The east-west artery of the London Underground, the Central Line, is a quick and easy way into the City or West End. Johnny Turner views some new homes that are well placed for this popular tube line.
Commuters zip into and out of London with the help of the various roads and tracks, ensconced in carriages and coaches, cars and cabs. And although those whose livelihoods are conducted within the capital like to grumble about their commute, the fact is a system that scoots us hither and thither at the rate London’s does is a wonder. And cutting a direct east-west axis through it all is the Central Line.
On either end the ‘red line’ gathers folks from the suburbs and sprawling countryside and pushes them towards the hot centre of the weekday: the law courts at Chancery Lane, the financial megaliths of Liverpool Street and Bank, the shops at Bond Street and the BBC at White City. And when evening descends it gets us out for the evening – to Notting Hill’s trendy bars and restaurants, Soho’s cinemas and theatres, Brick Lane and Spitalfields’ hipper-than-thou hangouts. Or it gets us back home for tea and telly.
Those who are buying a home know that location is everything – and location basically translates into how quickly you can go from your front door to your workplace each day. Homes near Central Line stations have the advantage of easy access to the finest that the capital has to offer, whether you’re working or playing. Among the current crop of new homes, many have this and much more to offer.
One of the fastest-rising areas on the Central Line is Bethnal Green, long known as the epicentre of the East End but more recently seen by buyers as the next big thing. Its proximity to the City of London makes it a natural for those who want their commute cut to the absolute minimum. It is also well placed for a wealth of nightlife options and good green space.
Higgins Homes has just unveiled a new highly contemporary mixed-use scheme in E2, called The Zone. Located on Bethnal Green Road, just a four-minute walk from the Central Line, this scheme is perfect for quick access to the City and West End, as well as overland trains out of London via Liverpool Street. Eager buyers are already snapping up these cool flats, so prospective buyers are advised to hurry.
The Zone consists of 14 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging in size from 419 to 767 sq ft, with two retail spaces on the ground floor. The building boasts a symmetrical grid appearance, with a stylish blend of terracotta tiling, smooth cream pilasters and extensive double-height glazed surfaces. Some second- and third-floor apartments have outdoor terracing, ideal for entertaining in the warmer months.
Interiors are sleek and modern. Designer kitchens by Urban Myth offer a range of integrated appliances by Smeg, including fridge/freezer and washer/dryer, while bathrooms are contemporary with Ideal Standard sanitaryware. Audio entry systems in each apartment provide security.
Prices for the remaining homes at The Zone start at £249,950 for a two-bedroom apartment. Contact Higgins Homes on 020 8508 5555.
On the eastern reaches of the Central Line are two current developments by Bellway Homes. Newbury Central offers not only a very convenient location right next to Newbury Park tube station but also keen prices and good buyer incentives.
The apartments at Newbury Central come in a wide choice of designs; Bellway has just released Regent’s Court, a new phase, to complement the existing King’s Court. Specification includes fitted kitchens with built-in brushed steel oven, hob and chimney hood and integrated washer/dryer, as well as fitted carpets, vinyl flooring to the kitchen and bathroom and electric heating.
Besides the apartments, Newbury Central also offers a selection of three- and four-bedroom houses. Prices for the apartments start at just £165,000 and Bellway is offering to pay purchasers’ five per cent deposit, making these homes the ideal first-time purchase.
The sales office is open daily. Call 020 8554 9978 for more information.
Also from Bellway is Chartwell Gardens in Woodford Green, where just one house and one apartment remain. The development is located in Salway Close, approximately a ten-minute walk from both South Woodford and Woodford Bridge Central Line tube stations.
The house is the four-bedroom, three-storey Harlech, priced at £375,000. This home has a superb landscaped garden with decking and a handy storage area under the garage. The ground floor has a fitted kitchen, cloakroom, living room and dining room. There are two en suite shower rooms and one family bathroom. The remaining one-bedroom apartment is priced at £190,000. Find out more by calling the sales office, open Thursdays to Mondays, on 020 8505 4959.
Six Station Road is an exclusive development of just 11 two-bedroom apartments and one one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Epping. The Michael Shanly development is located just a few hundred yards from Epping Central Line station and is also well placed for the motorway network.
Sales manager Mark Turner comments: ‘A majority of people visiting the development have been greatly impressed with both our external elevations and our high standard of internal finishes. And the development offers great walking access to both the High Street and the Central Line tube station.’
Both first-time buyers and investors are taking an interest in Six Station Road, according to on-site sales negotiator Paul Bowhill. ‘We are seeing both of these in great number,’ he says. ‘We are the only new development of apartments currently in the Epping area.’
Prices start from £189,950. The show home and sales office is open Thursdays to Mondays between 10am and 5pm. Call 01992 572304 to arrange a viewing or get further details.
Barratt has seen strong sales ahead of the construction programme for a new scheme in extremely well connected Stratford. Barratt is playing a leading role in the rejuvenation of Stratford, which will have its own Eurostar terminal within two years, adding to the already very convenient connections the area enjoys.
The Mill is a £17 million development now being built on ex-industrial land in Windmill Lane, within strolling distance of Stratford station. It comprises a total of 100 one- and two-bedroom apartments in custom-designed buildings with private parking. The current release is priced from £281,995 for two-bedroom apartments. The Mill is open seven days a week. Call 020 8534 1280.
An upcoming development by Barratt Homes in Stratford is Stratford Square in Romford Road. This stunning development of brand new one- and two-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom town houses will be built to an excellent specification, to include designer fitted kitchens and spacious living/dining rooms. Many homes at Stratford Square will also feature an en suite bathroom to the master bedroom.
Call 020 8522 5555 to find out more about this or any other Barratt development.