Oakwood Estates meets up with Marilia Carvalho stained and fused glass.

As you approach the beautiful round windowed building, you really cannot begin to imagine the hidden treasures inside.

Originally the first village hall in Burnham (1912) and most recently home to graphic design business Marilia and her husband John have transformed but also managed to restore and show the true potential of this unusual building.

On entering you see Marilia’s workshop and gallery . Lost in a beautiful sea of colours each piece tells a story from Marilia’s heart.

When we asked Marilia about her inspirations she talked us through each piece one by one and it was a delight to walk through the gallery with her.

Marilia is named the ‘stained glass artist’ but in our opinion this is an understatement.

The workshop side has so much to offer, from grand bespoke pieces costing up to six thousand pounds to necklaces averaging at twenty pounds something for every budget to enjoy.

We even got a sneak preview at the Christmas decorations Marilia is working on currently.

Marilia also commissions abstract panels infusing fossils and minerals as well as traditional repairs .

A big part of this business is contracting out to churches, large stately homes and Marilia informs us that quite often people throw out windows that could so easily be restored and saved.

As we enter the courtyard Marilia has a fine example of this ,  a vintage frame containing a beautiful coloured glass with a mirrored backing reflecting the sun it really is a beautiful piece.

Marilia offers regular stained glass workshops and invite only pre views- should you be so lucky, however she also hosts a Christmas gallery open day and invites other artists including pottery and ceramics.

Do you need help finding the right mortgage deal?

Oakwood Estates currently has two financial advisers , Claire Corp and Tracy Gavin contact Oakwood Estates for a free assessment of your needs in your own home at a time that suits you!

Claire and Tracy's  fresh approach and attentive manner will ensure you, our client, receives the most expert of advice for buying a home, protecting your family or insuring your assets.  They will be with you every step of the way making your journey as simple and straight forward as possible.

‘When is the best time to buy’

Making the decision to buy a home is huge.

While location is arguably the most important factor, timing may also have a big impact on what you pay.

According to new research, the best months for buyers are September and October. And the best day of the week is Monday.

RealtyTrac reviewed over 32 million home sales over the past 15 years, and they found that homes purchased in October came at a 2.6% discount to the current fair market value.

The discounts are most likely a function of there being fewer buyers, meaning sellers are more willing to settle on lower prices.

The other factor thrown into the mix is a greater proportion of properties coming onto the market in September as the Summer holidays end and the schools go back.

Many people ask me ‘when is the best time to buy’ but the truth is there isn’t such a thing as the ‘best time to buy’ as its dependent on the buyers motive for moving.

A recent article in The Telegraph gave its most generous prediction of the future that property prices may not increase by more than 2% on average up until 2022.  

As demand from buyers continues to wane amid concerns over Brexit, house sellers are having to take desperate measures to get a bid.

Buyers and sellers who have a motive to move will do so, however the days of buying a property simply to make a profit later down the line may well be behind us.