A good view is an invaluable asset to a home – and enhances your life. Johnny Turner sees where buyers can get hold of a stunning vista.
The view from a home is something that prospective buyers very often forget to take into account when seeking a property. People tend to think of price, location and functionality of the interior space and often don’t even consider the impact of the way the surrounding area looks. But picking the right external view can be a real plus, not only to your quality and enjoyment of life but also to your prospects of selling the property on.
There are currently a number of high-quality developments offering not just high specification but also the type of view that enhances your quality of life. Starting with an urban view, Goldcrest Homes is selling a truly breathtaking home at its Angelis development in popular Islington. The penthouse provides not only a far-reaching view of many of London’s most recognisable landmarks, but has a massive outdoor space from which to take in the vista. In addition to the 2,500 sq ft of living space, the penthouse also offers one of the capital’s largest private roof terraces. The terrace measures 1,700 sq ft – larger than most three-bedroom apartments – and comes equipped with everything you need for outside enjoyment, including hot tub, sun terrace, bar area and decked entertainment and dining area.
The specification of the home itself is as high as you would expect for a penthouse of this calibre. The stunning streamlined kitchen off the dining area has integrated Kuppersbusch appliances including an extra-wide oven, digital touch-controlled hob, dishwasher and coffee maker. There are two bedrooms, each with under-floor and ceiling heating as well as luxurious en suites in black basalt.
The penthouse resident will have use of all communal facilities at the Angelis, including the air-conditioned private movie screening room that seats up to 16 people, and the gym. A 24-hour concierge service is also on hand, and the penthouse comes with two private parking spaces in the underground car park.
The penthouse is currently for sale at £1.65 million. To find out more call 020 7226 4200.
Also in London, Berkeley Homes is selling West 3, which adds a bit of Whitehall grandeur to Acton Vale. West 3 is the transformation of a grand former government ministry building, located off Bromyard Avenue, into a scheme of 350 stylish apartments and penthouses around five central landscaped courtyards. The development offers lifts, a concierge and underground parking.
Berkeley Homes is transforming the building, which will be six stories high and feature grand communal entrances. The homes at West 3 will include 28 different apartment types – studios as well as one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses. Some of the penthouses will feature timber-decked terraces giving amazing London views.
Specification is high; kitchens have designer furniture and Kupperbusch integrated appliances, while en suite bathrooms have porcelain tiled flooring, finely crafted mirrored and shelved cabinets, Hansgrohe fittings and Villeroy & Boch suites.
East Acton tube station is within 15 minutes’ walk; from there you can get to Oxford Circus in half an hour. Prices will range from £275,000 to £549,950, and underground parking is available by separate negotiation. Contact Berkeley Homes on 020 8811 2336 or visit berkeleyhomes.co.uk.
One type of view that the luckiest of Londoners enjoy is of the River Thames. And this type of vista is one of the many strengths of George Wimpey City’s highly regarded Falcon Wharf scheme on York Road in Battersea.
Technology at Wimpey’s newly opened sales and marketing suite, a short walk from the actual site, gives prospective buyers a taste of the incredible views and lifestyle on offer. Equipped with an innovative architectural lighting system that dims down at ten-minute intervals to create a dramatic night and day mood progression, the show apartment magically transports viewers to an apartment high up in Falcon Wharf.
Throughout the show apartment the combination of comfortable practicality and chic design is evident. The high-quality Nicholas Anthony kitchen includes Siemens integrated appliances, a stainless steel oven and ceramic hob. A breakfast bar with tall stools completes the look. The dining area, meanwhile, centres around a co-ordinated table and comfortable bucket chairs. The master bedroom has a floor-to-ceiling window front, presenting an indicative night-time view of the Thames as well as bespoke furniture. The bathroom incorporates white tiling and sanitaryware plus chrome fittings. The his-and-her sink is representative of some of the larger units at Falcon Wharf.
The location could not be more perfect. Battersea Park and riverside walks are just moments away, while public transport links from nearby Battersea Park, Clapham Junction and Queenstown Road stations make the rest of London – and indeed much of the South East – easily accessible.
Prices currently start at £300,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, £375,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and £645,000 for a three-bedroom apartment. Call 0870 990 7599 or visit falconwharf.co.uk.
Rydon Homes has brought Victorian opulence back to one of Tunbridge Wells’ most imposing landmark buildings, Molyneux Place, a former mansion on the crest of Mount Ephraim. The 40 magnificently appointed homes within this amazing building will have magnificent views across the common, town and surrounding countryside.
The exterior of the historic building has been restored to its former glory, with a new slate roof, renovated brickwork and rendering and refurbished plaster garlands and stone balustrading.
The development offers a variety of spacious apartments, many of which have high ceilings complete with chandelier points. These are grand living spaces bathed in sunlight which pours in through large sash windows. All penthouse apartments have a Jacuzzi bath, while the penthouse boasts nothing less than a rooftop patio and spa bath.
Penthouse prices start at £599,950. For further information call the sales and marketing suite on 01892 616186 or visit rydonhomes.co.uk.
Antler Homes is offering homes with truly amazing views at its Birklands development in Storrington, Sussex. The windows from these cottages and apartments frame the view and look straight across the scenic South Downs, an area of outstanding natural beauty covering nearly 400 square miles.
The five two-bedroom cottages, nine two-bedroom apartments and single three-bedroom apartment are being built in the traditional style to blend with the existing surrounding, both built and natural. Internally the cottages feature a spacious kitchen/dining room and reception with doors opening out on to a private patio leading to the communal gardens. The first-floor master bedroom features an en suite and there is a further bathroom for the second bedroom.
The apartments are served by a lift to the upper floors and most of the properties feature decked balconies off the reception room for the enjoyment of these superb views.
Storrington is a bustling market town with a comprehensive range of shops and local amenities. Chichester and Brighton are close at hand, offering a wider choice of shopping and entertainment.
The homes are priced from £279,950 for a two-bedroom apartment and £304,950 for a two-bedroom cottage. Penthouses have not yet been released. Call Antler Homes on 01903 740522 for more information.
Also in Storrington, Bellwinch Homes has opened two fully furnished show houses at The Glade, a development of 19 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes. All homes will be set in private gardens and will benefit from a garage or allocated parking space. Subject to stage of construction, purchasers will be able to choose their kitchen units, work surfaces and bathroom wall tiles from an available selection.
Set in four acres of woodland and boasting gorgeous views, The Glade is sure to be very popular with buyers. Prices start at £209,995. Incentives are available. Call the sales representatives on 01903 745175 to find out more.