terraced house in Newcastle. Highlights: With three double bedrooms plus a single, as well as an extended kitchen/diner, this home is perfect for family life. Also on the ground floor is a lounge measuring 15ft by 12ft 6in. A contemporary family bathroom on the first floor completes the picture.

Characterful Former Hunting Lodge

THIS beautiful two-acre property is set in peaceful woodland and moors. The former 19th Century hunting lodge has a wealth of period features, including a high-corniced ceiling in the dining room and sash windows.

Modern and Spacious Property for Families

THIS detached family home is set in an ever-popular area. The executive property is perfect for families with its spacious living area and it boasts modern decor throughout. Living accommodation includes an entrance lobby, entrance hall, lounge with feature fireplace, kitchen and breakfast room and conservatory. The ground floor also offers a dining area, utility room, study and cloakroom.

Double Up with a Spacious Semi ; by Opting for a Semi-Detached Property, You Won't Be Compromising On Space or Design. Homemaker Takes a Look.

THIS modern semi in West Denton, Newcastle, is set in mature gardens. The property on Castlewood Close offers contemporary family accommodation, including a lounge with fireplace, dining room with patio doors, cloakroom and fitted kitchen. Upstairs there is a master bedroom with en suite, two bedrooms and a family bathroom.

A Burning Issue for the Winter ; House Doctor with Peter Fall of Clear Building Survey

Thinking of opening up your fireplace this winter? Peter Fall offers some expert advice. AS the nights draw in, many home owners turn to the idea of cosy nights around the fire. Unfortunately, thanks to the dash to gas central heating, many of our fireplaces were abandoned long ago and bricked up or replaced . Few fireplaces were retained and even fewer kept active, so while there may be a chimney breast and an opening, its availability for use can be questionable.

Firmly Into the Future ; the Furniture of Tomorrow Is Here Today, Says Interior Designer Claire Hornby.

PERHAPS interior designers have been watching too much Star Trek of late, but the latest news is that futuristic interiors are going to be a huge trend. That means lots of Perspex, plenty of chrome and an abundance of innovative shaping. There is usually the idea that futuristic equals uncomfortable. After all, none of our favourite space-age characters were ever caught relaxing at the end of a mission. However, by choosing right you can achieve a super cool, futuristic look with plenty of co...

Cut Back in the Garden ; Hannah Stephenson Shows How You Can Save Money by Taking Cuttings to Restock Your Garden for the Years Ahead.

IF you're watching your budget and want to increase your plant stock without spending money, late autumn is the time to take hardwood cuttings from many deciduous shrubs. Stocks of roses, willows, weigelas, dogwoods and philadelphus can all be increased through hardwood cuttings. Although the cuttings will take a year to root, it's worth the wait as you will produce large specimens ready for planting out or potting up.

Diary

KEEP in touch with North East gardening and floral events through this column every Saturday. Monday, November 2 Rosecarpe Horticultural Society, AGM, Civic Centre, Gateshead, 7-9pm.

Good Enough to Eat

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) THIS salad crop goes well in a bowl of mixed leaves, its bitter taste adding bite, and it is relatively cold and drought-resistant. There are three types: witloof, which grows as a rosette of leaves forming a deep root that, when harvested, can be forced in a warm, dark spot to produce chicons (white, leafy buds); red chicory, also known as radicchio, which forms hearts; and sugarloaf, again a heart-forming type.

Best of the Bunch

Miscanthus (Silver grass) THIS ornamental grass creates movement and texture in the autumn garden, and varieties range from 60cm to 3m, so there"s at least one for every garden. It"s not evergreen, but its green colour lasts well into winter, when the tufts of gold, straw or bronze look fantastic dusted with frost.

Home Cinema and Swimming Pool

THIS impressive executive property has its own home cinema and swimming pool. Situated just off Cromwell Street, Gateshead, the property offers scenic views and spacious living. The detached five-bedroom home includes an entrance hallway, lounge with feature fireplace, heated swimming pool, theatre room/ second reception room, bathroom, kitchen, a dining room with patio doors to the back garden and a utility room.

Country Setting for Five-Bed Farmhouse

THIS five-bedroom farmhouse is set in two acres of gardens. Accommodation includes an entrance vestibule, kitchen with Aga, a secondary kitchen, larder for food preparation and fridge/freezer, sink and dishwasher. There is a lounge, two double bedrooms, laundry room with washer and dryer and storage space, a shower room with large walk-in cubicle and a separate cloakroom.