For many of us, work is taking up an increasing amount of our time. And what today’s commuter wants from a home is good access to commuter links to London. Johnny Turner tours the four corners of the South East and sees a lot to like
Commuting is once again front-page news as the launch date for London’s congestion charge draws near. Many drivers, faced with a much more expensive drive to their central London offices, will now turn to public transport. Those who stay with the car will want a straightforward and sensible route into the capital. So for those in the market for a new home, convenient commuter access is likely to be high on the list of must-haves. The good news is there is a wide selection of quality homes available throughout the commuter belt counties.
In Chertsey, for instance, whose reputation as prime ‘commuter country’ is well established, CALA is opening its third show home in four months at its Bourne Meadow development in Mead Lane. Recently the recipient of a Hotproperty Award for Commutability, Bourne Meadow has found many fans who appreciate its luxury – and its proximity to good transport links. The 20 town houses and 22 apartments will be high-specification havens, perfect for the London worker with a busy lifestyle. London is only 45 minutes by rail, putting the workplace within easy reach. And proximity to other major transport links such as the M25 means Bourne Meadow is well placed for Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports. Prices for the town houses start at £359,000. For further information contact the sales office on 0800 597 5950 or the show home on 01932 568433.
Meanwhile, Staines is on the up as the area has been the recipient of major investment, making it a hotspot for today’s new homes purchasers. As part of this regeneration Wilson Connolly is developing Thames Edge, a prestigious residential development adjacent to Staines Bridge. Those buying one of the 65 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments will enjoy the best of both worlds – a beautiful location and extremely convenient transport access. Thames Edge is only half an hour away from London Waterloo by train and a short drive from the M3, M4 and M25 motorways. Prices start at £252,000. Find out more on www.wilsonconnolly.co.uk or call 01784 458409.
Also from Wilson Connolly, Brentwood is the setting for The Spires, a collection of luxury two-bedroom apartments. Stylish, spacious and low-maintenance, these homes are set within landscaped gardens and are just a short walk from Brentwood High Street. For those who work in London, Brentwood station offers regular trains to Liverpool Street with a journey time of approximately 40 minutes. The homes are modern and high-spec – and some offer balconies or terrace areas. Prices start from £184,950. Call Beresfords Estate Agents on 01277 204842.
Kent is a county that has it all – green surroundings, coastline and proximity to London. In Paddock Wood, a highly regarded town just down the road from the amenities of Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, developer South East Living offers an exciting new collection of homes that are perfect for the commuter. Consisting of three refurbished three-bedroom Victorian houses on the High Street, along with a new mews terrace to the rear providing eight two- and three-bedroom houses. All the properties will have contemporary fitted kitchens, as well as bathrooms with a modern, minimalist theme. The superb commuter links make it possible to combine the best of town and country living. The homes will be released for sale in the spring. To register your interest in the meantime, call South East Living on 020 8851 3938.
In Reading, KingsOak offers Blake’s Quay, a stunning new development at Gasworks Road, which will feature a range of prestigious two-bedroom apartments. Aside from the obvious attraction of the ultra-modern structure and high specification, residents will benefit from a beautiful setting overlooking the River Kennet as well as exceptional ease of commuting by road or rail to London. Reading station and the M4 motorway are nearby for a quick route into west London. Prices currently start at £229,995. Call 0118 959 1514 or visit www.kingsoakhomes.com.
KingsOak also offers the town house lifestyle at its new Ambleside development in Broadbridge Heath, near Horsham in West Sussex. Flexibility for families is a strong selling point here; each home is arranged over three floors, meaning that purchasers can be creative with how they use space, unlike homes with the traditional pre-determined room layouts. A choice of homes is available here, including two-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom terraced homes and four-bedroom town houses. Ambleside is conveniently located on the A24, making commuting particularly advantageous, and the main railway station is within 1.5 miles. Littlehampton and Worthing are also within easy reach. First completions are expected in June. Call the sales office on 01403 255860.
In Hertfordshire, Barratt’s newly-launched City Gates is a stylish development of 60 apartments in the heart of St Albans, is proving a hit with those who need good access to London. City Gates is located just 250m from popular Chequer Street, with its bars and restaurants, and within a short distance of the station. Thameslink trains provide a quick 30-minute service into King’s Cross, making both the City of London and the West End very convenient indeed. The apartments have streamlined, contemporary interiors, while terraces and balconies are a further bonus. Add to this a fully fitted designer kitchen, spacious living/dining room and double glazing and you’ve got apartments with convenience and flair. Prices start at £290,000 for a two-bedroom apartment, while later releases will include one- and three-bedroom apartments. Call the Barratt North London sales hotline on 01923 297311.