The always popular part of London north of the river is seeing some fantastic opportunities. Johnny Turner explores.
The attributes of north London are too many to list. From culture to transport, green space to shopping, those who live in the northern end of the capital are spoilt for choice. And when it comes to buying a home, the wide choice and high quality are drawing more to this area than ever. Looking at the current selection of newly built homes it is easy to see why.
One thing north London has going for it is connectedness, and one of the most well-connected locations is Islington. At Tilfen Land’s 101 Islington on Pentonville Road, the choice of ways to travel, whether across town or out of town, is very wide indeed. Not only is Angel tube just a few minutes’ walk away, but the same applies to King’s Cross station, which offers access to more Underground lines than any other, not to mention quick and convenient trains to the North.
Staying in the area is a wise choice as well, with nearby Upper Street’s selection of literally hundreds of restaurants, bars, cafés and shops, as well as music venue and two cinemas, providing everything the modern lifestyle needs.
The apartments at 101 Islington, crafted from the former offices of the British Standards Institute, have been designed for low-maintenance, contemporary living to a specification unusual in the Islington area. All apartments have underfloor heating, while the contemporary Manhattan kitchens feature Caesar Stone quartz worktops and stainless steel Neff integrated appliances including an American-style double-height fridge/freezer. Bathrooms, including en suites, come furnished with white Ideal Standard by David Chipperfield sanitaryware, full-height mirrors and Vola chrome fittings.
High-tech features include Cat-5e cabling, TV/FM/satellite and BT points are standard throughout. Or there is the option of a ‘plug and play’ IT package which provides a range of options including lighting and curtain automation, surround sound system and home cinema. Along with the entertainment possibilities, this makes working from home simple.
For further information about price and availability contact DTZ Residential on 020 7837 7272.
Besides the easy transport, the location of 101 Islington has much more to recommend it. Watford is a location known for its convenience. It is surrounded by gorgeous green space and
KingsOak’s new Queensgate apartments in Derby Road are conveniently located near to the Harlequin retail centre and at 20 miles from the City the rail connection from Watford Junction to Euston takes around 23 minutes. Prices for the new apartments at Queensgate currently start at £179,950 for a one-bedroom apartment and £239,950 for the two-bedroom apartments.
For further information on Queensgate call the sales hotline on 01923 810880.
Barnet is a special area of north London, much favoured by everyone from young single professionals to growing families to young downsizers. Blessed with good parks and schools and served by good tube and train connections, this area represents a good opportunity to live in a friendly community yet still partake in London’s commerce and bustle during office hours.
Barratt Homes’ Osidge Park development is set in beautifully landscaped grounds and offers a good choice of homes, including one- and two-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom town houses. The apartments boast a high specification, which includes designer kitchens with integrated stainless steel appliances, video/audio entry systems and parking behind a gated entrance. The houses, meanwhile, offer four double bedrooms, three bathrooms and very versatile living accommodation.
Current prices at Osidge Park start at £215,000. The sales office is open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm and Monday from 2pm to 6pm. Call 01923 297311 to find out more.
Having stopped by the newly opened show home at Telford Homes’ Estilo project recently, I was impressed not only with the quick progress they are making in creating this mixed-use development of apartments, live/work units and commercial space, but also with the surprising affordability of homes in such a fantastic area.
With a choice of Old Street and Angel tube stations, residents will be close to everything, whether it’s time for business or pleasure. And City workers will have a choice of ways to get to work – everything from tube to bus to on foot!
Estilo is a selection of high-specification one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as duplexes. And the prices are extremely reasonable for such a high level of specification and such a fantastic location. Those who want an apartment that offers the best of both worlds – central and affordable – should waste no time getting in touch; only one one-bedroom apartment remains, priced at £267,500. There are also two- and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes, priced between £350,000 and £380,000. Visit the show apartment at the sales centre, located on Wenlock Road N1. For more information on Estilo – or any of Telford Homes’ smart, well-priced apartment schemes – call 0870 872 0987 or visit telfordhomes.plc.uk.
In leafy Enfield, Fairview New Homes presents Carterhatch Place, which provides 93 stylish two-bedroom apartments, accommodated in two and three storey contemporary buildings, arranged in a series of landscaped courtyards backing on to the New River.
And with a current incentive on offer to purchasers, the development provides not only a fabulous chic apartment home in this waterside development, but also improves fitness. Fairview is offering free gym membership at a state-of-the-art David Lloyd club at Enfield, less than five minutes’ walk away, to purchasers who reserve an apartment before the end of October.
Many of the apartments will have views of the New River, an early 17-century aqueduct with superb waterside walks. The apartments will feature a separate kitchen off of the living/dining room, and many offer an en suite to the master bedroom in addition to the main bathroom. Some of the apartments have balconies from which to enjoy the view of the New River.
Southbury Station is less than three miles away, with its regular services to London Liverpool Street that take less than 30 minutes. The nearby A10 allows easy access to the North Circular and M25. Local shopping is available at the Southbury Road junction with the A10, and includes major names such as Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, B&Q and Argos. There is also a large cinema multiplex. For golfers there is a wide choice of golf courses nearby, including Forty Hill, Bush Hill Park, Trent Park and Enfield Golf Course.
Two-bedroom apartments at Carterhatch Place start at just under £183,995, and Fairview New Homes is offering five per cent deposit and stamp duty paid. The David Lloyd Enfield club membership offer consists of one annual free membership per apartment purchased by 31 October 2005; the offer applies to selected apartments and is subject to terms and conditions. For further information please contact the sales and marketing suite, open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm. Call 020 8362 9519.
At St Michael’s Park in Bushey, KingsOak North London has sold almost all the apartments at the attractive scheme. However, buyers can still purchase a home at one of the area’s most sought-after addresses as there are three penthouses still remaining.
The final two-bedroom penthouses are particularly special as they feature large terraces, some of which overlook the grounds. Some include their own studies – ideal for those who work from home. The penthouses offer generously proportioned living space, quality carpets throughout in addition to elegant ceramic flooring, full-height tiling in the bathrooms and two private parking bays for each home.
Prices for the penthouses at St Michael’s Park start at just £369,950. The final two-bedroom apartment with two private parking bays is currently priced at £299,950. The development is open daily from 10am to 6pm. For full details call 01923 238137 or visit kingsoakhomes.co.uk.
Two new show apartments have just opened at VizioN7, a joint residential development by Taylor Woodrow and George Wimpey in conjunction with Arsenal Football Club. Part of the redevelopment of the Highbury end of Holloway, the project includes the building of the Emirates Stadium, which replaces the old home of the Gunners.
Over half of the development is sold and the first purchasers are now moving in. Meanwhile, a new release to coincide with the launch of the show flats will bring to the market some of the best apartments on the scheme – and one-bedroom apartments start at a surprisingly low £230,000. There is a 24-hour concierge, and gated underground parking is available at an additional cost.
The location is excellent, with shops, restaurants and transport connections close to hand. The local Waitrose is a definite bonus, and nearby Upper Street is less than ten minutes on the bus, providing literally hundreds of places to eat, shop and have fun. Piccadilly Line tube services from Holloway Road are just a few minutes’ walk, while Highbury & Islington station has trains into the City as well as tubes into the West End.
Find out more about this impressive scheme by calling the on-site sales and marketing suite on 020 7700 7555 or visiting vizion7.co.uk.
St Michaels Park features just 14 three-bedroom semi-detached homes, four-bedroom three-storey townhouses, substantial four to five-bedroom detached homes, and 22 apartments, but buyers should hurry as there are only a few homes left.