The Steeple Times

Tag: 20/20

  • A Bowled Down Price

    A Bowled Down Price

    Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum

    In March 2015, The Steeple Times featured a Texan mansion described by some as “more iconic than Southfork.” Back then this “replica of George Washington’s Virginia estate” had been for sale for four years already and now, in March 2020, it’s still on the market.

     

    Offered at prices as high as £26.1 million and as low as £12 million, Mount Vernon overlooks White Rock Lake in Dallas and was built between 1928 and 1930. It was sold in 1938 to one of the world’s largest oil baron’s, H. L. Hunt (1889 – 1974) – a man “reputed to have the highest net worth of any individual in the world” at the time of his death.

     

    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum.
    John Amend with Laura Bush at the bowling alley at Mount Vernon and with his wife Teresa.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum.
    One of the entrances to Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America.

    Passing on to a commercial real estate tycoon and fellow supporter of the Bush political dynasty named John Amend in 1999, the 10,511 square foot house was subsequently renovated and aside from creating spaces including a prayer room, a 10,000 bottle wine cellar, a 1950s style diner and a car museum, what is considered to be the finest private bowling centre in America was added. It comes complete with a digital jukebox that has over 500,000 songs on its concert hall quality sound system

     

    Whilst Mr Amend and his wife Teresa hosted guests including Glenn Close and President George W. Bush at Mount Vernon, in 2011 they decided to “simplify their lives” and placed it for sale. In the time since, its yoyo-ed on and off the market but speaking about the property to the Dallas News in February this year, realtor Allie Beth Allman claimed the Amends have now “made it a goal to sell the property this year.” She went further and stated:

     

    “Many interested buyers have made offers, but the family has been reluctant to sell… The kids are just now at the age that they really enjoy it, and they spend a lot of time over there. It’s hard to give that up when your grandkids are saying, ‘Oh, don’t sell.’”

     

    Allie Beth Allman & Associates now seek £14.9 million for Mount Vernon and the 10 acres that surround it.

     

    The Names & Numbers – Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America

     

    March 2020 – Relisted at £14.9 million ($18.5 million, €16.6 million or درهم67.9 million) and still for sale through Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

     

    May 2019 – Relisted at a price of £12 million ($14.9 million, €13.4 million or درهم54.7 million).

     

    May 2016 – Relisted at a price of £14.1 million ($17.5 million, €15.7 million or درهم64.3 million).

     

    March 2015 – Featured in The Steeple Times whilst listed with Allie Beth Allman & Associates and Christie’s Real Estate at a price of £15.3 million ($19 million, €17 million or درهم68 million).

     

    September 2013 – Reduced in price to £15.3 million ($19 million, €17 million or درهم68 million).

     

    November 2012 – Reduced in price to £23.7 million ($29.5 million, €26.5 million or درهم108.3 million).

     

    2011 – Placed for sale for £26.1 million ($32.5 million, €29.2 million or درهم119.4 million).

     

    2004 – Hosted its first event as “the nation’s finest professionally equipped bowling centre.” The alley reportedly cost £1.16 million ($1.45 million, €1.3 million or درهم5.33 million) to construct.

     

    2002 – Renovated and expanded.

     

    1999 – Sold to the self-declared real estate “pioneer and innovator” John T. Amend and his wife Teresa for an undisclosed sum.

     

    1938 – Sold by Thomas Y. Pickett to Harold Lafayette Hunt, Jr. for $69,000 or the equivalent of £740,000 today ($922,000, €826,000 or درهم3.4 million today).

     

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    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum.
    A Bowled Down Price – £14.9 million for Mount Vernon, 4009 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas, TX 75214, United States of America down from £26.1 million through Allie Beth Allman & Associates – Texan estate for sale for sum 43% less than in 2011; it comes with the “finest private bowling alley in America” and a car museum.
  • Going Thin – Two Into One?

    Going Thin – Two Into One?

    Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market after another has languished for sale for four years; the two could potentially be merged to make a truly spectacular artist’s studio in the sky

    In May 2016, The Steeple Times featured a 603 square foot third floor artist’s studio flat in a building known as ‘The Thin House’ (or ‘The Skinny House’) in Thurloe Square, South Kensington. Priced then at £895,000 ($1.1 million, €1 million or درهم4.1 million), this apartment is surprisingly still for sale for the same sum and complete with the same furniture four years later. Now, however, it is no longer offered by the defunct agents W. A. Ellis and is instead available through agents Rokstone.

     

    Going Thin – Two Into One? The Thin House, 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, London, SW7 2TA, United Kingdom. Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market in March 2020 after another has languished for sale for four years since 2016. Second floor for sale through Winkworth for £875,000. Third floor for sale through Rokstone for £895,000.
    The third floor space for sale through Rokstone for £895,000 has been on the market since 2016, yet has never been reduced in price.

    A reason this flat may not have ‘moved’ in the period is not only that the building in which it is situated is not only of an “architecturally weird shape,” but also because it directly backs onto the District and Circle line. With trains running from around 5.30am to 12.30am each day, it is undoubtedly noise affected.

     

    Constructed on the remaining land of five neo-classical houses demolished to make way for the underground in the 1860s, red brick 5 Thurloe Square – just six foot wide at its narrowest point – was the brainchild of a local builder named William Douglas. Fitting into a “meagre” triangle, he designed and built seven artists’ studios between 1885 and 1887 and some of them are still in use by creatives to this day.

     

    As well as the aforementioned share of freehold third floor property, a studio on the second floor of the building is also on the market. Offered by Winkworth for £875,000 ($1.1 million, €980,000 or درهم4 million), the 676 square foot space features a 21-foot by 16-foot studio with a small kitchen and bathroom off and a 13-foot by 7-foot mezzanine bedroom over. The agents describe the property as offering “exceptional space” and “the most magnificent view over the treetops of Thurloe Square towards the Victoria and Albert Museum.”

     

    Subject to planning, imagination and deep pockets, an inspired individual could perhaps purchase and merge both apartments into one. The resulting 1,279 square foot creation would not only be thin, it could potentially be spectacular.

     

    Images and floor plans of the third floor artist’s studio follow.

     

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    Going Thin – Two Into One? The Thin House, 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, London, SW7 2TA, United Kingdom. Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market in March 2020 after another has languished for sale for four years since 2016. Second floor for sale through Winkworth for £875,000. Third floor for sale through Rokstone for £895,000.
    Going Thin – Two Into One? The Thin House, 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, London, SW7 2TA, United Kingdom. Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market in March 2020 after another has languished for sale for four years since 2016. Second floor for sale through Winkworth for £875,000. Third floor for sale through Rokstone for £895,000.
    Going Thin – Two Into One? The Thin House, 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, London, SW7 2TA, United Kingdom. Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market in March 2020 after another has languished for sale for four years since 2016. Second floor for sale through Winkworth for £875,000. Third floor for sale through Rokstone for £895,000.
    Going Thin – Two Into One? The Thin House, 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, London, SW7 2TA, United Kingdom. Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market in March 2020 after another has languished for sale for four years since 2016. Second floor for sale through Winkworth for £875,000. Third floor for sale through Rokstone for £895,000.
    Going Thin – Two Into One? The Thin House, 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, London, SW7 2TA, United Kingdom. Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market in March 2020 after another has languished for sale for four years since 2016. Second floor for sale through Winkworth for £875,000. Third floor for sale through Rokstone for £895,000.
    Going Thin – Two Into One? The Thin House, 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, London, SW7 2TA, United Kingdom. Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market in March 2020 after another has languished for sale for four years since 2016. Second floor for sale through Winkworth for £875,000. Third floor for sale through Rokstone for £895,000.
    Going Thin – Two Into One? The Thin House, 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, London, SW7 2TA, United Kingdom. Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market in March 2020 after another has languished for sale for four years since 2016. Second floor for sale through Winkworth for £875,000. Third floor for sale through Rokstone for £895,000.
    Going Thin – Two Into One? The Thin House, 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, London, SW7 2TA, United Kingdom. Second apartment in South Kensington’s famous ‘Thin House’ comes to the market in March 2020 after another has languished for sale for four years since 2016. Second floor for sale through Winkworth for £875,000. Third floor for sale through Rokstone for £895,000.
  • A Seriously Slow Subaru

    A Seriously Slow Subaru

    Quirky 1970 Subaru 360 police car to be sold at auction; unlike anything Colin McRae drove it’s as slow as a snail

    Advertised quite accurately in the United States as “cheap and ugly” by its importer Malcolm Bricklin, the Subaru 360 was the first car produced by the Japanese transport conglomerate Fuji Heavy Industries.

     

    Exempt from normal safety standards because it weighed less than 1,000 pounds, the car was branded “not acceptable” because of safety concerns and lack of power, but now one of the few left – many were “tossed overboard” off boats or “shredded to pieces” due to their unpopularity – is now headed to auction via RM Sotheby’s in May.

     

    A Seriously Slow Subaru – 1970 Subaru 360 police car to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on 1st to 2nd May 2020 as part of the Elkhart Collection in Elkhart, Indiana – Quirky Subaru police car to be sold at auction; unlike anything Colin McRae drove it’s as slow as a snail.
    The car to be offered by RM Sotheby’s is nothing like the vehicles that Subaru later created in terms of their abilities to drive at speed; in the 1990s the company became renowned for its wins at the World Rally Championships courtesy of the likes of the late Colin McRae MBE – the Subaru 360 would not have even have got off the starting block in such rallies.

    The fibreglass monocque construction car to be sold, an example from 1970, comes in the form of a police car complete with the livery of the New Zealand Ministry of Transport. It has a siren, light bar and included also are bobby hats according to the auctioneers.

     

    They will offer the vehicle as part of their single owner Elkhart Collection sale on 1st and 2nd of May in Elkhart, Indiana and remark: “[It’s] unlikely to catch any speeders.” Like most of the 230 cars to be auctioned, no reserve set.

     

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    A Seriously Slow Subaru – 1970 Subaru 360 police car to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on 1st to 2nd May 2020 as part of the Elkhart Collection in Elkhart, Indiana – Quirky Subaru police car to be sold at auction; unlike anything Colin McRae drove it’s as slow as a snail.
    A Seriously Slow Subaru – 1970 Subaru 360 police car to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on 1st to 2nd May 2020 as part of the Elkhart Collection in Elkhart, Indiana – Quirky Subaru police car to be sold at auction; unlike anything Colin McRae drove it’s as slow as a snail.
    A Seriously Slow Subaru – 1970 Subaru 360 police car to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on 1st to 2nd May 2020 as part of the Elkhart Collection in Elkhart, Indiana – Quirky Subaru police car to be sold at auction; unlike anything Colin McRae drove it’s as slow as a snail.
    A Seriously Slow Subaru – 1970 Subaru 360 police car to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on 1st to 2nd May 2020 as part of the Elkhart Collection in Elkhart, Indiana – Quirky Subaru police car to be sold at auction; unlike anything Colin McRae drove it’s as slow as a snail.
    A Seriously Slow Subaru – 1970 Subaru 360 police car to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on 1st to 2nd May 2020 as part of the Elkhart Collection in Elkhart, Indiana – Quirky Subaru police car to be sold at auction; unlike anything Colin McRae drove it’s as slow as a snail.
    A Seriously Slow Subaru – 1970 Subaru 360 police car to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on 1st to 2nd May 2020 as part of the Elkhart Collection in Elkhart, Indiana – Quirky Subaru police car to be sold at auction; unlike anything Colin McRae drove it’s as slow as a snail.
  • Muting Masterpiece

    Muting Masterpiece

    Highlight of the art and antiques calendar, Masterpiece London, announces its 2020 fair has been cancelled due to coronavirus

    The brainchild of renowned dealer Harry Apter and three other founding members, Masterpiece London was due to take place at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea from 24th June to 1st July.

     

    Sadly, as with many other largescale events, yesterday, its organisers announced they had “decided to cancel this year’s edition” due to the coronavirus outbreak. In a release on their official website, Masterpiece London, however, confirmed their 2021 fair will go ahead from 24th to 30th June 2021 and stated they will be launching a “range of initiatives in lieu of this year’s edition.”

     

    In December 2017, MCH Group, the owners of Art Basel, bought 67.5% of the shares in the company that organises the fair. They most sensibly retained the esteemed expert Philip Hewat-Jaboor as chairman.

     

    A full statement was issued on Masterpiece’s website. It reads:

     

    In light of the evolving Covid-19 pandemic and increasing measures taken to combat it by the UK government, we have decided to cancel this year’s edition of Masterpiece London, which was scheduled to take place from 24 June – 1 July 2020. We are grateful for the support and hard work of our exhibitors, partners and staff in preparation for this year’s edition of the Fair; however the health of everyone involved in Masterpiece London is our absolute priority during these unprecedented times.

     

    We are committed to supporting our exhibitors and visitors, and over the coming weeks will share details of a range of initiatives we will be launching in lieu of this year’s edition.

     

    We look forward to welcoming you to the next edition of Masterpiece London, which will take place from 24 – 30 June 2021.

     

    We wish you all well during this difficult time.

     

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  • A Belgravian Yo-Yo

    A Belgravian Yo-Yo

    Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years

    Estate agents like to make things sound grander generally and often give a house a name rather than a number. In the case of ‘Orpheo House’ in Belgravia, they’ve done the opposite and even though technically it stands in Elizabeth Street, its listed address is the rather grander sounding ‘50a Eaton Square.’

     

    Grosvenor Estate owned Eaton Square, developed from 1827 onwards, has variously been home to actors, politicians and statesmen. Amongst them have been Stanley Baldwin, Sean Connery, Rex Harrison, Vivien Leigh, Joachim von Ribbentrop, George Soros and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands and most recently in 2019, the square was used as a location in the hit BBC drama series The Capture.

     

    50a Eaton Square has had a curious history. In 1992, it was listed as the final address of the fourth and last Baron of Southborough on his death and subsequently, in 2009, it was sold to a “British music executive” according to Financial News. In 2010, he commissioned the renowned interior designer Nicky Haslam to turn it into a “trophy home” and the “epitome of comfortable luxury.” It now includes not only air conditioning and underfloor heating, but also has “secret drawers for DVDs” and “display cabinets for watches and sunglasses.”

     

    “Super-stylish… [and] whimsical… with a Parisienne theme” according to the Evening Standard in 2016, the three-storey property fronts Elizabeth Street, but can also be accessed from a side door into Eaton Mews West – a cobbled street that has been home to Belgravia Garage since 1930.

     

    Plainly, being next to the busy garage and car wash has put off buyers given that the property has yoyo-ed on and off the market at prices as high as £4.5 million since 2010. The real problem, however, is that the remaining 26-year lease is not enfranchisable.

     

    Extending to 2,253 square feet, 50a Eaton Square features a double reception room, an Italian black lacquer kitchen and a small bedroom suite on its ground floor, a 25-foot by 24-foot reception on its first floor whilst a “generous” bedroom suite with dressing room, bathroom and west facing roof terrace takes up the entire second floor. A spiral wine cellar is located on the lower ground floor and a parking space within the mews is also included.

     

    Agents Rokstone now seek the very much reduced sum of £3 million for the property.

     

    The Names & Numbers – Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE

     

    March 2020 – Reduced in price to £3 million ($3.5 million, €3.3 million or درهم12.9 million) and still available through agents Rokstone.

     

    November 2019 – Listed for sale on Zoopla.com for £3.45 million ($4 million, €3.7 million or درهم14.8 million).

     

    June 2018 – Listed for sale in Square Mile magazine for £4.25 million ($5 million, €4.6 million or درهم18.3 million).

     

    October 2016 – Featured in the Evening Standard’s ‘Homes & Property’ section at a price of £4.25 million ($5 million, €4.6 million or درهم18.3 million) with agents Rokstone.

     

    July 2011 – Listed as the ‘House of the Day’ on the Financial News website at a price of £3.95 million ($4.6 million, €4.3 million or درهم17 million) through agents Savills.

     

    January 2010 – Listed for sale in Square Mile magazine for £4.5 million ($5.3 million, €4.9 million or درهم19.4 million) with agents Aylesford.

     

    2009 – Sold to a “British music executive” according to Financial News. They state: “He moved out last year while [Nicky] Haslam completely gutted the house, taking it back to bare brick and changing the ceiling heights.”

     

    June 1992 – Described as the last address of Francis Michael Hopwood, Lord Southborough, whom died on 15th June 1992 (born 1922). Given the fourth Baron of Southborough had no offspring, the title (which was created in 1917 by King George V) then became extinct.

     

    June 1955 – Featured in The Gazette as the address of Ambrose Dasent, an engineer and relative of the Sir George Webbe Dasent (1817 – 1896), the renowned translator of Scandinavian literature and mythology.

     

    February 1936 – Featured in The Times as having “been sold by Messrs.’ George Trollope and Sons before auction.

     

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    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    The designer of the interior of 50a Eaton Square, Nicky Haslam (pictured with fellow socialite Paris Hilton).
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    The entrance hall and staircase.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    The main reception room.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    Viewed from another angle.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    The room includes a bar and is opulent in its styling.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    A second reception room, on the ground floor, features a sitting area within a bay window.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    It is has a division.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    With a dining area beyond.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    The kitchen features a central island.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    The main bedroom suite.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    Another view of that suite’s bathroom.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    The suite comes with its own roof terrace.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    The second bedroom is situated on the ground floor.
    A Belgravian Yo-Yo – £3m for Orpheo House, 50a Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9BE, United Kingdom down from £4.5m through agents Rokstone– Nicky Haslam designed Belgravia house for sale for 33% less than in 2010 in spite of yoyo-ing up and down in price for ten years.
    A floor plan of the property.
  • Cash, Rocket and a Madam

    Cash, Rocket and a Madam

    Why won’t the Cash & Rocket ‘charity’ answer a simple question about their past participant, the madam to a paedophile Ghislaine Maxwell?

    Last year, prior to disappearing off the face of the planet in the wake of the Jeffrey Epstein-Prince Andrew scandal, Ghislaine Maxwell participated in the Cash & Rocket London-Monte Carlo ‘charity’ car rally in an Alfa Romeo.

     

    Featuring a selection of the vain and the vacuous, amongst them  Chloe Green – daughter of the alleged abuser and “cross between Al Capone and Shylock” Sir Philip Green – and self-declared “hey ho, I can’t help if they think I’m fabulous” Caroline Stanbury, this “marketing platform” founded by Julie Brangstrup meaninglessly claims to “unite us all through female empowerment and solidarity.”

     

    Last week, when Cash & Rocket posted on Instagram about their next rally, we quite reasonably asked: “Will Ghislaine Maxwell be attending?” We received no response and so when they posted about their International Women’s Day lunch, we posed the same again. An answer, no doubt, will be as likely as finding ‘Bouncing Bob’s’ daughter riding Shergar the racehorse off into the sunset with Elvis Presley.

     

    Pictured top: Ghislaine Maxwell and the Alfa Romeo that she co-drove in the 2019 Cash & Rocket rally with Annette Mason, wife of the Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason.

     

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    Cash, Rocket and a Madam – Why won’t the Cash & Rocket ‘charity’ answer a simple question about their past participant, the madam to a paedophile Ghislaine Maxwell? Will Ghislaine Maxwell be participating this year?
    The Steeple Times asked Cash & Rocket (twice): “Will Ghislaine Maxwell be attending?” of their events in 2020. We have yet to receive any form of response.
    Cash, Rocket and a Madam – Why won’t the Cash & Rocket ‘charity’ answer a simple question about their past participant, the madam to a paedophile Ghislaine Maxwell? Will Ghislaine Maxwell be participating this year?
    Ghislaine Maxwell participated in the 2019 Cash & Rocket London-Monte Carlo rally. The ‘charity’s’ website no longer features mention of ‘Captain Bob’s’ daughter, but previously showed an image of her alongside Annette Mason as entrants. It seems that they raise nothing.
    Cash, Rocket and a Madam – Why won’t the Cash & Rocket ‘charity’ answer a simple question about their past participant, the madam to a paedophile Ghislaine Maxwell? Will Ghislaine Maxwell be participating this year?
    Ghislaine Maxwell was pictured at the Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner at the 2019 Cash & Rocket rally launch event. She wore sunglasses to no doubt hide herself. It is one of the last images of her in over a year now.
  • Boobed by Judy

    Boobed by Judy

    Bra flasher Judy Finnigan labelled “sexist” by her very own husband during a discussion about naked women in saunas

    Potbellied pisshead Judy Finnigan returned to daytime telly yesterday.

     

    In a slot on This Morning – the show she long ago co-hosted with her ‘Dorian Gray of entertainment-like’ husband Richard Madeley (prior to his hands getting rather busy helping himself to champagne in supermarkets) in the 1990s – Finnigan was termed “sexist” during a discussion as whether women should be “told to cover up” in saunas.

     

    Thankfully for the viewing public, constantly smashed out of her skull Finnigan didn’t repeat her antics at an awards ceremony in 2000. On that occasion, she quite literally fell out of her dress leaving an appalled audience staring at the washed-up wastrel’s bra.

     

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    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcx3FUarNiI
  • Change From £100k

    Change From £100k

    New contributor and classic cars enthusiast Theodora Ong covets roadsters with wings, curves and chrome at the London Classic Car Show 2020

    If you dashed over to this year’s London Classic Car Show (LCCS) at Olympia, you may soon be planning to sell-up your everyday new car, to snap up a new-old motor for weekend cruising instead. Those who do so, succumb to full-on sensory satisfaction. Throw caution to the wind about the hazards of our congested London-town, secure garaging, and knowing when your car attains hallowed historic status. Your newly acquired chrome-y classic soon becomes an all-consuming passion.

     

    From the £70 million worth of kaleidoscopic-coloured classic, vintage, prototype and magnificent marques at the LCCS, here’s The Steeple Times’ hotlist of top five pin-ups. They promise retro allure rather than just tarmac-burning brawn, as you glide up alongside your fellow road sharers at the lights. This is just your starters for inspiration.

     

    Change From £100k – London Classic Car Show 2020 – New contributor and classic cars enthusiast Theodora Ong covets roadsters with wings, curves and chrome at the London Classic Car Show 2020.

    No. 1 – 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster

    This Benz oozes a rogue-ish riviera chic. It is a somewhat understated evolution of the futuristic 300 SL gullwing. When launched in 1957 it was one of the most audacious and thrilling sports rides to be seen on the open road. This 1959 model from Hemmels is claimed to be the first ever sold to the UK and has clocked up only 36,000 miles. Expect these examples to be a desirable £1million+ buy.

     

    Change From £100k – London Classic Car Show 2020 – New contributor and classic cars enthusiast Theodora Ong covets roadsters with wings, curves and chrome at the London Classic Car Show 2020.

    No. 2 – 1933 MG J2

    Here is a flawless red pre-World War II MG that assures you are owning a slice of genuine history. Its story is detailed by previous owners, and it is listed in a host of publications and owner’s club articles. Sit inside and you immediately connect with the streamlined design.  It was clearly built to wrap round a gentleman driver (most MG drivers were back then). Dealer Graeme Hunt uses all its cars for sale to keep them running smoothly and offers this MG for £57,500.

     

    Change From £100k – London Classic Car Show 2020 – New contributor and classic cars enthusiast Theodora Ong covets roadsters with wings, curves and chrome at the London Classic Car Show 2020.

    No. 3 – 1954 Jaguar XK120

    This immaculately restored cat belongs to man of style David Gandy.  It’s been subject to 2,700 man-hours of rebuild to deliver a superlative road racer – and its story was a feature of the LCCS. Its 3.4-litre inline six-cylinder XK engine cuts it at 225bhp. Marvel at new interior design finishes commissioned by the owner. The modish patina of warm tobacco leather contrasts with the tough impenetrable black shell.

     

    Recently, a Ferrari 250 GTO gained the status of the highest priced vehicle ever sold at auction for £37.5m.  But if we’re setting our Steeple Times budget at a more modest £100K, then we’d choose to drive away the pair of sleek ’60 two-seaters that follow below in the forthcoming Coys auction sale at the LCCS.

     

    Change From £100k – London Classic Car Show 2020 – New contributor and classic cars enthusiast Theodora Ong covets roadsters with wings, curves and chrome at the London Classic Car Show 2020.

    No. 4 – 1965 Lancia Flaminia 3C GTL, estimate £70K – £90K

    Dramatically sleek yet solid, this Lancia has a 2.8-litre V6 engine fed by triple twin-choke Weber carburettors to deliver over 150bhp.  Drool over its distinctive Superleggera body [a build system which helps enable this innovative aluminium body shape]. Being fashioned slightly longer and 7cm taller than the GT model, means a more commanding ride. Only 300 were built. Consider these Lancias a snip alongside similar Astons and Maseratis.

     

    Change From £100k – London Classic Car Show 2020 – New contributor and classic cars enthusiast Theodora Ong covets roadsters with wings, curves and chrome at the London Classic Car Show 2020.

    No. 5 – 1963 Hillman Superminx Convertible, estimate £10K –£12K

    This friendly-faced retro-mobile claims just one owner from 1963 until 2017, as a company car for the HR manager at Harrods – there’s a clue in the Harrodian Car Club badge it bears. Today it’s all style and restraint. Back then, this more pumped out Superminx convertible was ritzy one-upmanship over the standard Minx on the neighbour’s drive.

     

    Change From £100k – London Classic Car Show 2020 – New contributor and classic cars enthusiast Theodora Ong covets roadsters with wings, curves and chrome at the London Classic Car Show 2020.

    And what would we do with our change from £100K? 

    Splash out on luxe accessories. We’re eyeing up some British ’20s silver hip flasks across town at the Pullman Gallery. One is crafted in the shape of a car radiator; another like a mini petrol can. That’s for your destination drinking of course.

     

    The London Classic Car Show at Olympia 20th to 23rd February 2020.

     

    Missed it?  Then diary these, coming up:

     

    Historics Auctioneers sale – 7th March 2020 at Ascot Racecourse.

     

    Coys auction sale – 25th April 2020 at Chiswick House.

     

    Duke of London –  Once a month on Sundays, its Classics & Cakes meetings are an ever-dynamic line of surprise classics rolling in.

     

    Theodora Ong is an alcohol and bars consultant. At weekends, she’s often dry so she can retro-cruise around West London.

     

    Photo credits: London Classic Car Show, Coys, Pullman Gallery.

     

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  • SchofieldLite

    SchofieldLite

    ‘Politicalite’ suggest Phillip Schofield orchestrated his ‘mass coming out’ after a former ‘This Morning’ runner had gone to the press about a supposed relationship whilst he was a teenager

    Phillip Schofield has truly milked his ‘coming out.’ Criticised yesterday by Matthew Parris in The Times for behaving badly towards other gay men in hiding his true identity until now, the This Morning presenter’s alleged ‘real reason’ for revealing his sexuality is now under question.

     

    Featured in Politicalite on Monday was a story that claimed 57-year-old Schofield had allegedly had an affair with a former runner on the show named Matt McGreevy.

     

    McGreevy, they reported, in 2014 and then aged 18, “got a taste for television” after spending the day at ITV’s London Studios with the well-known for being angry presenter. The two had interacted first in 2011 (when McGreevy was 15) on Twitter, but now Politicalite report:

     

    “Schofield is alleged to have been having the affair with the runner and he was said to have been ‘furious’ that Schofe had apparently ‘’f**ked him over,’ and he was reportedly going to the press.”

     

    “McGreevy was also said to have had a ‘close working relationship’’ with Schofe, but after they had a ‘bust up’ with McGreevy left This Morning to work on rival show Loose Women.’

     

    McGreevy’s Twitter account has subsequently been suspended for “violat[ing] the Twitter rules.”

     

    Phillip Schofield has neither denied or admitted the claims.

     

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    SchofieldLite – Phillip Schofield and Matt McGreevy – ‘Politicalite’ suggest Phillip Schofield orchestrated his ‘mass coming out’ after a former ‘This Morning’ runner had gone to the press about a supposed relationship whilst he was a teenager.
    Proof that they met more than once – Phillip Schofield and Matt McGreevy in a café.
    SchofieldLite – Phillip Schofield and Matt McGreevy – ‘Politicalite’ suggest Phillip Schofield orchestrated his ‘mass coming out’ after a former ‘This Morning’ runner had gone to the press about a supposed relationship whilst he was a teenager.
    McGreevy pictured on the set of ‘This Morning’ with a child.
    SchofieldLite – Phillip Schofield and Matt McGreevy – ‘Politicalite’ suggest Phillip Schofield orchestrated his ‘mass coming out’ after a former ‘This Morning’ runner had gone to the press about a supposed relationship whilst he was a teenager.
    Schofield and McGreevy enjoying themselves on a sofa on another occasion.
    SchofieldLite – Phillip Schofield and Matt McGreevy – ‘Politicalite’ suggest Phillip Schofield orchestrated his ‘mass coming out’ after a former ‘This Morning’ runner had gone to the press about a supposed relationship whilst he was a teenager.
    Matt McGreevy’s Twitter account is now suspended for “rule violation.”
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGuoqjTg1O8
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L4aJWdPyUM
  • Terrorising Theresa

    Terrorising Theresa

    This morning’s incident at Westminster should act as a reminder that Theresa May’s cuts to policing are utterly wrong and should be reversed

     

    Whatever occurred this morning in Westminster provides proof of one thing for certain and that is that the Metropolitan Police acted quickly and with the upmost efficiency.

     

    Whether a terrorist attack or something less sinister, that the 20-something year old driver of a Ford Fiesta whose vehicle smashed into cyclists and a security barrier thankfully caused no deaths is to be celebrated.

     

    What, however, ought to be remembered is that policing in the capital is now incredibly under-resourced thanks to Theresa May’s decisions in her previous role as Home Secretary. In 2010, there were 149 police stations in London; by 2020 there will shamefully be just 32.

     

    Matthew Steeples, editor-in-chief of The Steeple Times, comments:

     

    “In my own dealings with the police – with regard to individuals using social media to abuse myself and others amongst other things – I’ve encountered many officers. Off the record, all have shared their frustrations at cuts to office numbers and places where the public can report crime.”

     

    “With an increased threat to public safety, Mrs May must now reverse her terrible decision. This country was lucky this morning but they may not be next time. We need more bobbies on the beat and we need them now.”

     

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