New Homes - Berkshire

Amanda Shiel takes a look at what’s on offer in this county

Reading
Centred round the conversion of the former Upcross Hotel, Upcross Gardens offers a unique blend of old and new.
The first phase to launch at the development is The Pavilion, a collection of just six new build apartments. The renovated Upcross Wing with its high ceilings and period features will shortly follow suit, and the North Wing, designed to seamlessly blend with the imposing original building, will be the final phase to launch.
The spacious apartments will enjoy a superlative specification. Kitchens will feature bespoke fitted units complemented by granite quartz worktops and a comprehensive range of appliances in a natural steel finish, including a four-ring gas hob, electric fan assisted oven, extractor hood, microwave and an integrated frost-free fridge / freezer, washer / dryer and dishwasher.
Bathrooms and en suites will be finished to equally opulent standards. Crisp white Roca sanitary-ware and contemporary chrome furnishings will give a timeless appeal, while bespoke fitted vanity furniture and chrome towel ladder radiators meet the demands of modern living.
The generous grounds evoke a feeling of seclusion that belies the development’s convenient location. Each apartment will also benefit from either allocated underground parking or a car port.
Prices range from £185,000 to £285,000 for one- and two-bedroom apartments. Call the marketing suite, open Thursday to Monday from 10am-4pm, on 0118 959 7173. At all other times contact Jane Knight at selling agents Haslams on 0118 960 1000 or visit millgatehomes.co.uk.

Newell Green
Millgate Homes has started work on four three-bedroom cottages in the sought-after rural parish of Newell Green.
The properties have been carefully designed to reflect the local vernacular, yet behind their quaint cottage-style exteriors lie spacious highly specified interiors designed to meet the demands of busy modern lives.
Newell Green Farm is perfectly placed for those who want to enjoy the best of town and country living. While Newell Green itself offers plenty of rural charm with a good country pub within a couple of hundred yards of the development, its location on the edge of Bracknell means that essential amenities and great transport links are within easy reach. A Tesco supermarket is roughly one mile away, Royal Windsor is within ten miles and cosmopolitan Reading with its renowned Oracle shopping centre and thriving nightlife is just 12 miles distant.
This location makes Newell Green Farm ideal for those working in the technology hub of Reading, or further afield – the M3 and M4 motorways are both easily accessible and Bracknell station, under two miles distant, offers regular services to London Waterloo in just over an hour.
The cottages are due for completion early in 2008. Visit millgatehomes.co.uk for more details.

Maidenhead
FairBriar is building Imperial Place, a collection of 28 traditional style two-bedroom apartments on Shoppenhangers Road.
Comprising four apartment buildings, the development is cleverly designed to give the appearance of large, traditional houses reminiscent of the grand mansions that can be seen along the waterfront.
The open plan layouts are spacious and light and allow for flexibility of use. The designer Alno kitchen comes complete with an integrated fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washer/dryer and oven with ceramic hob and extractor hood.
The bathrooms feature luxury Porcelanosa sanitary ware, ceramic floor and wall tiles and a heated chrome towel rail. There is oak laminate flooring to the hall and living rooms with under-floor heating throughout the apartment. Both bedrooms come complete with a natural fitted carpet and the master bedroom is en-suite with a built-in wardrobe. 
The building is within a secure gated environment with a lift servicing all floors. For added peace of mind each apartment benefits from an audio door phone entry and a full ten-year Zurich warranty
The development is situated just minutes from Maidenhead's mainline station. For international travel, Heathrow airport is less than 25 minutes away and for those who drive, the A404 leads to the M4 motorway.
Imperial Place will be built in four phases with the first homes expected to be ready for occupation in early 2008. Prices range from £360,000 for a two-bedroom two bathroom apartment. The sales and marketing suite is open Wednesday to Monday from 10.30 to 17.30. Call 01628 785 470 or visit imperial-place.co.uk.

Maidenhead
Reservations are now being taken for seven apartments at Longworth Drive. This select development comprises six two-bedroom apartments and a three-bedroom penthouse. Each unit has at least one balcony with direct river views.
Avior has been built to a traditional design featuring the best in environmental building techniques and materials. Extensive insulation, low energy lighting, under floor heating and double glazed UPVC windows all help to keep energy costs down, while integrated fridge-freezers, dishwashers and washer-dryers all come as standard. The professionally designed kitchen also features granite worktops and a stainless steel oven, hob, hood and microwave, while the bathrooms boast ceramic floor and wall tiles, chrome fixings and contemporary wall-hung sanitary ware.
Maidenhead is located within easy reach of London, Windsor and the numerous business centres along the M4 corridor. Heathrow is just 17 miles away.
Shanly Homes are offering part exchanges to customers buying properties before Christmas at Avior. They will also take care of estate agents fees and HIPs.
Four of the seven properties have already been reserved. Prices start from £520,000.
Contact selling agents Braxton’s on 01628 674234. Alternatively, visit shanlyhomes.com.

Reading
Barratt Thames Valley has launched The Crescent at its popular Shinfield Park scheme in Reading. This is the final stage of the development and offers a striking range of two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom townhouses and a two-bedroom coach house.
All of the homes in The Crescent will be ready to move into in June next year. If this is too long to wait, there is a collection of three- and four-bedroom townhouses and the last few detached houses available now. 
Reading’s central location plays a major role in the town’s popularity. It’s within half an hour’s drive of London, Maidenhead, Oxford and Slough. Bath and Swindon to the west and Basingstoke and Southampton to the south are also within commuting distance.
Barratt is offering a part exchange deal on all properties and will handle the HIP requirement on the old property. Buyers can also take advantage of Barratt’s ‘six of the best’ special offer where the housebuilder will pay the deposit and £1000 towards legal fees and all carpets, curtains, light fittings and a fridge/freezer will be included in the price.
Prices start from £239,950 for a two-bedroom apartment. Townhouses and detached houses are available to move into now and start from £369,950 for a three-bedroom townhouse and from £514,950 for a six-bedroom detached home. The sales and marketing suite and three showhomes are open seven days a week, from 11am-6pm. Call 01189 751267 or visit barratthomes.co.uk.

Bracknell
Created on the site of the former meteorological office, Celsius is a stylish development of 166 one- and two-bedroom apartments, set in large beautifully-landscaped gardens and offering gated undercroft parking. 
Each apartment has been designed to maximise space and natural light. Kitchens are fitted with dark granite colour worktops and integrated appliances by Symphony Kitchens. Bathrooms boast white sanitary ware with chrome finish fittings.
Bracknell offers excellent shopping and leisure facilities, including supermarkets, a ten-screen cinema, fitness suite, skating rink, swimming pools and an all-weather pitch.
Apartments started from £180,000. Contact Fairview New Homes on 01344 424319 or visit fairview.co.uk.

Slough
Aspects comprises of 197 apartments on Windsor Road.
The bright and spacious apartments have been thoughtfully designed with contemporary interiors including fitted kitchens complete with a range of integrated appliances, open-plan dining and sitting rooms and bathrooms with white sanitaryware and chrome fittings. Many apartments overlook beautifully landscaped grounds and some styles have balconies. An audio-entry system, undercroft parking and a residents gym are also included.
There are a range of bars, a department store, supermarkets and a cinema right on the doorstep and the centres of Slough and nearby Maidenhead offer plenty of shopping opportunities. Windsor, less than three miles away, has a variety of designer boutiques, bars and restaurants, in addition to its famous castle, Great Park and the River Thames. 
Aspects is located around two miles off the M4 (J6), offering convenient access to the M40, M25 and London Heathrow Airport. Slough railway station runs services to London Paddington with a journey time of around 20 minutes.
Prices are from £177,950 for one-bedroom apartments, from £234,995 for two-bedroom apartments and £294,950 for the last remaining three-bedroom apartment. Incentives are available. Contact the sales and marketing suite, open seven days a week from 11am-6pm, on 01753 574262 or visit  barratthomes.co.uk.

With such a wide range of properties currently available in the county of Berkshire, prospective buyers will be busy this winter as they select just the right home or investment. One of the most desirable spots in the county is upmarket Sunningdale, where Charters, a fantastic Art Deco mansion, will become a breathtaking collection of apartments.

Described as one of the last of the great country houses to be built in England, Charters was famously used as a bolthole by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor in 1947. Set amid 25 acres of secluded landscaped gardens, it offers a great combination of style, luxury and up-to-date technology, together with the service, security and peace of mind associated with bygone living.

Six of the new apartments are being crafted from the original Art Deco residence, to be known as the Mansion House, designed by Adie Button and Partners in 1936. Two newly built blocks, reminiscent of the original Mansion House, will each provide another 14 apartments.
The location is perfect, within easy reach of the City, Heathrow Airport, world famous golf courses Wentworth and Sunningdale and the races at Ascot.
The development has its own private spa boasting top-class facilities together with a full range of five-star concierge and lifestyle services on hand to residents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; where anything can be arranged from domestic cleaning to the full planning and management of a private party.
Prices for apartments at Charters are reaching an all time high, rising to as much as £14,000 per sq ft. No expense will be spared in ensuring properties at Charters to be one of the most sought after, desirable places to live.
Those who require further information on Charters should visit chartersuk.com or call Savills on 0133 876668.

In Maidenhead, Banner Homes has just launched a stunning show home at Callaway, its new development on the prestigious Shoppenhangers Road. This gated development of just 12 two-bedroom apartments and one one-bedroom apartment is ideally located for everything Maidenhead has to offer.
Nathan Relton, sales manager of Banner Homes, says, ‘We have noticed an increase in demand for quality properties in Berkshire and these apartments really do represent the ultimate in hassle-free homes. As such, we expect them to prove very attractive to downsizers, especially once they have viewed the show home.’
Visitors to the Callaway show home will be welcomed by Coralie Thomas one of Banner Homes’ professional and enthusiastic sales advisors. With her unsurpassed knowledge of both the advantages of Banner homes, and the local area, she will offer purchasers top class service. Coralie is able to provide helpful information about everything from property features to tips on Maidenheads wide selection of restaurants, independent stores and boutiques.
Two-bedroom apartments have en suites, while all of the apartments offer fitted wardrobes, linen cupboards, French doors and either balconies or patios. Fittings include integrated appliances, stylish white sanitaryware, heated towel rails and security features including outside lights with infrared sensors and a security camera. These apartments will contain up-to-the minute CAT-5 cabling which enable up to three digital phone lines at each telephone point with no additional cabling.

Maidenhead has excellent travel connections with easy access to junction 8/9 of the M4 which links directly to the M25, and the M40 a short distance away. For everyday needs, there is a Waitrose nearby and a Sainsbury’s supermarket is currently being built. The mainline station is also just a short walk, from where London Paddington is just a 30-minute journey away.
Prices at Callaway range from £299,950 to £349,950. Contact Banner Homes Central on 01628 536229 or visit bannerhomes.co.uk.
Five miles from Reading, Mill Place is a new development by Antler Homes consisting of five semi-detached and detached four-bedroom houses along with six two-bedroom apartments. The development is situated down a secluded driveway in the rural village of Sindlesham, which is close to woodlands, parks and commons.

The houses on the development are made from light stone brick with decorative red brick inlay and grey tiling. The design of the houses and the mature tress surrounding them allows the development to blend with its rural surroundings. The large houses combined with two-bedroom apartments also ensures that the development will be both architecturally and socially diverse.
All of the houses have spacious kitchen/family rooms which are flooded with light from the French doors which lead out onto the garden. Every property on the development is fitted with a luxury custom-built kitchen and Siemens appliances including a stainless steel gas hob, stainless steel oven (single for apartments, double for houses), integrated fridge/freezer, integrated dishwasher, integrated washing machine (in selected plots) and ceramic floor tiles.
Sindlesham’s proximity to Reading makes London easily commutable, and there are also easy connections to Wokingham.
Prices start at £455,000 for a four-bedroom semi-detached home. Prices for the apartments have yet to be released. Contact Antler Homes on 020 8391 6670 to find out more.
KingsOak Thames Valley has launched Mirage, its latest exclusive collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes in Sandhurst, bordering the world famous Sandhurst Military Academy.
Mirage is a select scheme of 16 superb two-bedroom apartments alongside an enclave of two-, three- and four-bedroom houses. This makes the new development ideal for both established families and young professionals.

Convenient for the popular Meadows shopping centre, with its Marks and Spencer and Tesco Extra superstore, this exclusive, sought-after area has excellent commuter routes to London. Bob Rutherford, sales director of KingsOak Thames Valley, says, ‘It really does offer something for everyone, thanks to its great shopping and leisure amenities nearby. With such a wide range of homes, we always anticipated that Mirage would be extremely popular.’
Sandhurst is only three-and-a-half miles from Junction 4 of the M3 and just over ten miles from Junction 10 of the M4, allowing easy commuting distance to London and the M25. Heathrow is approximately 40 minutes away by car and Gatwick is about an hour away. There is a local train station in Sandhurst with regular trains to Reading and Guildford, linking you with London Waterloo in approximately one hour.

For families, singletons and couples alike, the development is ideal with fantastic leisure and sporting opportunities nearby. There are acres of fine woodland around Sandhurst for walks, cycling and for horse riding. Royal Ascot racehorse is only a few miles from the town. For the golfing enthusiasts, there are many excellent local clubs including Camberley Heath Golf Club, Pine Ridge Golf Centre and Chobham Golf Club. In and around Sandhurst there are a selection of renowned pubs, restaurants and bars, while the nearby town centres of Camberley and Bracknell boast multi-screen cinemas, bowling, ice skating and swimming pools.
Prices at Mirage start at just £225,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. For further information call the central sales hotline on 01628 629922 or see kingsoakhomes.com.

There has been outstanding interest in properties at the highly sought-after St James Homes development Kennet Island in Reading. Known as the thriving town’s new urban village, the development’s homes continue to sell within days of each new release.

Kennet Island is a mixed-use development comprising 850 high-quality, reasonably priced residential dwellings, alongside commercial properties and leisure facilities. The latest release of homes is based in Hydra Square, set in the heart of the development. They are located close to the continental style urban piazza, which was designed as a community space and envisaged to be home an array of cafés, shops, parks, play areas and other leisure facilities.
The high-specification residential properties carry very kind price tags: one-bedroom apartments start from £148,000, while two-bedroom apartments are priced from £209,995, a three-bedroom duplex is priced at £239,995 and three-bedroom houses start at £242,500.
Charles Church provides the ideal purchase for today’s investor at the Old Orchard development in Maidenhead. Here, stunning apartments are available for immediate occupancy which means the property can begin earning its keep as soon as the investment is made.

Apartments offer luxury in the form of spacious kitchens with up-to-the-minute modern appliances including a stainless steel integrated oven, hob and extractor hood, fridge/freezer, condensing washer/dryer and ceramic floor tiling from Charles Church’s selected range. There are also lavish drawing rooms, lavish master suites and large additional bedrooms which make ideal areas for visitors or children. There is an en suite shower room along with double fitted wardrobes, providing extra storage space for all your needs. Family bathrooms feature crisp white sanitaryware with chrome fittings and towel rail.
Old Orchard is convenient for those who work in Windsor and Maidenhead, which makes it an excellent catchment area for investors, The River Thames provides a pleasant place to stroll and relax, while contemporary shopping and fine dining are available, as are a range of sports, leisure activities and events.
There are frequent train services to Paddington Station, London with approximately journey times of 30 minutes. For motorists, the M4 provides excellent access to Heathrow and London, while the M25 is less than a mile away from the development.
Prices start at £350,000. Call 01628 778832 or visit charleschurch.com.
Only three homes remain available at Phoenix, KingsOak’s development in Tilehurst on the outskirts of popular Reading. ‘This development has been snapped up by first-time buyers and investors because it offers very good accommodation at affordable prices,’ said Mathew Cooke, land and new homes client manager at selling agents Prospects. ‘There is nothing else quite like it on the market in terms of the preferential location on the edge of the town, the quality and size of the homes, and not forgetting the beneficial incentives that have been offered throughout its duration. As a result, there are now just a three left.’
Phoenix is a select scheme of just 14 two- and three-bedroom homes close to many local shops and services. Homes at Phoenix include well-proportioned lounges, fully-fitted kitchens with a selection of built-in appliances, modern colour-coordinated bathrooms and, in many cases, en suite facilities to the master bedroom.
Just a short drive away is a choice of well known supermarkets including a Sainsbury’s superstore and a Fitness First gym. The choice of two- and three-bedroom terraced homes is perfect for both young professionals and growing families.

The village of Tilehurst is perfect for enjoying a laid-back lifestyle with village facilities, yet it is also just on the periphery of Reading, one of the South East’s most exciting and thriving towns with its fantastic shopping, leisure and entertainment.
The new development is close to Junction 12 of the M4, conveniently close to Reading’s cosmopolitan town centre - great news for commuters. You can access London Paddington in approximately 30 minutes from the train station at Tilehurst. The village is known to have one of the best bus services in Reading, so there’s no shortage of ways to get around.
Prices at Phoenix start at £239,995 for a two-bedroom house and as all are now build-complete, you could be moving in for Christmas. The development is open daily from 10am to 5pm. For full details call 0118 941 9654 or visit kingsoakhomes.co.uk.

Linden Homes has seen unprecedented demand for homes in the first phase of its contemporary new development Verve, located on Mill Street in the heart of Slough. Eager buyers have reserved all but three of these 27 modern apartments.
Ideal for commuters, Verve benefits from excellent road and rail links. Slough mainline station is within walking distance, allowing professionals to get to London Paddington in just 20 minutes, Reading in 15 minutes and Heathrow in just 30 minutes. In addition, the M4 and M25 motorways are just a short drive away, giving residents more time to enjoy their brand new luxurious home or the varied delights of the town centre.
Slough has a multitude of high street stores and two large shopping centres, while those in search of entertainment will find a ten-screen cinema and a plethora of trendy bars and restaurants. Spec is high and maintenance is minimal, making this development equally suited to owner-occuperier and investment buyers.
Phase two, to be released shortly, is already generating significant interest. For further information and details of specific deals available at Verve, contact Linden Homes on 01895 827447 or visit lindenhomes.co.uk.
Laing Homes’ Delta Court II in Maidenhead is the second phase of a very successful development, one that is attracting a range of buyers. This latest phase of contemporary one- and two bedroom apartments will the just the thing for busy commuters, as the location is minutes from the train station and the journey time into London Paddington is only around 40 minutes.
With the additional bonus of convenient local amenities, the location is even more perfect. For shopping, there is everything from supermarkets to high street stores, while nightlife and entertainment options are plentiful, including good restaurants and even well as a golf club yards from the development. Call 0845 688 1767.
Meanwhile, in Reading, another very commutable spot, Laing offers Beaufort Grange, a collection of  two-, three- and four-bedroom homes. With more than 11 different home styles to choose from, buyers will have no trouble finding just the right home for them. Local facilities include a supermarket and shopping parade, while Reading’s top-notch shopping, pubs and bars, cafés and restaurants are just 15 minutes away. Beaufort Grange is convenient for local schools, and also backs onto greenbelt land. And with golf and country parks within easy reach, residents will find great opportunities for enjoying the outdoors. Call 0845 688 1750.
Laing Home offers the easymover scheme, which includes not only a full moving service but also stamp duty and legal fees paid (on selected plots, subject to conditions). Visit lainghomes.co.uk to find out more about the homes and incentive packages.

A winning combination of connectedness and comfort makes the current crop of newly built homes in Berkshire worth a look. Johnny Turner pays a visit.

Those in the market for a home that gives access to both country character and cosmopolitan bustle will be hard pressed to find a better location than Berkshire. This Home County offers easy commuter access, wonderful countryside and great local amenities – it’s no wonder builders are having trouble keeping up with the high demand for homes in the area.

Cliveden Homes is offering Philberds Lodge in the hamlet of Holyport, near Maidenhead. These eight well-appointed two-bedroom apartments offer parking and are priced from £249,950.
Holyport has rural charm in spades; not only is there a beautiful village green but more than 1,000 acres of National Trust land lies just to the north and almost 5,000 acres of Crown land to the south, by Windsor. The location lies among some of the loveliest country in the Middle Thames area, with fine stretches of river, picture-postcard villages and, to the west, the edge of the Chiltern Spur.
Call 01306 882032 for more details regarding Philberds Lodge.

Hermitage Green by Banner Homes is an outstanding development of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes set around a large central green five miles north east of Newbury. This location is perfect for families, as there are a host of excellent education establishments in the vicinity. Hermitage primary school, Brockhurst and Marlston pre-school and Down House Cold Ash, one of the country’s top girls’ schools, are all nearby.

Nicki Dennis, sales and marketing director of Banner Homes says; ‘This development benefits from a host of local amenities and excellent transport links, making London accessible in under an hour. It provides an ideal haven for commuters and is perfectly suited to home buyers seeking a quality family life. We expect demand for these homes in the sought-after Berkshire area to be extremely high.’
Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Hermitage Green is located on the outskirts of the popular village of Hermitage. The development comprises 70 homes, all of which will offer high quality fixtures and fittings, traditional craftsmanship and all the latest technology.
Travel connections from Hermitage are excellent. Junction 13 of the M4 is approximately two miles away and the A34 trunk road is within easy reach. Newbury mainline station offers journey times of under an hour into London Paddington and international travel is made easy by the proximity of Heathrow and Gatwick airports on the M25.

For shoppers, Newbury hosts a popular open-air market every Thursday and Saturday and The Kennet Shopping Centre is home to a variety of national chain stores and independent boutiques. Reading and Oxford, both easily accessible by road, offer even more extensive shopping options. Local leisure pursuits in include horse racing at the national Newbury Racecourse, horse riding, golf, angling and canoeing, to name but a few.

The marketing suite and show homes are open from 10am to 5pm. Prices start from £275,000. For further details about Hermitage Green please call 01635 203391.

Another fine Banner development in Berkshire is Wellesley Court, located in popular Crowthorne. The 24 two-bedroom apartments are located within secluded, gated grounds set back off the tree-lined Duke’s Road. The homes offer plenty of space and boast a top-quality specification.

Wellesley Court is bordered by beautiful mature trees in a desirable neighbourhood. Future residents will be able to lock up and go away on holiday or live abroad for part of the year without worrying.
Belying its tranquil setting, the development is located within easy walking distance of Crowthorne station and local shops, and there is easy access to Crowthorne High Street. It is also close to a variety of woods and commons, providing ample opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the countryside. For keen golfers, East Berkshire Golf Club is located just behind the development, while the Downshire Golf Complex, one of the UK’s premier municipal golf courses, is also situated nearby.
For further information call Banner Homes’ head office on 01628 536200.

Also in the quaint village of Crowthorne is CALA Homes’ Wellington Mews, a development of 25 spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments varying from 520 to over 1,000 square feet. The scheme offers car ports and/or secure parking spaces and mature landscaped gardens. Each apartment has a well-proportioned lounge/dining area with separate kitchen, and some have an en suite bathroom and second bathroom.
All apartments offer high specification, including designer kitchens featuring integrated appliances and a waste disposal unit. There are also stylish bathroom suites with chrome towel rails. Security-wise, Wellington Mews features an audio entry system.

These homes appeal to a broad range of buyers, from first-time buyers to empty nesters. Prices currently start at £225,000. For further information call 01344 773817 or visit the show home, open daily from 10.30am to 5pm.

Sunningdale is a famously upmarket, tranquil and beautiful Berkshire location. And here two excellent developments are now on the market. First to CALA Homes’ Silverwood Grange in Lady Margaret Road, where buyers will find 11 two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments. Many of the apartments feature large terraces or balconies, and each will have its own garage. This development follows great CALA successes at Bearsden Grange and Sheridan Grange, and like these predecessors Silverwood Grange is not expected to be on the market for long.

The development is within close proximity of all Sunningdale amenities and only a short walk from the town’s railway station, restaurants and shops. Prices range from £390,000 to £500,000. For sales information contact agents Chancellors on 01344 620163.

A second Sunningdale location is tucked away off the high street in this highly desirable village. The Mews is a small development of just 12 houses by Millgate Homes, each offering three double bedrooms over three storeys. Such is the popularity of The Mews that only half of the homes remain for sale.
Internally, homes at The Mews provide modern, flexible and practical living space. Some plots feature conservatories as an extension to the living dining area. The separate kitchens there are bespoke designer units in a light oak effect, complemented by granite work surfaces and accompanied by a comprehensive range of appliances in a natural steel finish.

The hall, stairway and landings are light and airy, giving access to the three double bedrooms which are arranged on the first and second floors. Each of the well-proportioned bedrooms has en suite facilities and generous built-in wardrobes. The suite on the second floor features attractive sloping ceilings and lends itself to a range of uses, from impressive master bedroom or guest suite to an office for those work at home.

Externally, the plots with conservatories have hard-landscaped courtyard gardens which provide an ‘outside room’ ideal for entertaining, while the other plots have larger turfed gardens featuring extensive planting.
The Mews is conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from Sunninghill’s wonderful selection of shops, restaurants and boutiques. And in the wider area the resident will be within easy reach of a host of excellent facilities, including Windsor Great Park and Savill Gardens, Ascot.
Each of the homes at The Mews has two dedicated parking spaces. Prices range from £359,950 to £399,950. To find out more call the sales office on 01344 876885 between 10am and 4pm. Outside these hours contact selling agents Savills on 01344 295375 or visit millgatehomes.co.uk.

Further Millgate Homes developments can be found in Warfield, Maidenhead and Wokingham. First, in Warfield, Newell Green Farm consists of only seven two-bedroom apartments and ten two- and three-bedroom cottage-style homes. David Wrigley, sales and marketing director of Millgate Homes, says, ‘Newell Green Farm is placed in a fantastic location that really enjoys the best of both worlds. Warfield has a semi-rural atmosphere yet is well served by its own supermarket and some excellent pubs, while Ascot is just a couple of miles down the road with a range of exclusive shops and restaurants.’

Cottages at Newell Green are priced from £299,950 to £365,000, while apartments range from £235,000 for a first-floor apartment to £299,950 for the penthouse. The sales and marketing suite is open daily from 10am to 4pm. Call selling agents Romans on 01344 400100.

On Finchampstead Road in Wokingham, Braybrook is a gated development of just eight one- and two-bedroom apartments, conveniently placed for the town centre and train station. Priced between £175,000 and £275,000, these apartments are now available to purchase off-plan. To register your interest contact Prospects on 0118 979 7770.

In Maidenhead, Robin Hill and Bentash are both located on Shoppenhangers Road and back onto the open greens of the renowned Maidenhead Golf Club. Benefiting from Millgate’s exceptional internal specification, both developments are within half a mile of Maidenhead town centre and railway station and offer a range of apartments to suit a variety of budgets. Both of these developments have show homes open daily from 10am to 4pm.

Bentash, which is already 30 per cent reserved, consists of 13 two-bedroom apartments at prices between £305,000 and £425,000. Call 01628 639698 to find out more.
Robin Hill, which ranges in price from £350,000 for a two-bedroom ground-floor apartment to £675,000 for a two/three-bedroom penthouse, offers spacious accommodation that is well suited to entertaining. For more information call 01628 631163.
To find out more about any of Millgate Homes’ current and forthcoming development, both in Berkshire and beyond, visit the website millgatehomes.co.uk.

A stunning show house and a further view unit at KingsOak’s Roebuck Gardens scheme at Purley-on-Thames demonstrate to prospective purchasers the space and style available. And the spacious four-bedroom Selkirk show home and the Shelburne view unit not only give buyers an idea of how their new homes might look; it is possible to purchase the show homes themselves. With KingsOak’s leaseback scheme, says KingsOak Thames Valley sales manager Nigel Eatwell, ‘clever buyers can stake their claim to these homes and then we will lease them back at a competitive interest rate above the base rate for the duration of their time as show homes.’

Roebuck Gardens features ten two-bedroom apartments, a selection of three- and four-bedroom three-storey town houses and four-bedroom detached homes. Purley-on-Thames is located to the west of Reading near Tilehurst. The M4 is within easy reach, making the development ideal for those who want to work in Reading or even London but return home to a more suburban environment.
Prices currently start at £274,995 for a three-bedroom mid-terrace home with garage. For more information contact the sales office on 0118 941 5807. The development is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Finally to Slough, where KingsOak has launched its latest scheme of apartments, called Centrika. The sleek, contemporary two-bedroom apartments are located in the heart of Slough’s buzzing town centre and represent an excellent opportunity for young professionals and investors to snap up a home at one of the most sought-after areas integrated he locality. The scheme will feature 39 two-bedroom apartments, each of which features an en suite as well as a main bathroom, as well as private parking.
Centrika will enjoy access to a fantastic range of shopping, entertainment and nightlife options. And of course travel is extremely convenient, with connections to London Paddington taking only half an hour. Areas of beautiful parkland are also within easy reach, with Windsor Great Park a little over four miles away.
A dedicated marketing suite will open shortly in central Slough. For further details about Centrika, and to register your interest, call 01628 629111.

Also from KingsOak, Shinfield Park in Reading has been officially launched, giving home-seekers a wide choice of homes. The 310 homes will include apartments and houses ranging from two to five bedrooms. Those who are eager to snap up a bargain may want to get in quick and reserve off-plan, says KingsOak Thames Valley’s sales director Bob Rutherford. ‘This was they can choose the plot that suits them best, have a hand in selecting the fixtures and fittings that are used, and also save money.’

Shinfield Park is sure to be popular with young professionals, investors and families alike. Reading offers ultra-convenience, with everything from a vast array of shops to quick and easy transport. Prices currently start at just £164,995 for a one-bedroom apartment. Two-bedroom apartments are priced from £209,995 and four-bedroom town houses start at £314,995. Call 0118 975 1267 or visit kingsoakhomes.co.uk.

All is now revealed at Bewley Homes’ Wilbury Lodge in Sunningdale. However, prior to the unveiling, those who could see the potential were not deterred and 50 per cent are already reserved. Two show apartments with very different looks demonstrate the luxurious specification. Add to this two secure underground parking spaces and individual lockable storage and the tree-lined approach to the electronic gates beckons.
Wilbury Lodge in central Sunningdale is ideally located for those who like to make the most of life -and is somewhere special to come home to.
For further information on Wilbury Lodge, where prices start from £395,000, call Bewley Homes on 01344 627350.

Recognising how discerning their purchasers are, Bewley Homes have made no compromises in the latest show home at Camelot Place. Located in highly desirable Finchampstead, just to the south of vibrant Wokingham, this show home boasts six bedrooms (four en suite), located on three floors, thus supporting flexible living for today’s lifestyle. This gated development of just six large homes is proving popular, with 50 per cent sold, so don’t delay your visit! For further information on Camelot Place, where prices start at £775,000, call Bewley Homes on 0118 989 4060. For more information about Bewley Homes Plc visit bewley.co.uk.

A wide range of prospective buyers, from London commuters to local workers, first-timers to investors, will be interested in an upcoming release in the very well-connected town of Slough. Those keen to tap into what is set to become one of the most exciting new developments in the Thames Valley should make a note to visit Aspects by KingsOak Homes.
This well-located development of high-spec apartments is set to open on 22 April, with the first release of one- and two-bedroom apartments priced from £159,995 and £186,995 respectively.
The central Slough location of Aspects will allow residents access to the excellent shopping, transport and nightlife facilities of the town. For those in need of a bit of nature, Burnham Beeches, an area that is ideal for a quiet stroll, is nearby.
Also, wonderful Windsor is right on your doorstep, offering excellent shopping, historic locations such as Windsor Castle, the lovely Windsor Great Park and further transport connection.
Commuters can drive from Aspects to the heart of London via the M4 – let the train take the strain, as Slough station provides a direct connection to London Paddington in less than half an hour.

Call 01628 629111 or visit kingsoakhomes.co.uk for further information regarding Aspects.
 

Berkshire has a wealth of high-quality homes in very liveable locations. Johnny Turner takes a look at what’s currently on the market.

Berkshire provides everything the home-hunter needs in terms of lifestyle, amenities and transport. And when you factor in the excellent homes design currently available from some of the UK’s top builders, the result is nothing short of breathtaking.

Starting in Wokingham, Braybrook is a development of just eight one- and two-bedroom apartments on Finchampstead Road. The impressive mix of well-planned accommodation, Millgate Homes’ exceptional specification and stunning interior design has proved a winner, with 50 per cent of the apartments reserved in the first three weeks.

The open-plan living-dining room is large enough to entertain, and benefits from a bay window that will overlook the carefully landscaped area to the front of the development. Meanwhile, the fully equipped kitchen is sleek and modern. The two double bedrooms incorporate ample built-in wardrobe space, with the master bedroom featuring en-suite facilities.
Braybrook is less than half a mile from the town centre and within easy reach of with the M3, M4 and M25 motorways. Yet this convenience belies tranquil feel: the development is set well back from the road and surrounded by beautiful mature trees and a large, landscaped garden.
Only four apartments remain, ranging in price from £175,000 to £275,000. Contact selling agents Prospects on 0118 979 7775.

Bloor Homes presents The Nurseries in Shinfield, under four miles from Reading town centre and just under a mile from junction 11 of the M4. The Nurseries is ideally placed for some of Berkshire’s finest countryside as well as access to excellent shopping, restaurants and entertainment.
The five-bedroom detached homes come in four types and are priced from £525,000 to £575,500. The marketing suite is open Thursday to Monday. Call 0118 988 6343 to find out more.

Redrow Homes is offering a ‘move in for £99’ incentive at two of its Berkshire developments.
At the desirable Kennet Heath in Thatcham the incentive applies to a range of two-bedroom properties at its Kennet Heath development. Paul Moran, sales director for Redrow Homes (Southern) says, ‘We understand how difficult it can be to get the money for a deposit together, which is why we are giving new home buyers a break and offering to take the stress away by helping with the initial fees that come with buying a house.

All buyers have to do is pay £99 and Redrow will take care of the rest by paying a five per cent deposit, stamp duty and £500 towards legal fees, and free fitted carpets will be included in the purchase price. Kennet Heath offers a wealth of two-bedroom properties which will suit buyers from all backgrounds, including first-time buyers, empty nesters and those just wanting a house to escape to at the weekend. The apartments are low-maintenance – perfect for the younger buyer who has little time for home improvement.

Conveniently located just off the A4, Kennet Heath provides easy access to nearby Newbury, Basingstoke and Reading, with the M4 and M3 motorways just a short drive away. Thatcham railway station is within walking distance and offers frequent trains to Reading and Paddington. Closer to home, the breathtaking scenery of the nearby Kennet and Avon canal will thrill boating enthusiasts and walkers alike.
Prices for the two-bedroom Canterbury style home start at £183,950, while the two-bedroom apartments range from £157,950 to £169,950. Call 01635 863026.

At Poppyfields in Arborfield, Redrow will open the doors to an impressive two-and-a-half storey Lambourne show home on the weekend of 11-12 March, helping house-hunters to visualise how elevated living can fit in with their lifestyle. The Lambourne design features three bedrooms, with an en-suite to the master bedroom and open-plan living/dining room, and is priced from £276,500.
Another house style, the Canterbury terraced home, comprises of two bedrooms, including built in wardrobes to the master suite, as well as open-plan kitchen/dining room, downstairs cloakroom and double parking space. Priced from only £199,000, this home is ideal for young professionals, downsizers and first time buyers. Also, on this home the ‘move in for £99’ deal applies. Also available is the Hayward style home, which features three bedrooms, with en-suite to master bedroom and single garage, from £259,950.

Poppyfields is in prime commuter country, with Reading only a 20-minute drive away. Aborfield itself offers a wide range of local services and is only four miles from the market town of Wokingham, where trains to London can take less than an hour. The development itself also borders a wildlife heritage area which provides stunning countryside walks and breath taking views of the Berkshire countryside. Poppyfields also provides excellent access to the M3 and M4.
For further information on the homes at Poppyfields call 0118 976 1369.

Staying within the Reading area, Bovis Homes South East has a choice of current developments whose locations just outside the centre mean big savings.
A good example of this affordability can be found at Chatsworth Park in Winnersh and Warren Croft in Spencer’s Wood. Chatsworth Park is an attractive development in the village of Winnersh featuring two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes carefully designed to a high specification. Some homes include ‘rooms-in-the-roof’ which can be adapted to provide a bedroom, office, hobbies room, gym or playroom. The development is within easy reach of the local train station, Sainsbury’s supermarket and primary school. Prices for houses at Chatsworth Park start at £197,950. For further information call the sales manager on 0118 979 8396.

Meanwhile, Warren Croft is situated within easy reach of A33 and M4. The development is built around a spacious green with plenty of trees, play areas and public open spaces surrounded by Berkshire countryside. Two- to five-bedroom houses and two-bedroom apartments are available at Warren Croft, making it perfect for first- and second-time buyers and young families. The 16 different house types at the development feature en-suites, fitted wardrobes, open plan kitchen/dining rooms, studies, and all white goods incorporated as standard. Some properties are fitted with range cookers, and all feature either a designated parking space or garage and the chance to design the kitchen units, wall-tiles and floor coverings bespoke.
Houses at Warren’s Croft start at £204,950. For further information call 0118 988 9794. Visit bovishomes.co.uk

Bewley Homes takes great care in selecting locations for its exclusive developments and Berkshire is one of its favourite counties. In the attractive village of Sunningdale, Bewley Homes has created Willbury Lodge, a delightful development of just 15 new two-bedroom apartments set in a peaceful, tree-lined residential road and approached by remote-controlled electronic gates and a sweeping driveway.
The apartments, which include a luxurious specification, are within easy reach of the boutiques, delicatessens and cafés of Sunninghill and Ascot, as well as everything on offer in Windsor. Prices at Willbury Lodge start at £395,000. Contact Bewley Homes on 01344 627350 or Edwards & Elliott on 01344 872588.

For those who enjoy a rural lifestyle but with excellent facilities and good road and rail links, Caversham, on the edge of the rolling Chilterns and the South Oxfordshire countryside, is ideal. Here, Bewley’s Melbury Place comprises a collection of three- and four-bedroom houses, featuring warm red brickwork, tile-hangings, gables and charming dormer windows. Inside, each offers generously proportioned living space and high quality fixtures and fittings. Melbury Place has proved so popular that only two new homes remain available, priced at £365,000 and £399,950. Call the sales and marketing suite on 0118 928 2217.

Another popular Bewley Homes development is Foxwood, in Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, where only the show home, a four-bedroom detached home remains available. Priced at £425,000, this four-bedroom home offers an abundance of flexible living space and a superb location, on the fringes of an area of outstanding natural beauty, within easy reach of Finchampstead Ridges and Simons Wood and close to the great sporting facilities at the Royal Berkshire Club. Contact Bewley Homes on 0118 932 8737 or selling agents Martin & Pole on 0118 978 0777.

In the wake of the successful Foxwood, Bewley Homes this month launches Camelot Place, a superb development of just six five-bedroom homes with price guides from £695,000 to £795,000. And Ivens Yard, a further new development comprising six three-bedroom link-detached houses, will be launched at Emmer Green, on 11 March. For further information contact Bewley Homes 0118 970 8222 or visit bewley.co.uk.

Berkshire offers the resident a multitude of benefits, including history, scenery and convenient access to London and the West. Johnny Turner looks at some of the best new homes in this sought-after county.

Those in the market for a home that gives access to both country charm and cosmopolitan bustle will be hard pressed to find a better location than Berkshire. This Home County offers easy commuter access, wonderful countryside and great local amenities – it’s no wonder builders are having trouble keeping up with the high demand for homes in the area.

Foundation Land has launched six sumptuous apartments at Wokingham’s most exclusive development, Gorton Oaks in Murdoch Road, in the heart of the new conservation area. These long-awaited properties offer a sophisticated contemporary specification; apartment two, for example, is a two double bedroom home which includes a welcoming entrance, south-facing drawing/dining room with impressive views of the estate, a spacious home office, and a state-of-the-art kitchen including all integral appliances.

Gorton Oak’s three penthouses will be revealed within the next month and are expected to generate interest amongst property-seekers who are looking for a decadent, chic home in leafy surroundings.
Perfectly situated amid beautifully landscaped grounds the property is located just half a mile from the cosmopolitan market town of Wokingham.  With rail and road links on the doorstep to London, Reading and Gatwick, Gorton Oak offers a very tempting alternative to the hustle and bustle of city living.  
Apartments are available now, and the show apartment is to be launched soon. For further information on the apartments and launch of the penthouses please contact Richard Worth on 0118 979 6796 or Foundation Land on 0118 912 4444.

Bewley Homes has a strong presence in Reading, with one impressive development launching just as another approaches sell-out. The developer’s latest scheme, Cadugan Place in Addington Road, lies adjacent to the Victorian conservation area with its wide tree-lined avenues and green spaces. Nine apartments occupy the turreted building, flanking a sweeping crescent of 15 four-storey town houses which emulates the unmatched elegance of Georgian street scenes as experienced in Bath and Brighton.
Bewley has had numerous enquiries already on this scheme. Apartments at Cadugan Place are priced from £244,950, while the town houses start at £475,000.

Meanwhile, Parkside Gardens, also a development of town houses and apartments, has only a small number of properties remaining for sale, such is its popularity with buyers. The location is extremely convenient; the station and town centre are within walking distance, making for a simple commute into London Paddington or neighbouring towns. The apartments start at £205,000, while the town houses are priced from £399,000.
Further Bewley sites, located in Caversham and Charvil, make the most of their peaceful village setting. At Abbotsleigh in Caversham the 12 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes are set in an idyllic oasis within a short walk of the village centre and local primary school. These homes are priced from £220,000 to £399,000. Coombe Park comprises 18 two-, three- and four-bedroom houses with secluded private gardens. Its location, in the popular village of Charvil, offers the finest in village life. Charvil has its own village store and post office, while nearby Twyford offers a wider range of shops and facilities as well as a mainline station for a quick journey into Reading. Prices at Coombe Park range from £245,000 to £450,000.

Get more information on any of these developments – and forthcoming schemes as well – by calling Bewley Homes on 0118 970 8200. You may also visit the website at bewley.co.uk.
CALA Homes offers a trio of developments in Berkshire that has already got prospective buyers making a beeline. The design and specification, not to mention the location, are extremely attractive.
Starting in Purley-on-Thames, Oak View offers a wide variety of home types, including four-bedroom semi-detached and detached properties, two- and three-storey houses ranging from 1,452 to 2,082 sq ft, and two-bedroom apartments whose square footage ranges from 667 to 1,076. Typically for CALA, the proximity to good local schools has been a big factor in deciding the location of Oak View. Five of the homes are now occupied and all of the apartments have now been reserved.
Remaining houses are priced from £349,950. Prospective purchasers can view the Oak View show home and visit the sales suite at the development, which is located in Long Lane. Contact the sales suite on 0118 945 3171 or selling agents The Romans Group on 0118 943 9400.

First-time buyers will be interested in CALA’s Wellington Mews, situated in the quaint village of Crowthorne, where spacious apartments are priced from just £159,000. The gated development offers 31 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, featuring secure private parking and mature landscaped gardens.
These contemporary apartments have a high specification including state-of-the-art audio entry systems, electric thermostatically controlled panel heating, stylish bathroom suites and designer kitchens. All apartments have a well-proportioned lounge/dining area with separate kitchen; some benefit from an en suite bathroom and second bathroom.
Crowthorne is blessed with a wonderful village feel and has a variety of shops, restaurants and pubs. CALA is also building a new library facility in the village and contributing to the creation of a new village square near Wellington Mews.
Prices range from £159,000 to £295,000. For further information visit the sales centre, which is located on Heath Hill Road South, or call 01344 773817.

A further CALA development, Warren Glade, is selling very strongly, with the result that only seven apartments, three town houses and one Chalfont cottage remain for sale. The latter home is in fact the show home and is fully kitted out with contemporary furnishings and fittings to give visitors a better ideal of what their dream home can look like. The cottage has two bedrooms plus an extra room which could be used as a nursery, study or third bedroom. Priced at £239,950, the Chalfont would be equally suitable for first-time buyers, downsizers, empty nesters, young families and young professionals.
Warren Glade’s success, according to Philip Brown, sales and marketing director of CALA Homes (South), is down to a few important factors. ‘It is situated in a desirable area in close proximity to good schools, and we have positioned our three-bedroom houses at an affordable price, therefore offering excellent value for money,’ he says. Brown encourages off-plan buying. ‘It is a fantastic option as you have the ability to choose the types of fittings and colour combinations you would like for your new home.’
Warren Glade is situated in the favoured area of North Woodley, bordering Sonning-on-Thames, and has a good community network nearby – schools, local shops, parks and greens, pubs and restaurants. The first residents have moved in, making for a true community spirit.

Prices start from £199,995 for a two-bedroom apartment and £239,950 for a three-bedroom town house. For more information call the sales office on 0118 969 7610 or Wentworth Estate Agents on 0118 969 2999. The show home is located off Warren Road, North Woodley.
Besides natural beauty and convenient connections, Berkshire is known for its industry – and technology is very well represented in the area known as Silicon Valley. The typically Berkshirean combination of lovely surroundings and high-tech opportunities is encapsulated in Heronsbrook Homes’ Fairways House, a collection of just eight two-bedroom luxury apartments (including two penthouses) in lovely Sunningdale.

The exclusive development offers the best of both worlds – traditional external appeal plus up-to-the-minute specification. Typified by the stylish new show apartment, which opens on 12 March, the apartments have sleek contemporary kitchens equipped with a comprehensive range of built-in stainless steel appliances, giving a crisp and professional edge to the design. Spacious master bedroom suites live up to their name and offer ample built-in wardrobe space plus a superbly appointed shower room. Second bedrooms are served by a similarly well-equipped main bathroom.
Each apartment has been discreetly wired for modern technology, whether for home office use of entertainment, while security is enhanced by an audio entry system.
Located in an unrivalled setting in mature wooded grounds, Fairways House represents an unmissable opportunity for stylish living in a particularly sought-after section of Berkshire, with superb road and rail connections as well as local cultural and sporting amenities.
Prices at Fairways House start at £340,000. Register your interest by calling 01344 874548 or contact selling agents Barton Wyatt on 01344 842587. Visit heronsbrook.co.uk.

KingsOak offers well designed homes throughout the Berkshire area, from town centre schemes in buzzing Reading to comfortable and stylish properties in more sedate environments. One current scheme, Charlcot House in Cippenham, specialises in convenient apartments for busy professionals.
Charlcot House features a sleek selection of impressive two-bedroom apartments close to the heart of central Slough, putting residents in close touch with excellent shopping, nightlife and transport connections. For those moments when you want to leave the hectic life behind, the development is also a short distance from the quiet beauty of Burnam Beeches.
The development offers a choice of attractive apartments, all with two double bedrooms as well as a comprehensively fitted kitchen. There is an en suite shower room to the master bedroom and a classic white main bathroom.
Charlcot House is ideal for commuters. From nearby Burnham station you can get to London Paddington in less than half an hour. For motorists, the M4 is nearby which means a direct route into the capital. Leisure pursuits are also well catered for, with gorgeous Windsor Great Park just over four miles away, and a range of fun options in nearby Slough.
Prices start at £194,995 for a two-bedroom apartment. The development is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Call 01628 664513.

Also from KingsOak, Blake’s Quay is a development set on the River Kennet and the Kennet and Avon Canal, which gives it waterside views on two sides. The development will be ideal for a wide range of buyers, including young professionals, investors and older downsizers.
The choice of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and stunning duplexes has come along at the perfect time; the area is undergoing widespread regeneration, including the construction of many new homes, and the already superb leisure and entertainment facilities that are close by are being enhanced by more options all the time.
Prices at Blake’s Quay currently range from £334,995 to £479.995. The sales office is open daily; call 0118 959 1514.

At HighGrove in sought-after Caversham, KingsOak offers spacious town houses just a mile and a half from Reading town centre.
The three-storey homes, with either three or four bedrooms, offer well proportioned interior layouts and have the amount and type of space that’s ideal for family life. The quality specification includes a designer fitted kitchen with integrated stainless steel oven, hob and hood, spacious living/dining room and a garage or private parking. En suite shower rooms, a principle bathroom and downstairs cloakroom feature in every house design. Many house types also benefit from a dressing area to the master bedroom, as well as a utility room and study.
Prices range from £259,995 to £282,995. For more information call 0118 947 7846 or visit kingsoakhomes.com.

Crest Nicholson’s stunning Montague Park scheme will appeal to buyers who want a home that stands out from others in the area. Located in Shinfield, on the outskirts of Reading, Montague Park offers homes that are not only special but also extremely convenient for getting to and from work.
These homes deliver the town house lifestyle with all its advantages. Known for their flexibility and space, homes like the Ruxton at Montague Park give buyers the peace of mind that comes with knowing they inhabit a space that can adapt to changes in their circumstances.
Montague Park features a selection of individually designed two-, three- and four-bedroom homes in a peaceful residential area just off Church Lane. Although the development enjoys an exemplary location close to some of the finest countryside in Royal Berkshire, it is also less than four miles from Reading, a major town that is the subject of massive, widespread regeneration.
Less than a mile and a half from junction 11 of the M4, and only 3.5 miles from Earley station, Shinfield is perfect for commuters who truly want the best of both worlds. Here they can enjoy the dual benefits of commuting quickly and easily to the heart of London while living amidst an intriguing mix of old and new, where town meets country.
The Ruxton town house is priced from £274,950. The sales centre is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Call the development on 0118 988 5704.

Variety is the spice of life – and Reading gives residents plenty to choose from, both in lifestyle options and newly built homes, finds Johnny Turner.

Reading offers a varied lifestyle to residents of all stripes. It is immensely well-connected, with great road and rail links into London, the West and the North. The local area also has a thriving economy – it acts as a central location for many types of business, notably the telecommunications and computer software industries. And as a hub for sporting events, shopping, nightlife and entertainment, it is unrivalled in the region. Natural beauty is all around – the rivers Thames and Kennet meet here and rolling countryside, including country parks, is within minutes of this busy, buzzy town. The great benefit of living in or near Reading is that you have a choice of the type of life you want to lead: you can be as quiet or as connected as you wish to be – or find a good combination of the two qualities.
Residents of Reading may be university students, young families, businesspeople or older people – the town has drawing power because it has the facilities that people want. Homes in the area also have a knack for providing what local people want – be it modern apartments or traditional family houses. The current selection of newly built homes certainly offers something for everyone.

Westbury Homes is selling a range of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes at its Greenfields development in Burghfield Common. Currently available homes include the two-bedroom Boyton house type and the three-bedroom Sutton and Leicester types. Each of these homes features an en suite shower room to the master bedroom.
Prices currently range from £184,000 to £368,000. The sales office is open daily from 11am to 6pm. Contact Teresa Sutherns-Wyatt or Daryl Arnold on 07720 805 377 or visit westbury-homes.co.uk for more information.

Another development from Westbury that is bringing in the buyers is The Monastery, located off Southcote Road. When complete the scheme will have a range of 32 luxury two-bedroom apartments. Current prices range from £255,000 to £300,000. Contact Jim Nutley on 0118 958 9060 to find out more.

Kennet Heath is an attractive new development with a multitude of home styles – it offers two-bedroom apartments as well as two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses. And its location is an extra bonus: it is situated in Thatcham, one of England’s oldest towns, with excellent access to the A4, which in turn puts you in touch with the M4, A34, M40 and M3. Each home has been traditionally constructed and offers a wealth of individual features.

The Burns 2 five-bedroom detached show home is now available to view; this will give you a good idea of the standard of this truly remarkable Redrow development. Currently for sale is the Shelley three-bedroom house type, available from £234,950; other three-bedroom homes are also available. Five-bedroom houses are on the market from £384,950. Call 01635 863026 to get more information. Keep up with the latest on this and other developments online at redrow.co.uk.
Bovis Homes has a good presence in the Reading area, with one development currently available and another coming soon. Chatsworth Park is a brand new Bovis development of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes including town houses. Located in the popular town of Winnersh, Chatsworth Park is very well placed for access to both Reading and Wokingham. Current availability includes two-bedroom homes from £194,950; three-bedroom homes from £229,950; four-bedrooms from £339,950 and five-bedroom homes from £439,950.

Also from Bovis is an upcoming development, Warren Croft, set in the attractive village of Spencers Wood. These two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes will be within easy reach of the A33, as well as Reading and Wokingham.
For more information about either of these developments call 01474 879888.

Kenmore Homes announces two ambitious projects in Reading which will yield brilliant results for those in search of a fabulous apartment. McIlroys is the conversion of the upper floors of an Edwardian department store to provide 58 private ownership apartments and eight which are allocated for affordable housing. The very central location in Oxford Road is sure to have buyers scrambling for the remaining flats.
For more information contact Charles Wilkinson at Kenmore’s Winchester office on 01962 867474.
Another centrally located scheme from Kenmore is the Indigo Apartments in Crown Street, which is a combination of the conversion of existing 1970s offices and new build to create 16 new luxury loft-style apartments near Reading’s acclaimed Oracle Centre. The development is within walking distance of all town centre amenities, including the main railway station. The optimisation of floor areas, combined with technological advances, has created a modern, functional home with immense appeal to urban dwellers.
The sales office at Indigo Apartments is open Thursdays to Mondays from 10am to 5pm. Find out more by calling 0118 953 8700.

Bewley Homes is selling a select development of high-specification two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and two-bedroom apartments in the quiet tree-lined residential spot of Parkside Road. Parkside Gardens is only minutes from the lively centre of Reading and is well placed for the railway station and motorway networks.
Those who commute by train into London Paddington will find very frequent services taking only 36 minutes. For international travel, Heathrow Airport is only 30 minutes away via the M4.
Prices currently start at £195,000. Call the sales office, open daily, on 0118 939 1593.

CALA Homes (South) has recently launched two stunning developments in the Reading area – Warren Glade in Woodley and Oak View, which borders Purley-on-Thames.
Warren Glade offers a range of stylish homes which will appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers; there are 31 two- and three-bedroom cottages and town houses as well as ten two-bedroom apartments. The area boasts good schools, a wide choice of local shops, parks and greens, and friendly pubs and restaurants. The development is perfect for young professionals, downsizers and families, and has received a high level of interest from prospective purchasers. Eleven properties have already been sold. The two-bedroom show cottage allows buyers to view the combination of traditional build and contemporary design that makes these homes special.
Prices at Warren Glade start from £199,995. For further information contact Wentworth Estate Agents on 0118 969 2999 or visit the development, which is located off Warren Road in North Woodley.

CALA’s Oak View, meanwhile, is situated in Long Lane. It has proved so popular with buyers that CALA has launched three show homes in as many months – and the third is expected to be snapped up as quickly as the other two.
The Oak View development now consists of attractive four-bedroom traditional semi-detached and detached houses in a variety of sizes. There are also stunning two-bedroom apartments ranging from 667 to 1,076 sq ft.
The location is a major asset; the development backs on to an area of outstanding natural beauty and is near good schools such as the Long Lane Primary School and Purley CoE Infants School. Good local amenities are also nearby, as are transport links, including a rail service to London Paddington.
Prices for an apartment at Oak View start at £199,950; houses range from £349,000 to £499,950. Contact the sales suite on 0118 945 3171 or selling agents The Romans Group on 0118 943 9400.

Crest Nicholson offers an intriguing mix of the fast life and the quiet life at its Montague Park development in Shinfield. This collection of homes is perfect for those who can’t commit to either town or country living; it offers the beauty and peaceful mood of a rustic environment as well as proximity to the working world. This is especially pertinent to today’s buyer, for whom access to an income and a high level of quality of life are both important factors.

Buyers so far have included busy executives, says Graeme Milne, managing director of Crest Nicholson South. ‘Here they have the benefits of an exclusive and spacious home that is on the perimeter of the countryside in semi-rural Shinfield and also just four miles from the heart of thriving Reading,’ he says.
Montague Park features a selection of individually designed two-, three- and four-bedroom home in a peaceful residential area just off Church Lane in Shinfield. Less than a mile and a half from junction 11 of the M4 and only 3.5 miles from Earley station, Shinfield is perfect for commuters who truly want the best of both worlds. Here they can enjoy the dual benefits of commuting quickly and easily to the heart of London, while also living amidst an intriguing mix of old and new – an area where town meets country and ancient buildings and coaching inns are as easy to access as high-tech facilities and shopping options.

Prices at Montague Park start at just £199,000 for a two-bedroom coach house, and from £289,950 for a three-bedroom house. Four-bedroom detached properties start at £355,000. The development is open daily from 10am to 5pm. For more information contact 0118 988 5704.