The county of Essex has a wealth of wonderful homes on the market. Johnny Turner looks at some highlights.
Essex has all sorts of surprises up its sleeve. This commutable county has long been a favourite of home buyers. But with the selection of developments available at the moment, it is difficult to see how anyone can fail to find the home of their dreams within its borders.
Following recent launches at Burnham Business Park, Westcliff-on-Sea and Writtle, Sand Island Developments’ latest project in Essex is a brand new exquisitely designed luxury detached executive house with detached garage, which is shortly to be built at Latchingdon.
The residence is to be situated on the B1010 Burnham Road, Althorne, and will benefit from approximately 2,500 square feet of flexible living space, complete with a treble detached garage and a half-acre of land.
The home is designed to appeal to a cross section of purchasers, from professionals to commuter families, and indeed the more mature buyer. Internally, the contemporary specification will include features such as quality kitchens with integrated appliances, white bathrooms with chrome fixtures and fittings, separate kitchen and living areas, double glazed windows, central heating and a landscaped and fenced garden.
The location is excellent for commuting and leisure pursuits. The pretty waterside towns of Maldon and Burnham are close by, while the River Blackwater, Lawling Creek and River Crouch are within easy reach. There are direct mainline links from Althorne into Liverpool Street taking around an hour; from Chelmsford there are links to Liverpool Street taking around 30 minutes. Road users will find good access to the A414, which links to the A12(M25) and A130 (M25/M11). For overseas links, there are airports at Southend, Stansted and City, whilst Gatwick and Heathrow are also accessible.
Typically of village life, the small village of Latchingdon offers a village shop, church, two pubs, a village hall and bowls facilities, while Chelmsford is within easy reach for a wide selection of big name stores, bars, restaurants and evening entertainment. Southend-on-Sea also provides a wealth of further facilities and amenities, while Thurrock and Bluewater are accessible via the M25.
The property is due for occupation in spring. As interest in the property is expected to be high, early enquiries are strongly advised. Contact Sand Island Developments Ltd on 01245 290003.
In Wickham Bishops, country house agents Savills and Strutt & Parker have jointly been instructed to market Benton Manor, an absolutely amazing recently built contemporary manor house with 21st-century features. This is a home for those who seek space, seclusion and flexible living, and whose taste runs to the traditionally built homes.
The considerable accommodation includes a large reception hall with vaulted library, drawing room, dining room, study, conservatory, comprehensively fitted kitchen with built-in appliances and walk-in pantry, and separate utility room. On the first floor are five bedrooms, each with en-suite facilities. In addition there is a superb leisure wing with swimming pool, spa, sauna as well as changing facilities. There is an air conditioned home cinema/games room and four-car garage with additional annexe or office space over.
The property has been designed to make use of many of the latest features now available, such as air conditioning to the master bedroom, home cinema, integrated sound system and a telephone system with data points in all main rooms. Security is top-notch: the property is entered via remote control electric gates with external security cameras. There is a range of automatic and programmable exterior lights as well as an automatic irrigation system which makes use of surface rainwater to ensure that the two acres of grounds are kept in tip-top condition. Each of the four garages has its own electric up-and-over door and has been designed to accommodate the largest motor cars.
Wickham Bishops is a sought-after attractive village which rests in the heart of the Essex countryside. The village has a church, two public houses and a convenience store which incorporates a post office. The A12 is within easy access, providing direct road links to Chelmsford, Colchester and beyond. Direct trains to London Liverpool Street are available from Wickham station about three miles away. This wonderful home offers
Wickham Bishops is one of the highest points in the County at some 50 metres above affords many excellent views over the Blackwater and Chelmer Valley.
For further details or a full-colour brochure or appointment to view, phone one of the joint sole agents, Strutt & Parker on 01245 258201 or Savills on 01245 293233.
In Dagenham, Higgins Homes offers its fourth local scheme, called East Village North. This collection of 179 one- and two-bedroom apartments is popular with first-time buyers and investors, both from London and the nearby area. The previous scheme, East Village South, offered smart apartments at less than half the price one would be paying in central London – and this follow-up seals its success in this well-connected area.
This stylish development brings London-style living to Dagenham, delivering affordable and high-quality apartments that are as easy to get to as they are comfortable. Sleek designer kitchens by Urban Myth lead onto spacious living areas, while bathrooms feature elegant white sanitaryware by Ideal Standard and stylish chrome fittings.
A short walk from Dagenham Heathway and Dagenham East Underground stations on the District Line, this development will place City commuters within 35 minutes of their destination. For drivers, the scheme is minutes from the A13 and the A406 North Circular, offering excellent connections to central London and the M25. London City Airport is only 20 minutes away by car.
Prices for one-bedroom apartments start from an amazing £139,995. Two-bedrooms are priced from £164,995. Each of these prices represents a discount, which includes five per cent assisted deposit, stamp duty refund and assistance towards legal fees. To find out more call 020 8517 7887 or go online to higginshomes.co.uk.
In Ilford, the former home of a parts factory for the famous Lancaster bomber, is being regenerated by Crest Nicholson. Recently launched, the Lancaster Square development will offer an impressive selection of one- and two-bedroom apartments and two- and three-bedroom houses. This historic site offers all types of homes at exceptional prices with the added bonus of fast transport links to London.
James Moody, managing director of Crest Nicholson (Eastern) Ltd comments: ‘We believe the redevelopment of historic sites like Lancaster Square offers us a real opportunity to regenerate local neighbourhoods and revitalise surrounding communities, while sustaining the site's prestigious heritage. Lancaster Square will provide a striking mix of properties with high-quality finishes featuring light and spacious living areas in an area with very good communication links to central London.’
Since the arrival of the Great Eastern Railway in 1839, Ilford has expanded from a small collection of dwellings into a vibrant residential area, served by excellent transport links. Seven Kings rail station is a few minutes’ walk from Lancaster Square and provides frequent, peak time services to Liverpool Street with journey times of about 20 minutes. For car commuters, access to the M25 is via the nearby A12 and M11. These links also put London's most popular shopping and entertainment venues, Lakeside and Bluewater, within a short drive.
The two bedroom apartments and houses at Lancaster Square feature generously sized open-plan living/dining areas, while the three-bedroom houses benefit from large kitchen/dining areas.
Buyers will like the high-quality internal specifications at all of their developments. The kitchens at Lancaster Square are fully fitted with a Symphony design and boast a range of Bosch appliances, including single oven, gas or electric hob and canopy extractor. All bathrooms and cloakrooms feature Villeroy and Boch sanitaryware with Hansgrohe accessories.
Prices for the two-bedroom apartments, which each come with a parking space, start at £195,000. For further information contact the sales and marketing suite 0870 755 1640.
The Quarter is a charming development of two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and two-bedroom apartments and duplexes located in Chipping Ongar. Set among an abundance of landscaping and open space, the Higgins Homes development is focused around a ‘village green’ area, which adds appeal for all types of purchasers including singles, young families and downsizers. The exterior style is in keeping with the local vernacular, with colours including white, pink and blue, some with weatherboarding. All properties have modern interiors including designer kitchens with an integrated fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and dishwasher, and quality Smeg appliances.
The medieval market town of Chipping Ongar has a selection of good restaurants and old inns. Ongar Leisure Centre offers a swimming pool, squash and tennis. The countryside around Chipping Ongar is spectacular, perfect for walkers and cyclists. For commuters, Chipping Ongar has good access to the M11 and the M25 and the A414 provides a route to the major towns of Harlow, Hertford and Welwyn Garden City.
Prices start at £195,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and £310,000 for a three-bedroom house. Call Higgins Homes: 01277 365252 to find out more about The Quarter.
Persimmon Homes Essex is offering Colchester house-hunters several high-quality developments which provide the ideal opportunity for those who have been renting to make that difficult step onto the property ladder.
Brinkley Chase is an excellent new development of 113 units, boasting a mix of two-bedroom apartments and two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses including terraces, three-storey town houses and detached properties. Parking comes as standard with all properties, and the majority of houses boast a garage and second parking space.
Riverside Nursery, meanwhile, is situated on the bank of the river Colne and, when complete, will comprise a selection of two-bedroom coach houses and two- and three-bedroom apartments. Conveniently located for the nearby A12 and the A120, which provide easy access to London, Suffolk and the east coast, Riverside Nursery is just a 25-minute walk to the mainline railway station, which offers a journey from Colchester to Liverpool Street of less than one hour. Residents are also within striking distance of Colchester town centre.
The marketing suites of both developments are open daily from 10am to 5pm. For more information on the properties available at Brinkley Chase call 01206 752044. For Riverside Nursery call 01206 793676.
The same developer has named its Heathlands development in Stanway its best selling of 2005. This exceptional development, located in one of Colchester’s most desirable residential areas, has proven a hit with its sheer expanse of green public space and large room proportions pulling in the purchasers.
John Stent, sales adviser at Heathlands, says, ‘Despite the plethora of new build properties currently available in Colchester, sales at Heathlands have been consistently excellent, far exceeding both half-year and year-end targets.
‘Our visitors are always impressed by the appearance of the development as there is an impressive expanse of green open space which forms the central feature of the community. Similarly, a large majority of the properties have a large front garden – a traditional feature overlooked by so many builders today – which really adds to the overall appearance of the development.’
The traditional Essex style homes at Heathlands boast timber cladding and attractive brick fascias which sit side by side with attractive rendered exteriors, creating pleasing and varied street scenes.
Heathlands is an exceptional new development located in one of the most desirable residential areas of Colchester, comprising 200 units of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom properties, including apartments, terraces and three-storey town houses. Selected plots have integrated conservatories and garages.
Originally a small village, Stanway today provides families with a choice of popular schools, both primary and secondary, which are located a short walk from the Heathlands development. Stanway also offers a wide range of shops, including a retail park featuring many well known high street names.
Located on Winstree Road, this Persimmon development provides easy access to Colchester town centre, the A12 and the Marks Tey mainline railway station, which boasts a direct service to London’s Liverpool Street station, ideal for commuters.
Prices start at £159,950 for a two-bedroom apartment, while three-bedroom houses are priced from £189,995. For further information on Heathlands contact the marketing suite on 01206 331910.
Weston Homes has launched its latest project, Axis, located on Southchurch Road. The development consists of 24 one- and two-bedroom apartments in a contemporary building fronted by attractive balconies fabricated from steel, glass and wood. At prices starting from £137,500, these homes are ideal for purchasers who want to put that first foot on the property ladder.
The apartments at Axis has a very high-quality interior specification. There are specially designed kitchen units and integrated stainless steel fitted oven. As standard, the master bedroom contains a fitted wardrobe which can be chosen from a selection. All bedrooms contain a fitted woollen carpet, which the new owner can choose from a selection offered by Weston Homes as part of their Choices package, subject to the stage of construction. All of the bathrooms contain white wall-hung sanitaryware with a choice of wall tile colours and a range of vinyl floor covering, again offered as part of the Choices package.
The apartments at Axis have low-maintenance double-glazed PVC windows to retain heat and keep out noise, slimline convector heaters and a telephone entry system. Additionally all apartments are also supplied with an allocated parking space as well as a secure bicycle store and use of the communal gardens.
Axis also includes three penthouses on the 4th floor, which have extensive terraces and luxury kitchens with integrated appliances to an even higher specification than those in the other apartments at the development.
Axis is located on Southchurch Road, opposite a parade of shops. The Royals shopping mall and Southend High Street are close by, and the seafront and amusements are within walking distance. For further details on Axis contact 01702 469583.
Also from Weston Homes is Centurion Row, situated on Seymer Road in Romford. This development is ideal for first-time buyers, as with prices start at £165,000. Centurion Row comprises 19 one- and two-bedroom apartments located only a mile from Romford railway station, which offers a journey time of just 20 minutes to London Liverpool Street. This attractive development has received tremendous interest and is expected to sell very quickly.
The apartments at Centurion Row are designed for a contemporary, flexible lifestyle with each home thoughtfully planned to make the best possible use of space. This attractive scheme is constructed with a brick and render façade with under-eave parking to some apartments. All apartments include an allocated space.
Each apartment boasts an open-plan living space incorporating the kitchen and dining area – the perfect environment for entertaining guests. Kitchens feature a stainless steel oven with matching splashback, hob and extractor fan, a choice of designer units, worktops from an exclusive range and choice of vinyl flooring (subject to construction stage).
Centurion Row is perfectly located for residents who like to be close to a lively town. Romford is just two miles away, with its wealth of shopping and leisure options. Shopping malls, smaller shops, leisure centre, golf courses, pubs, clubs and restaurants – these are plentiful and of good quality. Centurion Row is perfect for commuters; the railway station is nearby, and residents will also be within easy reach of the M11, M25 and A12.
Prices at Centurion Row start at £165,000. For further information contact the on site sales and marketing suite between 10am and 5pm on 01708 744517.
Chambers Place, a further Weston development, is a development of 140 one- and two-bedroom apartments in Purfleet, where the first phase has already been sold to a combination of first-time buyers and investors.
The apartments feature spacious reception rooms with open-plan kitchens and dining areas, creating the perfect environment for entertaining guests. The high-quality fitted kitchens include stainless steel oven, hob and splashbacks as well as a range of optional appliances including fridge/freezer, washing machine and tumble dryer which can be bought as part of an upgrade package, ensuring that moving into a new home is even easier. This option is equally helpful to first-time buyers and investors who hope to let their property quickly.
Luxurious bathroom suites are fitted with high-quality sanitaryware as well as downlighters. The spacious master bedrooms will also include built-in wardrobes which can also be upgraded if desired.
Purfleet station offers regular services to London Fenchurch Street, making this development ideal for City workers. Alternatively interchanges for London Underground and the Docklands' Light Railway (DLR) are also situated nearby. Purfleet is also conveniently positioned for road travel, with fast routes into the capital and the M25 situated only a mile away. Rural attractions are also within easy reach of Chambers Place: Belhaus Woods Country Park at South Ockendon, complete with a golf club, is perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Prices start at an amazing £141,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £176,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. A sales suite with show apartment is open daily from 10am from 5pm. For further sales information call 01708 864252.
In Loughton, Charles Church has opened the doors of the new sales office at Strevens Place. In the sales office, which is situated in one of the high-spec apartments, prospective purchasers are now able to sit down, relax and find out more about the development of 14 spacious two-bedroom apartments. The development, located on the corner of Lower Park Road and High Road, is already 60 per cent sold and interest remains high.
All homes at Strevens Place boast high levels of specification. Imaginatively designed kitchens have a range of stainless steel appliances by AEG, including a double oven, ceramic touch-control hob and chimney hood, integrated fridge/freezer, slimline dishwasher and washer/dryer. The lavish master bedroom suite has double fitted wardrobes and an en suite shower room. And the modern bathrooms are superbly equipped and fitted with classic white sanitaryware, enhanced by chrome fittings and ceramic tiles.
Strevens Place offers a range of luxurious apartments, some with their own garden leading out onto the communal gardens, and others with their own garages – unusual for an apartment development.
The location is perfect for those who enjoy the great outdoors, with the green belt meadows and fields of Epping Forest and Roding Valley Meadows nearby. Loughton also has its own golf club and leisure and sports centres for sporty types. Commuting is straightforward – Loughton tube station is just under a mile away, putting the Central Line, and therefore the City and West End of London within easy reach.
The development has lifts to all floors and a video entryphone system for added security. Prices start at £339,995. The sales office and new show apartment are open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm. Call 020 8502 4116 or selling agents Heatheringtons Countrywide on 020 8508 5424. Visit charleschurch.com.