Trick or Treat?

Whether you are holding your first party in your new home or having a spooky family get together, Halloween is the perfect time of year to whip up a few treats in your kitchen.

Believed to have originated from Celtic harvest festivals and on the eve of All Hallows Day, Halloween has become ever more popular over recent years. To help you pull off a frighteningly good night, we’ve found some ghoulish recipes that will have everyone howling with delight…

Little ones will love these Frankenstein cupcakes or, if you’re looking for something a little less time consuming, try these giant black widow spiders. Alternatively, keep things healthy and make fruit more exciting with this monster fruit bowl.

Savoury treats can also get the Halloween treatment, with these delicious Sausage mummy dippers or Monster bites that will ensure your visitors don’t go hungry.

Don’t forget to give drinks a scary edge and try this Halloween witches brew complete with severed hand or, if you’re looking for something to keep the adults entertained try these Vampire cocktails, after all who says you can’t have a grown up dinner party up with a scary twist? Team your cocktails with Halloween-themed stuffed peppers, spooky spaghetti and even baked camembert.

If you don’t feel like making the food yourself head to Tesco or M&S and order pre-prepared party food, leaving you plenty of time to sort out the decorations and the spooky atmosphere!

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Help to Buy - What you need to know

You might have seen the recent news that the government will not be extending the Help to Buy: Mortgage Guarantee Scheme from December this year, but what does that actually mean and more importantly what does it mean for you?

Firstly, don’t panic. While the Help to Buy: Mortgage Guarantee Scheme will no longer be available, you will still be able to use the Help to Buy: Equity Loan to purchase a new St. Modwen Homes’ property with a deposit of just 5%.

Available on new-build homes up to the value of £600,000, using the Help to Buy: Equity Loan you pay just 80% of the listed property price, which is made up of a 5% deposit and a 75% mortgage, with the remaining 20% covered by a government loan. For example, if you bought a new home priced at £200,000, you would need a deposit of £10,000, a £150,000 mortgage and a £40,000 loan from the government.

50% of our purchasers use this scheme, and it’s not just for first time buyers, those moving up the property ladder also qualify. You just won’t be able to rent out your new home or use Part Exchange to sell your old home and you must not own any property when you use Help to Buy: Equity Loan to buy your new home. 

So what is the Help to Buy: Mortgage Guarantee Scheme and why is it not being continued? Unlike the Help to Buy: Equity Loan, the Help to Buy: Mortgage Guarantee Scheme applies to both new-build and existing homes, with the government providing a guarantee to the lender to offer higher value mortgages of up to 95%. Since Help to Buy was introduced in January 2014, the housing market has become less reliant on the government guarantee and over 30 lenders now offer 90 to 95% mortgages outside of the scheme.

If you want to know more about Help to Buy: Equity Loan and see if you qualify, speak to a member of our Sales Team in the Sales and Marketing Suite at your local development and they’ll be happy to help by putting you in touch with one of our Independent Financial Advisors who will talk you through the process, help you find the right mortgage for you and even complete all the paperwork. 

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Cofton Grange – inside the Hexham Showhome

As we get ready to open the doors at Cofton Grange later this month, Samantha Simmonds, Creative Director at Killer5, gives us a sneak peek inside our brand new Hexham Showhome.

“Opening a new Showhome is always an exciting time, especially for us as interior designers, as we get to experiment with the latest styles and trends. At Cofton Grange, we’ve really embraced the industrial look, using reclaimed wood and rough metallic tones throughout. As a trend, industrial chic is here to stay and, thanks to the stripped-back and humble materials, it can give your new home a sophisticated edge without blowing the budget.

“In the Hexham, we’ve gone for functional style with a luxe edge, combining copper lighting and accessories with neutral and navy shades in the living room, charcoal grey and reclaimed wood in the kitchen and dining room, and silver and bronze upstairs in the second bedroom. Don’t be afraid to mix rich colours and plush furnishings with raw materials to make a statement.  

“Another popular trend this year, we’ve introduced typographical and geometric prints and wall art to bring the Showhome to life – including a striking feature wall in the kitchen and dining room. If you want to re-create the look, it’s a great way to showcase your personality, break up a blank wall and bring the theme of a room together.

“As it’s set across three floors, St. Modwen Homes’ Hexham design offers a flexible space for modern living so we used the bedroom on the ground floor as a study to demonstrate this. For those who work from home, having a separate study can be essential to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In the Showhome we’ve used caged copper lighting, exposed wired shelves and up-cycled parquet wooden furniture to continue the industrial theme and provide practical office storage solutions.

“In the bathrooms, we’ve gone for a fresh contemporary feel, using white marble and copper accessories that sit perfectly alongside the luxury fixtures and fittings St. Modwen Homes includes as standard.”

Take a look at our Pinterest, to see the Killer5 mood boards and, from Saturday 22^nd October, you can see inside the Hexham Showhome for yourself – and don’t forget to share your pictures with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

The Marketing Suite at Cofton Grange is open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5.30pm inclusive of the weekends. For more information or to book an appointment, call 0844 243 4507 or email CoftonGrange@stmodwenhomes.co.uk.

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Top 10 tips for selling your home

When you find your dream home it can be very frustrating when you haven’t sold your home yet and the panic can easily set in. To help ease the stress we have put together our top ten tips to help you get your house off the market and completed so you are free to get your new keys…

1. Think about your target market. Does your home appeal to the main group you are aiming at? For instance do you have a box room that would work better as a home office for a professional couple? If so, rearrange it and make it stand out as a workable space for them.

2. The time of year can also be an important factor, spring (February to March) and autumn (September) are usually the key times to sell as it is traditionally when demand outweighs supply and so prices can be at their most flexible.

3. Spread the word that you are selling, word of mouth is a powerful tool that you should use to your advantage. Make sure you have a board up and let neighbours know as they may well be aware of someone waiting to move to that area.

4. Buyers will form an impression of your home within seconds of walking through the front door so make an effort to spruce the entrance of your home up. Paint the door, plant flowers or trim hedges to make your home have instant kerb appeal.

5. No one likes a cluttered home so you can’t expect people to be interested in purchasing your home if that’s all they can see. Have a good clear out and make your home look tidy and welcoming. Pay particular attention to the kitchen and bathrooms as these are focal points for homebuyers.

6. Keeping colours in your home neutral can help homebuyers imagine themselves living there and even start to think about where they would put their own furniture. Paint colours are a very personal choice so if you have a bright bold colour some people may love it while it can also really put other people off. If necessary, repaint rooms, it will pay off in the end.

7. Smell is really important. Placing fragrant candles around your home or plug-ins can really create a relaxing and pleasant environment. If you have pets try to remove food bowls and beds while viewings are happening. You may not be able to smell them in your own home but others will and non-animal lovers may be put off.

8. The smallest of things can send the wrong impression to potential buyers so fix that leaking tap and remove the grubby sealant in the kitchen and bathroom, it can make a huge difference on sending a positive message to visitors.

9. If you have decided to show people round your home yourself, make sure you think about the route you will take to show the best rooms first or last to make a bigger impact. Be business-like and don’t bombard them with too much detail, stick to the facts homebuyers want to hear such as south facing garden, parking and local amenities. Only show viewers round once and then allow them to take another tour round on their own, but stay close by for any questions they may have.

10.  When you receive offers don’t rush into a decision, make sure you get all the details from the estate agents allowing you to make an informed decision, if you want to move quick a first time buyer might be a better choice over the highest bidder. Compromise is the key!

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Shades of grey

Described as the ‘new neutral’, grey is an interior trend that is here to stay, so we caught up with Samantha Simmonds from Killer 5 to find out how to embrace the subtle yet stylish shade in your home.

“Whether you like a clean and contemporary look, or bright and bold colours, grey is the perfect back drop for your new home. The cool colour palette can help create a relaxed, calm space and by layering different shades or adding textures and prints, it’s easy to add depth to a room.

“Before you find the perfect shade of grey you’ll need to consider the size and shape of the room. Using a darker shade on the walls such as plummett or down pipe, both Farrow & Ball, can make a small space cosy and warm, while using a softer delicate shade like this Home of Colour dove grey will maximise the natural light in the room. 

“If you really want to make a statement, combine with a patterned wallpaper, as seen in St. Modwen Homes’ new Maple Showhome at Locking Parklands. Different textures work particularly well and this marble effect wallpaper from Graham Brown is a fabulous take on the trend, or for a more subtle approach, try this metallic wallpaper from wilko. Wallpaper is also a great way to introduce geometric prints into a room with this elegant Hemsley Lovington design from Homebase.

“Grey works well off the walls too, choose furniture in charcoal shades and layer with accessories in different styles and fabrics. Don’t be afraid to add some personality, grey is a versatile shade and allows bold colours to pop. Combine this stylish Next sofa with bright, quilted cushions or invest in this Ben de Lisi loveseat – the multi-coloured buttons make it a stand-out addition to any space.

“In the bedroom, use soft furnishings in various shades of grey to create a calm and sophisticated look. A statement headboard looks great with simple yet stylish bedding – like this John Lewis set – and a knitted throw, just use a mix of colours and textures to keep it fresh.

“When it comes to the bathroom, combine traditional fixtures and fittings with stone or geometric tiles for a cool and contemporary look. If you’re on a budget, accessories are an easy way to update your bathroom, incorporate this slate set from Dunelm or these Marks and Spencer towels to help embrace the trend without breaking the bank.”

Share your photos of your grey interiors with St. Modwen Homes on Twitter, Instagram or on one of our development’s Facebook pages. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest too where you can see all the products mentioned in this blog.

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Top tips for moving house

With the majority of people placing moving house at the top of their most stressful things they have done in their life, we have put together some top tips to help ease the stresses and strains and make your house move disaster free…

1.  Start packing well in advance of your move date.  As soon as you start going through things you will no doubt start reminiscing over old photographs or baby clothes, doubling the time you thought your packing would take.

2.  Work from the top of the house to the bottom and have a clear out as you go. Be realistic about what you need, if you haven’t used it in the past 12 months get rid of it, either throw it away or donate it to charity.

3.  Pack up one room at a time, clearly labelling each box on the top and the side (so you can see when they are stacked as well) with details of the contents. Don’t forget to label if there are any breakables inside.

4.  Make sure when loading up the boxes that you load the ones you need least first so you aren’t digging around trying to get to your everyday items.

5.  As you dismantle furniture, put all the screws and fittings into a freezer bag and tape it to the item so you aren’t scrambling around for the correct fixtures.

6.  Take your furniture over to the new house first and boxes last, so you don’t end up moving boxes around again to get your sofa or bed in.

7.  Use fitted sheets, pillow covers and blankets to wrap up your fragile items; that way you aren’t carting additional packing material over to the new house. It also saves you money!

8.  Place a number on each box and a number on each door of your new house, that way everyone knows exactly where each box needs to go rather than constantly asking you.

9.  Don’t overfill the boxes as they will be too heavy to move. Aim for no more than 25kg in each box and try to pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter objects in bigger boxes.

10.   Pack an essentials box. In here there should be items you will need as soon as you get to the new house, such as bedding (try to make your bed as soon as possible - you will thank yourself later when you are exhausted from a day of unpacking) tea bags/coffee, cups, kettle, teaspoons, sugar, toilet roll, cleaning products and a corkscrew for that first celebratory drink! It is also useful to keep overnight items in this box too in case you are unable to unpack everything in one day.

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Paying homage to Stoke's finest delicacy

If someone asked you for an Oatcake for breakfast, you’d be among the majority if you pulled out a packet of Scottish crackers. Unless you’re lucky enough to be from the Potteries, in which case you’ll have experienced the city’s finest, and proudest export (since the pottery industry, of course): the Staffordshire Oatcake.

Providing a wholesome breakfast to the fine people of Stoke-on-Trent – and the many expats who continue to have their supplies shipped-out – the Staffordshire Oatcake is a sight to behold, and can be filled with an array of breakfast fillings.

What is it?

The Staffordshire Oatcake is a type of savoury pancake made from oatmeal, flour and yeast, traditionally cooked on a griddle or 'baxton' and dates back to the 19th century where it was baked over an open fire.

It was once common throughout the Potteries for oatcakes to be sold directly from people’s front windows to hungry customers. Though this practice has now since ceased, there are still a number of traditional family stores in and around Stoke’s five towns, where locals can purchase ‘half a dozen’ or a ‘dozen pack’ of Oatcakes.

Oatcakes are already cooked when purchased and can be re-heated in the microwave, pan or under the grill (definitely our favourite option)! They are traditionally served with breakfast fillings such as cheese, tomato, onion, bacon, sausage, and egg. They can also be eaten with sweet fillings – just don’t let the locals know we told you so!

Our favourite Oatcake recipe

Try this on a Saturday morning, with a big mug of tea – you won’t go far wrong, and we promise you’ll never look back!

If you’re feeling creative, why not have a go at making your own Oatcakes: www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/staffordshireoatcake_92371

Or you can buy your very own (and locally made) ones here: www.facebook.com/londonroadoatcakes/

Added ingredients (makes 4 oatcakes)

• 8 rashers bacon
• 75g chestnut mushrooms, cut in half
• 150g cheddar cheese, grated
• 4 eggs, scrambled or fried
• Tbsp. salted butter
• You can also use sausages, tinned tomatoes and black pudding according to individual tastes

Method

1. Preheat the grill to its highest setting.
2. When the grill is hot, arrange the bacon onto a grill tray and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until crisp and golden-brown on both sides. Set aside and keep warm.
3. Meanwhile, heat butter in a separate frying pan over a medium heat. Add the mushrooms and fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden-brown and cooked through. Set aside and keep warm.
4. Use the rest of the butter in the pan and break in eggs – fry or scramble as preferred for 3-4 minutes until cooked. Set aside.
5. Arrange bacon, mushrooms, egg and grated cheese into the centre of each oatcake. Put under the grill for 2-3 minutes. Remove carefully and roll from one end to the other to create a soft roll (but be careful not to burn your fingers)!
6. Repeat the process with the remaining oatcakes, bacon, mushrooms, egg and cheese.
7. Put all rolled oatcakes under the grill for a further minute.
8. Serve immediately.

Want oatcakes for your breakfast every week? Find your dream new home in Stoke-on-Trent by visiting the Marketing Suite and Show Homes at Trentham Manor, which are open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5.30pm inclusive of the weekends. For more information or to book an appointment, call 0844 243 4520 or email TrenthamManor@StModwenHomes.co.uk. Alternatively visit www.stmodwenhomes.co.uk or follow the housebuilder on Twitter at @StModwenHomes and on the Trentham Manor Facebook page. 

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