Developers Sarah and Nigel choose fabric

Episode Information Southwark Sausage Factory

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Date Published:
28/07/2009

In this series of Property Snakes and Ladders, Sarah Beeny charts her golden rules for 'how not to lose everything in a falling market'. It's a pity her advice comes too late for tonight's amateur developers - who set out to make their fortune just as the housing market starts to unravel.

Developers Sarah and Nigel

Successful entrepreneurs Nigel and Sarah have a romantic notion that they can make a quarter of a million pounds by creating a swanky LA pad in the heart of a run down bit of Rotherhithe, East London. The only trouble is they've bought the wrong property, in the wrong location... and their plans are way off beam.

Sarah Beeny gallantly tries to get Sarah and Nigel to change their plans, to reduce their liability and turn the property into three smaller units, but they motor on regardless.

What follows is an epic lesson in how not to be a property developer: from ambitions to create zebra-covered kitchen units and a cinema, to a master suite the size of most people's houses, complete with a swimming pool-sized jacuzzi bath.

It looks like it's all going to end badly, so the only question is - just how badly?

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  1. Serves them right seems a bit harsh. Hopefully they'll do a follow up on these two in 12 months, I'd love to see what happens with the sale of the penthouse.
    Posted by Kelly on 20/10/2009 03:50:50
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  2. Just watched this episode on the Aussie "Lifestyle" channel over here. I used to frequent this area about 25 years ago. It's changed a lot but not that much by the looks of it. Always amazes me that these type of developers never get the early messages that Sarah is trying to deliver. Sometimes taking good advise can save you half a million. All I can say is serves then right.
    Posted by Dumbfounded on 19/10/2009 22:27:24
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  3. I agree the two developers hadn't got a clue about developing, I agree with the others who say the show only showed the negative parts about Rotherhithe. On the other side of the development - which the camera crew didn't seem to be able to get to, is the Mayflower Pub, and lovely local restaurant, a host of historic warehouses, St Mary's Church and Brunel's Engine House. All beautiful and so much more village like than Shad Thames (and all can be seen from the penthouse balcony). Showing these aspects as well would have given more balance and have given viewers a better idea of the immediate area. Ben - Bit of a ridiculous comment saying "property prices [are] so much lower in Rotherhithe than some other areas?" You could say that about any area. Rotherhithe has the highest property prices in Southwark and are comparable to Wapping, Dulwich and the nicer parts of the Isle of Dogs. No area in London is perfect but people want to live here. So much so the centre of Rotherhithe (Surrey Quays - 100m from the boarded-up pub) is undergoing major development. The first wave of flats have been finished and all 90 of them were sold before completion from 300k - 1.4m. Had the show been more upfront about this then the asking price for the flats/penthouse wouldn't have seemed so ridiculous. And just to correct the program - the building was newly built five years on the *site* of a sausage factory - it never was a sausage factory. The building was almost complete which makes the 'ripping up and starting again' approach of the couple even more ridiculous!
    Posted by Damian on 07/10/2009 14:29:09
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  4. what a pair of twonks those two are!
    Posted by JoJo on 30/09/2009 13:46:07
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  5. me thinks she wants to be a star!
    Posted by David on 06/08/2009 15:51:02
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  6. not only come dine with me, but also bbc wipeout!!!!
    Posted by tree on 02/08/2009 18:30:52
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  7. Dr Jo - I had exactly the same feelings about having seen Sarah before. Couldn't think where. Am just watching Come Dine With Me on More 4 and there she is - she's going going to cook a North African meal. Remeber her now?
    Posted by David on 02/08/2009 17:16:32
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  8. I think some of the Rotherhithe defenders are missing the point. Maybe if you live there the side of town shown was too negative and didn't depict where you live. That wasn't the point. The point was that this couple were developing a property targeted at a very specific, wealthy client base. The programme was trying to show some of the negatives that do exist locally and contrast that with other areas in a similar price bracket. If I were in the market to spend ?1.5m in London would I do it in Rotherhithe or somewhere else? I'd want to live in an area that didn't compromise. I would appreciate that the 'uglier' streets shown were only a small representative of the area but I wouldn't want to spend so much money to live near any ugly areas, I would want it all to look good. By contrast is I were in the market for an affordble home on a more conventional budget I would be more open minded to pros and cons. Sarah successfully illustrated the madness of the thought process of the developers by simply contasting the pros and cons for the budget. It made perfect sense to me. Finally, if the logic is still unfair, then why are property prices so much lower in Rotherhithe than some other areas? Surely market forces would have driven prices up if the area was faultless. The market, not impassioned locals, clearly shows that the area is not the 'desres' postcode that the developers were aiming at.
    Posted by Ben Dingle on 02/08/2009 08:46:17
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  9. watch the show hilarious why do they think they always know better than the beeny master !!!
    Posted by linda barnes on 02/08/2009 03:42:49
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  10. I absolutely adore the three part canvas of red poppies in the finished apartment and despite being in touch with Cargo who were the suppliers, they no longer sell it. I've asked for the name of the manufacturer but they are unable to supply this for business reasons!!!! I've also searched the web, without success. If anyone knows who the manufacturer is, please let me know.......
    Posted by Val on 01/08/2009 17:24:36
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  11. As a long standing resident of Rotherhithe I just want to echo the comments added below by Tony and others. The program presented a totally misleading impression of what is actually a pleasant, interesting and convenient area to live. Filming only took place in one street and implied that the whole of Rotherhithe comprised of crumbling high rise blocks and boarded up pubs. No mention was made of the large numbers of green open spaces (Southwark Park & Russia Dock Woodlands are within walking distance), the large number of Riverside and Dockside properties, the renovated docks teeming with wildlife, the many pubs and restaurants and the excellent location (1 stop to Canary Wharf or 2 stops to the City). Shame on you Channel 4 & Sarah Beeny for such a poorly researched and produced program.
    Posted by Kev on 30/07/2009 21:37:34
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  12. The program rather skimped on the planning issues - for example local planning policy doesn't allow new converted ground floor flats in the area because "the high probability of flooding" results in a risk to life and / or property, from tidal inundation which is considered unacceptable.
    Posted by Enzo on 30/07/2009 20:01:04
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  13. As a resident of Rotherhithe, I would like to correct several pieces of inaccurate and misleading pieces of information in the show. 1. The "boarded up tube station" is behind hoardings because it is being rebuilt as a new station on a new line. When the rebuilt station opens in March 2010 with a new ticket hall and new glazed roof over the escalator shaft, it will have a more frequent service to more destinations than ever before. And the property is less than 400m away from Canada Water tube station, one of the most impressive stations on the whole tube network and just one stop from Canary Wharf. Hence the area is very popular with young professionals. 2. Why did you show a closed-down pub in Albion St which is being redeveloped instead of the collection of thriving riverside pubs, backing onto the River Thames? The historic Mayflower pub, which draws in large numbers of tourists, is closer to the property than the closed one featured. 3. Sarah may have persuaded the couple to re-do the property as three units, but why did the show fail to mention that Southwark Council has already refused two planning applications to this effect already in 2009? The flats are unsaleable without planning permission. 4. Rotherhithe is in South East London, not East London or the East End as described in the show. There's a great big river called the Thames between Rotherhithe and the East End!
    Posted by Tony on 30/07/2009 13:48:37
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  14. My husband and I are having a disagreement..........can anyone tell me how much they had actually spent before they finally took Sarah's advice and started converting to flats? Can 't actually be bothered to watch the whole thing again!!!!
    Posted by Kay on 29/07/2009 22:06:44
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  15. Thank you all! You have saved my sanity re: where I had seen Sarah before! Was she on Big Brother at some point as well? Or am I thinking of someone else?
    Posted by Dr Jo on 29/07/2009 19:48:34
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  16. Have any of these flats sold or been let out?
    Posted by claire on 29/07/2009 17:34:04
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  17. I'd just like to say how very disappointed I was watching this programme last night. It's usually one of my favourites but last night's portrayal of Rotherhithe was not only unfair in the extreme but also incredibly misleading for any potential buyers who might be looking to move to Rotherhithe. Beeny's programme focused on the very grottiest areas of 2 streets in the whole of the suberb and made it sound like some sort of terrible ghetto. I have lived in Rotherhithe for two years (and not, thank you very much, because I can't afford Wapping) Whilst I think the couple in question's plans for the LA apartment were pretty ludicrous, the programme failed to mention any of the lovely riverside warehouse apartments, the St Mary's Churchyard quarter or any of the lovely old riverside pubs. I myself live in a lovely private 1920s apartment back from the river but with fantastic period features and really nice professional neighbours (some of whom have lived there for years). There is an estate close by, but I think it's rather silly and narrow minded to suggest that this isn't the norm for London generally. I felt especially cross at the comparison of Rotherhithe to other areas which suggested that it was full of boarded upnpubs etc. Again, any residents of Rotherhithe will know that that one pub is on the same one street they seemed to focus on in this programme. In a market where people are already struggling against the credit crunch, I think that Property Snakes and Ladders, in the name of making "sensational" TV, have acted extremely irresponsibly. This couple made a mistake with their ambitious LA apartment in a falling market; pulling Rotherhithe to pieces was an unnecessary and unhelpful TV stunt.
    Posted by A Hassett on 29/07/2009 15:17:19
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  18. The lily canvas print is from B&Q. Must say, I roared with laughter when Sarah Beeny went through describing how the penthouse flat would be finished off! Sarah, you spoil us!
    Posted by sparkle on 29/07/2009 14:45:38
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  19. I missed last night episode (28 July) had set my DVD recorder but it had cut out which is really annoying as I love this programme. Had a look at guide but cant see it being repeated in near future. Can you let me know when likely to be shown so I dont miss it! Thanks. Carol
    Posted by Carol Paterson on 29/07/2009 13:49:27
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  20. Emma thanks for your post about the artwork. I looked under suppliers and it just said accessories cargo - went onto their web site and they did some posters but there weren't any of the lilly or poppy so drawn a blank so if anyone else knows where to get these canvases would love to know.
    Posted by Karen on 29/07/2009 13:13:16
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  21. she also appeared on wipe out on bbc1 a couple of weeks ago but was knocked out very early on
    Posted by lisae on 29/07/2009 11:57:11
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  22. Hi Karen, Have a look at the suppliers list here: http://www.channel4.com/4homes/on-tv/property-ladder/episode-information/southwark-suppliers-09-07-28_p_1.html to find the artwork supplier - it should be somewhere in that gallery.
    Posted by Emma (4Homes) on 29/07/2009 11:50:36
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  23. I live in Rotherhithe and have often wondered what went on behind the strange gates down the side of the tube station... Sarah was right about a lot of things, this couple didn't seem to have a clue about property developing, but I really want to disagree about her ridiculous comments about Rotherhithe. She managed to make the place look like the ghetto, filming the grottiest parts of the area. She didn't show the amazing river views and lovely flats down Rotherhithe Street. She didn't mention the lovely old pubs and nice places to eat, she even suggested people only live here cause they cant afford Canary Wharf or Shad Thames. I really like where I live, its quiet, close to town and the river and isn't prohibitively expensive. I dont think its the place for ridiculous "yuppie pads" but its a pretty nice place to live.
    Posted by Abi on 29/07/2009 11:44:36
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  24. She's also been on "SAS are you tough enough" and "They think it's all over".
    Posted by Bloke on 29/07/2009 10:24:52
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  25. Very interesting programme, one thing I wish presenters would do is get their geography right, Rotherhithe is in South London not East London as mentioned several times during the programme.
    Posted by Russell on 29/07/2009 10:05:03
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  26. I think this programme was extremely unfair to Rotherhithe, as a resident I was totally offended by the comments that were made and feel that the area was portrayed to be totally different than it actually is. Given the current climate I think that Property Snakes and Ladders was very irresponsible as people listen to their comments and I am sure there are a lot of people that would of considered moving to Rotherhithe that will now be put off because of the programme.
    Posted by Kate on 29/07/2009 09:50:32
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  27. I recognised her from Come Dine with Me too. I agree where did they get that lovely 3 part canvas from - if anyone knows can they tell me as I want one
    Posted by Katy on 29/07/2009 09:35:52
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  28. Good entertaining programme tonight. Would like to know where the artwork came from shown on tonight's programme (sausage factory) as am looking for some large canvases for a large wall
    Posted by Karen on 28/07/2009 23:00:31
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  29. Yet another case of Beanie Being Right! Why on earth do these people not work out that her first thought is always correct and that they really don't know better. Good entertainment, horrendous investment.
    Posted by James on 28/07/2009 21:05:54
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  30. Sarah Donahue has been on 'several' programmes but she's well known as a woman power boat racer.
    Posted by Alex on 28/07/2009 21:04:56
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  31. Brilliant. We recognised her as well and lowe un behold you have answered our question. Thanks Jac, you have an excellent memory.
    Posted by Mystery Kids on 28/07/2009 20:59:18
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  32. I thought i'd seen 'Sarah' before. I was thinking 'The salon' but could also have 'been come dine with me', ah, actually, now I think about it, I remember. She cooked the Morrocan themed dinner and made people smoke from one of those Turkish things....that's it.....
    Posted by wisty on 28/07/2009 20:49:02
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  33. Thats exactly what I noticed, and just looked up this page to confirm I was right!
    Posted by Emma on 28/07/2009 20:47:57
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  34. She's been on one of the reality shows.
    Posted by Paul on 28/07/2009 20:47:43
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  35. That's exactly what was bugging me. I am watching it as I type and I had definitely recognised the face, and given the amount of Come Dine With Me I watch the connection wasn't too far fetched.
    Posted by Liam on 28/07/2009 20:37:21
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  36. That's it! I knew I recognised her but didn't know where from. Good shout!
    Posted by mikeyf41 on 28/07/2009 20:36:25
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  37. I too remember this lady from "Come dine with me" Very distictive accent and chirpy attitude. Would like to know what these two have made their money in
    Posted by elly on 28/07/2009 20:30:04
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  38. Im sure the "Sarah" girl was on come dine with me years ago?
    Posted by Sam on 28/07/2009 20:29:55
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  39. your right - thought we were going crazy!!! Wonder why she wants to be on tv so much?
    Posted by jrkeiko on 28/07/2009 20:22:30
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  40. Hi jac, I'm just sitting thinking the exact same thing!!
    Posted by Pam on 28/07/2009 20:19:00
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  41. I agree, I recognised the lady instantly as having been on Come Dine With Me.
    Posted by Teddy on 28/07/2009 20:16:39
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  42. Where have I seen the woman, Sarah from this episode from before. I think it was come dine with me, can anyone tell me please?
    Posted by John on 28/07/2009 20:15:18
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  43. Jac! I am just trying to search because I wondered if I'd seen her on Wife Swap, but Come dine with me is a good shout.
    Posted by Heidi on 28/07/2009 20:11:30
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  44. I was thinking exactly the same thing. He looks familiar as well - any ideas?
    Posted by Karen on 28/07/2009 20:06:29
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  45. I know I'm being a bit premature in posting before the prog is shown but after seeing a preview am I right in thinking the lady 'entrepreneur' from this week's prog was also on 'Come Dine With Me' last year or two year's ago?
    Posted by jac on 28/07/2009 18:49:36
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