As a builder of high-quality homes, Weston Homes has put the buyer first since 1987. Johnny Turner talks to Bob Weston about his company and its distinctive products.
Seventeen years from its inception, sales are strong and the accolades are piling up for Weston Homes – the company was named Regional Housebuilder of the Year by Building magazine, and its Royal Earlswood Park development in Worcester Park, Surrey won the Specification of the Year prize in the Worcester Bosch Environment 2010 Awards. And Robert Weston, with the dual roles of managing director and chairman of Weston Group, seems unsurprised at the success his company has seen.
A large part of the Weston philosophy is emphasis on regeneration. ‘We don’t build on green belt land,’ he says. Weston’s developments ‘are all redevelopments of existing usage.’ Another criterion of the Weston plan is that any new development be close enough to the company’s Bishops Stortford HQ to be easily overseen. ‘We try to keep within a two-hour travelling distance. Our furthest north is Ipswich and the furthest south is in Surrey – we’ve built in the Redhill area.’ On the east/west access Weston has built has far as Southend and Sudbury.
As Weston outlines the qualities that mark the typical Weston Homes development it becomes clear that the first of these is that there is no typical one per se. I was impressed during a recent visit to Gateway Gardens in East Ham, I tell him; the design, location and use of space are all superb. ‘We always try to have a slightly higher specification for an equivalent market position, put that extra bit in,’ he says. ‘We try to sell mostly off-plan, so we have to give a little to get a little. Every site is a fresh piece of paper – we have no standard development.’
Gateway Gardens is indeed a fresh approach. The stylish new apartments and houses appeal to those who seek affordability combined with luxury in a unique living space. The kitchens by Oakwood boast fully fitted integrated appliances, and all houses feature a spacious family bathroom and an en suite with double shower in the master bedrooms.
Gateway Gardens is located within private landscaped grounds in a cul-de-sac and boasts proximity to a good selection of shopping, transport and leisure facilities. Five one-bedroom apartments remain at prices starting from £147,000. There is also one three-bedroom house priced at £245,000 and four four-bedroom houses starting at £274,000. The show homes are open daily from 10am to 5pm. Call 020 8548 1616.
Another current flagship Weston Homes development is 41 Millharbour, overlooking the Limehouse Cut in London’s Docklands. These luxury apartments offer very high specification inside, and gorgeous views and easy transport links to the outside. The sleek, modern building mirrors its surroundings perfectly; it is just moments from the towers of Canary Wharf and provides the high-design, low-maintenance lifestyle that today’s busy professionals insist on.
41 Millharbour is part of a large multi-million-pound plan to create a built environment of over five million square feet of office space, retail and leisure facilities, including a World Trade Centre.
The apartments are highly distinctive, with layouts that maximise space and natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows are a design feature, and many of these are dual-aspect. The properties are designed around a central landscaped courtyard which features a stunning water garden complete with fountains and a separate winter garden. The homes feature all safety and convenience requirements, including a full concierge service, CCTV, 24-hour security, video entryphones, lift access and secure underground parking.
For sales information contact the sales and marketing suite on 01992 558855.
Further developments are to follow in Norbury and Battersea, in south London – and these will be geared towards what today’s buyer demands, says Weston. ‘The product, presentation and price have to be correct.’