As car use increases, more buyers are looking for good access to motorways. Johnny Turner sees some very well connected new developments.
The Willows, Swanley
The Willows, Swanley, is situated close to large areas of beautiful countryside and with an easy commute to London from Swanley station - purchasers can choose to relax in the tranquillity of the country, or join the buzz of the capital city.
The Willows is a small development of four and five bedroom houses just a short walk from Swanley railway station which has regular services to and from the capital. The journey time is only ½ an hour, making this development ideal for those who need to commute to London but who want peace and quiet at the end of a hard day.
As well as being a superb location for commuting, there are a number of good local schools in the area. The most convenient is Downsview Primary School, which is situated literally next door to The Willows. Downsview Primary School offers excellent primary education for boys and girls aged between 4 and 11, perfect for young families moving to the development.
Swanley has a variety of individual shops, a large supermarket and a weekly market. Bluewater, Europe’s largest regional shopping centre is just 5 miles away which is also home to a large cinema and restaurant complex and Lakeside shopping centre in Thurrock is only 8 miles away.
The Willows is within easy reach of the M25 and the M20 which provides links to Ashford and coastal ports.
There are currently two show homes at The Willows, the Melville, a three storey detached four bedroom property with innovative ‘room in the roof’ – a bonus room that can be utilised as required, and the four bedroom detached Beaumont, which benefits from a study and utility room. Each show home is fitted out in a contemporary style, with stylish downlighting and fitted wardrobes.
Prices at The Willows range from £300,000 – £399,950. For further information please call the sales office, open Thursday to Monday on 01322 615024 or visit the website www.bovishomes.co.uk
Purchasers looking for hi-tech luxury living at a high-specification development with cutting-edge design need look no further than Navigation Yard. The select Bermac Properties development of just seven luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments is situated off of Navigation Road in Chelmsford.
The quiet location is only a few minutes’ walk from the town centre – and for those who commute by car, Navigation Yard is near the major Essex A roads: the A12, A414 and A130.
The homes have interesting duplex layouts, and the first-class specification and build quality, combined with contemporary design, make the properties an ideal buy for professionals and commuters, as well as investors and downsizers.
Purchasers can expect a range of benefits such as allocated parking, which is included in the purchase price, fully fitted first class kitchens with integrated appliances, a Smart Home system and pre-cabling for burglar alarms and Sky + television.
Prices currently start at £169,950. Contact selling agents Elwell Taylor Living on 01245 266088 or Beresfords Residential on 01245 500555.
Bovis Homes’ Birch Grove is an appealing mix of apartments, town houses and terraces, ranging from two to four bedrooms. The range of properties, located in an attractive village setting close to Haywards Heath, means there is something for everyone, from first-time buyers to families. Located within easy reach of the M23, M25, Gatwick Airport and Haywards Heath, from where trains to London Victoria and London Bridge take just over an hour, this is an ideal haven for commuters.
Gareth Goodridge, marketing manager for Bovis Homes South East comments, ‘This development is proving extremely popular among those looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.’
Part of a newly created Sussex village, Birch Grove is set among attractive woodland, which includes protected wildlife areas, and has a strong community spirit. Beautiful Sussex countryside is right on the doorstep, making this the perfect setting for those who want to come home to a more relaxed way of life after their daily commute.
Homes at Birch Grove are highly specified, with fitted kitchens including integrated appliances and bathrooms with stylish white sanitaryware and a choice of tiles. Other features include en suite bathrooms to the master bedroom, fitted wardrobes and a feature fire with surround and hearth to the living area.
Prices start at £189,950 for a two-bedroom apartment and rise to £349,950 for a four-bedroom town house. Contact the sales manager between Thursday and Monday on 01444 448005 or visit bovishomes.co.uk.
Looking after one of London’s iconic modern landmarks, Liz Edwards was keen that her first home had the same flair for design and attention to detail.
Liz, 24, a PR Manager for a top London attraction, previously lived with her parents at their family home in Camberley, Surrey. As a first time buyer she now has her foot firmly on the property ladder having purchased a one bedroom apartment at Countryside Properties’ Phoenix Apartments in Chertsey.
Now close to completing its renaissance, the Surrey town has transformed itself over the last few years into a sought after destination in which to both live and work. Phoenix Apartments, comprising 69 one and two bedroom apartments, has been one of the final pieces of the jigsaw.
Being both keen to stay close to friends and family and keep her daily commute into London manageable, Phoenix Apartments (located a two minute walk from Chertsey train station) offered Liz the perfect location.
Liz said: “Working in London, I wanted my first home to be close to all that I need when I return from work. Having a gym and supermarket within walking distance was perfect for me. I was also keen that there was no work for me to do, such as having to worry about stripping floors and painting skirting boards. Living here I can make the most of my free time which is really important to me.”
Liz continued: “As a first time buyer I was naturally a bit wary of purchasing my new home but from first seeing the apartment to moving in took just six weeks, and it was a great introduction to being on the property ladder.”
With her new home having met Liz’s high standards and being close to amenities, Liz spread the word and now two of Liz’s friends are also looking at buying at Phoenix Apartments.
If both of her friends move in, Liz will also receive two £1,000 cheques as part of Countryside Properties’ ‘Recommend a Friend’ scheme.
With only 10 apartments now remaining, viewing is essential. All the apartments offer a high-specification interior throughout including fitted kitchens with stainless steel appliances, as well as beautifully finished en suites to many of the bedrooms.
The four apartment buildings are all situated around a raised residents’ courtyard garden. The scheme also includes some retail units and a renovated Grade II listed house, providing a striking contrast to the glass and render of the new buildings.
Phoenix Apartments is conveniently located for Chertsey railway station just a few minutes away. Those wanting to travel further a field are also well served by the nearby M25, A4 and M3, as well as Heathrow Airport for national and international travel.
Prices start at £171,995 for a one bedroom apartment and £194,995 for a two bedroom apartment, with fantastic incentives available. For further information or to take advantage of the latest incentives on Phoenix Apartments in Chertsey, contact the marketing suite on 01932 570197 or visit www.phoenix-apartments.co.uk
Castle Mews, Weybridge, Surrey
Castle Mews is a development of 10 Georgian style houses in a private cul-de-sac in Castle Road, within the leafy Oatlands area. Castle Mews comprises just six four bedroom homes and four three bedroom homes. The properties are designed in an appealing traditional style, with all of the elegant elements of Georgian architecture, such as white render and traditional brick work. Some also have integral garages.
Inside, the homes are equally as impressive, with modern clean lines and attention to detail. The stylish interiors incorporate luxury fitted kitchens with granite work tops, integrated fridge-freezers, microwaves and dishwashers. For flexibility and convenience, each home also offers a cabling infrastructure that allows for computer and telephone networking, as well as the ultimate in entertainment systems.
Prices at Castle Mews start from £439,950 for a three bedroom home. For further information, please call Antler Homes on 01932 857857. Alternatively visit: www.antlerhomes.co.uk
Homebuyers looking to settle in the Hertfordshire countryside while maintaining good access to London and the M25 will love Standon Place, a development from Furlong Homes.
Situated on the outskirts of the village of Standon close to Bishop’s Stortford, the development comprises just 13 four-bedroom semi-detached and five-bedroom detached properties.
Each home at Standon Place offers a high standard of specification and quality craftsmanship. There are five different house styles to choose from, benefiting from features such as a large lounge, en suite facilities in the master bedroom and fully fitted kitchens with integrated dishwasher, fridge freezer and washer dryer.
Buyers will have the dual benefit of beautiful countryside surroundings and easy access to the capital and nearby towns. The nearby A10 links to the M25 and also has excellent local rail connections making commuting to London easy.
Prices at Standon Place start from £410,000 for four bedroom semi-detached homes and from £560,000 for a five bedroom detached property with garage. For further information and to register interest please contact our sales team on 01992 782201.
Details on all developments from Furlong Homes are available at www.furlonghomes.co.uk
HOME buyers are being urged to ‘go west’ to be in with a chance of snapping up one of the remaining apartments at Redrow’s development on St Mary’s Island, Chatham.
In Chatham, Redrow is selling the final phase of homes at Quay West, where only two-bedroom apartments remain for sale. Set against the superb dockside of St Mary’s Island, this is a uniquely designed development of contemporary apartments, with the perfect location for a flexible and contemporary lifestyle.
Quay West has a superb dockside location as well as an eye-catching bold exterior which both complements and contrasts with the other buildings in the area. The development consists of two apartment blocks with a total of 84 properties, which are generously proportioned with open-plan kitchen and living areas. In addition, all the dockside apartments have large balconies or terraces, which benefit from the spectacular waterfront views overlooking the marina.
Quay West is the perfect location for those looking to invest in a fantastic second home or professionals looking for a prestigious address without having to pay the huge price tag which normally comes with this type of property. Two-bedroom apartments currently range from
£194,950 to £270,000. All the apartments are ready to be move into immediately. For more information call 01634 893992.
Homebuyers from North London and the northern Home Counties have made a beeline to KingsOak North London’s new development of apartments, Taverners Court in Hoddesdon and within a few months of its launch, the development has already sold 60% of available homes.
Recent purchasers of new apartments at this development have come from Cheshunt, Enfield, Chingford, Stevenage and Waltham Abbey.
Sales Manager for KingsOak North London Nina Fitzgerald said: “The popularity and success of this development is undoubtedly attributed to a combination of great location, excellent deals and the right interior layout and design elements of the new apartments.”
KingsOak North London is offering first time buyers the opportunity to step onto the property ladder and move into a new apartment for just £99 with prices of the new two bedroom apartments starting at £229,995. An incentive to investor buyers is the guaranteed £800 a month for two years, possibly one of the best deals around for investors seeking to start a property portfolio or extend an existing one.
Taverners Court comprises 90 one and two-bedroom apartments in a prime town centre position that enables easy access to the local shops and restaurants. Barclay Park is just a short walk, offering an abundance of green open space.
Hoddesdon is located close to the A10 and less than 7 miles to the M25, making it a favoured choice with commuters wishing to gain easy access to London and the South East. The A1 (M) and M11 are also easily accessible from here providing good commuting to Cambridge and the North. The local train station, Rye House, brings a journey to central London within around half an hour, and also links directly to the Victoria tube line and Stansted Airport.
For further information for further information please telephone the Sales Office on 01992 442 781.
Cosmopolitan is this new development in Enfield which will consist of 69 one- and two-bedroom apartments. The Telford Homes scheme aims to combine contemporary style and quality with fantastic value for money.
Cosmopolitan is located in an established residential area, with excellent transport links for those who prefer to work in the capital while residing in a more quiet environment. Both Bush Hill Park and Southbury stations are within walking distance of the development, offering connections to London Liverpool Street in less than half an hour. For car commuters, the A10 provides fast road links into and out of London.
Completion is expected during spring/summer 2007. Prices range from £137,500 to £295,000. For further sales information call local selling agents Lanes on 020 8342 3795 or Telford Homes on 0870 872 0987. Visit telfordhomes.plc.uk.
Linden Homes will be launching its new Sales & Marketing Suite at Cranwells Meadow on Christmas Lane in Farnham Common. Time is running out for those customers looking to guarantee their home of choice and reserve off-plan at this popular scheme*.
Helen Todd, Sales & Marketing Director for Linden Homes, comments: “Construction is progressing well on these exclusive 2 bedroom apartments and 3 & 4 bedroom homes and there really is a limited timeframe in which to guarantee your pick of the plots. Interest has been extremely high and once we launch on-site, I really do not expect the homes to be available for much longer as they really are unique to the area.”
Cranwells Meadow is a classic collection of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding area. There are a variety of house styles available and each boasts an outstanding specification with designer fitted kitchens, granite worksurfaces and a wealth of integrated appliances.
This beautiful semi-rural location is within easy reach of the M40, M4 and M25 motorways, as well as parkland and woodland at nearby Burham Beeches. Farnham Common itself has a range of everyday amenities and the larger towns of Beaconsfield, High Wycombe and Gerrards Cross are also very convenient.
Burnham railway station is located approximately three miles away and offers services to London Paddington in approximately 40 minutes.
The apartments are priced from £299,950, whilst the houses are priced from £499,950. For further information regarding Cranwells Meadow and to arrange an appointment with a Sales Advisor at the launch weekend, please call Linden Homes on 01895 827441.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham and the Dockside Outlet Centre are within walking distance of the development and the new ING Centre currently under construction, which is to house restaurants, bars and a multiplex cinema, is approximately a 15-minute walk. Chatham town centre, which offers a variety of shops, bars, pubs and restaurants to satisfy even the most diverse of appetites, is approximately one mile away.
The M2, M20 and M26 are all close at hand, connecting motorists to Ashford, Folkestone, London and beyond. Chatham train station, which is less than two miles away, provides frequent services to London Victoria with a journey time of approximately 50 minutes.
For more information about the final release of apartments available at Quay West call the Redrow sales consultant on 01634 893992 or log onto www.redrow.co.uk.
One of the advantages of a quick motorway connection is that you can divide your time efficiently between hustle and bustle and peace and quiet. A new show home has opened at The Brambles, Barratt’s delightful development in the picturesque town of Rochford. Located in beautiful Essex countryside, with stunning views across open farmland, yet within a few minutes’ walk of the railway station and Rochford town centre, the Brambles is set in a wonderful position. Homebuyers have been swift to appreciate this and over half of the homes have already been sold.
There are just 16 mostly three or four bedroom homes at The Brambles, offering a choice of very different styles.
Especially spacious are the four bedroom Kenton homes. Inside the airy living room, large dining room and generous kitchen/breakfast room, with a separate utility area, give families plenty of space. Double doors lead from the breakfast area to the garden - perfect for parties and barbecues. There are three double bedrooms and a fourth, single bedroom. The main bedroom has its own shower room, in addition to the large family bathroom.
Slightly smaller than the Kenton, the Thornton has a huge living room, which could easily incorporate study space tucked away in a corner, and French doors leading out to the garden. There is a separate dining room and a kitchen/breakfast space with plenty of room for informal dining. Upstairs are three double bedrooms, one with an en suite shower room, and a further bedroom, which is a single.
Now on show! Luxury family homes in a wonderful rural setting
Those who prefer a townhouse style, with accommodation ranged over three floors, will choose the Salcombe. On the ground floor are the kitchen and a separate living/dining room. Two double bedrooms are located on the first floor together with a large family bathroom. On the top floor is the main bedroom, with an adjoining shower room and a fantastic walk-in wardrobe.
In all the homes, the accommodation is extremely flexible. Smaller bedrooms can, if preferred, be used as a study, additional room for the children – or whatever the buyer chooses. The fitted kitchens are very well equipped, some with a dishwasher, fridge/freezer and washer/dryer in addition to the oven, hob and integrated hood.
Families with young children will be attracted by the fact that the local primary school is just a few minutes’ walk away from The Brambles. Also within walking distance is the centre of Rochford, with a good selection of local shops. The popular seaside town of Southend on Sea, with its excellent shopping, plenty of restaurants and bars, and beaches for family days out, is less than three miles away.
Equally convenient are the transport links. Rochford station, with direct 40 minute services to London’s Liverpool Street, is a brief walk away. For travel by car, the nearby A127 provides a direct link to the M25 and easy access to London. Southend Airport is on the brink of a major redevelopment, which will substantially extend its network of UK and European services.
Prices at The Brambles start at £249,995 for a three-bedroom house and at £314,995 for a four-bedroom house.
To view the new show home and for further information, please contact Barratt’s sales office on 01702 543837, open daily 10am – 6pm (2 pm-6 pm on Mondays). Alternatively, visit the website on www.barratthomes.co.uk