Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens March 2022

The water feature at Courtyard Gardens has an industrial finish, in recognition of the gas holder that once sat on the site for over 50 years. To see how the site once looked go back to the beginning of these blogs to January 2018.

Welcome to Blog number 27 about my March visit to Courtyard Gardens here in Oxted, built on the former gasholder site now called Eden Place.

This blog forms part of a series of ongoing updates visually documenting the process from the demolition of the gasholder, which started in January 2019, right through to the completion this month, of 111 high-end one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses by St William, part of the Berkeley Group .

A model of the development at Robert Leech Estate Agents on Station Road East, Oxted, just opposite Eden Place – the new name of the road Courtyard Gardens sits in.

Block A on the right with Block B adjoining back centre and Block C on the left. Block A is Atkinson House, Block B is Beecham House and Block C is Hardwick House.

The photographs in the galleries below are each captioned top left – if viewing on a smartphone they may only be visible in landscape format.

Read on to find out more…

The gasholder taken on 5 March 2018

Same view taken 9 March 2022 - Hardwick House (Block C)

Hardwick House - Block C completed. The car park entrance on the right of the front door is to Beecham House - Block B car park.

The steps from the entrance up to the gardens and Beecham House- Block B front door.

The pathway between Blocks C (left) and Block B (right).

Beecham House - Block B

Hardwick House - Block C.

The pathway between Beecham House - Block B on the left and Hardwick House - Block C on the right looking towards Atkinson House - Block A.

A view of where the office cabins once sat, next to Hardwick House - Block C.

The side of Hardwick House - Block C.

The car park beneath Block C Harwick House with bicycle stand.

A view from an apartment in Hardwick House - Block C.

A finished kitchen in Harwick House - Block C.

A finished bathroom in Hardwick House - Block C.

The car park for Beecham House Block B is accessed to the right of Hardwick House - Block C’s front door.

Car Park Block B

A finished penthouse terrace.

The life in Hardwick House - Block C.

A corridor in Hardwick House - Block C.

The finished entrance hall in Hardwick House - Block C.

Photograph taken 17 August 2020 the same viewpoint as below

Photograph taken 9 March 2022 the same view point as above

I hope you have enjoyed following the progress from start to finish of Courtyard Garden (Eden Place) here in Oxted?

It has been a real honour and education to have been given access to document to process for posterity.

All of the images taken are held within my personal archive, please do get in touch if you would like to know more.

To read the blog from January 2022 please click here.

To read previous blogs these can be found towards the bottom of the main blog page under ‘Featured’ blogs – this includes all 26 previous blogs in consecutive order.

For further information about Courtyard Gardens please follow this link to the Berkeley Group St William website.

More information here on the Robert Leech website too. There are a few remaining apartments in Block C, Hardwick House if you are looking to make a purchase.

Thank you

Stella

The Power of Women on International Women's Day 2022

March 8th is International Women’s Day, in recognition of all the powerful women out there this blog is dedicated to you.

I’d like to showcase a few iconic women I have photographed recently in chronological order. I am always fascinated by the people I photograph and curious to learn more about them so I can capture them off guard and true to themselves.

Here are six of the best, read on to find out more…

Helena Bakunowicz from The Investment Boutique

Helena Bakunowicz photographed for Aspire Magazine – published on 8th March 2022 in recognition of the achievements of women in society, economics, culture and politics.

I first met Helena Bakunowicz ten years ago when she was in her early twenties. I was commissioned to take photographs to reflect the town where she worked to feature on the company website.

Her story is inspirational – I always look forward to revisiting her to hear how things have evolved and was delighted when she asked me to photograph her at the end of last year for a feature in Aspire Magazine published by Raymond James.

Below is part of the copy from the feature published on Internation Women’s Day 2022:

Helena participated in a graduate trainee program with a large private-client investment manager in London, acquiring on-the-job training as well as the necessary certifications to be a wealth manager in the United Kingdom. She worked hard to earn the trust of clients who often were much older.

Within just six years, she rose to assistant director. Then, recognizing an industry trend toward standardization – a course she did not consider right for the complex needs of her high-net-worth clients – she made a bold move.

She became an entrepreneur. At 28.

Helena launched The Investment Boutique in Oxted, Surrey and, with a like-minded partner, chose to work with Raymond James Investment Services (RJIS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Raymond James operating in the United Kingdom. Bakunowicz embraced the firm’s commitment to helping advisors run their businesses as they see fit.

Sarah Hardman during a coaching session to empower others to achieve their full potential.

Sarah Hardman has been a friend for many years and is very intuitive to the needs of others, even before they may care to know it themselves. Over time she used her intuition to evolve and created a coaching business to help others discover and trust themselves to feel in tune with their own desires and capabilities.

This how Sarah describes just what she does:

What lights me up is working with people to enable them to make the most of their unique “bag of tricks”, to tap into their natural resourcefulness and resilience and to stretch beyond previously perceived limits. I believe that leadership starts from within – we are all leaders in our own lives (whether we hold a “leadership” role or not) and so that’s where the work begins. As human beings we have a remarkable ability to get in our own way – my coaching approach involves holding the mirror up to the thought patterns and behaviours that may no longer be serving us, with kindness and without judgement, so that people can bring the best of themselves to their work and lives.

Tatiana Caulderón during a test drive at the British Grand Prix 2019

Tatiana Caulderón during an interview for a TV Series called ‘Chasing the Dream’ a behind-the-scenes series about the Formula Two drivers’ ambition to succeed.

Tatiana Cauderón is a Colombian racing driver who began racing at the age of nine and was the first woman to win national karting championships in either Colombia or the United States. I had the pleasure of photographing her at the 2019 British Grand Prix during the filming of the first series of an F1 TV program called ‘Chasing the Dream’ about the focus and determination the young drivers have to achieve success as racing drivers. Tatiana was the first woman to race in the Formula Two Championship.

Most recently taking part in Super Formula Championship and for Richard Mille Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Tatiana is a role model for all young women wanting to take up the sport of motor racing at a high level. She was a pleasure to photograph, wishing her every success in the future.

Neggin Heidari-Robinson at her Oxted surgery called Pipers Dental Practice.

This is Neggin Heidari-Robinson. I have been photographing Neggin for a few years now with her husband and adorable young boys. The first time I met her for a photo-shoot with her family in the woodlands, she was carrying a huge bunch of keys, and I asked what they were for. Neggin explained she owns two dental practices. She is an inspiration and works tirelessly looking after her patients and young family with the support of her husband. She never ceases to amaze me with the number of things she can do in one day!

She qualified from Kings College London in 2010 and subsequently worked as a senior house officer in Paediatric and Maxillofacial Surgery in King’s College and Kent and Canterbury Hospitals.

Neggin has completed the Royal College of Surgeons’ course in implant dentistry and, for six years, taught students at Kings and Guys in oral surgery. She has also published work on the interpretation of X-rays in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Neggin has experience in all aspects of general surgery, with a special interest in implants and endodontics (root canals). She has run her own practice, Pipers in Oxted, since 2012.

Claire Williams during a test pit stop tyre change at the British Grand Prix 2018

Claire Williams during a press conference at the British Grand Prix 2018

Claire Williams is a British motorsport executive who is the former deputy team principal of the Williams Formula One racing team. With her father, the late Sir Frank Williams at the helm.

In Formula One’s 70 year history Clair is only the second women to hold the deputy team principal title.

But female representation in the sport could soon see a sharp improvement. This year sees the all-female W Series partner with F1 to promote women’s involvement in motorsport.

I had the pleasure of photographing Claire during a commission working with the William’s racing team at the British Grand Prix in 2018.

Claire is a pioneer for more women in Formula One through the W Series:

“I really believe that if you are going to see more women in Formula One then you need more women exposed in F1 doing what they’re doing”, said Claire. “If other girls don’t see women doing those jobs they’re going to think that either it is not a welcoming environment, or they can’t do it, or I don’t want to work with a whole load of blokes and be the only girl in the room.”

I’m sure more young women are taking the opportunity to venture into the world of motorsport so we can witness the change.

And finally, but by no means least, my Mum!

Without whom I would not be here. She passed away in January 2021 at the age of 89. It’s only now in retrospect that I can truly appreciate how strong, resilient, self-less and creative she truly, truly was.

Thanks for taking the time to read this blog. I’m looking forward to meeting and photographing many more of you in the days, months, and years to come.

In support of all women, happy International Women’s Day!

Stella

SMS Creative Photography Celebrates Twenty-Five Years

Shop front from February 1997 - 83 Station Road East, Oxted, Surrey. The lettering, by a local master craftsman, was created by hand direct to the perspex.

SMS Creative Photography was born on Monday 10th February 1997 at number 83 Station Road East, Oxted!

That makes it 25 years ago - a quarter of a century! So much has changed and happened since then – notably the evolution of photography and the introduction of digital photography for the masses. We went fully digital in 2005 and have embraced the changes ever since.

In August 2019 after 23 years on the high street, I moved away to work remotely embracing opportunities to photograph nationwide and overseas, as well as keeping a firm foothold in Oxted where I live and run the business from.

Thank you so much for all your support over the years, I could not have come this far without you. It has given me so much joy and pleasure to be able to create a business from something I just love – namely photographing people and the things they love and value. Such as their family, home & garden, business premises, headshots and so, so much more.

In 2012 I was commissioned to photograph a comprehensive classic and supercar collection to create provenance and a lasting memory for the owner to mark a special birthday. This commission led me into the automotive world, including photographing Formula One behind the scenes at the British Grand Prix.

As a result of this, in 2013 I created a new brand within SMS Creative Photography called ‘Stella – Lifestyle and Automotive Photography’. To see images from various automotive events including Formula One take a look at the website - stellascordellis.com

Seven times World Champion Lewis Hamilton at the British Grand Prix 2018 with fans during signing autographs.

It gives me even more pleasure to reconnect with so many of you to update your photographs from the very early days. Our ‘Then & Now’ page, on the SMS Creative Photography website, shows the passing of time – you can find it here.

If this idea appeals to you and you would like to recreate a picture from one that I have taken years ago, then please do get in touch – I’d love to hear from you!

Mother and son when he was six years old.

The same mother and son when he was 18 years old.

I continue to photograph portraits, family photo-shoots and celebrations, business headshots, and much more – feel free to explore the website.

Before you do this, I just want to let you know that I have been working on a personal project for posterity since January 2019, photographing the demolition of the gas holder that once sat in Oxted town for over 50 years.

There is a new housing development, nearing completion, on the site – built by St William part of the Berkeley Group. You can see and read the blogs I have written about the process from start to almost finished here – scroll to the bottom of the page under ‘Featured’ - there are 26 blogs so far in total with a couple more to follow to complete the journey due for completion at the end of March 2022.

The demolition process started in January 2019.

The site was ready for the foundations to start in March 2019

There are 111 apartments in three blocks due for completion March 2022

Thank you for your custom and support. I look forward to seeing you again soon.

If you have a project in mind, or just to say hello, feel free to get in touch:-

either on 0777 181 0105 or 01883 722282 or email info@smscreativephotography.co.uk

I’ll leave you with a gallery of a few images from the early days - can you spot yourself?

With many thanks

Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens January 2022

Welcome to Courtyard Gardens - Oxted

Welcome to blog number 26 about my January site visit to Courtyard Gardens in Oxted – built on the former gasholder site.

This blog forms part of a series of ongoing updates visually documenting the process from the demolition of the gasholder in January 2019, right through to the completion of 111 high-end one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses by St William, part of the Berkeley Group.

Blocks A and B are now complete with Block C – the final part, due for completion March 2022.

A model of the development at Robert Leech Estate Agents on Station Road East, Oxted, just opposite Eden Place – the new name of the road Courtyard Gardens sits in.

Block A on the right with Block B adjoining back centre and Block C on the left. Block A is Atkinson House, Block B is Beecham House and Block C is Hardwick House.

The photographs in the galleries with more than two pictures below are each captioned top left – if viewing on a smartphone they may only be visible in landscape format.

Read on to find out more…

The area where the letter boxes will be in Block C Hardwick House. Taken 6 October 2021

The finished letter boxes – all 49 of them. Taken 27 January 2022

There are 41 apartments in Block A – 21 apartments in Block B and 49 apartments in Block C – including seven penthouses – two each in Blocks B & C and three in Block A.

The photographs featured in this blog were taken on 27 January 2022 showing the progress to date.

THEN & NOW

The top photograph taken on 2nd May 2019 from behind the flats in Station Road East. Below the trees and fence in the centre you can see the outline of where the gas holder once sat.

The bottom photograph is the same viewpoint on 27th January 2022.

Block C Hardwick House stands resplendently without any scaffolding and nearing completion.

A view from a penthouse apartment in Block C looking over to Block A and the entrance to Courtyard Gardens for Blocks A & B.

A view from one of the penthouse apartments towards the North Downs and Station Road East behind the shops.

A terrace on one of the penthouse apartments Block C.

A view from a penthouse apartment terrace in Block C looking towards the top of Snatts Hill. The spire from St Michaels can be seen from above the trees centre-right.

Looking down onto a terrace in Block B from a penthouse in Block C.

A view from a penthosue in Block C towards the North Downs.

A terrace from one of the two penthouses in Block C.

A spacious terrace in one of the two penthouses in Block C.

Another spectacular view from a penthouse terrace in Block C with the North Downs clear to see.

The terrace of a penthouse in Block C.

The entrance to Courtyard Gardens from Station Road East, Oxted.

On the day of my visit the apartments in Block C were nearing completion and the gardens almost planted and ready for Spring time. There was a lovely waft from a sweet-smelling shrub as I wandered through the gardens. It does look and feel like a wonderful place to live.

The office cabins that once sat next to Block C and behind Block B have been taken down making way for landscaping and the finishing of the gardens.

A view from an apartment terrace in Block C looking towards Blocks A & B.

A kitchen in Block C.

A bathroom in Block C.

A bathroom in Block C.

A kitchen in Block C.

The water feature at the entrance to Courtyard Gardens depicts the finish of the gas holder that previously stood on this site.

The entrance to Courtyard Gardens from Station Road East inbetween Starbucks and Gloss Hair Spa.

A view from a penthouse looking out to the terrace Block C.

Block C as you enter through the gates of Courtyard Gardens.

Externally Block C is complete and is accessed by cars via a separate car park entrance from Johnsdale.

Eden Place – the name of the road Courtyard Gardens is located.

I hope you are enjoying seeing and learning about the progress of the development as much as I am?

All of the images taken are held within my personal archive for posterity, please do get in touch if you would like to know more.

To read the blog from November 2021 please click here.

To read previous blogs, these can be found towards the bottom of the main blog page under ‘Featured’ blogs – this includes all 25 previous gasholder blogs.

For further information about Courtyard Gardens please follow this link to the Berkeley Group St William website.

More information here on the Robert Leech website too. The last few remaining apartments in Block C, Hardwick House are well worth looking at.

Looking forward to going back in the next few weeks to photograph the progress as we edge closer to completion.

Thank you

Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens November 2021

The car park entrance to Block C - Hardwick House Courtyard Gardens.

Welcome to blog number 25 about my November site visit to Courtyard Gardens in Oxted – built on the former gasholder site.

This blog forms part of a series of ongoing updates visually documenting the process from the demolition of the gasholder in January 2019, right through to the completion of 111 high-end one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses by St William, part of the Berkeley Group.

Blocks A and B are now complete! Project completion due January 2022.

A model of the development at Robert Leech Estate Agents on Station Road East, Oxted – just opposite the development.

Block C – Hardwick House top centre and right, with Block B – Beecham House on the left , adjoining this back left Block A – Atkinson House.

There are 41 apartments in Block A – 21 apartments in Block B and 49 apartments in Block C – including seven penthouses – two each in Blocks B & C and three in Block A.

The photographs featured in this blog were taken on 23 November 2021 showing the progress to date.

The photographs in the galleries below are each captioned top left – if viewing on a smartphone they may only be visible in landscape format.

Read on to find out more…

Before and after – on the left photographed on 29 August 2018 and on the right on 23 November 2021. A view from Station East opposite the entrance to Courtyard Gardens.

The landscaped gardens between Block B and C.

A view from a penthouse terrace.

View from a penthouse terrace.

Right of centre you can see the spire from what was St Michael’s School and now apartments.

The water feature under construction.

Benches to rest and take time out.

On the day I visited the majority of the brick work on Block C was complete with the hoist and silo now removed. With decorations continuing within the apartments terraces and balconies. Landscaping continues and permanent seating benches in place. The water feature is nearing completion.

A view from a penthouse in Block C towards the North Downs

A view from a penthouse towards Johnsdale on the right.

A view from a penthouse Block C overlooking the North Downs.

A kitchen in an apartment in Block C.

View from a balcony in Block C.

Utility room Block C.

Stairwell Block C.

Working outside Block C.

A view from behind the flats on Station Road East during the demolition process photographed on 27 March 2019

The same view point as above showing Block C – Hardwick House photographed on 23 November 2021.

Corridor Block C.

Living room kitchen Block C.

A kitchen Block C.

A view from a balcony Block C.

Ensuite shower room.

A reflection of me in a wardrobe mirror.

An apartment hallway Block C.

An apartment kitchen Block C.

Entrance to Block B car park.

Sign above the pedestrian entrance to Block C.

The side of Block C with Block B to the left.

Block C with blocks B & C behind.

I hope you are enjoying seeing and learning about the progress of the development as much as I am.

All of the images taken are held within my personal archive for posterity, please do get in touch if you would like to know more.

To read the blog from October 2021 please click here.

To read previous blogs, these can be found towards the bottom of the main blog page under ‘Featured’ blogs – this includes all 24 previous gasholder blogs.

For further information about Courtyard Gardens please follow this link to the Berkeley Group St William website.

More information here on the Robert Leech website too.

Looking forward to going back for the final weeks as we edge closer to completion.

Thank you

Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens October 2021

Welcome to blog number 24 about my October site visit to Courtyard Gardens in Oxted – built on the former gasholder site.

This blog forms part of a series of ongoing updates visually documenting the process from the demolition of the gasholder in January 2019, right through to the completion of 111 high-end one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses by St William, part of the Berkeley Group.

Block A and B are now complete! Project completion due January 2022.

A model of the development at Robert Leech Estate Agents on Station Road East, Oxted, just opposite the site.

Block A in the foreground with Block B adjoining back centre with Block C back left. Block A is Atkinson House, Block B is Beecham House and Block C is Hardwick House.

There are 41 apartments in Block A – 21 apartments in Block B and 49 apartments in Block C – including seven penthouses – two each in Blocks B & C and three in Block A.

The photographs featured in this blog were taken on 6 October 2021 showing the progress to date.

The photographs in the galleries below are each captioned top left – if viewing on a smartphone they may only be visible in landscape format.

Read on to find out more…

Spraying with water to clean the brickwork.

Maintenance access behind Block B.

Looking into car park B from maintenance access walkway. The grills complete the façade.

Block C from outside Block B.

Block B from the gardens.

The office cabins next to Block C are due to be removed in November to make way for further landscaping.

Landscaping preparation between Blocks B & C.

Beecham Hose entrance to Block B.

The entrance to Beecham House (Block B).

On the day of my visit, the brickwork was being cleaned on Block C following recent scaffold strikes. Landscaping continues on the podium and to the water feature area, and balcony balustrading is underway to Block C. Internally, communal ceiling closures are being undertaken and decorations continue within apartments.

The entrance to Atkinson House (Block A).

The hoist and silo outside Block C are due for removal end of October early November.

The drive entance to Blocks A on the right and B on the left.

Car park B for residents, underneath Block B and has Block C spaces too.

Each apartment is allocated one or two spaces depending on the flat size ( Spaces pre-fixed with a C or B depending on the block they live in).

Car park space for a resident in Block B.

A view from a penthouse apartment in Block C over the North Downs.

A view from Block C penthouse to a penthouse in Block A.

Extraction chimney from the plant room.

From a penthouse terrace in Block C looking over to a penthouse in Block A.

From a penthouse terrace in Block C looking over to Block A adjoining to Block B on the left.

A view from a penthouse terrace in Block C over the North Downs.

I would like to say a very big thank you so much to Ness Kingham, Assistant Site Manager who has been my brilliant point of contact over the past three years and has shown me around the site every month (except during the lockdowns). I have learned so much from Ness during my short visits about the construction of Courtyard Gardens. Wishing her all the very best on her next project with the Berkeley Group as she says goodbye to Courtyard Gardens.

A view from behind the shops on Station Road East - 30 January 2018

The same view from behind the shops on Station Road East – 6 October 2021.

The entrance to Block C where the resident mailboxes with be.

The living room of a penthouse in Block C.

A corridor in Block C.

The spacious hallway to one of the penthouses in Block C.

Insulation in one of the walls in Block C.

Cold water and sprinkler pipes, isolation valves and pressure gauges in Block C.

A window in Block C showing the brick work.

From a terrace in Block C.

A kitchen in an apartment in Block C.

Another kitchen in an apartment in Block C.

Living room onto a terrace in Block C.

Looking down from the office cabins to the terrace from the previous photo.

The office cabins adjacent to Block C are due for removal to make way for landscaping.

This fruit tree next to Block C called Cornus kousa, or Chinese dogwood produces a soft fruit that can be eaten without the skin. The Cornus kousa trees are also located on the podium so they’re a regular feature of the landscaping.

My reflection in a wardrobe mirror. I carry three cameras each with different lenses. Wide-angle, telephoto and standard.

I hope you are enjoying seeing and learning about the progress of the development as much as I am.

All of the images taken are held within my personal archive for posterity, please do get in touch if you would like to know more.

To read the blog from September 2021 please click here.

To read previous blogs, these can be found towards the bottom of the main blog page under ‘Featured’ blogs – this includes all 23 previous gasholder blogs.

For further information about Courtyard Gardens please follow this link to the Berkeley Group St William website.

More information here on the Robert Leech website too.

Looking forward to going back in October to photograph the progress as we edge closer to completion.

Thank you

Stella