A home by the waterside is for many the ultimate dream. And a new wave of beautifully built homes makes these locations even more desirable, finds Johnny Turner.
High on the list of the attributes that are most desired in a home is proximity to water. Living near a river, lake, sea or canal brings a peaceful air to a location – not to mention lovely views. Today’s marketplace has a number of excellent properties with the sought-after bonus of being near the calming influence of water.
One riverside area of London that is seeing an amazing rebirth, both in terms of new house building and infrastructure, is Woolwich. An extension to the Docklands Light Railway will arrive in the area in the next few years, adding to the already convenient mainline rail link which provides a ten-minute journey to London Bridge. And buyers have been drawn to this Thames-side area in droves.
With the new Maritime House development by Comer Homes, the style stakes have also been raised. The highly specified homes in this secure glass-fronted building offer a standard of design and level of luxury that will appeal to both owner-occupiers and investment buyers. There is a concierge and residents will have access to roof gardens.
The apartments’ kitchens not only have granite worktops but also offer a full complement of top-of-the-range equipment, including a stainless steel Bosch oven and microwave, halogen hob, stainless steel extractor, built-in dishwasher, washer/dryer, fridge freezer and waste disposal. Wood flooring and carpets throughout are also standard. There is also climate-controlled heating/cooling system, plus solar-activated electric blinds to all rooms and, to top it all off, the apartments come furnished.
Find out more about Maritime House by calling selling agent Pepper Estates on 020 8854 8018 or 01634 577666. Visit pepperestates.com.
In sought-after Docklands, Higgins Homes offers Denmark Wharf, a collection of apartments and live/work properties set in a canalside location at Limehouse Cut. In terms of convenience, it is hard to imagine a more well-connected setting; all of Docklands, including Canary Wharf, is a mere tem minutes away by train, while Tower Gateway and Bank stations can be reached in just 15 minutes.
The high specification includes designer kitchens by Urban Myth, featuring appliances by Miele, as well as a contemporary-style bathroom incorporating Starck 3 by Philippe Starck. There are also steamed beech hardwood floors to all rooms except bathrooms and en suites, as well as double glazed windows with lacquered timber finish.
Current availability includes live/work units priced from £229,000 to £257,500. The sales and marketing suite and live/work show apartment are open Thursdays to Mondays 10am to 5pm. Call 020 7001 0801 or visit higginshomes.co.uk for more information.
Whitefriars Wharf is Gleeson Homes’ wonderfully located mix of two-bedroom apartments and town houses right in the heart of Tonbridge. Situated right opposite the River Medway, these homes are ideal for those who enjoy riverside rambling, boating or just sitting and looking at a tranquil river view.
This development is perfect for those who want to be in the middle of things; it is just off the High Street, putting supermarkets and shops right on the doorstep, and the train station and further shopping options are within walking distance.
The homes are designed very much in keeping with London’s fashionable wharf developments. Modern, vibrant and light, they feature large windows which let in plenty of natural daylight, fitted kitchens including an integrated Bosch oven and hob, and downlighters.
‘This development is in a prime location in Tonbridge,’ says Ann Crick, sales manager. ‘It’s ideally located for families, couples and single people alike.’ Sales have been brisk, with over 80 per cent of the first phase sold or reserved since the development’s late-2003 launch. Current availability for the apartments starts at £167,500, rising to £210,000 for those with a garage.
The sales centre at Whitefriars Wharf is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Call in to pick up a brochure and take a look around, or contact the sales centre directly on 01732 365569. Find out more at gleeson-homes.co.uk.
Telford Homes is set to unveil its latest project, Aquarius Riverside, located off the town centre in Chelmsford, Essex. This joint venture with James Smith Estates is a four-storey development offering one- and two-bedroom apartments overlooking the River Chelmer, as well as commercial space to the ground floor.
The homes are set within a converted and extended former office building and are due to be completed this autumn. The scheme offers spacious and varied living accommodation and most apartments feature river-facing balconies.
Chelmsford is only 20 minutes from the M25, half an hour from Stansted Airport and a frequent train service providing a 30-minute journey into London Liverpool Street. In short, the ideal location for commuters to London.
‘Chelmsford is an ideal location for someone who wants to be in the proximity of London but not swallowed by the big city,’ says Sheena Ellwood, sales and marketing director of Telford Homes. ‘Telford Homes’ previous development in Chelmsford, Little Docklands, was very popular with both investors and private buyers because the apartments were well priced and offered high-quality London-style living in a thriving commuter town. Aquarius Riverside follows the same highly-rated formula.’
Prices at Aquarius Riverside start from £150,000 for a one-bedroom property. The sales centre is located on Baddow Road and is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10.30am to 4.30pm. For more details call Telford on 0870 872 0987 or visit telfordhomes.plc.uk.
The Boardwalk in Eastbourne is Redrow’s latest development. And its location at Sovereign Harbour, adjacent to the award-winning marina in the beautiful South Downs, is sure to bring in the buyers.
The development will comprise 260 stylish one- and two-bedroom apartments, including 18 duplex penthouses. Most of the homes will feature aluminium and timber balconies and enjoy superb views of the sea or the inner harbour. The look of the six apartment buildings will be bold and eye-catching, with splashes of blue and yellow in combination with aluminium, wood and canvas to create an individual, nautical feel.
The apartments will boast a contemporary spec and the homes also benefit from a secure video door entry and swipe-card car park entry system. In addition The Boardwalk will provide improved facilities for berth holders and users of Sovereign Harbour Marina.
The first properties are expected to be ready for occupation by autumn next year. Register your interest in The Boardwalk by calling 0845 121 4440.
Barratt is offering funky riverside apartments in London at first-time-buyer prices at Thames Walk in Thamesmead. One-bedroom apartments in the new apartment crescent, which sweeps around a stunning riverside garden, will go on sale shortly at prices from around £165,000. New two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments in the crescent will start from under £250,000. Four-bedroom houses will also feature.
Thames Walk stands out from the new developments which have been built so far in the area, says Richard Reynolds, managing director of Barratt East London. ‘Most has been of traditional style and design. Thames Walk is different, offering very contemporary custom-designed apartments and houses that take advantage of a fantastic location, overlooking a broad and endlessly changing river panorama.’
For more information on Thames Walk call the sales office on 020 8316 5876.
Ryan Developers announce a newly launched show apartment at its Ocean View development, a beautifully situated development on the picturesque clifftops at Castle Keep in Broadstairs, Kent. Almost half of the properties have been sold off-plan; there are currently nine luxury two-bedroom apartments, including one penthouse, for sale at prices starting at £325,000 for a ground floor apartment.
This wonderful development boasts views across the English Channel to the rear, as well as views of Castle Keep itself and, to the front, North Foreland Golf Course. Joss Bay beach is accessible from the development, as is the surrounding Kent countryside.
The art deco styling includes white render with nautical details blending with a contemporary feel, resulting in a unique landmark which enhances the Broadstairs landscape. The two-storey properties have underground parking with two spaces per apartment. There is also a fitness centre with a well-equipped gym, sauna and steam room.
The first apartments are expected to be ready for occupation next month. To register your details contact Adam Akhurst at FPDSavills on 01245 269311.