New Homes - Monday, May 24, 2004

London’s northern half is awash with fantastic properties from today’s best developers. Anna Bowden sees what’s happening.

South-east London seems to be getting all the plaudits at the moment, for its regeneration schemes and its increasingly fashionable status; but we are in danger of neglecting an outstanding part of London. The north has always been at the forefront when it comes to accessibility, entertainment, quality of housing and general coolness, and it is now striking back in the popularity stakes by bringing a rush of excellent new home developments onto the scene. We take a look at some of the best options.
An excellent example is Crest Nicholson’s Northpoint development in Camden, a prestigious collection of homes with just ten town houses available in the current release, offering traditional Georgian exteriors with contemporary interiors that are ideal for modern city living. The town houses boast four bedrooms, open plan living areas, high ceilings and large French windows opening out onto a series of exterior spaces, maximising the feeling of space and light.

Located in a conservation area and surrounded by period properties, the superbly proportioned façades have been designed to fit in perfectly with their environment. Inside, kitchens by Manor Cabinet comprise sleek granite worktops and designer stainless steel integrated appliances, plus an American freestanding fridge/freezer. The kitchen leads through to the garden, which comprises a stone paving area that leads down onto an extensive decking area, and the entire outside space is wored up for exterior flood lighting.
Michelle Harris, sales and marketing director for Crest Nicholson (London), comments, ‘Our objective was to create traditional exteriors at Northpoint that fitted into the surrounding street scene while still providing the fashionable, contemporary and spacious interiors of an ultra-modern home. We believe we’ve created something very unique to the area, and something that will attract the young and mature alike.’
Prices at Northpoint start from £400,000 for an apartment and £650,000 for the town houses. For further information call 020 7290 2822.

Mycitypad.com is currently selling Camden Island, an eye-catching landmark building that stands at the junction of Royal College Street and Kentish Town Road. With units available on the fifth and sixth floors, many with their own balconies, purchasers can enjoy breathtaking views across the city.
The development is conveniently placed for access to transport links, with Camden Road mainline station within easy walking distance.
Prices start from £250,000. Call 020 8510 4401 to register interest.
Laing’s Angel Square development has brought modern living into the heart of Edmonton, with its fantastic variety of 106 two-bedroom apartments, five town houses and two houses along with allocated parking and excellent local facilities. The homes are offered in 12 different designs although some features are standard – all apartments boast luxury fitted kitchens and bathrooms, and all designs have been carefully considered to combine function with modern chic, resulting in flexible and contemporary living space.
Edmonton Green provides residents with good shopping facilities, with supermarkets rubbing shoulders with more specialist shops. On top of this, Picketts Lock offers fantastic sporting and leisure facilities, as well as a cinema and a golf course. The development also boasts convenient transport links.
Prices at Angel Square start from £162,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Call 020 8887 9011 for further details or to register interest.

Linden Homes Chiltern is now celebrating the successful launch of Amber House, a prestigious collection of two-bedroom apartments in Stanmore where four reservations have already been taken just two weeks after launch. This exclusive scheme of 15 apartments is situated within walking distance of local shops and public open space, as well as Canons Park tube station.
Helen Todd, sales and marketing director of Linden, says, ‘Amber House is ideal for both young professionals, with rail, tube and roads links in the form of the M1 and M25 motorways being so close, as well as those looking to downsize from a large family home, but who do not wish to compromise on space.’
These highly-specified new homes boast kitchens fully fitted with Siemens integrated appliances, including electric oven, gas hob, extractor fan, washer/dryer and fridge/freezer. Prices start from £299,000. Call selling agent Preston Bennett on 020 8954 8626 to find out more.

Taylor Woodrow and George Wimpey have joined together in a partnership called North Central Management Ltd to redevelop the former site of Arsenal Football Club in Highbury, one of London’s biggest regeneration schemes to date. The area for redevelopment encompasses 60 acres, which spans four residential projects in London N7 and N5 over a period of five years and which will culminate in the conversion of the current Arsenal ground.
VizioN7 is the first of the schemes to be developed and will comprise four separate buildings. The first, EG1, boasts 134 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses. The crescent-shaped building overlooks private communal landscaped gardens and also offers secure parking in an underground car park.
The regeneration of the area will, when complete, include over 2,000 new homes, a world class sports facility, a 60,000-seater arena, new retail, leisure and commercial space and £7.6 million towards the upgrade of three local tube stations (Drayton Park, Finsbury Park and Holloway Road).
Prices at VizioN7 will range from approximately £220,000 for one-bedroom apartments to £520,000 for the penthouses, depending on availability. For further information call the sales suite on 020 7700 7555.

Barratt’s new Fallow Gate development in North Finchley is really taking off, with buyers already making reservations at this collection of 82 one- and two-bedroom homes a year ahead of construction. The stylish apartments, with striking classical features including some balconette windows, are accessed through electronic gates and en suite entryphone system. The development also provides private parking and communal landscaped gardens.

Barratt North London sales director Michael O’Leary, said, ‘Fallow Gate is a very exciting new development for us, and is already proving a resounding success.’ All apartments feature fully fitted kitchens boasting integrated stainless steel appliances. Master bedrooms to some apartments have en suite bathrooms and there are also family bathrooms.
The local area is convenient, with a selection of diners nearby as well as a cinema and bowling complex opposite the development along with a David Lloyd fitness centre.
Prices at Fallow Gate start from £205,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Call 020 8371 6809.

A home by the waterside is for many the ultimate dream. And a new wave of beautifully built homes makes these locations even more desirable, finds Johnny Turner.

High on the list of the attributes that are most desired in a home is proximity to water. Living near a river, lake, sea or canal brings a peaceful air to a location – not to mention lovely views. Today’s marketplace has a number of excellent properties with the sought-after bonus of being near the calming influence of water.

One riverside area of London that is seeing an amazing rebirth, both in terms of new house building and infrastructure, is Woolwich. An extension to the Docklands Light Railway will arrive in the area in the next few years, adding to the already convenient mainline rail link which provides a ten-minute journey to London Bridge. And buyers have been drawn to this Thames-side area in droves.
With the new Maritime House development by Comer Homes, the style stakes have also been raised. The highly specified homes in this secure glass-fronted building offer a standard of design and level of luxury that will appeal to both owner-occupiers and investment buyers. There is a concierge and residents will have access to roof gardens.

The apartments’ kitchens not only have granite worktops but also offer a full complement of top-of-the-range equipment, including a stainless steel Bosch oven and microwave, halogen hob, stainless steel extractor, built-in dishwasher, washer/dryer, fridge freezer and waste disposal. Wood flooring and carpets throughout are also standard. There is also climate-controlled heating/cooling system, plus solar-activated electric blinds to all rooms and, to top it all off, the apartments come furnished.
Find out more about Maritime House by calling selling agent Pepper Estates on 020 8854 8018 or 01634 577666. Visit pepperestates.com.

In sought-after Docklands, Higgins Homes offers Denmark Wharf, a collection of apartments and live/work properties set in a canalside location at Limehouse Cut. In terms of convenience, it is hard to imagine a more well-connected setting; all of Docklands, including Canary Wharf, is a mere tem minutes away by train, while Tower Gateway and Bank stations can be reached in just 15 minutes.
The high specification includes designer kitchens by Urban Myth, featuring appliances by Miele, as well as a contemporary-style bathroom incorporating Starck 3 by Philippe Starck. There are also steamed beech hardwood floors to all rooms except bathrooms and en suites, as well as double glazed windows with lacquered timber finish.
Current availability includes live/work units priced from £229,000 to £257,500. The sales and marketing suite and live/work show apartment are open Thursdays to Mondays 10am to 5pm. Call 020 7001 0801 or visit higginshomes.co.uk for more information.

Whitefriars Wharf is Gleeson Homes’ wonderfully located mix of two-bedroom apartments and town houses right in the heart of Tonbridge. Situated right opposite the River Medway, these homes are ideal for those who enjoy riverside rambling, boating or just sitting and looking at a tranquil river view.
This development is perfect for those who want to be in the middle of things; it is just off the High Street, putting supermarkets and shops right on the doorstep, and the train station and further shopping options are within walking distance.
The homes are designed very much in keeping with London’s fashionable wharf developments. Modern, vibrant and light, they feature large windows which let in plenty of natural daylight, fitted kitchens including an integrated Bosch oven and hob, and downlighters.
‘This development is in a prime location in Tonbridge,’ says Ann Crick, sales manager. ‘It’s ideally located for families, couples and single people alike.’ Sales have been brisk, with over 80 per cent of the first phase sold or reserved since the development’s late-2003 launch. Current availability for the apartments starts at £167,500, rising to £210,000 for those with a garage.
The sales centre at Whitefriars Wharf is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Call in to pick up a brochure and take a look around, or contact the sales centre directly on 01732 365569. Find out more at gleeson-homes.co.uk.

Telford Homes is set to unveil its latest project, Aquarius Riverside, located off the town centre in Chelmsford, Essex. This joint venture with James Smith Estates is a four-storey  development offering one- and two-bedroom apartments overlooking the River Chelmer, as well as commercial space to the ground floor.
The homes are set within a converted and extended former office building and are due to be completed this autumn. The scheme offers spacious and varied living accommodation and most apartments feature river-facing balconies.
Chelmsford is only 20 minutes from the M25, half an hour from Stansted Airport and a frequent train service providing a 30-minute journey into London Liverpool Street. In short, the ideal location for commuters to London.

‘Chelmsford is an ideal location for someone who wants to be in the proximity of London but not swallowed by the big city,’ says Sheena Ellwood, sales and marketing director of Telford Homes. ‘Telford Homes’ previous development in Chelmsford, Little Docklands, was very popular with both investors and private buyers because the apartments were well priced and offered high-quality London-style living in a thriving commuter town. Aquarius Riverside follows the same highly-rated formula.’
Prices at Aquarius Riverside start from £150,000 for a one-bedroom property. The sales centre is located on Baddow Road and is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10.30am to 4.30pm. For more details call Telford on 0870 872 0987 or visit telfordhomes.plc.uk.

The Boardwalk in Eastbourne is Redrow’s latest development. And its location at Sovereign Harbour, adjacent to the award-winning marina in the beautiful South Downs, is sure to bring in the buyers.
The development will comprise 260 stylish one- and two-bedroom apartments, including 18 duplex penthouses. Most of the homes will feature aluminium and timber balconies and enjoy superb views of the sea or the inner harbour. The look of the six apartment buildings will be bold and eye-catching, with splashes of blue and yellow in combination with aluminium, wood and canvas to create an individual, nautical feel.

The apartments will boast a contemporary spec and the homes also benefit from a secure video door entry and swipe-card car park entry system. In addition The Boardwalk will provide improved facilities for berth holders and users of Sovereign Harbour Marina.
The first properties are expected to be ready for occupation by autumn next year. Register your interest in The Boardwalk by calling 0845 121 4440.

Barratt is offering funky riverside apartments in London at first-time-buyer prices at Thames Walk in Thamesmead. One-bedroom apartments in the new apartment crescent, which sweeps around a stunning riverside garden, will go on sale shortly at prices from around £165,000. New two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments in the crescent will start from under £250,000. Four-bedroom houses will also feature.

Thames Walk stands out from the new developments which have been built so far in the area, says Richard Reynolds, managing director of Barratt East London. ‘Most has been of traditional style and design. Thames Walk is different, offering very contemporary custom-designed apartments and houses that take advantage of a fantastic location, overlooking a broad and endlessly changing river panorama.’
For more information on Thames Walk call the sales office on 020 8316 5876.

Ryan Developers announce a newly launched show apartment at its Ocean View development, a beautifully situated development on the picturesque clifftops at Castle Keep in Broadstairs, Kent. Almost half of the properties have been sold off-plan; there are currently nine luxury two-bedroom apartments, including one penthouse, for sale at prices starting at £325,000 for a ground floor apartment.
This wonderful development boasts views across the English Channel to the rear, as well as views of Castle Keep itself and, to the front, North Foreland Golf Course. Joss Bay beach is accessible from the development, as is the surrounding Kent countryside.

The art deco styling includes white render with nautical details blending with a contemporary feel, resulting in a unique landmark which enhances the Broadstairs landscape. The two-storey properties have underground parking with two spaces per apartment. There is also a fitness centre with a well-equipped gym, sauna and steam room.
The first apartments are expected to be ready for occupation next month. To register your details contact Adam Akhurst at FPDSavills on 01245 269311.

Surrey continues to attract a wide range of buyers, who are drawn to its beauty and convenient position. Johnny Turner has a look at what developers are offering in this sought-after county.

With both green hills and mega-motorways, mansions and maisonettes, Surrey is an inspiring mix of city and country. Providing the perfect balance between modern bustle and timeless  natural beauty, this is a county that offers all a home buyer could want. And the latest set of properties on the market is stirring up plenty of interest.

Starting in the centre of well-connected Croydon, Bryant Homes offers Ninety Park Lane, a development that will provide a total of 44 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes. These homes are proving popular with investment buyers, says John Inglis, Bryant Homes’ regional sales and marketing director. ‘Investors recognise that all the benefits of central London are close by, but without the premium prices and rents.’

The superb transport options are practically on the doorstep; access to a 24-hour train service into central London is less than a mile away at East Croydon station, while Brighton and Gatwick Airport are also extremely easy to get to. Motorists will also find very convenient connections, with access to the national motorway network via through the A23, M25 and M23. And there’s no need to leave Croydon to find excellent shopping, bars, restaurants, cinemas and nightclubs.

The distinctive exterior of Ninety Park Lane is combined with well-equipped contemporary interiors. Every apartment has a balcony or terrace and there is the security of an audio entryphone system. CAT5e cabling is in place, allowing for adaptable TV, audio and internet connections.
There is currently a variety of two- and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes available at prices ranging from £239,950 to £389,950. For further information call 020 8760 9283 or visit the sales office at 90 Park Lane, Croydon CR1. Visit bryant.co.uk.

For those who want a combination of value for money and excellent location, Gleeson Homes’ award-winning Netherne-on-the-Hill is a must-see. Set in 180 acres of park and woodland, Netherne-on-the-Hill provides natural beauty and solitude, ideal for those who work hard on weekdays and need a place to relax during their off time.

‘Working in the City, I wanted a quiet getaway – somewhere I could go to relax,’ says Jonathan Yap, who has bought not only a home to live in at Netherne, but also one for investment purposes. ‘Netherne is extremely quiet and it has so many facilities – especially the tennis courts, cricket ground and the upcoming leisure centre with swimming pool.’ Yap also cites the commuter links as a big plus for the development. ‘All of the London-Gatwick trains run 24 hours with a stop at Purley; anyone living here can commute into London very easily at any time of the day or night,’ he says.
Gleeson Homes is currently offering a choice of apartments and town houses. The apartments are unusually large – larger, in fact, than many houses – and are located within the beautifully designed Zig Zag building. Prices for these range from £250,000 to £430,000. For more information visit the development , which is open daily from 10am to 5pm, or contact the sales team on 01737 553444. You may also visit the website at gleeson-homes.co.uk.

Buyers who reserve early at Crest Nicholson’s new Woodside Road development in Sutton will get a bigger choice of plots as well as the chance to personalise their home, subject of course to the stage of construction.

Woodside Road features just 13 beautifully appointed town houses arranged over three floors, offering flexibility of space with great scope for entertaining or even working from home. The location is very convenient; central London is just 25 minutes away by train, and Sutton enjoys a wealth of shopping and entertainment options.
Guide prices start from £295,000. To find out more about Woodside Road or register interest ahead of completion call the selling agents on 020 8642 2295.

KingsOak has taken reservations on over 70 per cent of the superb apartments at Victoria Place in Woking, where for a limited time the developer is offering to pay the five per cent deposit on selected plots (subject to terms and conditions).
Victoria Place is only a ten-minute stroll from the centre of town, placing residents within easy reach of speedy commuting options. The fast train service to London Waterloo takes only 26 minutes, while junction 11 of the M25 is just five miles away.
Prices currently start at £162,995 for a one-bedroom apartment and from £204,995 for a two-bedroom apartment with en suite facilities. Victoria Place is open Thursdays to Mondays from 11am to 6pm. Find out more about the remaining apartments and the deposit paid scheme on 01483 755307.

Award-winning builder Asprey Homes has unveiled its exciting new development in High Street, Esher, called 110. For the first time the mesh covering has come off to reveal the elegant exterior. This, says Asprey’s chief executive Bruce Walker, ‘is complemented by a contemporary interior design and finish. We are delighted to be able to show purchasers around.’
Each of the two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments includes a state-of-the-art specification; the stylish kitchen comes complete with granite worktops, brushed steel gas hob and electric oven, integrated fridge and freezer, dishwasher and microwave.
Prices for the homes at 110 start at £235,000. Get more information by calling selling agent Knight Frank on 01372 464496. You can also register your interest online at aspreyhomes.co.uk.

In sought-after Horley, Windsor Homes has just one of three homes remaining for sale. Located in Tarham Close, within a sought-after area just off Meath Green Lane, the high-specification four-bedroom detached homes are only half a mile from the town centre. From there, residents will find regular trains to Brighton and London, while motorists will find easy access to the M23 and M25 motorways.
Prospective buyers should call selling agent Connells on 01293 785346.

Blanford Mews, the new development by Bovis Homes in Reigate, is progressing well and the first selection of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom properties is now available. The development features a unique collection of just 22 individually designed homes, including spacious two-bedroom homes, stylish three- and four-bedroom town houses and five-bedroom ‘room in the roof’ properties, which offer flexible living accommodation over three floors.

All properties on the development include Bovis Homes’ ‘all-inclusive’ specification package, with a variety of kitchen unit designs and an array of integrated modern appliances. Sales manager Barbara Airlie says, ‘Each property at Blanford Mews has been individually designed to create a development that is both appealing and distinctive. The interior of each property has been carefully planned to provide attractive and practical living areas, and to make the most of the available floor space.’
The sales office is open Thursdays to Mondays between 10am and 5pm. Call 01737 768418 for more information.

A brand new show home has just opened at Swan Hill’s Nightingale Place, a select collection of just eight two-, three- and four-bedroom family homes in popular Haslemere. The show home is designed to display the spaciousness and character of these stylish homes and is decorated with a palette of beige, brown and buttermilk and a combination of luxurious fabrics that make the interiors even more enticing.
Nightingale Place is set within the beautiful Surrey landscape and built around a central courtyard. Of the eight homes there are three different styles, each of which has its own decorative features, including attractive lead-covered roofs over both the bay window and porch.

The homes provide spacious, flexible accommodation which still maintains all the comfort and character of a country cottage. Specification is to the usual high standard that is expected of Swan Hill homes. High-quality designer kitchens by ALNO are set off with stylish stainless steel integrated appliances. Bathrooms and en suites feature classic white sanitaryware with quality chrome fittings.
Haslemere is ideal for commuting, shopping and entertainment, and its proximity to Guildford gives residents even more retail options. Current prices start at £345,000. For more information contact selling agent Hamptons on 01428 642307.

At Crest Nicholson’s Woodsome Grange development in Weybridge, the sales centre stays open until 7pm on Thursdays to cater for the increasing number of commuters who want to view these prestigious homes.
Woodsome Grange is one of the house builder’s newest and most sought-after developments. Located off St George’s Avenue, it features a choice of just 17 three-storey, four-bedroom terraced town houses and one detached two-storey gatehouse. Selected homes will feature garages and all will enjoy a secure setting with a high degree of privacy.
Prices at Woodsome Grange currently start at £495,000 for a four-bedroom detached home. Call 01932 845621 for further information.

East Grinstead, West Sussex

KingsOak Southern Counties is now offering Ashdown Court, a select development of just 49 cleverly designed one- and two-bedroom apartments set within two distinctly different buildings – Ardingly and Felbridge Houses. Each offers a choice of apartment layouts, including en suite facilities, breakfast rooms and separate lounge and dining rooms. Prices start from £235,000 for spacious two-bedroom apartments. Call 01342 300669 for details.

Basildon, Essex

Bellway has now opened a sales centre at its new Upper Headingley development in Nevendon Road, an extension to the popular Headingley Grange development completed by Bellway in 2000. The first release includes two-bedroom apartments priced at £135,000 and a selection of two- three- and four-bedroom houses priced from £180,000 for the two-bedroom Woodridge style. The sales office is open Thursdays to Mondays 10am to 5.30pm. Call 01268 272938.

Hackney, London

The latest phase of Barratt’s new development in the heart of east London, East Central, offers stunning contemporary apartments in a 16-storey tower. East Central is a sleek, ultra-modern development featuring the striking tower at one end and a smaller block at the other, and will ultimately comprise 159 apartments within easy walking distance of London Fields mainline station. Prices start at £198,995. Call 020 8986 6793.

Hampton, Middlesex

CDC2020 has recently launched its superb new development Hampton 55, a collection of nine two-bedroom apartments in Wellington Road within walking distance of Hampton Hill High Street. Combining urban style with a village atmosphere, apartments at the development boast en suite bathrooms to the master bedrooms, a second bathroom and a spacious living/dining room. Guide prices start at £280,000. Call Andrew or Robert at selling agent Featherstone Leigh on 020 8948 4044 to register interest.

Shinfield, Berkshire

Crest Nicholson has seen such success with phase one at Montague Park that is releasing phase two ahead of schedule. The latest phase will comprise 63 individually designed two-, three- and four-bedroom homes located in a peaceful residential area, just four miles from the excellent shopping, entertainment and employment amenities of Reading. Prices for phase two start from £209,950 for a two-bedroom house. Call 0118 988 5704.

Turnford, Hertfordshire

Rialto is offering customers to Canada Fields some great offers depending on availability. Currently remaining homes include the two-bedroom Knightsbridge, priced from £171,000, with an offer of five per cent cashback and stamp duty paid on selected plots; and the Cavendish and Grosvenor styles, both with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The former is priced from £185,000 and the latter from £187,000, with five per cent cashback available on both. Call 01992 633751.

Thamesmead, London

At The Gateway Fairclough homes is currently offering spacious four-bedroom town houses priced from £266,950 as well as one- and two-bedroom apartments that are ideal for first-time buyers, priced from £159,950. The properties represent excellent value – the houses, for example, are offered with carpeting throughout. A new show home is now open at The Gateway. Call 0845 676 0162 for information.

Banstead, Surrey

Barratt has acquired land with stunning views over Surrey’s green belt for a development of luxury apartments, Chatsworth Park. The development will offer 24 new two-bedroom apartments in a classically-inspired hilltop building, and will be accessed via a sweeping quarter-mile drive through a private paddock. Prices for these luxury apartments are expected to start from £280,000. For further details call 01483 505533.

Linden and Watford FC team up

Watford Football Club has pledged its support to the Linden Homes Peace Hospice Golf Classic at The Grove in Chandlers Cross on 4 June.

Club Captain Neil Cox will be joined by the club’s current player of the year Gavin Mahon, as well as reserve team manager Nigel Gibbs and physio Luke Anthony in playing golf at the charity event, making the day extra special for those participating from local companies. Club legend Luther Blissett will also be present.

Helen Todd, sales and marketing director of Linden Homes Chiltern, says: ‘We are delighted that members of Watford Football Club are able to be involved. The club has also donated a signed shirt for the charity auction, which will be available alongside a signed shirt from Lennox Lewis, a host of prizes from our suppliers such as Siemens and a signed Saracens RFC shirt from our recommended solicitors MAB of Watford.’
Thirty three teams will compete at the event. For more information regarding sponsorship or taking part, contact Natalie Silver at Linden Homes Chiltern on 01895 827400.

New buyers like new homes

Research by SmartNewHomes.com has shown that new homes are proving increasingly popular with first-time buyers.

First-time buyers accounted for 16 per cent of home purchases in 2003, while among buyers of newly built homes specifically, first-time buyers made up 29 per cent, indicating that new homes are proving an attractive option for buyers taking their first steps on the property ladder.

There are many excellent developments within easy reach of the City and Canary Wharf, London’s leading commuter destinations. Johnny Turner has a look at some highlights.

Hundreds of thousands of people travel in to the City and Canary Wharf daily, to insurance companies and banks, newspapers and the service industries. All manner of professions are represented and all types of people are employed there. For those working in one of these twin centres of commerce, the commute is key. And finding a home with convenient transport connections is crucial. With today’s crop of new developments buyers will be able to put their energy into their work and leave behind the hassle of a difficult commute.

In Ballymore’s New Providence Wharf, in fact, there is no commute at all for those who work in Canary Wharf. And at this sought-after development the time saved on the journey to and from work can be spent in a state of luxurious relaxation. Ballymore has just launched the magnificent new health spa there, the first managed gymnasium complex in a Docklands residential development.

The health spa is 6,500 sq ft in size and rivals independent competitors in terms of products, courses and services offered – but not in price. The spa includes a fully equipped gym, pool, spa pool, fitness studios, treatment rooms, sauna, solarium, steam room and even a hairdressing salon – everything the busy professional needs to look and feel great.

The health spa’s schedule will also appeal to those who work hard; the gym, fitness studios and treatment rooms are open from 6am to 11pm, while the wet areas – the spa, Jacuzzi, sauna and solarium – are open from 6.30am to 10pm. The use of the gym and spa is free for residents, who are also able to bring up to two guests to use the facilities.

Residents can work up a sweat on the high-specification Life Fitness equipment. And the gym also includes a fully facilitated free-weights area, where they can really work on muscle tone. The fitness rooms and studios offer an enticing range of courses, including yoga, tai chi, Pilates, Salsa, aerobics, box-out and circuit training.

New Providence Wharf provides over 700 apartments as well as commercial, hotel and leisure facilities. Prices at the development start from £280,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £395,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. For further sales information contact the Ballymore Properties marketing suite on 0700 070 1701.

Weston Homes has opened a new sales centre at its 41 Millharbour development. The £100 million waterside complex, situated in the heart of Docklands, comprises 352 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses. The stylish sales centre, featuring a scale model of the site, a show kitchen and plasma screens, befits what is Weston Homes’ most prestigious development to date.
Only two stops from Canary Wharf Tower, the development is ideally located for those who work in Docklands. It has been projected that 100,000 people will be working in Canary Wharf by next year, and 41 Millharbour is part of a large multi-million-pound plan to create a built environment of over five million square feet of office space, retail and leisure facilities, including a World Trade Centre.
The apartments are highly distinctive, with layouts that maximise space and natural light.

Floor-to-ceiling windows are a design feature, and many of these are dual-aspect. The properties are designed around a central landscaped courtyard which features a stunning water garden complete with fountains and a separate winter garden. The homes feature all safety and convenience requirements, including a full concierge service, CCTV, 24-hour security, video entryphones, lift access and secure underground parking.
For sales information contact the sales and marketing suite on 01992 558855.

A new mixed-use scheme in Islington is being created from the former offices of the British Standards Institute. Called 101 Islington, this development by Tilfen Land is located on Pentonville Road, between King’s Cross and Angel. Those who work in the City will find a very quick commute by bus or tube.
This development has been designed for low-maintenance, contemporary living to a specification unusual in the Islington area. All apartments will have underfloor heating, for instance. And the contemporary Manhattan kitchens feature Caesar Stone quartz worktops and stainless steel Neff integrated appliances including an American-style double-height fridge/freezer. Bathrooms, including the en suites, come furnished with white Ideal Standard by David Chipperfield sanitaryware, full-height mirrors and Vola chrome fittings.

High-tech features include Cat-5e cabling, TV/FM/satellite and BT points are standard throughout. Or there is the option of a ‘plug and play’ IT package which provides a range of options including lighting and curtain automation, surround sound system and home cinema. Along with the entertainment possibilities, this makes working from home simple.
The location is excellent, being just a five-minute stroll from the many bars, restaurants and cinemas of Upper Street. Prices start at £315,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. For further information contact DTZ Residential on 020 7710 8116.

For those who want to combine a pleasant suburban lifestyle with ease of commuting, Linden Homes has just launched Amber House, a prestigious new collection of just 15 two-bedroom apartments in Honeypot Lane, Stanmore. The Jubilee Line connection means an easy ride to Canary Wharf, and the City is also within easy reach.
Those who reserve their home off-plan will be able to personalise the property to their taste through a range of specification options, subject to build stage. Guide prices for the homes at Amber House start at £270,000. Find out more by calling selling agent Preston Bennett on 020 8954 0044.

Greenwich is a great location, offering history, green space, river frontage, great amenities and convenient transport. Telford Homes offers a new development in this sought-after area, called Ingenium, a scheme of 12 two-bedroom apartments and duplexes located on the southern edge of the area and offering buyers a fantastic opportunity to invest in this expanding market.
The benefits of Ingenium are many and varied. It boasts excellent travel connections and is served by three DLR stations – Elverson Road, Deptford Bridge and Greenwich – all of which offer a swift and convenient 16-minute journey to Canary Wharf as well as a 27-minute ride to Bank, making the development ideal for workers in both the City and Docklands.

In addition to this the history and beauty of Greenwich Park is within easy walking distance, fantastic for a picnic on a hot summer’s day, as is Greenwich’s lively social scene, which boasts stylish bars, trendy restaurants and good old fashioned British pubs. Sheena Ellwood, sales and marketing director for Telford Homes, comments, ‘Ingenium is all about location: Greenwich provides buyers with a village atmosphere, within minutes of beautiful parkland combined with exceptional transport links.’
And it isn’t just the location that makes Ingenium special; internally, all apartments and duplexes are finished to a high specification and benefit from a spacious living area on the first floor, featuring French doors, finished with a Juliet balcony, that allow light to flood into the room. Externally, the inspiration for the development draws upon the historic industrial architecture of the 1850s. The façade features ornate brickwork, glass and steel combined into a warehouse style.
Prices at Ingenium start from £225,000. Call selling agent Acorn New Homes on 020 8663 4466 for details.

Greenwich Millennium Village (GMV), located right by North Greenwich tube station, is perfect for those who work in Canary Wharf – it is only one stop away on the Jubilee Line, which also connects with central London. North Greenwich station is also the end of the line for a plethora of local bus services, opening up access to Woolwich, Charlton (from where mainline services access Charing Cross, Waterloo East, Cannon Street and London Bridge) and Welling, via the retail park, which hosts Sainsbury’s, B&Q, Curry’s, a cinema and several eateries.
Overall, GMV is an environment where the car is not a high priority. Parking is available at extra cost, with spaces under landscaped courtyards or concealed by landscaped banks, but many residents are turning from the car to alternative modes of transport.
Currently available at Parkside, the latest phase of release, are two- and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses, with prices from £215,000. For further information contact the visitor centre, open Mondays 1 to 6pm, Tuesdays to Fridays 10am to 6pm and Saturdays to Sundays 11am to 5pm, on 020 8293 6900. Alternatively visit website parkside-gmv.co.uk.

Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward has just launched much-awaited Alta Vista, the second and final release of apartments, duplexes and penthouses following the successful launch of the Vista Building in 2002, where 150 homes were sold on the launch weekend. Alta Vista is a ten-storey building which is being converted and refurbished from a commercial office by Kerrington Developments. Located in central Woolwich, the development comprises 224 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, all of which boast stunning views across the River Thames towards the Millennium Dome and Canary Wharf.
David Rick, land and new homes director of Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, comments, ‘Following on from the success of the first release of apartments in 2002, there has been a tremendous amount of interest in this much-awaited launch of the upper floor apartments.

‘Woolwich has become one of London’s new property hotspots due to the extensive investment and numerous redevelopment initiatives currently taking place in this area, which are part of the government’s Thames Gateway regeneration project. In addition, improvements to local communications, including the extension of the DLR, will allow direct access to Canary Wharf, London City Airport and the rest of Docklands, further increasing this area’s growing popularity.’
The eighth-, ninth- and tenth-floor apartments are now available for sale, priced from £150,000. To find out more call 020 8855 8188 or visit website altavista-london.com.

Land is in short supply these days, and developers are finding new uses for buildings and land which have some fascinating stories to tell. Anna Bowden looks at new homes with interesting histories.
There is always a buzz associated with buying a home, but what if your new property had an interesting history as well? Then you would really have something to talk about. To combat the shortage of land, new homes developers are more and more frequently refurbishing and/or converting buildings with a former life to create great new homes for people, enabling buyers to not only enjoy high-specification, high-quality living, but also to live in a property with a past.

Beechcroft has recently completed a sensitive conversion of a former Grade II listed mansion and its outbuildings at Cobham Park in Surrey, creating 21 new luxury homes. Five of these homes – The Mews Cottages – are located in the former stable yard and each cottage offers modern benefits combined with the charm and character of the original buildings. Outside, the cottages have their own decked patio areas, large enough to accommodate a table and chairs and, inside, a specification and style that is a world away from the cottages’ humble origins.
Contemporary features include limestone fireplaces, fully fitted kitchens, stylish bathrooms, underfloor heating, designer light fittings, deep fitted wardrobes, wool carpeting and comprehensive wiring systems.
Prices for The Mews Cottages at Cobham Park range from £640,000 to £710,000. Call 0870 240 3128 for more information.

The houses at Try Homes’ Coombe Hall Park development are now almost complete, and with a staircase now fitted within the Coombe Hall building, the eight apartments are now accessible for the first time. Converted from a former Tudor revival house on Coombe Hill Road in East Grinstead, West Sussex, this exclusive development comprises seven new detached and link detached homes plus the apartments, with all properties benefiting from a range of shared facilities including almost seven acres of grounds, a tennis court and a natural pond.

Nick Champness, sales and marketing director of Try Homes Southern Region, comments, ‘The apartments at Coombe Hall Park have been carefully designed to offer the highest standards of accommodation. At Try Homes we understand that many people who are looking to move to an apartment do not want to compromise on space and several of the apartments have the equivalent area of a four-bedroom house, with the only difference being that the accommodation is arranged on just one floor.’
Apartments start from £250,000 and houses start from £575,000. For details call 01342 302522 or visit tryhomes.co.uk.

Berkeley Homes is currently transforming a former rubber and plastics factory on Ordell Road in Bow, London, into a gated residential scheme known as Bow Central. The development will provide 146 contemporary one- and two-bedroom apartments and 14 three- and four-bedroom town houses as well as covered and surface parking and landscaping. The buildings will range in height from four to five storeys, with façades, some curved, of glazing and contrasting brickwork plus sleek, simple columns, picture windows and Juliet balconies.
Mark Dickinson, operations director at Berkeley Homes North East London, says, ‘Bow Central is a classic regeneration project that will transform a redundant industrial site in an up-and-coming inner city location into a new collection of homes, creating a truly sustainable young and vibrant neighbourhood.’
Bow Central is located in the heart of Bow within 500m of Bow Road tube station and Bow Church DLR station, ideal for those who work in the City or Canary Wharf. Prices start from £165,000 for a one-bedroom home. Call 020 7321 2122.

Barratt’s stunning development of 252 new homes on an eight-acre site in Sunbury in Middlesex in now almost all sold out, weeks ahead of construction. Windmill Gate, constructed on land previously occupied by a redundant industrial estate, offers apartments starting in price from as little as £140,000.
The development stands in its own landscaped grounds and boasts a central garden square, ample private parking, a children’s play area and new public open space. Interiors are highly specified. Available now are studio apartments from just £139,995, one-bedroom apartments from £179,995 and two-bedroom apartments from £224,995. For further information call 01932 787283.

Kinleigh, Folkard & Hayward is now selling three apartments and two houses at Henry Tate Mews in Streatham, London, the conversion of Park Hill House, Sir Henry Tate’s former Grade II listed home. The elegant homes are accessed through electronically controlled gates and the grounds incorporate a pond, a unique 25 ft octagonal folly and a grotto.

The three three-bedroom homes have been converted from the wing of the main house, which used to house the original Tate Gallery where Sir Henry kept his treasured art collections. Overlooking a private courtyard, the two duplex apartments offer their own private terraced balconies, while the third has an elegant colonnade.
The chapel has been extensively refurbished to create three four-bedroom town houses comprising family rooms, studies and views onto a covered terrace. One even boasts a superb indoor swimming pool.
Currently available properties start in price from £395,000 for an apartment and £575,000 for a house. Call 020 8769 8744 to find out more.

Higgins Homes has recently acquired a redundant petrol station in Rotherhithe, south-east London, to be converted into eight one- and two-bedroom apartments and six designer three-bedroom houses. Copper Point is a gated development based around a central courtyard, constructed in a blend of copper, cedar and brick elevations. Boasting an ultra-modern look, the apartments are located at the front of the development, overlooking Lower Road and Southwark Park beyond, while the houses are at the rear of the site and offer maximum privacy.

The interior specification is high. Designer kitchens by Urban Myth are sleek and stylish and boast a range of integrated appliances by Smeg, including stainless steel  oven, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. Bathrooms offer contemporary sanitaryware from Ideal Standard.
Prices at Copper Point start from £249,950. Call 020 8508 6000.

The county of Kent offers the setting for a wide range of lifestyles, from country to town to commuter. Those in search of a new home will find a great choice of locations and styles to choose from, finds Johnny Turner.

The Garden of England continues to attract buyers for several reasons: commuters love its proximity to London; young families can find a spacious and affordable home in a pleasant environment; single people like the nightlife in the growing county towns; and those who seek exclusivity will find stunning homes in the more upmarket enclaves.

Portland Homes, in its 21-year existence, has become known for building small developments of well-designed homes that enhance the environment in which they are built, contributing to a safe and lasting community. This reputation for care and dedication to quality is certainly evident in its recently launched development Walnut Tree Close in Westerham. This delightful private enclave of just six houses has as its focal point a splendid mature walnut tree, and the cottage-style homes are traditionally built.

Each well-proportioned property has three bedrooms, an en suite shower room to the master bedroom, a garden and parking for two cars. The high-specification finishes include granite worktops in the farmhouse kitchens, limestone and mirrors in the modern bathrooms, and each home has a gas fireplace in the living room and fitted carpeting throughout.
The location is superb. Westerham is surrounded by undulating countryside and is only four miles from junction 5 of the M25, offering easy access to London.
Only four homes remain for sale, including a stunning fully-furnished show home which is open for viewing Fridays to Sundays between 10am and 4.30pm. For further details contact James Millard on 01959 565756.

Environ Sunley has had excellent response to the unique properties in the first two phases at its award-winning Lacuna development in West Malling. Now Sunley has launched new apartments at zone C of the development, which offers a superb contemporary living environment.
The superb architecture at Lacuna has, in fact, recently garnered the prestigious Building for Life Gold Standard Award, which is a government-backed awards scheme involving the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment and The House Building Federation.
The new apartments at Lacuna comprise a mixture of stunning two- and three-bedroom properties, some of which feature cathedral ceilings and open-plan living. Several properties have either a decked garden area or access to a balcony.
The apartments range from £190,000 for a two-bedroom second-floor apartment, to £299,000 for a two-bedroom duplex apartment with two en suites. The marketing suite and show homes are open daily between 10am and 5pm. To find out more contact 01732 840256 or visit lacuna.uk.com.

Also in West Malling is one of Kent’s major current success stories – the Kings Hill development, an ambitious project in which a variety of developers are building high-quality homes in a number of styles and sizes, with various specifications. The site was once an airfield, which was used during the Battle of Britain. Now all types of buyers, including young first-time buyers, growing families and empty nesters are finding the home to suit them in this impressive, well-planned community.
When completed, Kings Hill will include 1,850 homes, with footpaths, bridleways and cycle networks linking the residential areas to a new commercial community.
Kings Hill is very well connected, with a shuttle bus service to West Malling railway station, which offers direct links to Victoria, Blackfriars and London Bridge stations.
The development, which is set in a 650-acre landscaped environment, provides protected heath, parkland and mature woods, as well as amenities such as a par-72 golf course, large supermarket, tennis courts, a nursery and primary school. In keeping with its village-type feel, there is also a local pub and community hall.

At Kings Hill, Crest Nicholson has announced the launch of the new show home at Carters Grove. The scheme of 37 properties will include two-bedroom apartments and two-, three- and four-bedroom houses; the first phase includes five apartments and two two-bedroom houses, as well as a three-bedroom and a four-bedroom house.  The new four-bedroom two-storey show house will demonstrate to prospective buyers what the development has to offer in terms of space and style.
All of the homes at Carters Grove offer ease of access, parking facilities and outdoor space. The exterior of the show house is fully timber-fronted with protruding bay windows to the first and second floors. There is a porch, slate roofing and an intimate front flower garden, all of which combine to give the distinct feeling of a New England fishing village.
The development is only two miles from West Malling train station, providing access to Cannon Street or Victoria in 50 minutes. Junction 4 of the M20 is within four miles. Prices for the current release of properties start at £199,999 for a two-bedroom apartment. For further information contact the sales office on 0870 755 9760.

Hillreed Homes is offering a part exchange scheme on a magnificent detached five-bedroom home at its highly regarded development Broadleaf Wood in Kings Hill.
‘This is an excellent way to purchase as it cuts out the trauma of marketing and having numerous viewings,’ says Jo Richards, sales and marketing co-ordinator for Hillreed Homes. ‘The method which we employ ensures that both parties reach a satisfactory agreement on the price of the re-sale property, being based on three unbiased valuations by experts.’
The Midhurst house type, a distinguished home of superb proportions, is on the market at £659,950. The property has five substantial bedrooms leading off the impressive galleried landing. The master bedroom has en suite facilities plus a dressing room, while bedroom two also has an en suite and there is a further family bathroom. There are four substantial reception rooms, a kitchen with large breakfast room, separate utility room and a fabulous conservatory
For those whose homes are already under offer or who are in a position to exchange quickly, Broadleaf Wood offers an opportunity to save up to £10,000 for an exchange within two weeks of reserving a plot. The discount is £8,000 for a three-week exchange and £6,000 for a four-week exchange. There are other properties currently being marketed at Broadleaf Wood; prices for five-bedroom detached houses with double garages range from £534,950 to £659,950.
For further information on Hillreed Homes at Broadleaf Wood call 01732 875520 or visit hillreed.co.uk.

Rydon Homes has launched a stunning development of town houses in a coveted location near Bromley town centre. Hillyer Place, located in Winchester Close, is a collection of six four-bedroom town houses, superbly situated just a few hundred metres from the popular Highfield Junior School in South Hill.
Built with the family in mind, the homes are large and spacious. The specification is excellent, with bathroom suites from Villeroy and Boch, Italian kitchens by Euro Cucina which feature sleek granite work surfaces, and fine detailing throughout. Each house has its own garage and parking facility.

Bromley is a popular outer London borough with more than 35 square miles of protected countryside, woodland and parks to explore – an ideal location for bringing up children. And with London just 12 miles away, those whose work takes them into the capital will find a convenient commute. Homes at Hillyer Place are available from £459,950. Call Rydon Homes on 01342 827098 or visit rydonhomes.co.uk.
In beautiful Sevenoaks, Sunley is revealing its plans for a prestigious forthcoming development. Clarendon Heights will consist of 17 one- and two-bedroom apartments and two four-bedroom semi-detached houses, located in what is one of the town’s most desirable addresses, Granville Road.
The retained period property at the development, a large 1920s family home known as Westways, is to be refurbished into two four-bedroom semi-detached houses, each of which will boast approximately 2,100 to 2,200 sq ft and utilise existing features.

Two new apartment buildings will be created within the grounds. The first will be contemporary in appearance and will feature nine one- and two-bedroom apartments, with a penthouse suite occupying the entire top floor. All of the apartments will have at least one balcony or terrace with some benefiting from either two terraces or a large terrace with two aspects. The apartments will all be open-plan in design.
The second building, the Glass House, will comprise eight apartments over two floors resembling a Mediterranean terrace. Two of the apartments will be two-bedroom open-plan designs with large glazed windows to three aspects. The other six apartments will have one bedroom featuring a south/south-west aspect. All apartments in the Glass House will benefit from a large private terrace.
All residents at Clarendon Heights will have secure underground car parking. Sevenoaks is extremely convenient for transport links, with Sevenoaks train station putting London within 30 minutes and the M25 motorway within two miles. There are many highly regarded state and private schools within a five-mile radius, as well as a good range of shops, restaurants, leisure facilities and outdoor sporting opportunities such as golf courses and riding schools.

Find out more about Clarendon Heights and register your interest by phoning 0800 085 2222.
CALA is currently offering homes in Chislehurst and Tunbridge Wells. Kemnal Park in Chislehurst offers two completely different styles of show homes, which let prospective buyers see how various materials, colours and fabrics can be combined to embellish an empty space. The first look is classic and sophisticated, making use of gold, black and cream, while the second boasts a fusion of bright, contemporary colours with textured surfaces and clean, architectural furniture and sleek lines.
Only a few apartments remain at Kemnal Park, including the sumptuous penthouse. Those who are interested in a stylish apartment in this sought-after area are urged to act quickly. Find out more by visiting cala.co.uk.

Also from CALA comes Norfolk Grange in Tunbridge Wells, which offers buyers two- and three-bedroom apartments with the ultimate in contemporary comfort and style. Positioned in the town centre, among the many trendy bars, restaurants and shops of this sought-after area, Norfolk Grange offers the ideal home for those who work in London but prefer to live in an environment that is more relaxed while still ‘happening’. Norfolk Grange is surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens, which enhance social interaction and evoke a sense of community and place.
Prices at Norfolk Grange start at £325,000. Visit the sales office at 18 Church Road (two doors away from the development), open daily from 11am to 5pm. For further information call 01892 614238.

Another Tunbridge Wells  development is Millwood Designer Homes’ exclusive Copperfields, which offers beautiful views – and much more. The select scheme offers detached homes, one- and two-bedroom apartments and three- and four-bedroom townhouses, some of which even back on to farmland, ensuring a stunning view of the rural surroundings.

The location, on the corner of Forest Road and Bayham Road, secluded but also within close proximity of the centre of Tunbridge Wells. Copperfields is very convenient for amenities and excellent communications links. Millwood has already received a huge number of enquiries. For further information contact selling agent Bracketts on 01892 533733 or visit mdh.uk.com.

Beckenham, Kent

Asprey Homes is now offering purchasers the ultimate convenience with its Asprey Mews development, a stunning collection of two- and three-bedroom mews homes arranged around a courtyard setting. The development is perfectly located within minutes of Eden Park mainline station as well as a host of shops, restaurants, health and leisure facilities and a cinema. There are just seven three-bedroom homes remaining, at prices from £339,995. Call selling agent Acorn New Homes on 020 8663 4466.

Haywards Heath, Sussex

Crest Nicholson is offering an excellent part exchange scheme on two beautiful family home designs -- the Starling and the Ruddock – at its Bolnore Village development. The former is a four-bedroom design overlooking the playing fields, and boasting spacious family-sized accommodation, two en suite bathrooms and family bathroom, priced from £445,000. The latter is a three-bedroom semi-detached design with en suite to the master bedroom, and fully fitted kitchen, priced from £275,000. Call 01444 440052 for  more information.

Luton, Bedfordshire

Redrow Homes is now offering three-storey living at Park View, its development of high-specification homes located just off New Bedford Road. So far popular with young professionals and commuters, and first-time buyers in particular, Redrow has now released a selection of three-bedroom homes suitable for a wider range of buyers, including families. Prices start from £222,995 for the three-bedroom Kingston house type. Call 01582 400211 to find out more.

Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Millwood is currently building its Copperfields development, a delightful collection of six three-, four- and five/seven-bedroom detached houses, including the popular Yeoman style, as well as one- and two-bedroom apartments and three- and four-bedroom town houses. Located on the corner of Bayham Road and Forest Road, the development benefits from a prime setting, with some of the houses backing onto farmland. For prices call selling agent Bracketts on 01892 533733.

Braintree, Essex

Fairview New Homes is currently creating Tabor Place, a new development of smart apartments for purchasers aged 55 and over located in the heart of existing development Taborgardens. When complete Tabor Place will comprise 38 two-bedroom apartments and will offer such specialist features as a house manager on call 24 hours a day and emergency bells in each home. Prices start from £141,950. Call 01376 328091.

Loudwater, Buckinghamshire

Only five homes remain at KingsOak’s Grosvenor Court, an attractive development of one- and two-bedroom apartments in London Road. There is excellent access to the M25 via nearby junction 3 of the M40, ideal for commuting to central London. It is also convenient for popular towns such as High Wycombe, Maidenhead and Beaconsfield. Prices start at £179,995 for a one-bedroom apartment. Call 01494 472796.

Vauxhall, London

Countryside Properties offers The Academy, a luxury high-specification development that offers residents the fast-paced pleasures of London living alongside the calm and dignity afforded by its location in a conservation area. The Academy comprises 55 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments within the conversion of a former school building, as well as the new West Wing and two converted lodge houses. Prices start from £380,000. Call 020 7735 4571 for details.

Walton on the Hill, Surrey

Millgate Homes is planning a new development of four distinctive properties at Hurst Drive, each with five bedrooms and a top-of-the-range specification, including American fridge/freezer in the kitchens and conservatory, drawing room and separate dining room. Construction is currently underway and completion is scheduled for the end of 2004. Guide prices have not yet been released but are expected to hit the £1 million mark. To register interest visit millgatehomes.co.uk.

Offering a family extra bedrooms is not enough nowadays – family homes need to be designed to offer room for quality time together as well as space for individual privacy, says Anna Bowden.

Building homes suitable for families requires great skill and forethought. Family homes are not just houses with extra bedrooms; they are also homes where all members of the family feel that they have their own space and their own private time as well as space for all members of the family to gather together and share quality time. Developers are fast cottoning onto these facts and are building great new collections of homes, all over London and the South East, that perfectly match this buying segment’s needs.

A good example is KingsOak’s Haddington Manor in Wendover, Buckinghamshire, where a selection of newly released town houses is currently available. Town houses are perfect for families: the three-storey approach means that both parents and children can have privacy if they want, and the extra rooms provide either younger kids with a playroom or schoolchildren with somewhere out-of-the-way to do homework or study for exams.

The town houses at Haddington Manor are high-specification and boast three bedrooms. Kitchens are fully fitted and other living accommodation includes bright and spacious living/dining rooms, a central family bathroom as well as en suite to the master bedroom.
In addition to the town houses KingsOak have also created what they call family homes, which offer spacious accommodation and either four or five bedrooms.
Prices at the development start from £285,995 for the town houses (on which KingsOak is currently offering a five per cent deposit paid deal) and from £439,995 for a four/five-bedroom home with garage. Call 01296 625736 for more details.

Near Dorking, Redrow Homes has released for sale the stunning show home at Brockham Park, a collection of 34 distinctive country homes. Each of the homes at this development has been individually crafted to combine the very best of modern living and rural charm. Inside, each home boasts a luxury specification, including a beautifully designed fully fitted kitchen and elegant white bathroom suite, while out of doors amenities include access to private tennis courts and beautifully maintained grounds. Brockham Park is set within 32 acres of lovely parkland and mature woodland within the grounds of Brockham House, offering a safe environment for children playing outside.
The location is very convenient, with the nearby A25 making the journey to Dorking, Reigate and beyond quick and easy. London is easily reached via the M25 or by a 55-minute fast train service to Victoria station from nearby Betchworth station. The picturesque hamlet of Brockham is small enough to provide community spirit but just large enough to offer convenient amenities including two pubs, a village green, a post office, butcher’s shop and chemist, a convenience store, primary school and doctor’s surgery.

The Norbury show home has the added bonus of carefully chosen carpets, curtains and light fittings, all included in the price. ‘This is a great chance for someone to purchase a ready-made home with a host of valuable extras,’ says Paul Moran, sales director for Redrow Homes (Southern).
Current availability also includes the three-bedroom Denby, priced at £475,000, and the four-bedroom Abinger, priced at £575,000. Call 01737 841623 or visit redrow.co.uk.

Swan Hill’s TW12 development in Hampton Village, Middlesex, offers prospective buyers a combination of style and high specification along with a convenient location. Comprising just four five-bedroom semi-detached town houses, the development offers spacious accommodation as well as an integral conservatory.
Thoughtfully constructed in a Victorian style, each home has five bedrooms (of which two have en suite bath or shower rooms), a living room, conservatory and dining room and dressing room to the master bedroom. The kitchen has stunning granite work surfaces, Bosch oven and hob and ceramic tiled floor, and the modern family bathroom, finished with the highest quality white and chrome fixtures and fittings, finishes off an impressive interior. Outside there is a good-sized garden at the back and a small landscaped garden and parking for one car at the front.
Homes at TW12 are on the market priced from £825,000. For further information contact selling agent Dexters, at its Hampton office, on 020 8255 7777.

Fairclough Homes has just opened a new show home at The Chase in Sandhurst, Surrey, where a good selection of homes, including four-bedroom town houses, is currently available. There are two different town house designs at The Chase – the Alford and the Leicester – and both offer living areas opening onto private gardens and bedrooms on ground and first floors. In addition, the Alford design boasts an extra room on the top floor, to be used as an extra bedroom, a teenage ‘pad’, a home office or a gym. In the Leicester, the stop floor is given over to the master bedroom, which boasts a luxurious en suite shower room and a dressing room – just the place to escape domesticity and the kids!
All homes at The Chase are carpeted throughout and are finished to a contemporary specification. Buyers also have the chance to personalise their home (depending on stage of construction) by choosing from a huge range of options, including kitchens, lighting and furnishings, available through Fairclough’s HomeMaker service.
Prices at The Chase start from £299,950 for a four-bedroom town house; and there are part exchange deals available on selected plots. To find out more call the sales office on 0845 676 0163.

The newly decorated Ashland three-bedroom show home has now been opened at Gleeson Homes Southern’s The Courtyard development at Christ’s Hospital, near Horsham in Sussex; a three-storey home offering flexible and spacious living accommodation.
‘The setting of The Courtyards, with new homes and refurbished cottages, ample tree coverage and a countryside setting, give it a traditional ambience. Its location, however, is ideal for commuters. We were keen to marry these two appealing factors and have therefore designed an interior with a modern, fresh scheme throughout which provides a contrast with the external setting but highlights perfectly the unity between modern and traditional,’ comments sales manager Ann Crick.
Prices currently start from £299,950 and £390,000 for three- and four-bedroom homes respectively. For more information call the sales centre on 01403 754917 for details.

Bovis Homes’ room-in-the-roof properties are proving extremely popular with a range of purchasers at Chestnut Grove in Ashford, Kent. The development features a range of four- and five-bedroom home designs, including the five-bedroom Lonsdale, one of Bovis’ most popular designs. ‘It is the perfect choice for both young and older families’, explains sales manager Patricia Thomas. ‘There are two spacious rooms on the top floor, one including an en suite shower room and the other providing the perfect setting for a child’s playroom or perhaps a separate sitting room.
‘One of the great benefits of room-in-the-roof living is that there’s sufficient space to adapt the top floor rooms as the family grows and its needs change’, she adds.
The ground floor of the Lonsdale offers a family kitchen fully fitted with integrated stainless steel appliances; a sitting room with separate dining and a cloakroom. The first floor comprises four bedrooms, with two en suite shower rooms and a traditional bathroom.
‘The specification of the Lonsdale is excellent’, continues Patricia. ‘The kitchen in particular includes a range cooker, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washer/dryer, which are all included within the purchase price. Wood effect flooring is fitted to the hallway, built-in wardrobes are included within four of the bedrooms and en suite shower rooms are beautifully tiled.’
Prices currently start from £285,950. Call 01233 643794 for details.

The last four homes by Countryside at Kings Hill in West Malling, Kent, are now available for sale, including three-bedroom town houses at Winston Mews. Designed to reflect the popular 18th-century Georgian house style, the interiors of each of the town houses benefit from spacious living accommodation, combining the elegance of a traditional architectural style with the flexibility that caters for the modern lifestyle.

The homes at Winston Mews feature open-plan kitchen and dining room on the ground floor, with doors that lead out onto a south-facing terrace to offer purchasers their own private outdoor space. The first floor comprises spacious living room, a bedroom and a family bathroom, while the top floor boasts two further bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. Some of the town houses also benefit from a basement level, offering additional storage, together with a utility room.
Helen Moore, sales and marketing director of Countryside Properties’ South Thames division, says, ‘These last new homes we are creating at Winston Mews have been extremely well received as a result of the very attractive style of the properties, together with the tranquil parkland setting. Kings Hill really has become an extremely desirable environment in which to live.’
Prices start from £325,000. For more information call the marketing suite on 01732 875182.

Having outdoor space to call one’s own is now a must for a large percentage of buyers, says Johnny Turner.

Outside space is a must-have nowadays for the majority of buyers. People want to feel they have their own space; that they have somewhere they can get away from it all after a day at work; and somewhere to spend time when the weather is good. And new homes developers are once again meeting these demands head on, constructing more and more developments that offer balconies, patios, roof terraces, private gardens or extensive landscaped grounds to get lost in. We take a look at some excellent examples.

Swan Hill’s Lockestone development in Weybridge, Surrey, is a collection of contemporary and flexible homes set within over 30 acres of private green belt owned by the residents. Surrounded by meadowland, copses, walkways and woodland, residents will benefit from an abundance of space literally on their doorsteps, giving the development a unique country feel.
Many of the homes at Lockestone have studies that can be used for working from home, and most have the benefit of extensive rooms in the roof which could act as a superb child’s playroom, a nanny annexe or even another relaxing living room.

Lockestone is perfect for commuters, located within walking distance of the train station from where London is accessed via swift and frequent rail links. Behind the elegant exteriors of all homes lies the latest in modern technology: the development boasts an underfloor heating system and low voltage downlighters, pre-wiring for smart technology and TV, audio, telephone and data points allowing the latest technology to be accessed from different parts of the home.
Remaining homes at Lockestone range in price from £975,000 to £1.6 million. For further information call the marketing suite, open daily from 10am to 5pm, on 01932 850665.

Swan Hill is also currently selling Nightingale Place in Haslemere, Surrey, a sought-after location of winding streets and lush surrounding countryside near Haslemere. The development itself is a select collection of just eight two-, three- and four-bedroom family homes.
The homes are built in three different styles, each of which has its own decorative features, including attractive lead-covered roofs over both the bay window and porch. All the homes at Nightingale Place provide spacious, flexible and luxurious accommodation, spread over either two or three floors. Each of the different house types – the Tennyson, the Doyle and the Eliot – offers a master bedroom with en suite facilities and an easily maintained garden that can be enjoyed from the Victorian style conservatory, accessed via the living room.

Internally, the specification is high – fully fitted ALNO kitchens feature integrated stainless steel appliances and bathrooms and en suites feature classic white sanitaryware with quality chrome fittings.
Prices at Nightingale Place start from £345,000. For further information contact selling agent Hamptons on 01428 642307.

PJ Livesey is offering the perfect option to those looking for extensive outside space, with its conversion of former Victorian mental institution Fairfield Hospital in Arlesey, Bedfordshire. The original Grade II listed hospital buildings, which date back to 1856, are being sympathetically converted into 183 apartments and mews homes totalling around 280,000sq ft of accommodation set within its own private gated grounds.

The grounds are impressive, with an orchard to the back of the development and a beautiful tree-lined lawn at the front of phase one, offering enough space for all residents to have privacy – for picnics, romantic walks or even just sitting outside in a deck chair.
The first phase of development at Fairfield Park has now been released for sale, with 26 one-bedroom, one-bedroom with mezzanine and two-bedroom apartments available. Kitchens and bathroom furniture are manufactured and fitted by the P J Livesey Group, which is renowned for its high standards of finish and design.
The location is excellent for those looking to commute into London; both Hitchin and Letchworth mainline stations are within a ten-minute drive, from where there is a direct and frequent service into London Kings’ Cross – with a journey time of 20/25 minutes. Easy access to the A1 and motorway networks further enhance the development’s outstanding investment/residential potential.
For information about prices at Fairfield Park call 0800 783 0259.

FairBriar Plc has only a few apartments left for sale at its Heronsbrook development on Buckhurst Road in Ascot, Berkshire. And the collection of high-specification homes even has a new show apartment to showcase the remaining properties.
Situated in a sheltered position off a quiet country road, the exclusive development will offer residents the opportunity to take advantage of nearly three acres of landscaped grounds, including a sweeping private drive. The grounds are planted with trees and mature shrubs and there is even a stream for residents to enjoy.

The apartments themselves boast an excellent specification, with state-of-the-art Rationale kitchens fully fitted with integrated stainless steel appliances and Philippe Starck bathrooms fitted with illuminated glass panels. Other features include ceramic floor tiles, oak flooring and natural weave carpet throughout, plus limestone fireplaces and matching hearths in the principal reception rooms in most properties.
The apartments are the ideal city escape, set in such lovely countryside, but are also only 45 minutes by train from London Waterloo station, allowing commuters the best of both town and country worlds. Heronsbrook is also only 30 minutes from Heathrow Airport and a 45-minute drive from Gatwick Airport. And for a weekend retreat, the properties provide a handy base for the nearby sporting attractions of Ascot race course or Sunningdale and Wentworth golf courses.
For prices at Heronsbrook call selling agent FPDSavills on 01344 626162 or the show apartment, open Thursdays to Mondays from 10.30am to 5.30pm, on 01344 870380.

CALA Homes (South) is now offering Cavendish Court in Weybridge, Surrey, an exclusive development of just 12 two-bedroom apartments located on a quiet road at the bottom of St George’s Hill. All apartments demonstrate high specification and attention to detail, and two of the apartments benefit from large terraces facing out onto the secluded and tranquil communal gardens.
‘Since the launch of this development, we have received a significantly high number of enquiries from people wanting to live in this sought-after area’, says marketing director of CALA Homes (South) Philip Brown. ‘The apartments form the benchmark for luxury and high specification within the area, and once people view the show home, its space and attention to detail, people will really view this as the perfect location.

‘Cavendish Court really does set itself above the rest, as it offers a desirable package for home hunters – style, luxury and the perfect location,’ he continues. ‘Expectations today are high and prospective home buyers will be pleasantly surprised about what is offered here.’
Cavendish Court is located less than a ten-minute walk from Weybridge station, which offers a regular fast service into London. The development is also close to the M25 motorway, ideal for those wanting to commute to Heathrow or Gatwick Airports.
Prices for the apartments range from £299,000 to £540,000. Call 01932 850966 for further information.

At St Mary’s Island at Chatham Maritime, Kent, Countryside Maritime offers a range of one-, two- and three-bedroom properties in The Fishing Village. There are 91 homes in total in seven separate buildings of varying height, built on the site of the former Royal Navy Dockyard.
The homes feature open plan interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing the maximum amount of natural light inside. The kitchens are fully integrated with energy-saving ranges, such as CFC-free fridge-freezers. Many of the homes at The Fishing Village are also designed with the latest technology for those who work from home. Space-wise, the galleried mezzanine levels provide an airy, pleasant place to get work done, and each property is fitted with an OnQ system with vital cabling for computers, faxes and data facilities. This frees up the owner to work in various places around the house.

Design-wise, the varying rooflines, staggered frontages and stained weatherboarding make a wonderful combination – and many of the homes feature panoramic views of a scenic stretch of the River Medway as well as glimpses of a marina.
On completion the 150-acre island will contain amenities including a new school, doctor’s surgery and village hall, as well as expansive open spaces and a riverside walk. Approximately 20 per cent of St Mary’s Island is dedicated to open space, including a large belt of parkland with maturing woodland which will be conserved for wildlife.
Prices at St Mary’s Island range from £150,000 to £495,000. Call 01634 891885 for more information.

St James Homes is taking park-side living to new heights by transforming the 60-acre former Worcester Park Sewage Treatment Works in Worcester Park, Surrey, into The Hamptons, a village of 480 homes set within 30 acres of leafy parkland, complete with three large newly created lakes.
Homes at The Hamptons have been designed to reflect the traditional architecture and specification of the Shaker style homes on the USA’s east coast. Boasting attractive weatherboard and brick construction, other features include Dutch gabling, canopied porches, timber-columned balustrades, balconies, five-foot-wide verandas and tall brick chimneys.
Phase one at The Hamptons offers a selection of one- and two-bedroom apartments plus four- to six-bedroom houses, as well as a community hall, health and leisure suite and business centre. Prices start from £305,000 for an apartment. Call 020 8337 3425 for information.

Grove Park, London

Bridgewater Estates has created a prestigious new development, Five Oaks Mews, set within a landscaped courtyard and offering 12 luxurious designer three-bedroom homes, all with allocated parking. The homes at Five Oaks Mews are all high specification, with lounge, separate open-plan dining room and superb dining/kitchen with fully fitted integrated appliances including fridge/freezer and dishwasher. The homes are priced from £279,950. For details call 020 8694 6953.

Clapham, Bedfordshire

In response to increasing demand for quality family homes Persimmon Midlands has created The Folly, a collection of spacious four-bedroom designs offering exceptional living accommodation. One of the region’s most popular designs, the Wexford, features kitchen/breakfast room, lounge, separate dining room, master bedroom with en suite, three further bedrooms and a family bathroom, as well as a double garage, and is priced from £294,950. For details call 01234 215200.

Aylesbury, Berkshire

There are just two apartments currently remaining at Tudor Square, KingsOak’s superb scheme of apartments at Oakfield Road. The development is the regeneration of a former derelict social club at the heart of Aylesbury, and features a total of 35 one- and two-bedroom apartments. As a final incentive for buyers KingsOak is offering to pay the five per cent deposit, subject to terms and conditions. Prices start from £155,995. Call 01296 487148.

Standon, Hertfordshire

Folding walls that make living space more flexible is just one of the distinctive features on offer at City & Country’s Standon Mills, a new development of exclusive apartments in a picturesque village location. The historic former flour mill is being sensitively converted into 21 one-, two- and three-bedroom highly contemporary apartments, starting in price from £179,000 for one bedroom. Call 01279 817882 for details.

Chislehurst, Kent

Laing Homes is now offering Walsingham Manor, a highly-specified gated development in Wood Drive, adjacent to ancient woodland and within walking distance of Elmstead Woods mainline station and some excellent local schools. The development offers just eight luxury detached family homes, two coach houses, four apartments and one penthouse, each of which boasts individual character. Prices start from £585,000. Call 020 8658 3743 for details.

Canning Town, London

Hurford Salvi Carr has announced the completion of Park Vista in Hermit Road, a new contemporary block of 34 large one- and two-bedroom apartments boasting a wealth of modern state-of-the-art features and set near a park. Park Vista is a striking architectural building with a fourth-floor communal terrace offering panoramic views of Canary Wharf, as well as secure underground car parking. Prices start from £195,000. Call 020 7791 7000.

Woking, Surrey

Barratt Southern Counties has unveiled yet another superb scheme in Woking: The Clocktower, a stylish development of 34 luxury two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments on the site of redundant commercial premises. The development takes its name from a Victorian clocktower which has been rescued from one of the old buildings to become the centrepiece of the new project. Prices start from £240,000. Call 01483 727296.

Wimbledon, London

Goldcrest Homes has recently launched Lanherne Gate, situated on quiet tree-lined road The Downs. Consisting of 29 two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments, a one-bedroom apartment and six penthouses, the development is expected to attract a great deal of interest. The apartments offer video entry system, fully integrated kitchen appliances, fitted wardrobes and a combination of timber flooring and carpeting. For price information call 020 7731 7111.

Getting around is crucial to today’s worker – and those who drive want low-hassle access to the motorway network. Johnny Turner looks at some new homes that are very well connected.

Getting to work can sometimes seem like a second job. Whether your chosen mode of transport is train or car, public or private, the success of the commute depends on where your journey starts. For those in search of a new home, it pays to make sure the location lends itself to a smooth ride to the office; for drivers in particular, proximity to Britain’s vast motorway network is an invaluable asset in a property.

Reading is extremely convenient for a number of transport options – and its proximity to the M4 means those who work in London have a straightforward route into the capital.
KingsOak currently offers several well designed developments in the Reading area, catering for those who are busy and want a working life characterised by high convenience and low stress. Blake’s Quay development, located in the heart of Reading town centre, offers a choice of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments as well as duplexes and penthouses. Current availability includes two- and three-bedroom properties, at prices ranging from £334,995 to £409,995. Call 0118 959 1514 to find out more.

Another Reading development, Kings Reach, features 162 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments set within an exciting and architecturally striking new landmark. The scheme will consist of five blocks, some rising to nine storeys with eye-catching sloping rooflines. The sweeping architecture not only makes a truly individual impact upon the Reading townscape, but it also affords fantastic views, maximised by floor-to-ceiling glazing and a light, airy internal ambience.
Prices start at £219,995 for a two-bedroom apartment with en suite. Call the sales pavilion, open daily from 10am to 6pm, on 0118 939 3611.

Finally, Westgate is the latest of KingsOak’s Reading developments, an attractive, contemporary new scheme of two-bedroom apartments. Each has en suite facilities as well as a main bathroom, which makes them perfect for house sharers as well as those buying for investment purposes. These homes are ideal for young professionals who either work in the heart of the town or want an easy commute to London.
Westgate, located just two miles west of Reading's many amenities, lets you work where the action is while returning home to a more relaxed, suburban setting. Prices start at £179,995 with five per cent deposit paid and fitted carpets included. The sales office is open Thursdays to Mondays. Call 0118 957 5953 for more information.
Elsewhere in the South East, KingsOak is selling Victoria Place in Woking, Surrey, a selection of beautifully presented one- and two-bedroom apartments in a highly convenient and central location.
Just a ten-minute stroll from the centre of town, Victoria Place is also extremely convenient for those who commute to London. Not only is the fast rail service to Waterloo a short walk away, but commuting by car is very well catered for. Junction 11 of the M25 is only five miles away, while junction 3 of the M3 is only a seven-mile drive.
Prices currently start at £165,995 for a one-bedroom apartment and from £215,995 for a two-bedroom apartment with en suite facilities. Call 01483 755307. For more information about any KingsOak development visit kingsoakhomes.com.

Another sought-after Surrey location is Weybridge, which is well known as a choice part of the South East’s commuter country. And a combination of high-tech home entertainment equipment and ease of getting to work means both daytime and evening life is as trouble-free as possible.
At Antler Homes’ Lyndhurst Gate, a gated development of six five-bedroom houses, prospective purchasers will find elegant Georgian style architecture and wonderfully designed space. The ground floor of each property features a dining area with an adjoining study, a utility room and a spacious open-plan kitchen and family room, with an island unit and modern appliances. Double French doors from the kitchen lead out on to a rear garden, which is surrounded by woodlands. The first floor accommodation includes a sitting room and a master bedroom with en suite bathroom, while the top floor has four double bedrooms, two en suite bathrooms and an additional family bathroom.
Each home will have the capability for a personalised home entertainment system, including a built-in plasma screen, ‘hidden’ integrated speakers and a digital jukebox, all of which can be controlled from a central cabling platform.

Positioned in a highly regarded area, just a short distance from prestigious St George’s Hill, these homes are also extremely well located for a choice of motorways. Weybridge is approximately 2.5 miles from junction 11 of the M25 and 4.5 miles from junction 2 of the M3. Central London can be accessed via the A3, which is approximately four miles away.
Travelling by train is also a sound option, as the development is less than a quarter-mile from Weybridge railway station. There are regular trains to London Waterloo, with a journey time of around 35 minutes.
The stylish houses at Lyndhurst Gate are now available for sale, priced from £840,000. The show house is open daily from 11am to 5pm. Call Antler Homes on 020 8391 6670 or the selling agent on 01932 830581. Visit antlerhomes.co.uk.

Meanwhile, in Oxted, Linden Homes has launched The Deanery, a collection of beautiful homes in a great location which gives access to the best of town and country.
The Abbeville style house would be perfect for the City commuter. The Abbeville’s interior is spacious, light and airy. The upper floor is given over entirely to the large master suite and second bedroom, both of which have en suite facilities. There is also an abundance of relaxed living space, with a living room and two further bedrooms that are ideal for children. There is also a balcony providing outdoor space which would be perfect for enjoying these long summer evenings.
Oxted is located within leafy Surrey countryside and yet the area has great connections to London. The M25 is just minutes away, and Victoria station is less than 40 minutes away by train. A four-bedroom house at The Deanery is priced at £555,000. Contact the sales and marketing suite on 01883 717559 or visit lindenhomes.co.uk.

To the North of London, in lovely, leafy Enfield, Fairview offers homes in its latest development, Sovereign Court. The development’s look is marked by part timber clad elevations; the one-bedroom apartments feature a modern open-plan layout while the two-bedroom apartments are being created in six stylish designs.
The placement of this forthcoming development is also excellent. David Reed, marketing manager of Fairview New Homes, says, ‘Residents of Enfield benefit from the borough’s easy accessibility to the city and the countryside, which has helped to ensure it has retained its popularity with home owners. The smart homes at Sovereign Court are situated in an ideal position, with an abundance of green spaces nearby and Turkey Street train station just a short distance away. In addition, junction 25 of the M25 is under one mile away.’
The new apartments at Sovereign Court are now available for sale, with two-bedroom apartments priced from £184,000. For further information call 01992 765408 or visit fairview.co.uk.

Bellwinch has had a lot of interest in Knebworth Gate, its collection of 22 new homes in Stevenage. And with its current incentive of five per cent deposit paid on selected two-bedroom houses, first-time buyers are particularly drawn to this wonderful Hertfordshire development. In fact, half the homes have already been reserved.
A majority of the three-bedroom houses will have garages, while two of the two-bedroom houses will have garages and the rest come with allocated off-street parking. And those who commute by car will also appreciate the speedy access to the A1(M) that a Knebworth location provides. Knebworth Gate is also within easy reach of a selection of local shops, a fitness centre, a leisure complex and a retail park; the excellent facilities of nearby Stevenage are also easily accessible.
The sales office and view home are open daily from 10am to 5pm. Find out more by contacting Marilyn Jennings on 01438 728519 or selling agent Bradford & Bingley on 01438 317222.

In St Albans, Charles Church has announced the launch of Albany Heights in London Road. The location, in the heart of the town centre, means a choice of commuting options: the new development is only a short walk from the station, giving connections to London that take under 25 minutes. Motorists will appreciate the easy access to the motorway network via the A414 to the A1(M), M1 and junction 22 of the M25.
The 24 two-bedroom apartments at Albany Heights are located in two apartment buildings and are characterised by stylish modern design and high specification; residents will have underground parking.
For further information call Aitchisons on 01727 855556 or Charles Church on 01727 828800, or visit charles-church.co.uk.

In the highly regarded Kent commuter belt, Hillreed Homes offers a new development called Sycamore Place in Cornwallis Road, Maidstone. The location, in a quiet established residential road adjacent to an attractive park, is as convenient as it is peaceful. The M20 provides fast road access to the M25, which opens up the motorway network, allowing straightforward commuting to London and elsewhere in the Home Counties.

The homes are varied – there are detached, semi-detached and terraced houses as well as apartments – but as there are only 15 in total prospective buyers should act quickly.
Prices start from £164,950 for a two-bedroom apartment with parking. Get more information and a full-colour brochure by calling Hillreed Homes’ head office on 01622 626800.

To the east of London you’ll find a wide range of experiences, amenities and places to live. Johnny Turner delves into Essex and sees what’s on sale to today’s home buyer.

Essex is many things to many people. It includes comfy commuter belt areas, lush farmland, seaside and busy market towns, new towns and settlements that date back to Roman times. For today’s home buyer, this combination of nearness to the capit