#Buy Property Fraser Rise

[mysgprop-cstee]

2024 Latest New Launches Condos in Singapore

Latest New Launches / Condominiums in Singapore 2024

Upcoming New Launches The Chuan Park ~ $2500 psf Meyer Blue ~ $2800 psf Emerald of Katong ~ $2400 psf Northwood Grand ~ $2000 psf Braddell Horizon ~ $2400 psf 8@BT ~ $2400 psf Nava Grove ~ $2400 psf Recently Just Launched Kassia ~$1950psf  SORA ~ $2050 psf Jansen House ~ $2000 psf Straits @Joo Chiat~$2100 psf The Hill @One North ~$2500 psf Hillshore @Haw Par ~$2550 psf Do you plan to buy property in Singapore? Fill in the form below to get in touch with an experienced agent Express Interest What are the new launches coming up in 2024? Stepping into 2024, we're expecting around 50 new projects, including those didn't manage to launch in time for 2023. Assuming all the projects listed below will be launched in time for 2024, the number of total units to launch in 2024 will be about the same as 2023, i.e about 12,000 units. But realistically, we should expect about 9,000 units.  Based on the land sales in 2023, we can do an estimation for possible selling price, by factoring the developer's costs (i.e licensing, construction, profits margin...etc).  The following give a general guideline of the selling pricing across different regions for good size developments. I.e Out of Central Region (OCR) at $2,0xx psf averagely, Rest of Central Region (RCR) at $2,5xx psf averagely,  Core Central Region (CCR), at $3,0xx psf averagely.  Looking at the price points, you might find that some existing launches are selling at very attractive price compare to upcoming launches. You can checkout the New Launches / Condominiums in 2023 and hope you could still find something suitable. Do ping us anytime if you need to check the balance/ price/ promo for a particular projects. We're here ready to assist you to the fullness.  We provide here a compilation of the upcoming condominiums and apartments, this post will be updated periodically as new information arises. Kindly bookmark it or register interest in the form at bottom, so we can update you the market in timely manner. You could also Whatsapp Us to have the monthly market update send to your WhatsApp directly.  🔜 = Launching Soon!   🟢 = Open for sales ⭕️ = land acquired late 2023, it might not able to make it to launch in 2024, likely launch in 2025. For Mobile --> BEST to view in HORIZONTAL mode LaunchDistProject AddressDeveloperUnitLand (psf ppr)🟢1Skywaters Residences 8 Shenton WayAlibaba & Perennial215$2,150Q31Next to Shenton Way MRT Union Street/ Shenton LaneIOI748$1,379Q41Next to Garden by The Bay Marina Gardens LaneKingsford, Obsidian790$1,402Q31Union Square Residences Keng Cheow St/ Magazine RoadCDL366-Q32(Former Realty Centre) 15 Enggor StThe Place Holdings114$2,402Q32Newport Residences Anson RoadHong Leong/ CDL246$1,424Q44Ocenia Keppel Island Keppel BayKeppel Land86-🟢5The Hill at One North Slim Barracks Rise (B)Kingsford140$1,210🟢5Hillshore Pasir Panjang RoadFraxtor Capital59$1,0982025 ⭕️5Next to Clavon Clementi Avenue 1CSC & MCL500$1,250Q37Aurea (Former Golden Mile Complex) Beach RoadFar East, Sino Land186-Q39Mount Emily Residences 2,4,6 Mount Emily RdZACD38$1,115Q49One Sophia(Former Peace Center /Mansion) 1 Sophia RoadCEL, Singhaiyi & KSH373$1,388Q59Apartments at Unity Street Unity StreetRiverside Property414-Q49Apartment at River Valley Rd River Valley RdRiver Valley Tower622-Q3933 Devonshire 33 DevonshireSekon Intenational28-Q3105 mins walk Botanic Garden MRT Bukit Timah & Duke's RoadRoyal Golden Eagle56$1,504Q3111KM to Novena MRT Chancery Hill &Dyson RoadSustained Land--Q411Former Kew Lodge (Landed) Kheam Hock RoadAurum Land101965Q311Former Surrey 21 21 Surrey RoadNot disclosed10-Q311Between Newton & Novena MRT 32/34 Gilstead RdKheng Leong20$1,643🟢12The Arcady 1037 Serangoon RoadKSH, H10 & SLB172$1,313Q412Braddell Horizon Lorong 1 Toa PayohCDL, Frasers and Sekisui775$1,360Q414Deluxe Residences 3 Lorong MelayuKai Lim Development41-Q414Former Vicenta Lodge Lorong MarzukiUndisclosed27$968Soon 🔜15Meyer Blue (Former Meyer Park) 81, 83 Meyer RoadUOL and Singapore Land222$1,668Q315Amber Sea 30 Amber GardensFar East132$1,066🟢15Straits at Joo Chiat 303 Joo Chiat PlaceRoxy-Pacific16-Q315Arina East Residences (Former La Ville) Tg. Rhu RoadZACD107$1,540Q415Siglap CourtSiglap RoadCrescendas Group43-🟢15Koon Seng House Koon Seng RoadMacly Group19$1,063🟢15Ardor Residence Haig RoadNanshan Group35$1,286Soon 🔜15Emerald of Katong Jalan TembusuSim Lian840$1,069Q316Bagnall Haus UPPER E COAST ROADRoxy Pacific Holdings106$1,106🟢17Kassia Flora DriveHong Leong, CDL and TID276-Soon 🔜18Aurelle (EC) Tampines Street 62 (B)Sim Lian700$7212025 ⭕️18Parktown Residences Tampines Ave 11UOL & Capitaland1190$885Soon 🔜19The Chuan Park Lorong ChuanKingsford and MCC916$1,256🟢19Jansen House Jansen RoadMacly21$871Q421Nava Grove Pine Grove Parcel BSinarmas and MCL565$1,223Soon 🔜218@BT Bukit Timah LinkBukit Sembawang155$1,343🟢22SORA Yuan Ching RoadCEL, Singhaiyi & KSH440$1,023🟢23Luminar Grand EC Bukit Batok West Ave 5CDL495$662🟢23Hillhaven Hillview RiseFar East341$1,024Soon 🔜24Novo Place (EC) Plantation Close (Parcel A)Hoi Hup & Sunway508$7032025 ⭕️24Executive Condo (EC) in Tengah Plantation Close (Parcel B)Hoi Hup & Sunway495$701Q425Northwood Grand Champions WayCDL345$904🟢26Lentoria Lentor Hills Road (B)TID265$1,130🟢26Lentor Mansion Lentor GardenGuocoland & Hong Leong533$985Q328Luxus Hill Luxus Hill HeightsBukit Sembawang156 - DBS & Morgan Stanley both predicted in 2018 that Singapore's property market price to "double" (or averagely $2,900 psf) by 2030, and so far the trend is still holding true. But it’s hard to know how the new cooling measures will affect the market through the upcoming years. Do keep in touch with us, we will keep you updated the market movement & insights for free. Be it you're ready, or just Wait & See.  2023 New Launches 2023 New Launches Condo in Singapore DistrictProjectAddressTenureDeveloperUnitLand (psf ppr)1 Former AXA Tower8 Shenton Way99-yrsPerennial Holdings2151Marina ViewUnion Street/ Shenton Lane99-yrsIOI686$1,379 1 🟢TMW MaxwellMaxwell Road99-yrsCEL & Singhaiyi250$1,183 2Former Realty Centre15 Enggor StFreeholdThe Place Holdings114$2,402 2 Newport Residences (Former Fuji Xerox)Anson RoadFreeholdCDL2565 🟢Terra Hill (Former Flynn Park)Yew Siang RoadFreeholdHoi Hup & Sunway271$1,355 5 🟢Blossoms by the ParkSlim Barracks Rise (A)99-yrsEL Development265$1,246 5 The Hill at One NorthSlim Barracks Rise (B)99-yrsKingsford140$1,210 5 HillshorePasir Panjang RoadFreeholdFraxtor Capital59$1,098 7 Former Golden Mile ComplexBeach Road99-yrsFar East, Sino Land -9(3x residential)2,4,6 Mount Emily RdFreeholdZACD18$1,115 9 🟢Orchard Sophia130 Sophia RdFreeholdDB2Land78$1,158 9Former Peace Center /Mansion1 Sophia Road99-yrsCEL, Singhaiyi & KSH240$1,428 10 🟢The Giverny Residences6A/B/C Robin DriveFreeholdRobin Development,6$1,454 10Jervois Prive (former Jervois Green)100a Jervois RoadFreeholdJervois Midas Pte Ltd43$1,601 11Former Surrey Point2 Surrey RoadFreeholdAmara Holdings36$1,434 11Surrey 2121 Surrey RoadFreeholdUndisclosed1011 🟢Watten HouseShelford RoadFreeholdUOL & Singapore Land200$1,723 11 (2x residential)32/34 Gilstead RdFreeholdKheng Leong-$1,643 12 The Arcady1037 Serangoon RoadFreeholdKSH, H10 & SLB172$1,313 14Deluxe Residences3 Lorong MelayuFreeholdKai Lim Development4114 🟢Gems Ville (former Yuen Sing Mansion)Lorong 13 GeylangFreeholdEast Asia Development24$779 14M Suites65 Lor MelayuFreeholdFG Resource Pte. Ltd1614Former Vicenta LodgeLorong MarzukiFreeholdUndisclosed27$968 14 🟢Mattar Residences8 Mattar Road99-yrsFKSH26$1,109 14 🟢The ContinuumThiam Siew AvenueFreeholdHoi Hup & Sunway800$1,488 15 🟢Grand DunmanDunman Road99-yrsSinghaiyi1,035$1,350 15Amber Sea30 Amber GardensFreeholdFar East132$1,066 15Former La VilleTg. Rhu RoadFreeholdZACD107$1,477 15 🟢Tembusu GrandJalan Tembusu99-yrsCDL & MCL Land638$1,302 15Former East CourtKong Seng RoadFreeholdFreehold19$1,063 15Former Haig Road FlatsHaig RoadFreeholdNanshan Group35$1,286 16 🟢Sceneca Tanah Merah Kechil Link99-yrsMCC, The Place Holdings268$930 17 🟢The Shorefront165 Loyang Besar999-yrsJinmac & KY Group23 -19Former Jansen MansionJansen Road99-yrsMacly21$863 21 🟢The Reserve Residences Jalan Anak Bukit99-yrsFEO and Sino Group700$989 21 🟢Pinetree Hill ResidencesPine Grove (Parcel A)99-yrsUOL & Singapore Land520$1,318 22 🟢J'DEN Residences 聚鼎Jurong East Central 199-yrsCapitaLand -22 🟢Lakegarden ResidencesYuan Ching Road99-yrsWing Tai Holdings300$1,260 22 SORAYuan Ching Road99-yrsCEL, Singhaiyi & KSH440$1,023 23 🟢Altura ECBukit Batok West Ave 899-yrsQingjian & Santarli375$662 23 Luminar Grand ECBukit Batok West Ave 599-yrsCDL495$626 23 🟢The ArdenPhoenix Road99-yrsQingjian105$630 23 🟢The MystUpper Bukit Timah Road99-yrsCDL408$98523 🟢BotanyDairy Farm Walk99-yrsSim Lian385$980 23 HillhavenHillview Rise99-yrsFar East341$102426 🟢Lentor Hills ResidencesLentor Hills Road (A)99-yrsGuocoland, TID595$1,060 26 LentoriaLentor Hills Road (B)99-yrsTID 265$1,130 26 🟢Hillock GreenLentor Central 99-yrsYanlord, Soilbuild470$1,108 28Pollen Collection (Landed)Nim Road99-yrsBukit Sembawang132 Cooling Measure 30-Sept 2022 To align with the latest interest hike environment, government had introduced cooling measures. The Cooling Measures implemented on 30th Sept 2022, with the effective interest rate factor used to calculate Bank Loan Eligibility had changed from 3.5% to 4%. This is to ensure a prudent borrowing and healthy property market. In a nutshell, your loan eligibility is reduced by 4-6% after the new formula. Not Read the full article

[harmonyrealestate]

Discover the full potential of your property's journey through Harmony Real Estate, your reliable Real Estate Agent in Fraser Rise. Our team of experts combines local knowledge with a customized method to help you navigate effortless selling or buying. No matter if you're buying for the first time or are an expert investor we will help you achieve your needs. Find out the difference by visiting Harmony Real Estate.

[jovirealtyinc]

Types of Properties Available for Sale in Greater Vancouver & Fraser Valley

The Greater Vancouver & Fraser Valley area offer a wide range of properties for sale, single family homes ( general lot size 66 by 122 or 8052 sqft) they usually have a Rental 1 bed/2 bed suite also called mortgage helper, duplex houses ( general lot size 33 by 122 or 4026 sqft) also have a smaller Rental suite. Duplex houses are very desirable and perfect for those looking for a smaller single-family land ownership home, with zero strata fee.  Condos offer hi rise views, the convenience of various amenities in the building like Gym, BBQ on the patio, Yoga room, Playground, possible air conditioned condos swimming pool and living with easy access to shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Condos need to pay a monthly strata fee basically for management to run the strata efficiently. Townhouses are very popular, as they are affordable and have the feel of living in a single house with a side or back yard, with features like private outdoor space and shared club amenities, many newer immigrants wish to own this within 2 years of setting foot in beautiful British Columbia. Townhouses too have a monthly strata fee to be paid for the maintenance and beautification of the entire strata complex. Whether you're looking for an investment condo, a pre sale/under construction or your own home in the area, there is something to suit every budget and lifestyle. Make an informed decision about the biggest purchase of your life, with JEEVIKKA SHAH , a skilled yet undertanding and patient Realtor/Agent who values your money. 

Start Your Search Today

When it comes to buying a home, you need to have access to all the homes for sale in the MLS for the Greater Vancouver & Fraser Valley. Start searching today with the help of Jeevikka Shah

[bestbsragents]

Benefits of Working With a Local Real Estate Agent in Fraser Rise

There are many benefits to working with a local real estate agent in Fraser Rise. These professionals have a deep understanding of the local market and can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the home buying or selling process. In this section, we will discuss the top benefits of working with a local real estate agent in Fraser Rise.

Knowledge of the Local Market: One of the biggest advantages of working with a local real estate agent is their knowledge of the Fraser Rise area. They live and work in this community, which gives them first-hand knowledge about the current market trends, pricing strategies, and neighborhood amenities. This insider information can be extremely beneficial for buyers looking to find their dream home at the best possible price or sellers who want to list their property at an optimal price point.

Personalized Service: Local real estate agents understand that every client's needs are unique, and they strive to provide personalized service accordingly. They take the time to listen to your requirements, preferences, and budget constraints before curating a list of properties or potential buyers that meet your criteria. Their goal is not just to close a deal but also to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your purchase or sale.

[olko71]

New Post has been published on All about business online

New Post has been published on https://yaroreviews.info/2023/09/shein-in-talks-to-buy-missguided-from-mike-ashleys-frasers-group

Shein in talks to buy Missguided from Mike Ashley's Frasers Group

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Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group is in talks to sell its Missguided clothing brand to online fashion giant Shein, the BBC understands.

Talks about a deal, which were first reported by Sky News, come only a year after Frasers took over the brand.

Frasers Group bought Missguided for £20m last year after the online fashion retailer collapsed into administration.

Shein, which was founded in China in 2008, is a global giant in the world of fast fashion.

Both Frasers Group and Shein have been contacted for comment.

According to Sky, a deal is likely to see Shein buy Missguided’s brand and other intellectual property, while the head office is retained by Frasers.

Manchester-based Missguided was founded by Nitin Passi in 2009 and grew to become one of the UK’s biggest online fashion players.

But after suffering from supply chain problems, rising freight costs and increasing competition from rivals, it fell into administration in May 2022, before being picked up by Frasers Group.

Frasers – which owns the Mike Ashley-founded Sports Direct chain – has expanded rapidly by buying brands that have fallen into trouble. including Game, Evans Cycles, Jack Wills and Sofa.com.

While Mike Ashley is no longer Frasers’ chief executive, he owns a majority stake in the firm.

The secretive Chinese brand dressing Gen Z

Shein – which now has its headquarters in Singapore – saw sales surge during the Covid pandemic when lockdowns led to a jump in online shopping.

It was valued at about $66bn earlier this year, although that was lower than a previous valuation of around $100bn.

There has been speculation that Shein will seek to list its shares in the US.

However, in May a group of US lawmakers called for Shein to be investigated over claims that people from China’s mostly Muslim Uyghur population were use as forced labour to make some of the clothes it sells.

Human rights groups and Western governments, including the US and UK, have accused China of committing crimes against humanity against the Uyghurs.

In response, Shein told the BBC: “We have zero tolerance for forced labour.

“Our suppliers must adhere to a strict code of conduct that is aligned to the International Labour Organization’s core conventions.”

Related Topics

Companies

Frasers Group

Retailing

Mike Ashley

Fashion

More on this story

Sports Direct owner buys Missguided after collapse

1 June 2022

[college-girl199328]

B.C. will overhaul municipal zoning rules to allow missing-middle housing, such as townhomes and multiplex homes. It will also introduce a flipping tax and legalize all secondary suites as part of Premier David Eby’s refreshed housing plan, announced Monday.

Critics said the plan lacks specific details and a sense of urgency since most of the required legislation won’t be introduced until the fall. Some are concerned that upzoning single-family lots could attract developers at the highest price.

“Simply put, we need to build more homes for people faster,” Eby said during a news conference, in Victoria, in front of a row of new townhouses on Wilson Street. Later this year, the NDP will introduce legislation allowing three to four units on a traditional single-family detached lot and even higher density in areas close to transit hubs.

“Single-family detached homes are out of reach for many middle-class people. And one- or two-bedroom condos often don’t meet the needs of growing families. Family-friendly neighborhoods need more small-scale, multi-unit homes.”

The debate over missing middle housing has been divisive in many communities, with proponents calling for creative solutions to make owning a home more attainable. Opponents cite parking concerns and fears that higher density will destroy the character of neighborhoods.

Eby said it makes no sense that a homeowner can easily tear down their home to build a bigger one without a complex rezoning process, but a multi-unit home where several families can live takes up to two years to get the green light.

Vancouver city council is considering buildings with up to six units on a single-family lot on low-density residential side streets. The City of Victoria in January passed its missing-middle housing policy, which will allow up to six units to be built on a single-family lot.

Luke Mari of Victoria-based Aryze Developments said the policy will create a new type of real estate developer who builds a triplex in their backyard without a lengthy rezoning process.

Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West applauded a “substantive” housing province that worked with municipalities to ensure adequate infrastructure services were added to support increased density.

B.C. Liberal housing critic Karin Kirkpatrick worries the upzoning policy could increase speculation as single-family lots could rise in value based on their development potential.

Andy Yan, director of the City Program at Simon Fraser University, said the danger of province-wide up-zoning is that it could result in land speculators and investors suddenly rushing in to purchase real estate at sizable markups in anticipation of the idea that they can build more.

Yan praised the overall plan, saying it "touched upon not only one aspect of housing policy but several with supply and demand, will also legalize all secondary suites in British Columbia, taking the choice away from municipalities in some B.C. communities, secondary suites are still illegal, a policy that Eby says chokes the supply of affordable rentals.

Starting next year, the province will offer loans up to a maximum of $40,000 for homeowners to build and rent secondary suites. The loans will be forgiven if the homeowner rents the unit at below-market rates for at least five years.

A pilot program will initially open the loan program to 3,000 people who buy a home just to flip it for a profit and will also be hit with a flipping tax that will be introduced later this year.

"If your lifestyle depends on flipping houses, you're going to be upset by this tax," Eby said, adding that homes should be done without including details about the tax against those who hold a residential property for two years or less, with the tax rate edging higher the shorter the time the owner has the property.

The plan calls for another 1,750 homes to be built for Indigenous people living on and off reserve, and another 4,000 homes are mentioned in the announcement that the province will create a streamlined provincial housing permit system that will bring approval times down to months instead of the current wait time of two years.

The NDP in 2018 promised to deliver 114,000 new homes over 10 years. It has funded 18,695 homes through B.C. Housing or its student housing program. Another 21,000 government-funded units are under construction or in progress.

The government says another 20,000 units have come onto the market thanks to speculation and the vacancy tax. The Housing Ministry also claims to have added another 2,000 rental units by banning strata rental restrictions.

[n7realestates]

Detailed Information on Property Appraisal Caroline Springs

Property Appraisal Caroline Springs

N7 Real Estate Agency Caroline Springs has nailed down you requirements on their sleeve. They are real estate agents who are ready to assist you. N7 Real Estate Caroline Springs is a real estate agency which is located in the beautiful suburb of Caroline Springs. If you are looking for places to rent or intend to buy your home, contact N7 Real Estate Agency Caroline Springs anytime.

Buy Property Fraser Rise

N7 Real Estate Caroline Springs is a premier real estate sales and property management company based in Melbourne. The company has been taking care of your property since 2007, and help you sell the same one as well as anyone can. Besides, it also helps you buy/sell new properties. To know more about online today, visit their official website.

[shawngoodwinottawa]

Real Estate Scene in Canada by Shawn Goodwin Ottawa

Hi, My Name is Shawn Goodwin from Ottawa, Canada. Real Estate Investing involves buying, selling, managing and renting real estate for financial gain. Many rich Canadians are investing in real estate in Canada to maximize their capital gains and for financial security.

To invest in canada, especially in Ottawa, you need to do some extensive research to know the current and the future opportunities for real estate investment. As a prospective investor, you should analyze the Ottawa Real Estate market closely to see which cities have the potential for growth in the coming decade.

The Ottawa property market, though reviving from a bit of a low period, is currently booming and it is the right time to invest in positive cash-flow properties here. Customer confidence is on the rise and the mortgage interest rates are quite low. This has created a positive environment for investors and perked up residential property sales this year.

The city of Ottawa has attracted the most interest of the Ontario land and buildings market. Not only real property investors but also home buyers, young and old alike are rushing in for their dream investment. There is certainly no shortage of opportunities in the present real estate market condition. Currently, it is expected that the price of residential property in the Ontario area could rise by 8% and more than double of that in Ottawa. In Downtown Ottawa, the prices of condos will be pushed from CAD $500 per square feet to about $1000 per square feet, making the city the seventh most expensive place in the world to stay in. The city of Victoria is also experiencing record sales in this quarter.

Montreal is another city growing fast in terms of the Ontario landed property market. With major infrastructure and transportation projects coming up, the city will experience explosive population increase and this is definitely a good indication for property growth. The other towns in the Ontario region which have a lot of potential in the landed property investment scene are Kingston, Toronto, Kelowna, Dawson Creek, Oliver, Fraser Valley, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.

However, it is to be remembered that the free hold market is not an organised one; hence, the investor is expected to put in a lot of personal effort and time. The investor has to first locate the properties in which to invest, and then investigate and properly verify the status of the property, prior to purchase. He has to bargain hard and negotiate a sales price with the seller and finally, draw up a sales contract with the assistance of a land holdings attorney.

Real Estate Investing Forums can be a good way to get your land holdings queries answered and stay abreast of current market trends in Real Estate, Canada, like the right place to invest in, the correct prices to expect and most importantly, the right time to sell. Whether you are a new investor or a seasoned one, participating in real property investing forums offers opportunities to connect with likeminded people from all around the world and freely share strategies and experiences.

Contact Shawn Goodwin for buying and selling property in Ottawa, Canada.

[imagineclaireandjamie]

Murtagh on the Ridge AU

An alternate universe in which Murtagh survived Culloden and joined the others at Fraser’s Ridge

*listed in chronological order: Claire’s return; first Christmas after Claire’s return; Company Part 1; Company Part 2; Bree’s arrival; Jem’s birth; a skunk on the ridge

For anyone having difficulties with how the formatting on the original post is showing up (replying to the prompt from @just-a-zombie-killing-ninja) here it is again. Fingers crossed this one doesn’t duplicate the text or throw the Keep Reading break in weird places, lol. ~ Mod Lenny

***************************************

The Rescue

Murtagh kept to the shadows, his joints screaming in pain from staying crouched so long. He was too terrified to move or risk making any noise that the men at their makeshift camp might hear. It had been more painful to watch Claire as she fought against them and made her ill-advised escape attempt, watch them strike her and tie her up, watch her as she got one of them alone enough to whisper the pleas he knew she told herself were at least worth trying.

But it had been too open, too exposed to be able to do anything rash – he was on his own, after all.

Still, he hoped that she could sense him nearby, that she would hold on to hope a little longer. Jamie would be after them all by now. He had to be. All Murtagh had to do was watch and wait for an opportunity, to do what he could to keep Claire alive for when reinforcements would arrive.

He had heard the explosion at the still but he hadn’t been close enough to the house to join the others in what must have been a mad rush to reach it and limit the damage. He’d been on one of the therapeutic walks Claire prescribed to help him since his injury during the damned Regulator skirmish. It had hurt to breathe for the longest time and he still grew winded easily. Damned lucky they’d brought him to Claire when they did – just as his lung collapsed. She’d saved his life that day. He owed it to her now to use the gift she’d given to return the favor.

It was getting darker and the men were gathered round the fire eating and drinking in celebration of their cunning and successful capture of Claire. Murtagh ground his teeth at their arrogance and shamelessness - to glory in attacking two women and an injured man, one of those women with child no less. He hoped Marsali was alright, had given Germain what instructions he could for when Jamie or anyone else returned. No, there was nothing to be proud about in what these men had done or planned to do.

They were moving Claire away from the circle, to a tree a little ways outside the light cast by their fire. The man talked to her, his hair long and unkempt. He didn’t appear to be threatening her - looked like he’d loosened the gag in her mouth so she could drink and reply. Still, Murtagh’s hand went to one of several blades he’d grabbed on his way out of the surgery - some of them were Claire’s scalpels.

If the man made a move against Claire, Murtagh would attack - quick and quiet if possible, hopefully leave the men thinking there was more than just one of him and buy himself and Jamie time for it to be true.

The man replaced the gag and returned to the fire with the others.

Claire was alone and considered sufficiently subdued. They’d stopped paying attention to her.

His moment had come.

Murtagh creeped closer, careful in how he distributed his weight, moving soundless until he was behind the tree and could take his blade to the ropes that bound Claire. She sensed him there and tensed, her breathing quickening with panic.

“It’s only me, lass. Keep still and quiet now,” he whispered, glad to feel the tension in the ropes sag as she relaxed. He moved quickly, freeing her hands so she could work on the knot binding her feet while he cut through the rope at her throat (would it leave a scar similar to the one Roger Mac bore?).

As soon as the gag was removed, Claire covered her mouth with her hands to muffle the sound of her sob of relief.

“Come lass. We must be quick and silent,” Murtagh warned, pulling her behind the tree before helping her into a low crouch. Claire winced and Murtagh’s chest tightened. She must be in a great deal of pain. “This way.”

He led them further into the dark trees before turning and circling around to the other side of the men’s camp, keeping that safe distance. It wouldn’t be long before Claire’s absence was noticed and Murtagh hoped they wouldn’t think to look on the far side of the camp from where they’d tied her up. He hoped the safest place for the two of them would be right under the noses of Claire’s captors. He hoped Jamie and whoever he had rounded up to help search for Claire weren’t too far behind.

Sure enough, a commotion soon broke out in the camp.

“Where’s the bitch gone?!” Lionel Brown shouted.

“The ropes’ve been cut,” another called after investigating the tree.

“He’s the last one was with her,” a finger pointed. “He must’ve let her loose.”

“I swear, I didn’t,” Wendigo protested.

Punches were thrown and scuffling broke out among the men before Lionel Brown fired a pistol in the air as a warning. Claire flinched under Murtagh’s arm where they hid behind a boulder.

“Find the bitch first!” Lionel ordered. “You, stay and keep watch. Everyone else, FIND HER.”

They only had a torch or two between them so it would be difficult if not impossible to follow any tracks Murtagh and Claire had left. The youngest of the group, Lionel Brown’s nephew, remained near the fire, kicking at the dirt and muttering about being left out.

When the noise of the searching men had died down, Murtagh squeezed Claire’s shoulder and nodded for them to continue on deeper into the woods away from where her abductors had vanished.

Progress was slow and awkward with nothing to light their way, but Murtagh was confident of the direction they needed to take to get back to the Ridge. Besides, it would be better for them to stay off the regular paths as those were certain to be the next place the men searched, especially believing Claire to be on her own.

“Thank you, Murtagh,” Claire whispered after they’d gone on for at least ten minutes. “I don’t… I can’t…”

“Hush lass,” he murmured. “Ye would have helped Jamie do the same for me or anyone else if we were taken.”

They left it at that for a while longer.

Then they heard the unmistakable sounds of men searching nearby and froze.

“Get down,” Murtagh instructed, pulling Claire to the ground behind a tree.

“They went this way!” a voice called in the darkness behind them but there was more noise ahead of them too.

Murtagh strained to see in the dark. He must’ve over corrected at some point, bent their path too much and circled back closer to the camp. Maybe the light of the torches had been enough to track them after all – they couldn’t move quickly with Claire’s injuries and both of them exhausted.

Just as he made out Lionel Brown’s face in the glow from an approaching torch (though he was sure that the party hadn’t yet spotted him and Claire), a loud, oscillating cry pierced the forest and confusion shot through Lionel Brown’s expression.

“Ian,” Claire murmured, her head rising to look behind them.

There was a flash from a pistol that struck the man bearing the second torch, causing him to drop it and then all hell broke loose around them. Murtagh pressed Claire to the ground again, shielding her with his body as he waited for the fighting to die down.

The clash of swords and flashes of gunfire were followed by the gasps of pain and cries of wounded men.

“Claire!” Jamie cried, barrelling through Lionel Brown’s men, his sword swinging from side to side like a thresher through wheat. “What have ye done wi’ my wife?!”

Several of the men quickly yielded, raising their hands in surrender, grateful to be spared. A few others had nothing to lose and went down fighting.

It was over in less than five minutes. The men of the Ridge rounded up their prisoners and bound them. Lionel Brown was kneeling at Jamie’s feet, clutching a gash on his arm. At least three of his men were dead though it looked like the men of the Ridge had only suffered minor injuries.

“WHERE is my wife?” Jamie asked, his sword at Lionel Brown’s throat.

“Jamie!” Claire called, as Murtagh helped her to her feet.

Ian stepped forward, tomahawk in hand to keep Lionel Brown down while Jamie turned and ran to Claire, wrapping her in his arms.

Murtagh emerged to satisfied smiles and nods from Fergus and the others.

“Did they hurt ye, Claire?” Jamie asked, his tone laced with fury looking to be unleashed. Several of Brown’s men trembled. “Did they… violate ye?”

Claire shook her head, leaning into Jamie’s chest. “Murtagh freed me and got me away before they could,” she told him.

“Thank ye, a ghosted,” Jamie said with tears in his eyes.

Murtagh just nodded.

“And the lot of you should thank him too,” Jamie said to the captured men. “Ye’ll be brought to Wilmington to be tried for yer crimes. If more harm had come to my wife… ye’d be makin’ yer final peace now.”

Several of the men blanched. Lionel Brown smirked and spat at Jamie’s feet.

******************************************

Lionel Brown and two others were hanged several weeks later, having been found guilty of murder (poor Geordie who’d simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time), attempted murder (Marsali and the child she carried were both fine and Claire’s injuries were healing nicely too), kidnapping and destruction of property. The others in Brown’s band were branded for the lesser crimes they’d pled guilty to and imprisoned or banished from North Carolina. Two of the men had been given more lenient sentences for providing testimony against the other conspirators.

One of them, Wendigo, was happy to be banished. Ian and Murtagh agreed to escort him from the colony. Claire had given him a piece of the broken opal and told him she hoped the stones left him trapped in that space between. They would never know whether he made it out the other side but Ian and Murtagh confirmed the man had vanished.

Richard Brown attended his brother’s trial, alternating his glares between Jamie and the brother who believed himself immune from consequence. He resented Jamie for not turning the men over to his unofficial policing force, but also knew that going to the governor’s men had ensured that force – and Richard Brown himself – wasn’t caught up in the legal mess. Lionel Brown had recruited and acted without his brother’s knowledge or authority.

It was a stalemate for the time being – one both sides were happy to take advantage of to rest and heal.

[mysgprop-cstee]

2024 Latest New Launches Condos in Singapore

Latest New Launches / Condominiums in Singapore 2024

Upcoming New Launches The Chuan Park ~ $2500 psf Meyer Blue ~ $2800 psf Emerald of Katong ~ $2400 psf Northwood Grand ~ $2000 psf Braddell Horizon ~ $2400 psf 8@BT ~ $2400 psf Nava Grove ~ $2400 psf Recently Just Launched Kassia ~$1950psf  SORA ~ $2050 psf Jansen House ~ $2000 psf Straits @Joo Chiat~$2100 psf The Hill @One North ~$2500 psf Hillshore @Haw Par ~$2550 psf Do you plan to buy property in Singapore? Fill in the form below to get in touch with an experienced agent Express Interest What are the new launches coming up in 2024? Stepping into 2024, we're expecting around 50 new projects, including those didn't manage to launch in time for 2023. Assuming all the projects listed below will be launched in time for 2024, the number of total units to launch in 2024 will be about the same as 2023, i.e about 12,000 units. But realistically, we should expect about 9,000 units.  Based on the land sales in 2023, we can do an estimation for possible selling price, by factoring the developer's costs (i.e licensing, construction, profits margin...etc).  The following give a general guideline of the selling pricing across different regions for good size developments. I.e Out of Central Region (OCR) at $2,0xx psf averagely, Rest of Central Region (RCR) at $2,5xx psf averagely,  Core Central Region (CCR), at $3,0xx psf averagely.  Looking at the price points, you might find that some existing launches are selling at very attractive price compare to upcoming launches. You can checkout the New Launches / Condominiums in 2023 and hope you could still find something suitable. Do ping us anytime if you need to check the balance/ price/ promo for a particular projects. We're here ready to assist you to the fullness.  We provide here a compilation of the upcoming condominiums and apartments, this post will be updated periodically as new information arises. Kindly bookmark it or register interest in the form at bottom, so we can update you the market in timely manner. You could also Whatsapp Us to have the monthly market update send to your WhatsApp directly.  🔜 = Launching Soon!   🟢 = Open for sales ⭕️ = land acquired late 2023, it might not able to make it to launch in 2024, likely launch in 2025. For Mobile --> BEST to view in HORIZONTAL mode LaunchDistProject AddressDeveloperUnitLand (psf ppr)🟢1Skywaters Residences 8 Shenton WayAlibaba & Perennial215$2,150Q31Next to Shenton Way MRT Union Street/ Shenton LaneIOI748$1,379Q41Next to Garden by The Bay Marina Gardens LaneKingsford, Obsidian790$1,402Q31Union Square Residences Keng Cheow St/ Magazine RoadCDL366-Q32(Former Realty Centre) 15 Enggor StThe Place Holdings114$2,402Q32Newport Residences Anson RoadHong Leong/ CDL246$1,424Q44Ocenia Keppel Island Keppel BayKeppel Land86-🟢5The Hill at One North Slim Barracks Rise (B)Kingsford140$1,210🟢5Hillshore Pasir Panjang RoadFraxtor Capital59$1,0982025 ⭕️5Next to Clavon Clementi Avenue 1CSC & MCL500$1,250Q37Aurea (Former Golden Mile Complex) Beach RoadFar East, Sino Land186-Q39Mount Emily Residences 2,4,6 Mount Emily RdZACD38$1,115Q49One Sophia(Former Peace Center /Mansion) 1 Sophia RoadCEL, Singhaiyi & KSH373$1,388Q59Apartments at Unity Street Unity StreetRiverside Property414-Q49Apartment at River Valley Rd River Valley RdRiver Valley Tower622-Q3933 Devonshire 33 DevonshireSekon Intenational28-Q3105 mins walk Botanic Garden MRT Bukit Timah & Duke's RoadRoyal Golden Eagle56$1,504Q3111KM to Novena MRT Chancery Hill &Dyson RoadSustained Land--Q411Former Kew Lodge (Landed) Kheam Hock RoadAurum Land101965Q311Former Surrey 21 21 Surrey RoadNot disclosed10-Q311Between Newton & Novena MRT 32/34 Gilstead RdKheng Leong20$1,643🟢12The Arcady 1037 Serangoon RoadKSH, H10 & SLB172$1,313Q412Braddell Horizon Lorong 1 Toa PayohCDL, Frasers and Sekisui775$1,360Q414Deluxe Residences 3 Lorong MelayuKai Lim Development41-Q414Former Vicenta Lodge Lorong MarzukiUndisclosed27$968Soon 🔜15Meyer Blue (Former Meyer Park) 81, 83 Meyer RoadUOL and Singapore Land222$1,668Q315Amber Sea 30 Amber GardensFar East132$1,066🟢15Straits at Joo Chiat 303 Joo Chiat PlaceRoxy-Pacific16-Q315Arina East Residences (Former La Ville) Tg. Rhu RoadZACD107$1,540Q415Siglap CourtSiglap RoadCrescendas Group43-🟢15Koon Seng House Koon Seng RoadMacly Group19$1,063🟢15Ardor Residence Haig RoadNanshan Group35$1,286Soon 🔜15Emerald of Katong Jalan TembusuSim Lian840$1,069Q316Bagnall Haus UPPER E COAST ROADRoxy Pacific Holdings106$1,106🟢17Kassia Flora DriveHong Leong, CDL and TID276-Soon 🔜18Aurelle (EC) Tampines Street 62 (B)Sim Lian700$7212025 ⭕️18Parktown Residences Tampines Ave 11UOL & Capitaland1190$885Soon 🔜19The Chuan Park Lorong ChuanKingsford and MCC916$1,256🟢19Jansen House Jansen RoadMacly21$871Q421Nava Grove Pine Grove Parcel BSinarmas and MCL565$1,223Soon 🔜218@BT Bukit Timah LinkBukit Sembawang155$1,343🟢22SORA Yuan Ching RoadCEL, Singhaiyi & KSH440$1,023🟢23Luminar Grand EC Bukit Batok West Ave 5CDL495$662🟢23Hillhaven Hillview RiseFar East341$1,024Soon 🔜24Novo Place (EC) Plantation Close (Parcel A)Hoi Hup & Sunway508$7032025 ⭕️24Executive Condo (EC) in Tengah Plantation Close (Parcel B)Hoi Hup & Sunway495$701Q425Northwood Grand Champions WayCDL345$904🟢26Lentoria Lentor Hills Road (B)TID265$1,130🟢26Lentor Mansion Lentor GardenGuocoland & Hong Leong533$985Q328Luxus Hill Luxus Hill HeightsBukit Sembawang156 - DBS & Morgan Stanley both predicted in 2018 that Singapore's property market price to "double" (or averagely $2,900 psf) by 2030, and so far the trend is still holding true. But it’s hard to know how the new cooling measures will affect the market through the upcoming years. Do keep in touch with us, we will keep you updated the market movement & insights for free. Be it you're ready, or just Wait & See.  Past-Years New Launches2023 New Launches Condo in Singapore 2022 New Launches Condo in Singapore 2021 New Launches Condo in Singapore  2020 New Launches Condo in Singapore  2019 New Launches Condo in Singapore 2018 New Launches Condo in Singapore 2023 New Launches 2023 New Launches Condo in Singapore DistrictProjectAddressTenureDeveloperUnitLand (psf ppr)1 Former AXA Tower8 Shenton Way99-yrsPerennial Holdings2151Marina ViewUnion Street/ Shenton Lane99-yrsIOI686$1,379 1 🟢TMW MaxwellMaxwell Road99-yrsCEL & Singhaiyi250$1,183 2Former Realty Centre15 Enggor StFreeholdThe Place Holdings114$2,402 2 Newport Residences (Former Fuji Xerox)Anson RoadFreeholdCDL2565 🟢Terra Hill (Former Flynn Park)Yew Siang RoadFreeholdHoi Hup & Sunway271$1,355 5 🟢Blossoms by the ParkSlim Barracks Rise (A)99-yrsEL Development265$1,246 5 The Hill at One NorthSlim Barracks Rise (B)99-yrsKingsford140$1,210 5 HillshorePasir Panjang RoadFreeholdFraxtor Capital59$1,098 7 Former Golden Mile ComplexBeach Road99-yrsFar East, Sino Land -9(3x residential)2,4,6 Mount Emily RdFreeholdZACD18$1,115 9 🟢Orchard Sophia130 Sophia RdFreeholdDB2Land78$1,158 9Former Peace Center /Mansion1 Sophia Road99-yrsCEL, Singhaiyi & KSH240$1,428 10 🟢The Giverny Residences6A/B/C Robin DriveFreeholdRobin Development,6$1,454 10Jervois Prive (former Jervois Green)100a Jervois RoadFreeholdJervois Midas Pte Ltd43$1,601 11Former Surrey Point2 Surrey RoadFreeholdAmara Holdings36$1,434 11Surrey 2121 Surrey RoadFreeholdUndisclosed1011 🟢Watten HouseShelford RoadFreeholdUOL & Singapore Land200$1,723 11 (2x residential)32/34 Gilstead RdFreeholdKheng Leong-$1,643 12 The Arcady1037 Serangoon RoadFreeholdKSH, H10 & SLB172$1,313 14Deluxe Residences3 Lorong MelayuFreeholdKai Lim Development4114 🟢Gems Ville (former Yuen Sing Mansion)Lorong 13 GeylangFreeholdEast Asia Development24$779 14M Suites65 Lor MelayuFreeholdFG Resource Pte. Ltd1614Former Vicenta LodgeLorong MarzukiFreeholdUndisclosed27$968 14 🟢Mattar Residences8 Mattar Road99-yrsFKSH26$1,109 14 🟢The ContinuumThiam Siew AvenueFreeholdHoi Hup & Sunway800$1,488 15 🟢Grand DunmanDunman Road99-yrsSinghaiyi1,035$1,350 15Amber Sea30 Amber GardensFreeholdFar East132$1,066 15Former La VilleTg. Rhu RoadFreeholdZACD107$1,477 15 🟢Tembusu GrandJalan Tembusu99-yrsCDL & MCL Land638$1,302 15Former East CourtKong Seng RoadFreeholdFreehold19$1,063 15Former Haig Road FlatsHaig RoadFreeholdNanshan Group35$1,286 16 🟢Sceneca Tanah Merah Kechil Link99-yrsMCC, The Place Holdings268$930 17 🟢The Shorefront165 Loyang Besar999-yrsJinmac & KY Group23 -19Former Jansen MansionJansen Road99-yrsMacly21$863 21 🟢The Reserve Residences Jalan Anak Bukit99-yrsFEO and Sino Group700$989 21 🟢Pinetree Hill ResidencesPine Grove (Parcel A)99-yrsUOL & Singapore Land520$1,318 22 🟢J'DEN Residences 聚鼎Jurong East Central 199-yrsCapitaLand -22 🟢Lakegarden ResidencesYuan Ching Road99-yrsWing Tai Holdings300$1,260 22 SORAYuan Ching Road99-yrsCEL, Singhaiyi & KSH440$1,023 23 🟢Altura ECBukit Batok West Ave 899-yrsQingjian & Santarli375$662 23 Luminar Grand ECBukit Batok West Ave 599-yrsCDL495$626 23 🟢The ArdenPhoenix Road99-yrsQingjian105$630 23 🟢The MystUpper Bukit Timah Road99-yrsCDL408$98523 🟢BotanyDairy Farm Walk99-yrsSim Lian385$980 23 HillhavenHillview Rise99-yrsFar East341$102426 🟢Lentor Hills ResidencesLentor Hills Road (A)99-yrsGuocoland, TID595$1,060 26 LentoriaLentor Hills Road (B)99-yrsTID 265$1,130 26 🟢Hillock Read the full article

[buildinginspectioncouncilau]

BUYING HOUSE IN MELTON - WHY BUILDING INSPECTION IS A MUST?

Melton is buzzing name with property buyers and developers and property purchase is followed by the demand of building inspection. There is huge demand and competition for the building inspection in Melton. Building Inspection Council is making easier for the first home buyers and investor to hire a competent building inspector by giving free quotes and advice.  

What Is Offered In Melton?

The City of Melton is a local government area in the western rural-urban fringe of Melbourne in Victoria. The city has a total area of 528 sqkm and is governed by Melton City Council. The city is situated in one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia with a population of 181,571 in 2021.  Melton had 3rd highest population growth in LGAs in Victoria in 2010 and was granted city status in 2012. During the year 2015-16, the City of Melton has the fourth fastest and fourth-largest growth in Victoria. The city is growing at the rate of 5.2%, almost at 4 times the growth rate of Victoria. Almost 50 families move into the city every week (2680 per year). (Source)

The median age of residents of the City of Melton is 33 as compared to the median age of 37 of Victoria and 76% of the population is under 49 years of age.

There are 57,000 households in the City of Melton with an average household size of 3.1. The area is family-friendly as the population consists of 43% families with children and 20% families without children. The median household income is $1,538 per week with more than 60,000 people employed full time and part-time. (Source)

List of Suburbs in City of Melton

Aintree                                                           

Fieldstone

Parwan

Bonnie Brook

Fraser Rise

Plumpton

Brookfield

Grangefields

Ravenhall

Burnside

Harkness

Rockbank

Burnside Heights

Hillside (S

Strathtulloh

Caroline Springs and Many more

Why Building Inspection Is Necessary?

For most people, purchasing a house is the biggest financial decision of their life and for this decision to be a good one, you must have all the important information. building inspection helps you to learn about the actual condition of the property. The research says that all the houses have building defects and some of these could be serious requiring a huge amount of money to fix or leave you to house unsafe to live in.

Some vendors go to any extent to hide these defects under the fresh paint and plaster which make it extremely hard for a property buyer to identify building defects. A building inspection reveals all the visible, hidden, and potential risks in the property and helps you to make an informed decision. The inspection also highlights any fatal or health risk in the property and works as an excellent tool for negotiation. Basically, a building inspection protects you from expensive and dangerous building defect and save your money.

What Is Covered In Building Inspection?

A building inspection is a visual inspection of the property for any building defects, fatal risks, and health risks. These days most of the professional have started using modern tools which enhances the efficiency of the process. The building inspector covers most of the area of the house as long as those areas are safe to access. The inspection covers the following areas:

Property Site: These are areas of the houses which are outside the building and not attached to it.

Building Exterior: These are the areas that are outside the house and attached to the building.

Building Interior: The interior of the main building is covered in this part.

Roof Exterior: The exposed and outside part of the roof is inspected.

Roof Interior: The enclosed section of the roof know as the attic or roof cavity is covered in this part.

Footing: The sub-floor area containing the footing stumps are inspected.

For detailed information on inclusion on building inspection, you can read ” What Is Covered In The Building Inspection? “.

How Much Does Building Inspection Cost In Melton?

The cost of building inspection in Melton depends upon the size, age, type, style, and location of the property. Building Inspection Council has observed that the average price of a quality building inspection is between $400 and $600. Most of the houses in Melton are of average size (3-4 bedroom).

Number of Rooms

   Flat                                   Single Story                            Double Story

1.  $200 -$300                      $200 -$300                               $200 -$300

2.  $250 -$400                      $275 -$400                               $275 -$400

3.  $300 -$500                      $350 -$550                               $375 -$600

4.  $400 -$600                     $400 -$600                                $400 -$600

more.  Custom                  Custom                                      Custom

For detailed information about the cost of building inspection, you should read “How Much Building Inspection Cost? “.

How To Get A Building Inspection In Melton?

A building inspection is useless if not carried out by a qualified building inspector(Read HOW TO AVOID TERRIBLE BUILDING INSPECTORS?) and finding a competent building inspector is a challenge. It takes a lot of time and effort to find a good building inspector. You should avoid references from the agent, solicitors, mortgage brokers, and other professionals with conflict of interest. The property buyers should do their own research and take the opinions of friends and family. Make a list of building inspectors working in your area and shortlist 3-4 building inspectors based on the reviews. Talk to each of the 3 building inspectors and ask the following questions.

Discuss the experience in the local area

Confirm the price and what they cover inspection

Ask for a copy of the qualification, insurance cover, and other documents.

Confirm about the after inspection follow-up.

Finalize the inspection schedule with the chosen building inspection.

For detailed information on finding a building inspector, you should read “How To Choose A Building Inspector? “

The building inspection protects you from unforeseen building defects which could be expensive to repair or leave your home unsafe for living. It is a small investment that pays for itself many times.

Building Inspection Council has a list of the pre-verified building inspectors and we help the Australian property buyer with free quotes from these inspectors. As a not-for-profit community service, we do not have to compromise on anything for profit and you get the most honest and genuine building inspection quotes. FOR FREE QUOTES FROM LOCAL INSPECTORS, CLICK HERE

[dopescotlandwarrior]

A Hero Among Us-Chapter One

On AO3

Chapter One

Claire pushed herself up from the mattress and wiped her nose. The skin was tender and burning from days on end of crying since her husband died. He was buried one week ago and her life had become intolerable, more so every day. The coalition of wine growers was circling around her like vultures waiting to pick her apart. They would buy her property at ten cents on the dollar or burn her out, and they did not care which.

Claire paced in front of the windows of her parlor looking at grapevines as far as the eye could see in every direction. This was Frank’s dream, not hers, and she knew little about viniculture and nothing about running a farm. He had died too quickly to tell her much, a feeling that left her boiling with resentment. “You hateful man, refusing to prepare for your death was a sure way to make me fail.”

Claire was raised in the upper class of London society and enjoyed a refined lifestyle and social status granted by her family’s wealth. When she married Frank Randall, the son of a prominent family, he brought her to America and sunk eighty percent of her dowry on this piece of land in St. Helena California. The remainder was used to build a fine house, vines, equipment for wine production and labor for the first planting. The law allows a widow’s dowry equal to one-third the original but it was all tied up in the dirt she now lived on.

She walked outside to clear her head and ambled down the rows of vines, inspecting the large leaves and berry clusters. She had no idea when the harvest should take place or how she would find anyone to help her. On numerous occasions, she rode into their tiny town and tried to hire the immigrants who were looking for work but they refused her. She scanned the three hundred acres of vines and felt utterly defeated.

Claire walked into the enormous kitchen where misses Crook stood kneading dough for bread. The opulence of this room and others made her choke with resentment. Everything Frank did was grandiose, a symbol of his position and wealth. Up to his death, he had not spent a nickel of his own money and knowing he was dying he had not made provisions for her support. Claire felt the bile rising in her stomach and tried to clear her head.

“Misses Crook, I am riding into town to buy a chicken, hopefully, two. We need eggs and the chicken we have must be laying in the vineyard because I cannot find a single egg.”

Two chickens were in a sack tied to Claire's saddle as she made her way home an hour later. She was lost in her thoughts allowing a group of men on horseback to surround her. She recognized them as landowners in the area who wanted to force her off her land. They were getting pushier with their demands and Claire bit her lip and remained quiet hoping they would leave. One of the men pulled the sac from her saddle and shook it, allowing the chickens to escape into the fields. The men laughed and raced away from her, one of them fired at the dirt in front of her horse making it rear in fright. Claire was unseated and hit the ground hard, knocking the wind out of her. The horse galloped away.

Claire tried to pull air into her lungs and her restrictive corset made that impossible. She felt herself dying and panicked trying to reach the laces at the back. Just before she blacked out she felt strong hands pull her jacket back and an arm reach in to pull the upper laces. This continued until she could take a complete breath.

“There ye go lass, breathe deep and don’t try to get up yet. Yer safe for now. How far is yer home?”

“Not far.”

“Well, I ken that’s where yer horse is about now. Can ye get up yet?”

There was no ladylike way to pull this off she realized and accepted his hand to pull her up. She stood still until the dizziness was tolerable and then let go of his hand.

“Thank you, sir, you saved my life. I am very grateful. Have you seen two chickens running around? Those men let mine go and they are desperately needed.”

“If I had I would have eaten at least one, feathers and all, sorry to say. It’s been a few days for me mistress. Come, I will help ye home and then be on my way.”

Claire noticed the sun sinking into dusk and worried for her safety. She promised him some food and felt huge relief for the escort.

“I am Claire Randell, my vineyard is up ahead. And you are…”

“I am nobody named James Fraser. Pleased to meet ye, mistress.”

He explained how he came to America with the gold rush, funded by several tenants on his estate. He had worked tirelessly, however, he never found any gold before the money was gone. The only work was in the vineyards so he started walking.

“You poor man, I’m surprised you can even stand. Here I can walk faster, let’s hurry.”

Ladies in London don’t walk with purpose, they stroll, to let the world know they needn’t rush after anything. She fell into that pace quite naturally and now felt ashamed to force this huge man to take tiny steps.

“Come in James, let’s get you fed.”

Jamie looked at the huge house and started walking backward, looking in all directions.

“Thank ye, mistress, I will wait out here. Would ye like me to catch yer horse for ye? Is that him, grey dapple munching on some hardy vines?”

“Jesus Christ, yes, please catch her before she mows down an entire row!”

Jamie rushed into the barn and grabbed a scoop of grain to lure the beast away from the vines. He approached her speaking Gaelic just above a whisper as he held the scoop full of grain out to her. She startled at first, still scared from her gallop home but caught the scent of grain and changed her mind. Jamie kept talking to her stroking her neck and letting her nibble at the grain. She walked behind him to the barn and entered her stall gratefully. Her reward was the remainder of the scoop. Jamie looked around the impressive barn with four stalls for horses, hayloft above and storage space, a lot of it. Once he pulled the tack off the horse he returned to stand in front of the house.

Claire opened the door wide so the man could see misses Crook who ordered him to the table where his supper was getting cold. Jamie flew through the door not wanting to provoke this commanding woman. When he saw his meal he almost cried, there was so much there to eat!

Claire and misses Crook were not a minute behind him bringing their own meals to the table. Claire nearly dropped hers when she saw empty plates in from of the man. She looked under the table and on his lap and finally asked where his food went.

“Apologies mistress, I ate it.”

“Oh, let’s get you a little more then.”

She picked up his plate and returned a minute later with the plate piled high with dried beef, vegetables, potatoes, and bread. This plate would have fed her for an entire week but she wanted to demonstrate there was plenty of food here. While Jamie was catching Brimstone Claire ran into the kitchen and ordered misses Crook to make more food and quickly. She desperately wanted to hire this man to help her save the vineyard however she had little money to pay him. Until she sold the first harvest she would prove she could feed him.

“Do you mind if we join you, sir?”

Jamie shot up from his seat and bowed slightly saying it would be his honor. He looked around at the joining rooms, all large, sumptuously decorated and wondered where the lady’s husband was. He fancied the lady but kept his eyes down on his plate. She was speaking to him like it was a Sunday social which confused him. He decided misses Crook was her mother who referred to her daughter as, mistress. That was very odd. Why else would she be dining at the same table? Whenever possible he would look around him for the husband.

“Mister Fraser, may I speak to you about a proposition I have?”

“Of course, mistress.” Responding to her allowed him to look at her and he felt the air evacuate from his lungs requiring a spontaneous deep breath to restore him. He blushed and lowered his gaze.

“I would like to hire you, mister Fraser, to help me run the vineyard if you know anything about this type of farming. I have very little money but I will keep you fed and give you a cottage to live in that is safe and warm. I will also need help hiring workers when it’s time to harvest the grapes. Can you tell me what you know about vineyard management mister Fraser?”

“It isna time to pull the fruit yet, another three months for white and four months for the reds. You watch the sugars when the time is near, every day, early, at sunup. When the sugars rise you harvest the grapes as fast as possible. Extract the juice, add yeast, and put the juice in barrels to age for a few years. Or you take the fruit to the auction and sell it for the highest price possible.

Claire was stunned. In three minutes this man had summarized the answer to all her questions. The questions Frank refused to answer, to give her a fighting chance. Her eyes were wide staring at the strange man. When she could find her tongue again she spit out sentences without pre-thought and nearly gave him her complete life history. She was in a sense, begging for his help. After five minutes she closed her mouth, blushing fiercely at her lack of manners and feeling dread he would refuse her. She looked down at her lap.

“May I ask ye, where is yer husband?”

“Dead. Sorry, didn’t mean to skirt that issue.”

Jamie was too quiet for too long giving Claire the impression he would be leaving this very night. Try as she might to hold her tears at bay they spilled freely from her eyes and dropped into her lap. She held her linen napkin to her face in embarrassment and Jamie felt his heart melt at her sadness. She was so young, he realized, with a monumental task ahead she knew nothing about. Now that he knew she was a widow it clicked in his head that she is the landowner folks were talking about at nearly every post he passed. There was a general warning to stay away from her or face consequences. Jesus lass, yer in a hopeless mess and I wonder if ye even know it.

“Please mistress, dinna cry, I will help ye.”

Claire dropped her napkin and jerked her head toward him with wide red eyes. She smiled, and it lit up her entire face, the dining room, and the whole world that Jamie lived in. When he realized he was staring at her he dropped his gaze quickly.

“Come with me. Let us find you a suitable cabin to live in while you are here. There is one that is bigger than the others for the manager. That is you. Whatever you need for your home I will provide to the best of my ability. You have made all the difference in my life mister Fraser and I am so grateful. When we speak again, please be ready to discuss your compensation and the successful continuance of this vineyard. Do we sell the grapes or make wine, things like that.”

They were halfway to the cabins and she stopped abruptly and turned around. Her smile was radiant, her chest was heaving with excitement or exercise and her eyes latched onto his making his heart pound in his chest. “It has been a very long time, but I feel hopeful again. It is glorious!” She jumped up like a child playing and strode on toward the cabins.

“This is the biggest cabin and closest to the water pump. There are two buckets in each cabin and a small stack of towels. There is a small stack of firewood in the back and six enormous trunks that you are welcome to cut up. I believe the ax is sticking out of one of them.”

Jamie watched her in fascination. In their brief association, he had seen her get thrown from her horse, nearly pass out from her corset, cry with frustration at her horrible circumstances, and then brighten with relief. Through it all her impeccable manners and elegant carriage never wavered. He hated her, in general, for being British, for bowing to the monarchy that crushed his homeland. He would keep his distance and work hard for her. When the grapes were sold he would return to his home in Scotland.

When she bid him goodnight she hummed making her way back to the house. The sound made him feel happy. He closed the door to his cabin and put his back to it surveying the space that would be all his until the fall. It had been so long since he slept in a bed, had a fireplace for warmth, a door to lock, and fresh water right outside. He took deep breaths to lower his heart rate.

Jamie sat on his bed with a great sigh. The weeks of walking with little food or water had taken their toll, he was exhausted and the food was like a sedative in his stomach. He was asleep before his head hit the pillow.

Muscles cramping, bladder painfully full, feet sweating from leather boots. Jamie rolled onto his back, momentarily confused about where he was. He remembered the night before and stumbled in the dark to the door. He walked quickly toward the back to relieve himself taking great gulps of cool crisp air. The sun’s rays were just breaking across the horizon and he watched as they raced across the land and eventually touched the grapes making them glow inside. He turned in a circle to survey the property and it was amazing. Aside from the level acreage, there were steep hills that were terraced with lines of vines. Perfect for the deep reds this region was known for.

Jamie owed his limited knowledge to the owner of the first Vineyard he worked for. The man took him under his wing when he saw what a hard worker he was. He taught him so much in the three months he was there. Jamie had enormous respect and gratitude for the man and felt his face turn hard and angry at the way it ended. He was run off the property when the wife was caught sneaking into Jamie’s hut. He had no idea she was there until he was yanked out of bed and run off the property in his bare feet. His boots and clothes were thrown at him like he was a common thief or the lowest human that lived. He started walking, shaking from the indignity, hurt pride, and sorrow for what the man thought now. Two weeks later he watched Claire get thrown from her horse. That was yesterday.

Jamie pumped water to wash his face and parts of his body he would dare. He felt better after that and walked the rows of vines inspecting for bugs and fungus. The plants looked remarkable. The Sassenach will have a very good harvest if they could just watch the sugars. The whole growing season came down to someone watching the Brix number which equates to the amount of sugar in the grape. Each type of grape was harvested at a different Brix rating. He had confidence the former husband had purchased a hydrometer. He would trouble misses Randell today for some paper to write all these facts down before he forgets.

Jamie was high in hills studying the plants when misses Crook came out with his breakfast. When she couldn’t get his attention she ran back for the bell. Jamie came down the slope at record speed making misses Crook put her hand to her mouth. The man must be part billy goat, she thought watching him.

“Here’s ye breakfast mister Fraser.”

“Yer Scottish misses Crook." How could he miss the burr his ears longed to hear? " How did you come to raise an English daughter?”

Jamie was so shocked at first he didn’t realize he watched the woman through slit eyes. He was very suspicious of this turn of events and thought to be on his guard.

“My daughter? Who might that be laddie?”

“Misses Randell.”

“No lad, I have managed the house of mister Randall for many years, and now I serve misses Randall in the same capacity.”

“How do you take yer meals with the mistress then?”

Misses Crook laughed and told him it was hard getting used to her unorthodox ways after her husband died. She would not be eating without misses Crook so she would either sit and eat or watch her wither away.

“They are British woman, how can ye serve them without poison?”

“Well, I ken it wasna mister and misses Randell that raised arms against the Scottish people or oppressed the traditions that were lost. A babe canna choose which country to be born in and ye’d do well to ken such.”

With that, she gave him a scalding look and walked away taking great strides to put distance between them. Jamie started out loving the sound of her burr and now he was just confused. Stay on task he decided, leave these wicked Brits to their own lives as they will perish in the fires of hell.

He inhaled his porridge and jumped back up the hill to continue his review of the plants. By lunchtime, he was done and beyond impressed with the hardiness and overall condition of the plants. He would have to ask the mistress where the vines were purchased.

For the rest of the day, Jamie went through each outbuilding to find what Randell had purchased for his wine business. There was twice the equipment he anticipated and wondered how shocked Randell was to be dying halfway through his first growing season. He was certain he suffered from that knowledge, why else would he not prepare his wife to take over in his absence. Jealousy, because she would live while he decayed in the ground. Wicked man Randell, glad yer dead. If Jamie had such a thought about anyone else, non-British, he would cross himself and asked forgiveness on the spot. Brits were not human to him and had no rights to decency or moral behavior. Like his father before him Jamie hated Brits.

The last building was locked so Jamie went to the house and knocked on the door. Claire pulled the big door open, walked outside, took his arm, and walked him back in. She led him to the dining room and told him to sit as lunch was being served. Jamie watched her help misses Crook bring plates of food to the table while she talked about her weird day.

“And then I turned around and there they were, looking at me like, well, where do we sleep? It was so odd but I am very happy we didn’t lose those birds and they are already fully feathered so just a few more months until we get eggs. Thank goodness.”

“Mister Fraser, why are you not eating. Are you ill?”

“Mistress?”

“You must eat so you can work hard and not fall over. C’mon, you cannot get up until all this food is gone.”

Jamie filled his plate while his mouth watered and his stomach growled. He was deliriously happy when there were plates of food in front of him, especially with the directive to clear them or be stuck there. He was very good at following orders, Claire and misses Crook watched him eat with widening eyes.

Jamie sat back with a happy contented look on his face that made Claire giggle. He smiled back at her despite his resolve not to. In fact, he would not extend any kindness to her at all now that he knew how badly she needed him. He shook his head at such ridiculous ideas. He could never be anything but nice and accommodating to her. She was a very special person. Fragile and vulnerable and…

“Mister Fraser!”

“Misses Crook?”

“Get about yer business!”

Jamie was looking around at the cleared table and absence of Claire. He must have been daydreaming and lost track. He was allowed to eat in the big house so he better be more conscious of his behavior while here.

“I came to the house for the key to the large outbuilding on the property. I am taking an inventory of equipment. Would you please ask misses Randell for it?”

Claire appeared a few minutes later and finished lacing up her boots before standing and announcing she was ready to go. Jamie walked toward her with a questioning look.

“Do ye plan to go with me, mistress?”

“I can’t wait to stretch my legs and have an adventure. Do you not want my company, sir?”

Jamie didn’t know how to respond to that so he motioned for her to go first and followed dutifully to the outbuilding. Claire opened the door and Jamie nearly fell over.

“By Christ, I had not expected so many barrels, and they’re new, can ye small the oak? What would make him purchase so much equipment if you dinna mind my askin.”

“He wanted my entire dowry sunk into this place so he kept spending until the money was gone I assume. Every acre, vine, outbuilding, house, barn, and all that is in them was purchased with my dowry.”

Jamie could not imagine how much money that would be or why her family would have to offer such for someone to marry her. She was so beautiful and cultured it was unfathomable to him. He looked at the neatly stacked rows of barrels and felt something strange in his stomach. It felt like excitement. What the hell was he excited about? He would help her put up a small portion of the harvest and set it to aging in one or two of the barrels, but for him to get back to Scotland the majority of the grapes would have to be sold.

He felt strange when Claire was nearby and decided solitude was best. He would speak to misses Crook about taking his meals outside, away from the prettiest eyes he had ever seen and away from his need to make her smile.

Jamie looked through piles of equipment and pulled out a hydrometer followed by a genuine smile.

“We have everything we need, well almost. Misses Randell, I need to tell ye somethin. Word has spread around these parts that no one is to work for you. Anyone who does will pay consequences.”

Jamie watched Claire’s face fall into sadness and he ached for her. He thought of only one way to ensure they had enough hands for the harvest but they had to act fast. Some of the men would be walkin.

“I don’t know how much ye know about Scots mistress but we dinna sit well with intimidation. If ye tell a Scot not to sit on that rock or pay consequences the first thing he’ll do is go sit on that rock. Ye ken? Ye need Scots to work the harvest and they’re aplenty in San Francisco but ye have to act fast. Can ye write to the paper there and place an add for Scottish immigrants who want to work? No tellin how long it will take them to get up here and ye may have to feed a number of men long before the harvest but I dinna think ye can hire workers that have been bullied by the coalition.”

Claire was pacing with hands on her hips. She was deep in thought giving Jamie some precious moments to look at her.

“These men cannot be intimidated you say?”

“Aye.”

“I trust you mister Fraser, implicitly. I will go write that letter and pray they come.”

She handed him the key to the outbuilding and turned in a swirl of skirts heading for the house. He had that feeling in his stomach again and grunted in disgust before returning to the plants to start pulling leaves.

By mid-afternoon, Jamie was lost in his thoughts pulling leaves from around the berry clusters to increase the sun that hit them. Large crowded clusters were thinned by dragging his hand down knocking the grapes off. It was California growers who first started thinning the clusters to push more robust flavors into those that matured. When he heard Claire’s voice he almost jumped out of his skin.

“I’m sorry mister Fraser,” she said giggling.

“It doesna sound like it mistress,” he said smiling at her.

“What are you doing?”

“Ye see how big this leaf is? If there are too many around the cluster the sun canna get to the berries and the sugar will suffer. Ye need to leave the very top leaves to protect the cluster from the mid-day sun, but the sides should be free of shade for morning and afternoon sun, see?”

“Why are you knocking grapes to the ground?”

“That is to thin the clusters for the robust flavor this region is known for.”

“I am so grateful to you mister Fraser for teaching me!”

She put her hand on his arm and seemed unaware she was doing so. Jamie didn’t move a muscle and hoped for a few more seconds of contact before she let go. She walked away smiling and he wished she never had to leave him.

“Like this?”

Jamie turned around to see Claire on her second vine. She indicated her handy work for him to check and he smiled at her.

“That’s perfect. Look at yer hands mistress, maybe rub your fingers across yer cheek. They are soft are they nae?” He watched her nod her head. “If ye keep doing that yer fingers will feel like this.”

Jamie rubbed his rough fingers across her cheek making her blush fiercely. She turned her back to him and continued working on the leaves.

“I doubt my fingers could ever feel so rough mister Fraser so I intend to continue this work for ten more plants.”

Jamie was in his head after touching Claire. Canna you see what ye do to me lass, he thought. Ye get my head thinkin impossible things, my guts shake with anticipation of somethin that will never be, and when ye touch my arm I canna move, in fact, I can barely breathe. So please go away. Just when he thought the situation could not get any worse, it did. She started humming.

[drunklander]

Drunj!Der Yells About Outlander

Thoughts on Ep. 402

It shouldn’t be surprising when I say this post is going to be less jokey than last week. If that’s not your jam, I recommend you stop reading now and maybe just sing “Everyone is Garbage” to the tune of Everything is Awesome while you instead go watch the entirety of Underground, or the Rosa Parks episode of Doctor Who.

I have to say, the producers on this show have said a lot of dumb shit in the past. From “Frank’s a good guy!” when he’s portrayed as being objectively awful on screen to “We don’t shy away from the horrors of the past because we’re so daring like that!” as a justification of their need to rape or assault everyone with a pulse. But one of the dumbest things in recent memory was at NYCC when Ron tried to claim that Outlander isn’t a political show.

Bullshit. Everything is political.

Using America the Beautiful to underscore how America didn’t, and still doesn’t, live up to the ideals we sing about in our romanticized versions of our history was political. Albeit in an overly heavy-handed way. Choosing to do an episode about slavery that focuses solely on white people and not the enslaved, who are just there as props for the white people’s moral dilemmas, is political. Choosing to show a lynching on screen in a time when Black people are still being killed in horrifying numbers at the hands of white people who are supposed to serve and protect, in a time when Black people have the police called on them while simply having a cookout in a public park, in a time when a white man can shoot an unarmed Black boy and walk away with no consequences, is political.

How we portray Black bodies on screen matters. And in this instance, a *very* white show chose to frame enslaved people as the props against which they highlight the guilt of the white protagonists.

I really do wish they included someone checking to see if Claire, who had a man killed right in front of her, was ok. But instead she just does the emotional labor of assuaging Jamie’s guilt over Bonnet’s attack. Because doing emotional labor is just what women do. *flips off the patriarchy and also the producers*

Young Ian’s awe at River Run, how it’s befitting a king, just highlights how he has no context for what the symbol of a big white plantation house means for so many people. That image is so laden with white supremacy it should immediately trigger a bad taste in any decent person’s mouth. Go ahead and @ me.

Jocasta Cameron is straight garbage, but Maria Doyle Kennedy is fucking amazing. A++ casting, show.

Not sure if the parallel of Jocasta telling Claire to call her Auntie and Claire telling Phaedre and Mary to call her Claire was intentional or not. Will have more to say about that in a second...

Honest question, if the dog who plays Rollo is so poorly trained that they have to cut him out of most scenes, why didn’t they get a different dog? Slash, I thought they’d been training this one since it was a puppy?

“Some River Run hospitality.” *feels nauseous*

I SO hope they don’t do the Jocasta and Ulysses having an affair storyline from the books. Please, show, don’t do it.

Show!Jocasta is so much more overtly garbage than book!Jocasta. This is a woman who had to flee her country after the Rising because of how horrible the English were to the Scots. Yet she doesn’t bat an eye at the concept of keeping human beings as property. Even with Jamie, she isn’t thinking of him as his own person, but rather someone she can make do her bidding and use for her own purposes. She should fucking know better, but the promise of benefiting from white supremacy is apparently more beneficial than actually having morals. Fuck you, Jocasta.

Claire’s palpable discomfort with being led around by an enslaved man juxtaposed with Jamie thinking nothing of it as he reminisces about his mother is just the start of me side-eyeing Jamie a lot this episode.

Don’t worry, I’m an equal opportunity side-eye’er. Claire’s gonna get her share of it too. Starting with her asking Phaedre and Mary to call her Claire.

Claire. You know all about chattel slavery. You know it’s wrong. You know how enslaved people are treated. Why the fuck would you ask Phaedre and Mary to put themselves in a position to potentially face serious consequences for not being “properly deferential” to a white person just to make yourself feel better about being complicit in their enslavement. She’s prioritizing making herself feel better at the expense of the potential well-being of Phaedre and Mary. JFC, Claire, do not endanger the marginalized people you claim to care about in the name of wokeness.

The skunk bit with Young Ian and John Quincy Myers is a tad off-putting tbh. I love that Ian wants to learn about Native Americans and looks to find similarities with them rather than think of them as “savages,” but like they’re having this convo while completely ignoring the fact that an enslaved boy is filling the tub and like immediately just start talking about banging Native American women. It just feels like they were stretching for some levity when the characters in this episode don’t deserve any.

Jamie: “Uncle Hector and you have achieved a great amount here, Auntie.” Me:

Jocasta: “I purchase them in lots, in order to keep those with children together.” Me:

“Over the years, I found my slaves to be more productive when treated with benevolence. You see, I don’t actually see them as people. I only treat them nicely so my property can reach its maximum potential output. I am a garbage human and the myth of the benevolent slave owner is just bullshit that white people tell themselves to absolve themselves of the fact that they benefit from white supremacy.”

That Jocasta can refer to the people she enslaves as both too expensive to be livestock and friends in almost the same breath is peak caucasity. Seriously, show!Jocasta is an irredeemably shit person.

Also Jamie being like oh well done, Auntie, you are so nice to these people makes me want to punch him in his dumbass face. Show!Jamie has been on my last nerve for a while tbh.

Like bro, you literally lived in a cave for fucking years because the English were out to fuck Scots up. You were in prison for fucking years. You served on an English estate, where you were raped, for fucking years. And now you see people who were ripped from their homes and families and brought across the sea against their will (hey remember your nephew, Ian?) and you’re like oh Auntie, you’re such a nice white lady. Go fuck yourself, Jamie.

Jocasta playing the woman card with Jamie to justify her needing him to get involved with the enslaved labor on her plantation is something Colum would be proud of.

And Jocasta being like hey, “Claire, you’ve been homeless for a hot minute, shower me in praise for how nice my slave-run house is as I ‘graciously’ let you stay here” is such a power move in the worst possible way. Colum and Dougal raise a glass from whatever afterworld they ended up in.

Claire, girl, why couch your opposition to slavery in the Quaker influence. Own your opinions on this. Take a fucking stand. There are things in life worth standing up for. This is fucking one of them.

Oh Jenny. I love that she wrote to Jocasta about Claire. But also last season still turned me the hell off from show!Jenny so really I don’t like that lady.

Fuck each and every one of these yuppie white men.

Aw, woke-ish!Ian. Yes, it was their land, but let’s please not think of the Native American women as sexual conquests like you were earlier. KThxBai.

Ok for real, after living at Leoch and scheming through Paris and then being fucked over by Bonnet, Jamie sure doesn't learn much about people being sneaky. How does he not see where Jocasta was going when she so readily positioned him in a position of authority on the plantation.

Jamie, bro, buying into the benevolent slave owner narrative is not a good look. And by not a good look, I mean you are a garbage person. I get that that’s the point, but still.

Ok so the book frames Campbell as a friend to the Frasers, and the show is trying to frame him as someone genuinely trying to look out for the Frasers’ best interest. But he has also resigned himself to the reality of his current situation with no desire to try to make things better since it would mean making a personal sacrifice. To which I say, fuck you very much, you coward.

Hi, I’m Der, and I’m of the opinion that if you are in a place of privilege and see bigotry and oppression taking place, it’s your duty to stand the fuck up and try to make a change. 

“If we take the Tryon option, we don’t need to feel bad about slavery and can just bask in our white privilege on stolen Native American land and not have to deal with the consequences of accepting free land from the English, y’know, the people we hate, for almost a decade.” Cool, Jamie. Cool cool cool. Remember last episode when you were almost woke? 

Claire acting naive about what’s going to happen to Rufus should seem out of character. She went back into the past knowing full well how things were there. She knew that if she went back, she’d be in a time where this was the reality. Yes, she thought she’d be in Scotland, but that’s just another sign of her fucking privilege. She was like oh, I’ll just be in Edinburgh and not have to consider slavery. Joe Abernathy did not deserve the shaft he got in season three and he does not deserve fucking peak-white-privilege-the-past-is-fine-because-it-doesn’t-really-affect-me Claire as his friend.

Scrub Nurse!Ian is literally the only positive part of this episode.

This entire scene of a room of white guys being like “we need to uphold the law!” makes me want to kick the shit out of each and every fucker who has ever owned a confederate battle flag t-shirt or a bumper sticker. 

Also fuck each and every person who voted for the authoritarian narcissist who currently occupies the white house in 2016 or any of his fucking lackeys in the midterms. All these fuckers are straight garbage. And all the fuckers defending the authoritarian tendencies of the current administration can go fuck themselves. Go ahead and @ me.

“Don’t worry, my husband is heir to this estate.” Oh don’t fucking delude yourself, Claire. Rufus is going to die. And you are complicit in his death. Fucking own it.

*insert obligatory Joe Abernathy deserved better rant here*

I don’t like giving partial credit, but at least the show let fucking Rufus tell his own story. Just for a little bit though.

Ok I’m calling fucking bullshit that Ulysses, a man who (I don’t care what his relationship with Jocasta has been) has been enslaved for years, fucking calls Claire out and tells her she should have let Rufus die. Way to fucking try to absolve Claire by having a Black, enslaved man try to make her upcoming actions ok.

Don’t act naive, Claire. You know how this was going to end. Rufus was always going to die. You are complicit. There is no escaping that. Fucking own your part. Fucking own your privilege. And also fuck the show for centering this so much on the fucking white people.

Rufus didn't get to be an active participant in his own death. Claire should *not* have been absolved of her decision to kill him by having him ask her to do it. But by not even telling him what she's doing, she's just another white person making decisions for him without his consent. She also should have known to kill him without Jamie telling her to. *gestures at the Graham Menzies part of the books* She knows what's about to happen. She should accept that by choosing to be in the southern colonies, she's going to be complicit in slavery. She made her bed when she decided to go back into the past and now she should have to lay in it. 

Sure she may not have known that she’d end up in the colonies, but she still knew she’d be going back to a time when she’d end up being part of something that is morally abhorrent. But apparently getting that ginger dick was worth it.

It’s cute they do a parallel of her helping Rufus to die with her helping Geordie to die. But I can’t help but think this is as much for her as for him.

Every white person in this episode is trash. As they fucking should be.

Fuck everyone who defends the continued existence of confederate memorial statues tbh.

I know that’s out of left field, but yeah, fuck those people.

The fact that this shit is bringing up very real feelings about today’s political climate makes me fucking angry at the fuckers around today and also the fucking production crew for trying to cater to the meemaws by saying the show isn’t political.

Fuck Jamie for being like yeah, I can just pray this shit away. No. God is a cop out. You did this. YOU. You need to own this. Don’t you dare hide behind your faith. You will not be absolved.

Fuck this show for showing a fucking lynching and them immediately cutting to Claire’s face to make the lynching about her white guilt. Fuck them. 

If Jamie and Claire really don't want to be complicit in the atrocities of colonial America, they should move to a city where they could join in the work of starting to dismantle the things they claim to be morally opposed to. Instead they embrace their privilege of getting to ignore slavery by leaving River Run next week and go out to colonize Native American lands.

And just think. After all of this. After witnessing a lynching. In a couple episodes, Jamie’s gonna voluntarily send a guy into slavery! 

Fuck.

Please all go read Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Between the World and Me. KThxBai.

[kelliejacobs-blog]

Best Places to Purchase Property in Singapore

As per a recent poll, foreign buyers are primarily accountable for raising house cost. Since, land prices are climbing steeply, the majority of the thieves are discovering it as a much better investment. If you're searching to have a better property investment choice, you will need to spot the ideal place for purchasing a property. Bear in mind, a fantastic property can bring you greater yield values in future. Thus, you want to checklist of some essential areas and compare the areas to recognize the ideal location in accordance with your budget and anticipation.

Some great places to purchase property are recorded below:

Company central district is among the prime places for commerce and market. You may get a vast selection of people within this area. If you're interested in finding an industrial place, then suburban area can provide you with a great deal of livelihood opportunities and has lots of outdoor activities to enjoy together with your family . Northeast area is growing region that brings more foreigners with its booming trade opportunities. Want to locate a suitable home at a lush green area? Start looking for possessions around north region that has industrial property, shopping facilities, schools and residential houses and still keeps its beautiful lush green surroundings.

If you'd like a peaceful environment to unwind in the bustling town centres, then west area can meet all your requirements with its own hills, mountains and picturesque beauty. North area has become more attention today and is slowly growing into an important business centre. These are a few areas which are bringing a high number of foreigners with its broad assortment of amenities, nature and very affordable property cost rates. It is possible to take advantage of these details to pick the ideal place for purchasing Riviere Frasers Property depending on your requirements.

Property costs in Singapore are among the greatest in Asia; nonetheless this island nation is a popular one of the wealthy Chinese millionaires seeking to migrate out their nation. Therefore it is not unusual for older buildings to create for large rise ultra lavish apartments. Following is a listing of properties which are worth a thought.

Purchasing a house in Singapore is 1 complicated region which could be hard to comprehend. As a result of this, getting the support of real estate brokers is beneficial particularly when it comes to finding the proper type of home, condominium or apartment that will be appropriate for you and your loved ones.

Properties such as flat units or condo units were known as strata titled properties and didn't want the acceptance of the Singaporean government. If it comes to those insured by the Housing Development Board, foreigners aren't Permanent Residents or aren't corporate bodies can't purchase a executive condo coming in the open marketplace. Rather, they needed to get in touch with the programmer.

While purchasing a house in Singapore, locating the ideal type of property a part of this sport. Seeking the support of specialist realtors will be of excellent use since not only will they guarantee appropriate documentation of what but they have a working understanding about the Singaporean property marketplace thereby making it much easier for you to select your pick. While purchasing a house in Singapore, it's also important to ensure the aid of a lawyer. When compared with the broker who does the leg job at searching for the correct sort of home for you, the attorney handles the legal dilemmas in addition to conducting a name check making certain the possession and title to the house is valid. The procedure for purchasing a house in Singapore requires the attorney who will file a caveat with the Singapore Land Registry in telling the people that the purchaser has curiosity over the house simply to be certain the property isn't the matter of any negative notice and so on. In accordance with this, the attorney may also check in the seller's qualifications and reputation ensuring any renovation or modification on the house was lawfully made and accepted, and if not, ask that it be adjusted at this cost.

Purchasing a house in Singapore also expects you to narrow down your choices and schedule a screening. Next, and you've made your decision, you'll have to sign an choice to buy document that specifically requires a 14-day interval where you may choose whether you may purchase the house or not. There isn't caveat at this point since you haven't represented your intention to purchase just yet. At this phase in getting a house in Singapore, you'll need to have a minumum of one percent of the cost available today. In case the purchase pushes , then you'll need to exercise this choice and send the file to the vendor's solicitor. At this phase, at least eight% of the cost should have been paid.

[harmonyrealestateblog]

Real Estate Agents Fraser Rise

The first step in choosing a real estate agent in Fraser Rise, or any other part of the country, is to research the different types of agents that are available. Future buyers may want to find a full-time agent who is fully committed to their property and will help it sell quickly. In some situations, such as looking for an investment property or a retirement home, it may be more suitable to use an owner-operator so they can engage in other business interests while still helping you buy your dream home.

Many owners-operators have marketing and advertising expertise that will enable them to promote your property effectively and make sure it gets sold quickly!

[onetouchinvestment-blog]

Where are the Best Places to Invest in UK Property in 2019?

2019 is finally upon us and with the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, many are apprehensive about investing in the UK property market. We believe that there is still opportunity to be had, if you know where to look. Read on to find out where we think the best places to invest in UK property in 2019 are

With Britain’s impending exit from the European Union, many investors both home and abroad have apprehensions about investing in property in the UK. Surveyors in September 2018 gave their lowest forecast for house prices in three- and twelve-months’ time, and Mark Carney warned that a “no-deal” Brexit could shave up to 35% off house prices.

The effect that Brexit has had so far on the UK housing market seems to be confined to London and high value properties over £2m. The fear of Brexit is heightened across these markets mainly because the financial commitment is so much higher. Across the country, average house prices have continued to rise – mainly propelled by regional markets. It is also worth noting that as the pound continues to fall relative to other currencies, it is then more attractive for overseas buyers to invest in property, thus buoying demand and helping to keep house prices afloat. 

The threat of a “no deal” Brexit and measures put in place to stockpile goods

With the possibility of a no-deal Brexit on the table, companies are taking measures to avoid disruption to their supply chains and have started stockpiling goods. Several companies have already admitted to doing so, including Rolls Royce, Topps Tiles and the food group Nestle. Even without the possible impact Brexit would have, as consumers want goods almost instantaneously companies that sell online have been buying up shed space for storage.

Demand for UK industrial real estate remains strong. Distribution units and multi-let portfolios have continued to perform well as volumes hit £3.6bn which is roughly 13% of all commercial investment activity in the UK according to data from JLL. Strong demand has been underpinned by the positive market conditions and popularity of ecommerce.

These warehouses are mainly located in the midlands as it makes sense to be able to access all parts of the United Kingdom with ease. Amazon for example currently has 13 warehouses in the UK, including one in Coalville, one in Daventry and one in Milton Keynes. Another such example is Panattoni Park, where more than 1.6 million sq. ft of industrial and warehouse units available in Q4 of 2019 will be developed close to Northampton. Industrial units are also planned for the green belt around Coventry Airport, which will also include foot and cycle paths and a community park.

With the increase in warehouse activity, it makes sense that as they expand, they are looking for new recruits. This makes property in certain midlands towns such as Northampton and Leicester in the east and Coventry in the west more appealing.

Northampton

Currently Northampton is one of the best places to invest in UK property and this is proven by homes in the town selling on average in 33 days, making it one of the quickest in the country for house sales. This indicates a high demand – possibly from those who are moving to the area for work. This has led to house prices in Northampton rising by 5.3% in the year to October 2018 – a larger increase than the national average.

Leicester

Another place in the midlands which has seen and is expected to see more growth is Leicester. Leicester bucked the trend for house price fall reporting the best year-on-year growth for property prices in any large UK city and has also been named the best city in the UK to invest in property according to Hometracks Cities House price index.

Property prices in Leicester have increased by over 250% since 2000, and with its ideal midland location and promised future regeneration and investment of £3bn, Leicester will only become a more attractive option for property investment. We tip Leicester to be a property hotspot in 2019 as London can be reached in just over an hour, and Birmingham is just under an hour away by train making it convenient for those who commute into work.

Warrington

Situated between the cities of Liverpool and Manchester, Warrington is another place that is worth considering with regards to property investment in the UK. An Amazon warehouse is in the town, and Omega have revealed plans to build 758,000sq ft of speculative warehousing. With the promise of new warehousing space, new jobs will be created, and employees will be looking for somewhere to live. This could be an ideal time to invest in property in Warrington, to accommodate those employees who might rent initially but settle and choose to buy – which could create a good level of capital uplift.

Many are considering Warrington for an investment property over nearby Liverpool and Manchester due to the more accessible housing market as well as house prices in the town being considerably lower than its big city neighbors. This makes Warrington a great location to buy a house in 2019, especially for young professionals working in the cities or those looking to start a family.

Coventry

Coventry is one of the best places in the UK in terms of house price growth. Since the turn of the century house prices in Coventry have risen by over 250%, and it was the only town or city in the west midlands to make the list according to HouseSimple.  

Coventry also offers landlords excellent rental yields – some of the highest in the country thus making it one of the best buy-to-let areas in the UK. Average net rental yield excluding tax is around 5.40%, and only 5 other places in the UK come ahead of it according to Private Finance. The excellent yields are complimented by great occupancy rates especially by students as the City has a two extremely popular Universities which have a combined enrolment of over 50,000 students.

Halifax

Yorkshire is a well-located county and as a result, it is home to many distribution centres. Many corporations such as Aldi, Lidl, John Lewis, Morrisons and DPD have distribution centres set in Yorkshire.

Halifax was recently named by LendInvest as one of the best places to invest in property for buy to let. This is in part due to the number of businesses operating in the area, including McVities and Nestle, and its proximity to the distribution centres. This combined with affordable housing is why many people decide to lay down roots in the town, as the average house price in Halifax is £149,925. This is cheaper than nearby Northowram, Hipperholme and Shelf, making it an attractive alternative to workers who are priced out of the surrounding areas.

Halifax also has superb connections. It is situated just 30 minutes away from the Peak District and trains run to Leeds every 15 minutes and Manchester every 30 minutes. It is also just a 15-minute train ride away from Bradford and Hebden Bridge. This makes it a convenient choice for those who commute to work but want affordable accommodation.

One opportunity to invest in the Halifax buy to let market is in the H1 development. H1 is in the popular West Parade area and the town centre is just a short walk away. The development is a contemporary collection of one-bedroom apartments starting at £66,995. Features include anti-slip vinyl flooring and built in appliances. What makes this development particularly attractive is how affordable the apartments are. Priced under £70,000, there is a flexible payment plan in place which means that £1,814.45 can be paid monthly for 24 months and then there are three years to pay the balance after completion. A gross rental yield of 8% is predicted per annum.

Last-mile logistics and how that affects real estate in surrounding towns

The last mile is often referred to the last step in the delivery chain before goods arrive with the consumer. As people are wanting their goods delivered quickly and efficiently, companies are shifting their focus to the last mile and targeting sites close to urban areas. With good access to the M25, Essex is convenient for distributing goods to outlets along the perimeter of the capital. Next PLC has already announced plans to buy land near Waltham Abbey and Amazon has a warehouse in Tilbury – both in Essex.

The emergence of last mile warehouses close to urban areas will bring jobs. As living in cities can be expensive, some may choose to live closer to where they work, and as demand rises this will catapult the popularity of the surrounding area.

Colchester

One Essex town that has experienced phenomenal property growth is Colchester. The town is one of the best places to buy a house in the UK as it has great transport links, schools and amenities.  In the last three years, prices have increased by on average £55,000 according to Housesimple.com. LendInvest also carried out research and ranked Colchester as the best place for a buy to let investment when it considered factors such as capital growth, rental yield and rental price growth.

The struggle of the high street and plans to stimulate growth

Other places that may be up for consideration for property investment include those which are due to experience town and city centre regeneration. It should be of no surprise to learn that the high street has been struggling for a while. Debenhams has announced branch closures, as have House of Fraser. Re-negotiating leases with landlords has become common and made retail investing unattractive since the folding of BHS.

Intu, a British Real Estate Investment Trust which focussed on shopping centre management and development has faced troubles with regards to profitability of the centres. A £2.8bn takeover bid was launched by the Peel Group and, even though it fell through, it highlights the struggle of the high street as consumers switch to making online purchases.

Plans have been put in place to stimulate growth in the high street and rejuvenate areas which are not doing so well. Philip Hammond proposed plans in the Budget to save the high street by cutting business rates of retailers with a rateable value of £51,000 or less by a third from April 2019. He also slapped a 2% digital services tax on large digital firms with a turnover of more than £500m to hopefully ease competition. The chancellor also committed to a new Future High Streets Fund, where councils can redevelop abandoned and underused retail and commercial space into residential units. A partner in Cushman & Wakefield, Ian Anderson said of the scheme “the government is right to use planning policy to bring more employment and residential uses to our high streets, which can no longer afford to be so dependent on retail.”

Milton Keynes

This will help revitalise towns such as Milton Keynes where the town centre is largely dominated by its shopping centre. Recently the go-ahead was given to start work on one of the most significant retail and leisure developments in central Milton Keynes in over a decade. The development will include a boutique cinema, a dining area, new shops and public spaces. Certain spots will be redeveloped to improve the ambience and make them more welcoming. New landscaped areas and public spaces will give families and employees in the area a nice spot to relax and spend their lunch breaks.

Milton Keynes has always performed well when it comes to house price growth and there are no signs of it slowing in 2019. According to Hometrack, Milton Keynes comes in the top ten of places where house prices are rising the fastest. Now could be a good time to invest for those looking for good levels of capital uplift, as house prices will only increase once the rejuvenation work has been completed.

Edinburgh

Although Edinburgh’s high street may not be ailing, it is also undergoing a certain level of city centre regeneration. One such example is an £850m new Edinburgh St James project, which will comprise 850,000 square feet of retail space centred around a luxury hotel.  

Edinburgh’s economy was one of the fastest growing in the UK last year and these fundamentals have had a positive effect on its desirability. The picturesque Scottish capital ranked top in a new study commissioned by the Royal Mail into the best places to live and work in the UK, due to its vast green spaces and access to education and healthcare. Other factors include its cultural offerings such as libraries and theatres, job opportunities and business activity.

The appeal of living in Edinburgh has not gone unnoticed. Property prices in the Scottish capital have risen by 7.70% between January 17 and January 18 and research by Hometrack has predicted that they will continue to rise by 30% by 2022.  

Property investment in London is still viable – if one knows where to look

Although London house prices are expected to be most affected by Britain’s exit from the EU, there are still pockets of London that could prove profitable for property investment – if one knows where to look.

Leytonstone (London Borough of Waltham Forest)

North east London has been touted by almost a third of landlords as being the best place to invest in London property. They especially look for property near underground lines, with the Central line proving the most popular.

Leytonstone is one of London’s up and coming areas and it is situated in the London Borough of Waltham Forest which sits on the Central line on the boundary of zone 3-4. Although Waltham Forest was an Olympic borough and received certain levels of regeneration, it never really hit Leytonstone; but that could all be due to change.

Younger people are increasingly moving to outer boroughs in London due to the fact they can get more space for their money. The increase in desirability has been reflected in house prices, which have increased by 83% over five years in the London borough of Waltham Forest.

Having said this, prices in the borough remain relatively affordable in London terms with an average property price of £462,000, which is below the overall London average of £629,012 for 2018 (according to figures from Rightmove).

For those looking at the best places to invest in property UK 2019, look to the midlands and areas with industrial investment

In conclusion, we are predicting that with the shift from the high street to online, towns and cities close to warehouse distribution centres will grow in popularity. As a result, property prices in these towns and cities will increase as they become more desirable. We recommend the best places to invest in UK property in 2019 to be key towns and cities in the east and west midlands, Colchester, Edinburgh and Milton Keynes. Edinburgh is one of the most desirable places to live in the UK, and its booming economy is attracting more workers to the city, which is reflected in its rising house prices. Places such as Milton Keynes should benefit from Philip Hammond’s new initiative to revitalise high streets, and key towns and cities in the east and west midlands will benefit from the development of new warehouse space.

We predict that these places would be the most lucrative for buy to let investments. Different measurements are used to predict the best places for student accommodation investments, so subscribe to our newsletter to find out if student property investments are still viable and where the top places to consider are.