Tag Archives: Swansea

Kingsley Amis's old house in The Grove, Uplands
Dawsons, Kingsley Amis, Sales, Uplands

Dawsons to put Kingsley Amis’s blue plaque house on the market

The Swansea house where writer Kingsley Amis wrote his world-renowned novel Lucky Jim is going up for sale.

The house, which has a blue plaque outside with Amis’s name on, is in The Grove in Uplands and is due to go on the market for £259,999 with Dawsons Property.

Amis lived in the house between 1951 and 1956 during which time he was a lecturer at Swansea University. Lucky Jim was published in 1954. In total Amis was a lecturer at the University for 12 years until 1961.

Amis said that his days in Swansea were among his happiest and referred to Swansea as: “a place of earth I know best, better than any part of London and the place I feel most at home in.”

The blue plaque on The Grove, Uplands
The blue plaque on The Grove, Uplands

The house is currently owned by retired teacher Paul Thomas and his head teacher wife Kerry.

Mr Thomas said: “The fact that Kingsley Amis once lived in here was definitely one of the selling points.”

The blue plaque was unveiled at the front of the house, commemorating Amis’s time there in 2015. Amis also wrote That Uncertain Feeling while at The Grove which was turned into a Swansea-set movie starring Peter Sellers.

The property comprises of three reception rooms, kitchen and utility room with WC to the ground floor. To the first and second floors there are five bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Dawsons’ Senior Partner Chris Hope said: “This is an exceptional chance to own a house with a lot of history. It’s not very often that properties come on the market adorning a blue plaque. I expect it to be a sought-after property.

“Kingsley Amis is one of the UK’s literary giants and the fact that the house is in Uplands, not far from where Dylan Thomas was born in Cwmdonkin Drive, just goes to show the cultural history Swansea has to offer.”

Dawsons represented at Swans DSA Christmas party
Charitable Events, Charity, Community

Dawsons delighted to be part of Swans players’ surprise for DSA members at Christmas Party

Dawsons were proud to be represented when the Disabled Supporters’ Association (DSA) were treated to special guest appearances from Tammy Abraham, Swans Ladies star Emma Beynon and DSA ambassador Lee Trundle at their annual Christmas party.

The guests took part in games, a Q&A session and sang Christmas carols before meeting DSA members at a party held in the Liberty Stadium.

“Dawsons has sponsored the DSA members throughout 2017 and we were delighted to be part of the surprise event,” said Leon Atolagbe, Dawsons Residential Lettings Office Manager.

Launched in 2013, the DSA is continually growing. With 75 members at present, the DSA aims to offer inclusivity to Swans supporters, whilst bringing families and friends together.

The DSA intends to improve facilities and policies that affect the disabled supporters, putting the views of the association to the club and other bodies.

The DSA is looking to build on its foundations and develop an even stronger relationship with Swansea City. All Swansea City disabled supporters are welcome to join, and this includes their family, friends and PAs.

CAPTION: Leon Atolagbe (with red tie at the back) is pictured with DSA members and guests

Dawsons supporting the City of Culture 2021 bid
Dawsons, Lettings, Sales

Dawsons backs Swansea’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2021

Dawsons estate agent is delighted to announce it is backing Swansea’s campaign to become UK City of Culture 2021.

Swansea is one of the five shortlisted cities for the UK City of Culture 2021 title, along with Coventry, Paisley, Sunderland and Stoke-on-Trent.

If successful, it will bring significant social and economic benefits to Swansea and the region. The current UK City of Culture, Hull, is estimated to enjoy an economic boost of at least £60 million whilst already having seen a £1billion boost in investment since being announced the winner of the title. We want Swansea to enjoy the same benefits or greater.

Dawsons is in full support of the bid and is calling on its clients and staff to join them in backing the bid. They are also backed in their support of 2021 by the companies they have joined up with on their newly-launched rewards card scheme.

The Dawsons card can be used in local companies such as: Exall & Jones, The Yankee Shop & Candles & Co., The Optimist, 57 Barbers, Mr Jones of Mumbles, ND John Wine Merchants, Café Play, The Rose Indianne, and The Clothes Clinic and many others soon to be confirmed.

Chris Hope, Senior Partner at Dawsons, said: “As a local Swansea-based company we would be delighted if we were to receive the UK City of Culture 2021 title as it would mean so much for the local economy bringing trade and tourism to our much-loved city.

“Whilst we have been working alongside other local companies in recent months with the launch of our reward card for all staff and customers providing discounts in local businesses, we have also collectively supported the bid with several joint promotional campaigns.”

The Swansea 2021 bid team includes Swansea Council, Welsh Government, Swansea University, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Health Authority, Museums Wales, Tidal Lagoon, creative professionals, businesses and arts and cultural leaders. All are working together to ensure the outcomes in the Swansea bid for the Swansea people and economy are as strong as possible.

Leader of Swansea Council, Councillor Rob Stewart, said: “We are delighted to have Dawsons backing our bid for UK City of Culture 2021. We’re working hard to secure this status and its benefits for the city and region so having this type of support is vital.

“Winning UK City of Culture would be a fantastic opportunity for Swansea which would benefit everyone in the city. Hull’s UK City of Culture 2017 status has already seen a £1billion boost investment in the city – alongside pride, new jobs and improved reputation. This really does have the ability to transform Swansea forever.

“We need to show the judging panel that we need it, we want it and we can deliver it. Having the support of the city shows that, so we are urging everyone to get behind us by backing the bid.”

CAPTION: Jenny White, Channel Communications (Dawsons’ PR company), Nicola Greene, Fine & Country, Andrea Davies, Mumbles sales, Beth Evans, Fine & Country, Lauren Peschmann, Mumbles lettings, Naomi Webborn, Dawsons lettings coordinator, Catherine Williams, Candles & Co. and The Yankee Shop, and Jamie White, Channel Communications.

 

Screen Shot 2017-11-21 at 10.47.24
Dawsons, Fine & Country

Customer satisfaction of Fine & Country outlets close to 100%

Fine & Country, of which Dawsons, Swansea, is an outlet, says it has a customer satisfaction rate which is up by almost 1% to nearly 99%.

Property Industry Eye is reporting that almost all (98.96%) of people surveyed who had used Fine & Country in the past would recommend their services to family and friends.

It has also increased its target audience brand awareness to 47.79%, a rise of 8% since April 2016.

Word of mouth also showed up as a powerful tool for the company, with 23% of respondents hearing about Fine & Country from family and friends.

Tom Hope of Fine & Country, Swansea completely supports the recent survey findings.

“Selling clients who look for the highest quality of property marketing and customer service, realise after a conversation with F&C, that there is no better company who can put together ‘local knowledge and expertise’ along with a proven UK and international specific marketing approach, to reach the widest audience,” said Tom.

“There is no better offering than being the ‘go to person’ when looking for that special and specific home, whether selling or buying.

“The vast majority of our clients instruct F&C as we are known as agents who market ‘individual’ properties and attract buyers who are looking for something very special.”

The new results mean that almost half of Fine & Country’s demographic is now aware of the brand.

The survey also shows that 87% of people who invited the agency to value their home chose to instruct Fine & Country.

The rise in brand awareness comes after a year of advertising on multi-channel platforms, including in print, online and TV.

The brand regularly advertises agents’ properties in national newspapers including The Times, Sunday Times and Telegraph.

The survey was run on SurveyMonkey and targeted adults aged over 35 who are in Fine & Country’s target demographic of home owners who earn over £50,000.

Ricky Purdy and Chris Hope on the Swansea Bay TV sofa
Dawsons, Landlords, Lettings, Reward Card, Sales

Dawsons’ Chris and Ricky feature on Swansea Bay TV

Dawsons pair Chris Hope (Senior Partner) and Ricky Purdy (Director of Lettings) enjoyed their time on the Swansea Bay TV sofa today talking about the esate agent’s client and staff reward card.

So far Dawsons has joined up with a wide variety of well known local Swansea firms including Exall &Jones, The Yankee Shop; Candles & Co., The Optimist, 57 Barbers, Mr Jones of Mumbles, ND John Wine Merchants, Café Play, The Rose Indianne, and The Clothes Clinic and many others soon to be confirmed.

Chris features on the whole show, while Chris and Ricky are both on in part two talking about the reward card.

Relocation Agent Network
Awards, Relocation, Sales, Staff, Swansea

Dawsons delighted to be shortlisted for Relocation Agent Network award

Dawsons is pleased to announce they have been shortlisted by Relocation Agent Network, a national network of selected estate agents, for the 2017 Best Agent South Wales Region Award.

The winner will be announced at a gala awards dinner held at London’s Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, on Friday, November 17 hosted by comedian and TV presenter Sue Perkins.

Dawsons’ Senior Partner Chris Hope said: “We are so proud to be shortlisted for this year’s Relocation Agent Network’s Best Agent Regional Award. It really does highlight the effort, commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by our team here at Dawsons.”

Relocation Agent Network’s 2017 Best Agent South Wales Region Award is an annual prize for the agent that has consistently made the best overall contribution to the Network throughout the year and offers nominees the chance to become the Network’s ‘Best Network Agent in the South Wales Region’.

To reach this stage of the award programme, agents must demonstrate excellent customer service, innovative business initiatives and a commitment to the Relocation Agent Network principles.

Richard Tucker, Relocation Agent Network’s Managing Director said: “Our Best Agent Regional Awards recognise those agents that go above and beyond when it comes to customer service and business innovation and network participation. Congratulations to Dawsons for their well-deserved nomination.”

 

Swans legend Alan Curtis helps Dawsons football boot campaign
Charitable Events, Community, Dawsons

Swans legend involved in Dawsons’ campaign to donate football boots to Africa

Swansea City legend Alan Curtis is among scores of generous people who have donated unwanted boots to an African football academy.

Dawsons estate agent was among the main sponsors of this year’s inaugural Burry Port Raft Race, an event organised by Isabel and Craig Goodman to raise funds for the Burry Port RNLI and the Afia Banjul Children’s Football Academy in Gambia.

Further to the success of the raft race the organisers asked if Dawsons was able to collect any unwanted football boots, trainers or togs, and any kit for the Afia Banjul academy.

Dawsons were kindly donated buckets from another Swansea company: Exall & Jones, to collect boots in all of the sales and lettings offices throughout August.

“After having such a great day at the raft race raising funds for both the Burry Port RNLI and the Afia Banjul Children’s football academy it is great to continue our involvement in the fundraising,” said Dawsons Senior Partner Chris Hope.

“And it’s equally as great to see such amazing follow-up support after receiving the request for kit from the football academy by our staff, customers and contractors alike which included some donations from some well-known local faces such as Alan Curtis and Richie Pugh (Rugby Wales Sevens), and we look forward to seeing our donations arrive where they are much needed.”

Isabel said: “We are so grateful for this donation and it will now be shipped out to Gambia asap. The football academy is extremely grateful for all they receive, and are always needing new kit so if you anyone has any donations please feel free to drop them to Dawsons who can of course still pass them on.”

CAPTION: Swansea City legend Alan Curtis with some of the football boots being donated to Afia Banjul Children’s Football Academy in Gambia

 

2 Pen y Waun Cottages, Felindre
Dawsons, Sales

Dawsons delighted to present a true one-off property

It’s not often a property as unique and charming as 2 Pen y Waun cottages comes onto the market. Jenny White paid a visit.

It’s hard to believe a home as tranquil and picturesque as 2 Pen y Waun Cottages could exist just a mile and a half from the M4 and a short drive from Swansea City Centre and other key locations including Morriston Hospital and Swansea University’s Bay Campus.

Set in pretty Felindre, the house has the added benefit of stunning reservoir walks nearby and a pub in the village – yet it feels as though it exists in its own rural idyll, with green fields all around, a pond and nearly an acre of gardens.

Sian O’Neill and her husband Hugh have helped raise ten grandchildren here, and it’s been a wonderful place for the children to play and explore. The house itself was originally a barn for the adjoining farmhouse and later became a row of miners’ cottages, before being converted into the four-bedroom family home it is today.

“It’s a wonderful home as it is but, there is potential to do so much with it,” says Sian. “We have space to add more bedrooms, and it could quite easily be converted into two properties, or into a B&B.”

In its present form, the house is a spacious and truly characterful family home that combines the charm of a cottage with the all luxury of space. From the large, light entrance hall to the vast main lounge, it really allows space to spread out and unwind. It’s also wonderful for entertaining.

“We’ve had some great parties here,” says Sian. “We can easily feed 15 in the lounge, and the garden makes it easy to hold bigger gatherings: we had our wedding reception here and Hugh, who was a member of Morriston Orpheus Choir, has hosted choir barbeques here. We have a lot of land for parking and in the evening it’s lovely to sit people around fires in the garden.”

Another huge bonus is that the property is so tranquil. A tall hedge separates it from the neighbouring house, meaning you feel entirely secluded, and the garden backs onto green fields.

“We’ve really enjoyed the peace and quiet,” says Sian. “We’ve also loved that it is such an interesting house – it has a lovely interior.”

The accommodation is highly flexible: as Hugh now has difficulty getting around, he has his own ground floor room and bathroom, and the first floor has a long walk-in attic running alongside the hallway which could easily be converted to add more bedrooms.

After spending a quarter of a century there, Sian and Hugh will be sad to leave, but the need to be closer to family is forcing the move.

“It’s been a perfect place to live, and I think it will appeal to a lot of people, from a multigenerational family to someone who wants to develop it or turn it into a business,” says Sian. “The lovely thing about it is that you have all the benefit and seclusion of living in the country but you have the city and excellent transport links nearby.”

Leon Atolagbe, Dawsons Senior Negotiator. talking to new landlords at an open evening at the Marina Office
Dawsons, Lettings

Dawsons hosts successful open evening to welcome new landords

Dawsons has held a very successful open evening at their Marina Office to welcome new landlords.

Dawsons acquired Marina & SA1 properties in mid-June, and it seems the landlords and tenants alike have taken to this merger with ease.

“It has been a very smooth transition for all involved and we have very much enjoyed meeting our new customer base in recent weeks both by phone, email and face-to-face in our office,” said Ricky Purdy, Dawsons Director of Lettings.

“Our most recent event saw our newly-acquired landlords relaxing and enjoying a nice glass of Pimms with nibbles, and catching up with Irene, who has joined us in the merger with Marina & SA1 properties, and also meeting our well established rental team.

“It was a very busy evening, full of positive discussions on how Dawsons will continue to manage the landlords’ properties with the great customer service they had previously received.

“Along with that there are some extra benefits which include: access to a wider scope of contractors, our links nationwide with other well established agents and our technical reporting system providing the landlords with online property visit reports, giving them the ability to see the internal condition of their property throughout the tenancy.”

Dawsons Senior Lettings staff member Leon was there to welcome all Dawsons’ guests and talk them through all aspects of the transition in management.

Also on hand was Legionella Risk Assessor Ian who was able to answer any questions regarding the recent need for risk assessments of property water supplies.  Dawsons’ Marina office senior administrator Laura was able to assist some landlords with any Rent Smart Wales queries.

Added Ricky: “Our staff in the newly merged Marina office have worked extremely well together throughout the coalition of both companies and look forward to the future as one even bigger team with even greater experience and property knowledge to boot.”