East London has a lot going for it, from trendy hangouts to excellent transport connections. And, says Johnny Turner, another major draw is the current crop of high-quality newly built homes.
East London offers a satisfying mix of history, industry, family life and nightlife. Perhaps more than any other corner of London, the East End sums up the thriving, commerce-driven personality of this amazing city. While one section grows exponentially as a centre of big business, another looks as if it were put in a time capsule. Media and fashion, cuisine and music scene – east London provides the scene for the cutting edge of a number of industries.
Those who seek the ‘real’ London, where both work and play are taken very seriously, will want to be in this bit. And home buyers will find a wealth of modern, low-maintenance apartments to facilitate the hectic but rewarding lifestyle of today’s metropolis.
Developers have seen demand for homes here skyrocket, and the properties currently on the market will interest both those who want to make the E-postcode area their home and shrewd investment buyers.
Stratford Square is Barratt Homes’ striking conversion of the former offices of the London Electricity Board in Romford Road. The site will become a mix of superb new apartments and contemporary town houses – and this is but one of several ambitious regeneration programmes currently happening around Stratford.
‘Home buyers are increasingly recognising Stratford’s enormous potential,’ says Barratt Southern chairman Clive Fenton. ‘And that is why Stratford Square has been selling strongly ahead of the building programme.’
With its high ceilings and large windows, the original building lends itself well to its transformation into a range of one- and two-bedroom apartments, while further new building is now taking place at the rear, around a large, square communal garden and private car parking.
A total of 60 homes will be created; many of the apartments will have balconies and views over the courtyard. All homes feature fully fitted kitchens with integrated appliances, fitted bathrooms, central heating, double glazing and pre-fitted TV and telephone wiring.
Stratford is a wonderfully convenient rail and road hub for the eastern half of Greater London – and this is set to improve further with the opening of the new Eurostar terminal in the area within the next two years. Besides its proximity to Docklands and the City, Stratford’s Jubilee Line links mean the West End is within easy reach – ideal for both a day’s work or an evening’s entertainment.
One- and two-bedroom apartments are currently available, priced from £196,995. There are also seven four-bedroom town houses currently on the market. Sales offices and fully furnished show homes are now open at Stratford Square. Call the main sales office on 020 8519 9658.
Telford Homes has picked an amazing spot for its latest scheme of apartments, known as Equinox. Perched at the tip of the Isle of Dogs, adjacent to Island Gardens Park, this scheme consists of an exceptional six-storey tower and four-storey main building offering 63 one- and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses for private sale.
Those who work in Canary Wharf or the City – and those who are buying with the intention of renting to those who work there – will find the development unbeatable in terms of commuter convenience. Island Gardens DLR station is literally moments away, placing Canary Wharf and Bank within a ten- and 18-minute journey respectively.
Equinox’s southerly aspect extends across the River Thames to the dramatic skyline of the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. And with the Greenwich foot tunnel just 100 metres away, makes the location ideal for exploring beautiful and stylish Greenwich, with its top-class restaurants, bars, antiques market and green space.
All apartments have open-plan kitchen/living areas extending out to spacious balconies or terraces, while a select few also include external space extending from the main bedroom.
Contemporary kitchens have fitted German Systemat units from designer Urban Myth and feature the full complement of integrated appliances. Bedrooms are spacious and feature fitted wardrobes, while all two-bedroom apartments have en suite facilities.
Semi-basement parking is available with the two-bedroom apartments at an additional cost of £17,500, and there is a dedicated concierge service.
Prices start from £225,000 and £310,000 for one- and two-bedroom apartments respectively. Find out more by calling selling agents Felicity J Lord on 0800 138 6868 or Knight Frank on 020 7823 5906. Visit telfordhomes.plc.uk.
George Wimpey’s new Nexus development offers chic urban living in up-and-coming Leytonstone – just two tube stops from ultra-connected Stratford.
Those who are tired of endless travelling to reach the office – and international destinations! – will love this location. The forthcoming Channel Tunnel rail terminal will make a trip to France a breeze, while City Airport is a short journey by cab. And with both the City and the West End a quick, direct tube ride away, Leytonstone could not be better placed for commuters.
Nexus is a handsome complex of 37 one- and two-bedroom apartments in a smart, secure environment. The homes include superb designer kitchens with several hideaway appliances, carpeted communal areas and, to some apartments, private patios or balconies. Traditional craftsmanship fused with the use of modern materials ensures that maintenance will be minimal; these homes are for those who are too busy living to find time for DIY.
Find out more about these newly launched apartments by calling 0845 676 0233.
Walthamstow is a solid East End location, and stylish new developments of apartments are finding an agreeable home among the more traditional houses for which the area is known.
Furlong Homes has launched a development that is the ideal opportunity for first-time buyers who have so far been priced out of the London housing market. The Edge offers apartments starting at £186,950 – almost unheard of price for this quality area.
The apartments are finding favour with young professionals who no longer want to rent, and the ‘smart’ technology available fits right in with this demographic; selected plots have wireless technology, 30in LCD TV, alarm, home cinema system and PC point. These homes are ideal for those who are among the fast-increasing number of us who work from home.
Each property has a well-proportioned kitchen with living/dining area. Fitted kitchens boast laminate worktops, stainless steel ovens and gas hob, integrated appliances, ceramic tiles and downlighters.
These homes are near Walthamstow town centre and overlook the wide open spaces of the famous Walthamstow Reservoirs. Set in a cul-de-sac location, the apartments are near a wide selection of shops, restaurants, bars, schools and leisure facilities – and of course the tube/BR station is very convenient.
Call 020 8531 8830 for more information or to view the show apartment.