New Homes - Friday, April 07, 2006

Barratt Homes has seen an increasing number of home buyers moving out of London in search of better value and an improved lifestyle. That Kent is their destination of choice is no surprise, as it offers a wonderful combination of rolling countryside, dramatic coastline, historic houses and thriving town centres. Barratt Kent is currently offering a wide range of properties, designed to appeal to an equally wide range of purchasers.
Spectrum, located in Tovil near Maidstone, has proved such a success that only four three- and four-bedroom town houses remain available. The houses, which feature cottage-style elevations and incorporate traditional materials, are set around a landscaped square off Farley Hill, within easy reach of Maidstone town centre, the 450-acre Mote Park and the motorway network. The town houses are priced from just £244,995.
Maidstone is also the home of Barratt’s fabulous new Riverside Plaza, a development of contemporary apartments and houses, many of which provide views of the River Medway. The development, just a short distance from the town centre, will have its own exclusive fitness suite. Prices for the two-bedroom apartments range from £209,995 to £288,995. Barratt Kent is also registering interest in the forthcoming one-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom houses.
At Connaught Park in Tunbridge Wells, a development combining traditional-style houses and apartments have been created in a beautiful wooded setting approximately a mile from the town centre. A stream meanders through Connnaught Park, which has been designed to make the most of the green open space. The development is crossed by a network of cycleways and footpaths. The rail journey from nearby High Brooms Station to London takes approximately 50 minutes. Currently a range of apartments is available. Prices start at £177,500 for a one-bedroom apartment and £229,995 for a two-bedroom apartment. Guide prices for the houses are expected to start at £269,995 for a three-bedroom house and £364,995 for a four-bedroom house.
Green open space is a feature of Heron Fields, a development of one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom houses located in a popular residential area in Gravesend. One-bedroom apartments are priced from just £140,000, while two-bedroom apartments are priced from £170,000 and three-bedroom apartments start at £185,000. Three-bedroom town houses start at £249,995.

Work is now underway at one of Barratt’s latest developments, The Orchard@Eden Village, near Sittingbourne. Eden Village is being developed by Barratt in conjunction with other major house builders and the 62 new Barratt homes will include two-bedroom apartments and three-, four- and five-bedroom houses. The development, which is ideally situated for a number of excellent local schools, is already attracting interest from families and first-time buyers.
Sittingbourne has good rail links, with the journey time to London Victoria of approximately one hour. Prices at The Orchard@Eden Village range from £153,995 for a one-bedroom apartment to £415,995 for a five-bedroom house.

For information on any of these developments by Barratt Kent call 01959 568400 or visit barratthomes.co.uk.

Buyers with an eye to the coastline will want to have a look at these.

Meanwhile, as buyers snap up the last of Chapel Place, a new phase at The Garrison, called The Greens, is set to launch imminently. Further information on Chapel Place, The Greens and all available homes within The Garrison is available by contacting 01702 290232 or visiting gladedale.co.uk.
The vibrant community of Wivenhoe is set to welcome Cook's Shipyard, a Bryant Homes development which is due to launch at the end of this month. The regeneration of the former shipyard will result in a collection of 44 apartments and 34 three-, four- and five-bedroom homes.

Waterfront properties will have views of the River Colne and across to the hamlet in Fingringhoe, while other properties will enjoy views over freshwater marshes and countryside.
Natural materials will be carefully selected from a palette of local options to complement the bustling village of Wivenhoe and the architecture has been sympathetically designed to enhance the surrounding conservation area. A wet dock and commercial units, including shops and galleries, are also planned.
Sara Stanhope, regional sales manager for Bryant Homes, said: ‘We are regenerating and transforming what has been a derelict shipyard for many years into a fantastic development in keeping with the typical style and tradition of properties in the area. This development will give house hunters the opportunity to purchase a range of properties in a highly desirable location.’
The development is ideal for commuters, being only a short walk from the local train station, which provides regular services to central London in around one hour. There is good access to the region’s motorway networks, and for those travelling further a field Stansted airport is under an hour away by car.

There is a good selection of local amenities available in Wivenhoe, while nearby Colchester provides an even wider choice of activities with a host of shopping centres, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. The development is surrounded by some of the county's best schools, and Essex University is only a short drive away.
For more information about Cook's Shipyard call Bryant Homes Anglia on 0 1638 665036.

Valley Park, Bovis Homes’ stunning new development of 38 four- and five-bedroom homes at Dovercourt, Harwich, has been built close to public open space just minutes from majestic cliffs and a Blue Flag sandy beach.
Valley Park is a development of executive homes incorporating 11 different house types featuring good sized gardens close to landscaped public open space. The houses contain fully fitted kitchens, with range cookers to larger homes, ceramic flooring, fitted wardrobes to the bedrooms and extensive use of downlighters. Some properties have a bonus room in the roof, and all purchasers who buy early can chose their own kitchens units and bathroom tiling from the extensive Bovis Homes range.
Valley Park is located in Dovercourt, Harwich, just 30 minutes by rail to Colchester and Ipswich and an hour and a half to London via Manningtree. The development is close to the A120 and A12. Harwich has good shopping and leisure facilities and numerous historic maritime buildings.

Prices at Valley Park start from £219,950. For further information please contact the sales manager on 0845 2605189 or visit the website bovishomes.co.uk.

Developers are getting wise to the green message as they present homes that help the local area.

Planning and following through the creation of a new development is a complex business. And these days more is expected than a perfunctory nod to the wellbeing of the locale in which the homes are going up. Indeed, there are a number of very environmentally friendly schemes currently on the market.
With Aspex, located in Finsbury Park, London, Higgins Homes has demonstrated the benefits that new homes can bring to an area, aesthetically and culturally. Aspex is a contemporary collection of 25 two and three bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses. The development comprises two buildings, one of which houses a former run-down synagogue which was demolished and re-built as part of the development. It has now been transformed into a modern venue which is an integral part of the area.
Previously, the site contained the former synagogue and an old storage block covered in graffiti, and a large tarmac area which was overgrown with weeds. Bespoke developer Higgins Homes has completely transformed the entire site into two highly modern four-storey apartment buildings which are set within landscaped communal gardens adjacent to the West Reservoir.

‘There was huge potential to create something really special on the site, and the location of Aspex was deliberately chosen for its views and central location,’ comments Jeremy Marcus, sales and marketing director of Higgins Homes. ‘The area has been earmarked for regeneration and we believe that Aspex is at the forefront of this transformation.’

The apartments offer contemporary interiors with a range of layouts which have been designed to optimise its space. Completion is expected this summer.
All apartments feature a patio or balcony and the penthouses have fantastic balconies which wrap around the entire living room. Each apartment features designer kitchens by Urban Myth, with Smeg appliances including stainless steel oven and gas hob. A fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and dishwasher are also included.
Finsbury Park is an ideal location with excellent sporting, entertainment and transport facilities. And Stoke Newington, a unique urban village with a fantastic selection of shops, restaurants, bars and pubs, is within walking distance. The West Reservoir, which many of the apartments overlook, features a modern aquatics club which offers a range of watersports including canoeing, kayaking and sailing. Also nearby is The Castle, one of London’s premier indoor climbing clubs, which is housed in a former Victorian Gothic-style pumping station.

Manor House tube station is within walking distance, putting commuters within just five stops of King’s Cross. Prices start from £285,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and £425,000 for a two-bedroom penthouse – less a five per cent assisted deposit. Contact Higgins Homes on telephone: 020 8802 8620 or visit higginshomes.co.uk.

One area that is seeing the benefit of a well-thought-out environmental policy is the Medway Towns. And it is in Maidstone that Gillcrest Homes is showing that a scheme with good green credentials can be sexy!
At 10, located in the heart of this vibrant town, buyers will find a smart, stylish and technologically advanced set of just ten two-bedroom apartments. The show home will give prospective buyers a good idea of what forward-thinking design and high spec can do to create an enviable lifestyle. The fact that the homes are also extremely energy-efficient adds an attractive extra dimension.

10 was designed by the renowned practice ctmarchitects, who received a top award at the prestigious Kent Design Awards for their commitment to innovative and sustainable design practices.
The development features an innovative under floor heating and cooling system that is approximately 25 per cent more efficient than a conventional heating system. Homes offer the very latest in terms of internal design layout, quality fitted kitchens, and sparkling, contemporary bathrooms.
Each apartment has a secure car parking space and benefits from the use of the spectacular communal rooftop garden, which allows residents panoramic views over the surrounding area as well as a valuable external space to enjoy. Some flats also boast a private balcony.

The development is situated within walking distance of Maidstone’s town centre with its variety of shops, bars, restaurants, sports facilities and nightlife, not to mention its convenient – and very green – ease of access to trains to London and elsewhere.
Prices for two-bedroom apartments start at £179,995, while penthouses start from £189,995. For more information and a chance to visit the show apartment contact Ward and Partners on 01622 683737 or Regal Estates on 01622 755558.

Fairview New Homes offers a wonderful collection of homes that demonstrate the lasting improvement that can be effected by the clever reuse of a historic structure. Its Ovaltine Apartments at Grand Union Gardens in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire will be distinguished by the art deco façade of the former Ovaltine factory on the banks of the Grand Union Canal. Here a truly impressive green project is taking place, in which a wonderful 1913 structure is saved and desperately needed new homes are provided – the essence of the green ethos.

The latest phase to be released comprises one- and two-bedroom apartments, including a third-floor apartment and a fourth-floor apartment that will provide extensive terraces overlooking the canal to the weSt The latter apartment is very spacious and will benefit from a wrap-around terrace on three sides, accessible from the main bedroom via French windows from the main bedroom and the open-plan kitchen/living/dining area. A stunning, light and airy home for a lucky buyer.
Commuters are very well served by the Ovaltine Apartments, as Kings Langley station is only a few minutes’ walk away, providing regular services to London Euston that take less than half an hour. This means residents will be able to move at will between the fresh air of the countryside and the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.
One-bedroom apartments start at £184,995, while two-bedroom apartments are priced from £229,995. Four- and five-bedroom town houses are also available at the adjacent Grand Union Gardens, priced from £334,995. Call 01923 268921 or see fairview.co.uk.

Persimmon Homes Essex is designing its Bloomsbury Mews development in Colchester as an environmentally friendly blueprint for future developments in the region. From purchase, the development has been carefully designed. The location was chosen for its proximity to Colchester railway station, which Persimmon is hoping will encourage its residents to opt for public transport and cycling instead of the car. In addition, the installation of bike sheds and cycleways similarly encourage eco-friendly transport.
The landscape at the development reflects a wealth of expertise, nurtured by a team of landscape architects, arboriculturists and ecologists. Residents will benefit from wide belts of woodland, several mature oak trees and quintessential English hedges, ensuring that the public space at the development is a breath of fresh air, while each quarter of the development will be linked through landscaped walks and paths.

A grassland area is to be established as a wildlife reserve and country walk area, and Persimmon is also proud to announce existing birds and wildlife on the land are to be protected while the landscape has been designed to encourage ecological diversity.
Adrian Garrood, sales manager for Persimmon Homes Essex, comments: ‘Our strapline for this development is ‘More than just an address’ – simply because of the amount of thought, planning and care that has gone into the design.

‘At Persimmon we realise we need to act now to save our planet for future generations, and we hope to implement the developments made on-site at Bloomsbury Mews, at further schemes in the future.’
Persimmon Homes Essex has been lauded for its green credentials before; it was the winner of the Gold Environmental/Wildlife Garden award at the New Homes Garden Awards 2005 for its Grove Park development in Tiptree.
Bloomsbury Mews is the first of four phases at New Braiswick Park, each of which will boast its own unique identity and character, drawing on ensuring styles from the past, reinterpreted with flair and attention to 21st-century living. Each phase will be themed in accordance with the environment, and varying styles of build will feature in each phase, with plants, trees and even lampposts fitting the theme. All properties at the development are bespoke designs by architects Melville Dunbar.
New Braiswick Park will eventually comprise over 700 units to suit buyers from across the spectrum, from one- and two-bedroom apartments to three-, four- and five-bedroom detached houses.
Prices currently start from £151,950. Contact the marketing suite, open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm, on 01206 845903.

St James Homes is an award-winning, design conscious, creative and sustainable developer with a record of culturally successful and diverse projects. The developer transforms former Thames Water sites and other land into sustainable and attractive developments.
Its latest development, Kennet Island, is currently underway in Reading. The scheme, which involves the complete regeneration of Manor Farm adjacent to the A33, will be the largest new private sector residential community ever built in this major town.
A number of environmentally friendly devices and ideas are now making their way into the property sector, and St James are keen to incorporate these features into real homes rather than just creating a one-off showcase.

St James Homes is creating a 'demonstration unit' at the 850-unit Kennet Island site, which will show buyers a range of possibilities. The development, which will be the largest new private sector residential community ever built in the town, will incorporate a number of energy-saving features in the Enviro-home, including some which are believed to be the first to ever be in use in the UK. These include waste pipe heat-exchanger ‘Powerpipe’ and the latest technology roof tiles, which are used to generate electricity.

 Eco-planting, grey water systems and solar heating are also being included in the Enviro-home. These will provide an interactive visitor experience to illustrate the effects of global warming and natural resource usage, as well as ways that our homes can be designed to generate lower carbon emissions.
St James will be using the Enviro home at Kennet Island to evaluate the features for future use across their developments. Find out more about Kennet Island by calling 0845 603 4043.

Greenwich, London

The Selection is a new development that includes one- and two-bedroom apartments plus two-bedroom duplexes and three-bedroom houses. All incorporate luxurious, spacious living with stylish interiors in neutral colours and are very low-maintenance. Features include electric under-floor heating, balconies or private patios gardens/ terraces to selected apartments and interior designed communal areas with contemporary fittings. The interior features such as chrome ironmongery and a built-in wardrobe to the master bedroom ensure space is maximised and the Tilo Hobo hardwood veneer flooring in the hallway and living area create a modern and clean cut environment. The kitchens, designed by Lemon Grass, include an integrated Neff stainless steel single electric oven, ceramic hob, extractor hood, stainless steel sink with mixer taps and Norplan flooring. Security is top-of-the-range with security locks on entrance doors and windows, video door entry system, CCTV system and mains-operated smoke detector with battery back-up. Guide prices range from £180,000 to £350,000. Contact Knight Frank on 020 7473 6820 or Felicity J Lord on 020 8293 8555.

Romford, Essex

Moody Homes has beautiful traditionally built three-bedroom detached and semi-detached homes in good sized plots. Each home has a garage and uPVC windows. Fitted kitchens include oven and hob, and the master bedroom has an en suite. The show home is open daily from 10am to 4.30pm. Prices start at £249 950. Call 01708 733268 or 01277 354222 for further details and an appointment to view.

Maidstone, Kent

Off-plan reservations are being taken at Bermac Properties’ forthcoming Iconica scheme, situated on Knightrider Street. The 24 contemporary-style two-bedroom apartments offer generous living accommodation in a variety of designs, and allocated parking is included with each home. Completion is expected in September. To register your interest contact the selling agents RPC Land & New Homes 01622 691911 or Page & Wells on 01622 756703. Visit bermacproperties.co.uk.

Walthamstow, London

The final two homes at Furlong Homes’ The Edge development are now available. With views over Walthamstow Reservoirs and layouts that are fresh, spacious and practical, these homes have been a hit with buyers. Blackhorse Road station offers quick transport into central London, and the North Circular and M11 are also nearby. Prices for the three-bedroom homes start from £299,950. Call 01992 782201 for more information.

Matfield, Kent

Appledore Developments offers its prestigious new Webb’s Orchard scheme of seven luxury cottages and five apartments in the village of Matfield, six miles from Tunbridge Wells. The highly specified, spacious homes are already attracting a range of buyers ahead of the official launch, including families, downsizers, young professionals and first-time buyers. Contact Savills New Homes on 01732 789700 or see appledoredevelopments.co.uk to register your interest.

Isleworth, Middlesex

To help speed up the process of moving house, Linden Homes is offering part-exchange at its Mode development in Isleworth, Middlesex. Mode has stylish, low-maintenance two-bedroom apartments priced from £292,500 and three-bedroom homes starting at £424,950. The scheme is subject to conditions. Find out more about the homes at Mode and the part-exchange plan by calling 020 8847 1297 or visiting lindenhomes.co.uk.

Esher, Surrey

Premier Properties has been granted planning permission to create The Eclipse, an exclusive development of just nine luxury two-bedroom apartments in More Lane. The secure gated development will have traditional external design, while internally, each apartment will feature the latest high-quality fixtures and fittings. Each property has allocated resident parking. Guide prices for the apartments start at £399,000. Call selling agents Curchods on 01372 462000.

For those looking for a smart, well located new home, east London is where the action is, says Johnny Turner.

East London has made great strides in the past decade or so, as Canary Wharf has morphed into a huge centre of white-collar employment and a number of other regeneration programmes have borne fruit. No longer is this the also-ran among London areas; indeed, the transformations of such neighbourhoods as Bow, Hackney and Wapping have been impressive.

Buyers who saw potential in this part of the capital early in this regenerative cycle can see now that they made a good choice; and with the announcement that the 2012 Olympics are to transform east London yet again, prospective purchasers are well advised to take a look at what’s on the market.
Chingford embodies the relaxed lifestyle of the very commutable almost-Essex London village. And here, a new Higgins Homes development called Twenty Two is wowing buyers. The scheme includes 13 luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments overlooking a manicured golf course fairway in North Chingford E4. The gated development is set within landscaped communal gardens and offers allocated parking.
Many apartments feature terraces  with spectacular views. Stylish designer interiors include Urban Myth kitchens with high-quality Smeg appliances (or Siemens appliances to the penthouses). 

Twenty Two is within short walking distance of a wide selection of restaurants, cafés, wine bars and boutiques. And commuters will be impressed with the ease of their weekday journeys: Chingford train station offers peak-time trains every 15 minutes reaching  Liverpool Street in just 26 minutes. Twenty Two is also very well placed for travel by car, with good access to the M25 and the M11. Nearby sporting facilities include golf clubs and local cricket, rugby and football clubs, as well as a selection of water sports at the local reservoirs.
Prices at Twenty Two start from £250,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £289,950 for a two-bedroom apartment. Contact Higgins Homes on telephone: 020 8508 6000.

Higgins is also readying a brand new development for launch in Wanstead E11. The Garden House is a stylish building heavily influenced by the great 20th-century architect Frank Lloyd Wright, containing just 12 chic apartments.

Sales at The Garden House are set to commence in the next week or so; go to higginshomes.co.uk to register for further information. With this development’s combination of excellent location and inspired design, I would expect these apartments to go quickly.
Over to Walthamstow, where the final two homes at Furlong Homes’ The Edge development are now available. With views over Walthamstow Reservoirs and layouts that are fresh, spacious and practical, these homes have been a hit with buyers. Blackhorse Road station offers quick transport into central London, and the North Circular and M11 are also nearby. Prices for the three-bedroom homes start from £299,950. Call 01992 782201 for more information.

Bow is currently seeing transformations in a number of premises that result in very buyable new homes. With the Olympics making their way here in 2012, this area is set to become the premier regeneration area of London. A good example is EastSide, a collection of 132 apartments, from studios to two-beds, developed by Widacre Homes and Circle 33 Lifespace. The Olympics will bring major regeneration to east London and people are already flocking to the area. Bow's economy will benefit immensely from the influx of people coming to watch the Games and thousands of new jobs, homes and businesses that will be created.

Fraser Wells, managing director of Widacre Homes, says, ‘We are confident that Bow will be one of the most vibrant and desirable places to live in east London, and Widacre Homes and Circle Anglia Group will contribute to this development by offering quality housing at affordable prices, combined with what will become some of the best infrastructure in London.’

At EastSide’s second phase, The Soho Building, only one two-bedroom apartment currently remains, priced at £264,950. The third phase, The Washington Building, has just been released, and already only six of these remain for sale. Prices range from £192,450 for a one-bedroom first-floor flat to £369,950 for a two-bedroom fifth-floor apartment. Visit the sales and marketing suite, located on Morville Street E3. For further information call Strettons Residential on 020 7422 0989 or visit eastside-e3.com.
At Telford Homes’ Redbourn Court in Beckton, only two one-bedroom second-floor apartments remain, priced at a very attractive £180,000 and £195,000. These homes would be ideal for either first-time buyers or investors.

Specification is modern, unfussy and high-quality. Kitchens have a range of contemporary units from Urban Myth and appliances by Smeg. Pure white bathroom suites have polished chrome taps and fittings, while main bedrooms have mirrored fitted wardrobes. Telford’s two-year 24/7 emergency cover is also included, giving peace of mind to buyers.
Hurry and contact Telford Homes on 01992 809800 or visit telfordhomes.plc.uk.

At Ballymore’s amazing Ontario Tower at the New Providence Wharf development in Blackwall, just east of the Isle of Dogs, the buyer is given a wealth of choice regarding size and layout. The apartment types reflect the needs and aspirations of today’s purchaser. With only 12 apartments will remaining, there is still scope to choose between a studio, suite or two-bedroom apartment.
The studio apartments are the ideal pied a terre for people who want to work within walking distance of Canary Wharf. Compact but perfectly formed, they share many of the luxury details of other apartments, such as Carrara marble floored shower rooms and high-spec fitted kitchens.
The studio suites have their own separate bedroom area, making them the most versatile of all the apartments in Ontario Tower. These homes also have features such as touch-control ceramic hobs and ovens and stainless steel microwaves.

Prices start at £227,000 for a studio of 351 sq ft, while suites, measuring from 377 sq ft, are on the market from £235,000. Two-bedroom apartments are priced from £520,000 for a third-floor home and rise to £645,000 for a 15th-floor flat with particularly amazing views. Find out more by contacting the marketing suite on 07000 701701.

Also in Docklands, Barratt is selling the Sargasso Apartments at Capital East in Royal Victoria Dock. This development is perfectly placed for the happening ExCeL Centre, as well as many of the 2012 Olympic events, such as judo, boxing, wrestling and weightlifting.
Commuters will love the location. With Royal Victoria DLR station just moments away, both Canary Wharf and Bank are within an easy journey. The calm dockside location is also a huge plus, whether you’re buying as a home for yourself or to let to high-quality tenants.
Designer kitchens feature integrated stainless steel appliances, while many of the apartments feature en suite bathrooms to the master bedrooms. Spacious living/dining rooms offer wonderful water views. The development itself features an on-site gym, a must-have for many given today’s hectic pace.
Visit the floating marketing suite, open daily, or call 0845 600 3525 to find out more about these fabulous homes.

A further Docklands development from Barratt is soon to be launched. Elektron in Leamouth will offer smart one- and two-bedroom apartments that are ideal for busy professionals or buy-to-let purchasers. Register your interest now by calling 020 8522 5555.

MiNC Property Enterprises is offering two- and three-bedroom apartments at The Grain Store near the marina at Royal Victoria Dock.
This contemporary new build warehouse conversion contains 63 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments within the ExCeL Centre’s campus. The Royal Victoria Dock location means Custom House DLR is moments away, making it ideal for commuters into the City and Canary Wharf and those whose business requires frequent flights from City Airport.
Two-bedroom apartments are currently priced from £390,000, while three-bedroom apartments start at £540,000. Call 020 7536 2233 or visit thegrainstore.com to find out more.

As the East End continues its transformation into a cosmopolitan, vibrant and much sought-after destination, Countryside Properties follows its success at Urban Island in Bromley-By-Bow by playing a leading role in the regeneration of the area with its brand new landmark development Space2 at Bethnal Green.
Space2 will comprise 258 one- and two-bedroom apartments and two- and three-bedroom duplex apartments. The development will include a variety of apartment types, ranging in size from 529 sq ft to 1,445 sq ft and featuring modern stylish interiors.
In contrast to the sleek towers of Canary Wharf to the south and the nearby Georgian terraces of Tredegar Square, the striking apartment buildings at Space2 mirror the curve of the canal. This shape is augmented by eye-catching larch and coloured panelling,  placing even more emphasis on its modern outlook.

Internally, there is an excellent choice of layouts to meet most lifestyle needs with spaces that flow easily into each other.  Kitchen and living spaces are open-plan with a contemporary and stylish specification.
Bathrooms and en-suites are elegant, with chrome and walnut accessories; bedrooms can be as minimalist or cosy as the owner prefers.
A typical two-bedroom apartment has an open-plan kitchen and reception area with a balcony overlooking Meath Gardens Park, a master bedroom with en-suite shower room, second bedroom and main bathroom. Some of the duplex penthouse units have semi-
circular rooms with sweeping walls, a further modern touch that is both unusual
and impressive.

Apartments are set in green and leafy surroundings adjacent to the Grand Union canal. The innovative Mile End Park and beautiful Victoria Park are also within easy reach, providing over 400 acres of open space and parkland nearby that creates an oasis of calm away from the city.

Brick Lane, Hoxton and Shoreditch are all on the doorstep, creating an exciting range of nightlife options, from bars to restaurants, clubs to pubs. The markets at Spitalfields and Columbia Road are perfect for whiling away hours. Nearby galleries include White Cube2 and the Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood. Bow Wharf, a brand new complex by Roman Road, provides a high-quality gym, Jongleurs comedy club, restaurants and bars in an attractive, buzzing setting.
Space2 gives residents the choice of three underground stations providing easy access to the City and West End, while Canary Wharf is also very easily accessed.
The first phase at Space2 is now over 60 per cent sold. Prices start at £265,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and £400,00 for a penthouse. Call 0845 402 1295 or visit space2london.com.

A further scheme in Bow is already bringing in the buyers. Situated just 500 metres from the forthcoming 2012 Olympic Park, Heart of Bow is a development by Lovell which will provide over 200 homes for private purchase. Demand has already been brisk, with first phase fully sold within days of the opening of the show flat and site sales office.

This is a part of London where house prices have not kept up with neighbouring areas in recent years but evidence from other Olympic cities around the world points to a potential boom in the local property market over the next few years.

Heart of Bow offers a range of choice in flat types as well as houses, all attractively priced bearing in mind its location, which is wonderfully close to The City and Docklands.
The site sales office is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm and is located on the corner of Tredegar Road and Parnell Road. For information regarding price and availability call 020 8981 0485.

South London currently has some very attractive newly built properties. Johnny Turner has a look.

Ever since the Victorian era, when the expansion of the railways created London’s first suburbs, south London has been a preferred dwelling place for London’s workers. In the intervening century, London itself has grown, enveloping those locations that were once thought of as entirely distinct from the capital. But the popularity continues, aided by constant improvements in amenities and transport – and by the leafy, south London feel that neighbourhoods north of the Thames can’t quite duplicate. Whether you’re in search of a home in an urban environment or a more genteel setting, the current crop of new homes in south London is easy to like.

In gentrified Clapham, Persimmon Homes is bucking the trend towards building more and more apartments by offering some wonderful town houses. The Ilminster Rise and Intero developments have both already proven to be extremely popular with home buyers who want that extra bit of space, and as only a handful of the properties remain, purchasers are being encouraged to make their move quickly.
Ilminster Rise development provides a four-bedroom design with a living space spread over six separate storeys. While the basement level provides a utility room and lobby area, the ground floor is home to the kitchen and dining area. A galleried living room is located on the first floor, while the second floor has a spacious guest bedroom with en suite facilities, a communal bathroom and additional bedroom. The master bedroom, with its fitted wardrobes and en suite bathroom, is on the third floor along with the fourth bedroom. The fourth floor provides a hidden roof garden ideal for entertaining in the summer months.

Intero, located on Clapham Road, offers a more traditional three-storey town house design, with a spacious open-plan kitchen and dining room with double patio doors opening onto the garden. On the first floor is the living room, bedroom three and family bathroom, while the second floor is home to two additional bedrooms, both with en suite facilities.
Both developments benefit from a fantastic location in a vibrant and diverse part of London. There are a host of trendy bars and restaurants as well as all the local shops and amenities people could wish for. Transport links are covered by the Clapham North tube and Clapham High Street station which.
Prices of the remaining properties start from £945,000 at Ilminster Rise; call 020 7228 3926. Homes at Intero are priced from £699,950; contact 020 622 8075. Visit the developments between 10am and 5pm daily or visit persimmonhomes.com.

Barratt West London is creating a high-quality residential development on the site of the former John Milton School on Battersea Park Road. The new scheme, which has already been granted planning permission, will comprise 240 one- and two-bedroom apartments, of which 60 will be provided for affordable housing. The homes will be arranged around a striking central courtyard and set in landscaped grounds.
Located in a fantastic position, across the road from the exciting Battersea Power Station redevelopment, the upcoming scheme is close to one of London’s most desirable areas, and will benefit from a huge selection of shops, bars, restaurants and a theatre on the doorstep. The building will be built in a contemporary ‘stepped’ design ranging from three to eight storeys, and car parking will be provided at basement level; to encourage more green transport, many cycle spaces will be provided and a car club facility is planned.
Prices will be confirmed at the sales launch, which is planned for April. To register interest contact the Barratt Central sales office on 020 8326 7171 or visit barratthomes.co.uk.

In thriving Waterloo SE1, Deco Design & Build offers The Bench, a collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Some apartments have either a balcony or terrace with excellent views over the city skyline.
The specification includes gas central heating with stylish contemporary tubular heaters, wiring for plasma screens and surround sound, communal Sky TV connection, chrome downlights and electrical fittings, burglar alarms, veneered oak flooring in the living room and limestone hallways. Kitchens have Neff appliances and granite work surfaces, while bathrooms include CP Hart Philippe Starck limestone-finished suites with sunken baths in a limestone surround, and there are fitted wardrobes to bedrooms.

Nearby Southwark station gives access to the West End, Canary Wharf, City Airport and Waterloo rail station. There is an NHBC guarantee and 999-year lease. Call Deco Design & Build on 020 8313 1411 or visit or northstar-2000.com.
Further out of London, Barratt’s Kendra Grove development in Croydon is to launch its new show apartment over the weekend of 8 -9 April. The apartment will be decorated in a contemporary style, perfectly suited to the busy young professionals who are flocking to the development.
Barratt Homes has designed the apartments with generous open-plan living spaces and fully equipped designer kitchens. The elegant white and chrome bathrooms have a luxury feel and there is an en suite shower room to the main bedroom in all the two-bedroom homes. Some of the ground floor apartments also have a private patio.

Kendra Grove is located in an attractive residential area within easy reach of central Croydon. The development consists of two separate buildings on opposite sides of the road, both gated and with allocated parking, so each feels rather exclusive within itself. Commuting is excellent: from nearby Purley Oaks or South Croydon stations, journey times to London Victoria, King’s Cross, Blackfriars or London Bridge all take around half an hour.
Prices start at just £199,995 for a one-bedroom apartment. For further information contact the Barratt sales team on 020 8680 5717.

The 29-storey Aragon Tower is a major Thames-side landmark in up-and-coming Deptford. The transformation of a former local authority building originally built between 1961 and 1963, it will provide 158 two- and three-bedroom 'Z' apartments that are ideal for City purchasers, investors and young professionals alike.

As well as refurbishing the existing apartments, that boast a highly unusual layout, the architects have also added five additional new build floors on the top of the existing tower. By incorporating these additional floors and by re-cladding the exterior façade, they are completely transforming the external architecture of the original structure into a modern and sleek apartment tower.
Each 'Z' apartment will boast unusual split-level layouts in six different styles. The apartments span the entire depth of the building and therefore have the advantage of dual-aspect views. Generally the floor with the living / dining area looks out towards Greenwich while the bedrooms have views of Canary Wharf. The end result is apartments that form a zigzag on alternate floors, creating a highly unusual layout where adjoining split-level apartments quite literally wrap around each other.
Deptford offers the DLR, overground train and a number of bus services, as well as the river taxi, an increasingly popular means of commuting. Aragon Tower is located a comfortable ten-minute walk from Greenland Pier, where a regular river taxi service provides fast and efficient access to Canary Wharf, London Bridge, Tower Bridge and the City.

Prices at Aragon Tower start £250,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and £340,000 for a two- bedroom penthouse. Call the sales and marketing suite, open daily from 10am to 6pm, or ring 020 8320 2030.

The Elephant & Castle area is set to be a real attention-grabber as its fusty old concrete self is transformed into an attractive, pedestrian-friendly location. The area has always had its hardcore fans, due to its very central location and easy access to two tube lines and mainline links. Now, with the reimagining of the civic space as well as several new home schemes, SE17 is set to become a buying destination for a whole new generation.

South Central is a £75 mixed-use project by Oakmayne Properties, which will consist of two schemes of apartments, South Central East and South Central West. The private residential units have balconies, rooftop terraces, a concierge, landscaped and underground parking. The scheme reinterprets the existing courtyards of Iliffe Yard and Peacock Yard to create an active ground-floor and a lively public space, linked to new pedestrian and cycle routes to Walworth Road.
South Central East has a stunning tiered elevation, rising to ten storeys, with a sleek glass and aquamarine façade with angled balconies and roof top terraces. The striking silhouette of the stepped terraces will stand out against the skyline, accentuated by the deep red stainless steel balustrades. Each apartment has access to its own private balcony/roof terrace via sliding floor-to-ceiling glazed doors.

Meanwhile, South  Central West’s apartments are conceived to provide maximum flexibility; they can be arranged as open-plan lofts or as one- or two-bedroom apartments within the same footprint. The balconies to the curved building vary in depth and are clad in three different timber types, providing variety and a sense of individuality for each resident.
Register your interest in the apartments at South Central at southcentral-london.com.

Battersea is London’s most talked-about area – and Falcon Wharf is an integral part of its riverside renaissance.
George Wimpey City’s new show apartment at Falcon Wharf, the iconic riverside scheme at Battersea, is attracting widespread attention from prospective purchasers and investors alike.
The one-bedroom contemporary-style apartment offers an impressive 821 sq ft of space.
Niki Turner, sales and marketing director of George Wimpey City, says, ‘The unusual curved lines that are a feature of the interior layout, accentuate the spaciousness of the apartment and provide plenty of visual interest. Also, the chic interior design scheme, created by Connections In Design, complements the architectural features of the apartment.’

Located on the fifth-storey, the floor-to-ceiling glazing of the show apartment affords river views. Another interesting feature of this apartment is the ‘winter garden’, that is, an enclosed glazed balcony which extends the living space for year round use and capitalises on the views.
An interior layout based on flowing lines and curves provides a large, open-plan living/dining room and kitchen, designed to maximise available space and create a social hub as a base for entertainment, relaxation and enjoyment. The kitchen features designer units from Nicholas Anthony and is well equipped with Siemens appliances. The bedroom boasts a large walk-in wardrobe – a feature that is generally not the norm in one-bedroom homes and the cool contrast of a classic white bathroom teamed with the comfort of under floor heating and comfort cooling are just two more details that make this apartment so appealing.

Falcon Wharf is one of the latest addition to London’s skyline and with 17 floors of curvilinear glass, aluminium and timber, it will become one of the tallest riverside residential towers in Battersea. The unique shape of Falcon Wharf will also undoubtedly make it a very distinctive landmark in London.
Designed by renowned architect James Burland, Falcon Wharf features four curved towers facing north, east, south and west, a design that has been created to maximise views over the river, the City of London and Canary Wharf.
Current prices start at £321,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. For full information, and to arrange a viewing, please contact the Falcon Wharf marketing muite, open daily from 10am to 6pm, on 0870 990 7599 or visit falconwharf.co.uk.

Godalming, Surrey

At Millgate Homes’ Mallory Court, buyers could be in for a stress-free move. The developer is offering an assisted move programme which guides purchasers through every stage of the process, from appointing an agent to sell your present home through to providing a handyman to help with all the little jobs that need doing at moving in time, such as fixing curtain rails and picture hooks. As part of the scheme Millgate will cover payment of pre-agreed conveyancing and solicitor’s fees. Millgate will even cover the cost of furniture removal by a reputable local firm, to ensure the moving day itself goes as smoothly as possible. Full terms and conditions of the scheme are available from the show home. Each of the eight two-bedroom apartments at Mallory Court has generously proportioned living accommodation with ample space for dining, two double bedrooms, en-suite facility to the master bedroom, main bathroom and a spacious hallway with built-in storage cupboards. Only three remain, priced from £359,950 to £399,950. The show apartment is open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 4pm. Call 01483 429495. Outside of these hours, contact selling agents Masella Coupe on 01483 860363.

Enfield, Hertfordshire

Telford Homes’ Cosmopolitan development has 69 one- and two-bedroom apartments in an established residential area. Its excellent transport links - both Bush Hill Park and Southbury stations are within walking distance, offering connections to London Liverpool Street in less than half an hour. Prices range from £137,500 to £295,000. Call local selling agents Lanes on 020 8342 3795. Visit telfordhomes.plc.uk for more information.

At Wealden Gardens, Try Homes’ new development on the outskirts of East Grinstead, half of the houses have been reserved just five weeks after the sales launch. The development comprises seven detached houses and chalet bungalows and two-semi detached houses. Each home has been individually designed. Prices start at £445,000 for a three-bedroom house and £495,000 for a four-bedroom house. Call 01342 410452 for more information.

Brighton, West Sussex

Rydon Homes offers Avalon, a collection of 27 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, 12 two- bedroom duplexes, five two-bedroom penthouses and a single two-bedroom live/work unit. The seafront is just 100m away. Living spaces are open-plan, and some of the penthouses and duplexes have a third bedroom that can be used as a dining room, study, home office or gym.  Prices start at £199,950. Call 01273 220730.

Brentwood, Essex

Crest Nicholson has launched BASE, located just off St James Road. The 350 new homes include stylish new one- and two-bedroom apartments, plus a limited number of town houses arranged in a crescent.. BASE is adjacent to the train station, while the town centre, shops and amenities are also  within easy reach. Prices start from £167,500. Call 0870 757 8384 to register your interest.

Copthorne, West Sussex

Bryant at Copthorne, a selection of two-bedroom apartments, is available for immediate occupation. Each of the six remaining homes has two bathrooms and a fully fitted kitchen, at prices starting from just £225,000. The quiet village location is a few miles from Ashdown Forest and the vibrant town of Crawley, with its fine schools and amenities. Visit the marketing suite on Copthorne Common Road or call 01342 717032.

Chafford Hundred, Essex

Bellwinch Homes is a private and exclusive collection of homes, set apart from the rest of the homes at Chafford Hundred. The development enjoys its own private road with no through traffic. A choice of two-bedroom apartments currently start at £172,995, and the two-bedroom semi-detached Rockley show home is on sale at £209,950. Three-bedroom houses start at £245,995, and four-bedrooms from £349,995. Call 01375 650343.

South London currently has some very attractive newly built properties. Johnny Turner has a look.


The ODPM and its national regeneration agency, English Partnerships, has chosen chosen SixtyK - a consortia consisting of developers Crest Nicholson, off site manufacturers Kingspan and architects Sheppard Robson - to deliver another design-led range of 148 homes, 45 of which are affordable, at the former Linton Hospital site in Maidstone, Kent.

Crest Nicholson was originally amongst one of the first developers to be selected to deliver the Design for Manufacture homes as part of the competition at Renny Lodge in Newport Pagnell. Crest Nicholson and the SixtyK consortia has again been chosen to deliver the new homes – along with a new local community building - as part of its wider proposal to transform the former Linton Hospital site.

Stephen Stone, Crest Nicholson’s Chief Executive, commented on the appointment: “We are delighted to have been appointed again to deliver a range of striking, energy efficient new homes at a second Design for Manufacture site with our consortium partners, as well as English Partnerships and Maidstone Borough Council.”
“Having participated at every stage of the competition for three separate projects, we have been able to continually fine tune our proposition to create significant efficiencies in the design and build process which, together with a thorough understanding of working in partnership with local authorities and other key stakeholders, has enabled us to propose homes that will become a benchmark for design-led affordable new homes in the future.”

“In fact, our two-pronged approach to this competition – a dedicated core team working on the technical and production elements for each project with the back up of one of our regional offices capable of being able to draw upon a vast wealth of local knowledge – has brought about an internal shift in how we manage the design and build process for each of our sites, and I know that the expertise we have learned throughout the competition is already teaching us how to create efficiencies throughout the business.”

All of the new homes at the former Linton Hospital site will be delivered using Kingspan’s unique off-site TEK system to maximise economies of scale and create efficient homes that are individualised using a variety of features such as corner windows, conservatories and balconies. The team has evolved the design from stage two of the competition to incorporate new features including amongst others, a refined roof design and a revised façade. Glazing has been carefully positioned on all housing to ensure that views and daylight are maximised to living areas whilst preventing unwanted solar gain and heat loss. All of the new homes will be delivered to an EcoHomes ‘Excellent’ standard, a further indication of the team’s commitment to continuous improvement.
“At the outset we focussed on developing housing models that are adaptable and responsive to change, whether demographic, technological, or environmental,” said Alan Shingler project director for Sheppard Robson. “Throughout the competition we have continued to build on this core concept developing housing models bespoke to each site, learning from our detail development at Renny Lodge and continuing to focus on passive environmental design.”

Trevor Beattie, Corporate Strategy Director for English Partnerships, responsible for running the Design for Manufacture competition on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, said,  “Despite tough competition from all of the bidders in this stage of the competition, the SIXTYK consortium has emerged as winners for two sites so far, thanks to its innovative, challenging and contemporary approach to home design.

“It has clearly embraced the aims of the competition to drive down construction costs without sacrificing quality and we look forward to seeing its exciting concepts become real homes in the near future.”

Persimmon Homes’ exciting new development Century + has opened its doors to the general public as a number of properties have been released for sale.

The development, which will comprise 110 units when complete, offers a selection of two bedroom apartments and two and three bedroom houses in the popular residential area of Barkingside.

And in an effort to get local youngsters on to the property ladder, the leading housebuilder is offering a range of incentives including five per cent deposit paid, carpets, part exchange and stamp duty paid on selected plots.

Adrian Garrood, sales manager for Persimmon Homes Essex, comments: “Century + is a very exciting addition to Barkingside, and we are encouraging house hunters to pay us a visit before the launch of our two showhomes next month to benefit from our pre-showhome prices.”

Ideally situated just a ten minute walk from Fairlop tube station central line, Century + is expected to prove popular with commuters, with journey times to central London around the 20 minute mark.  Meanwhile, the development’s proximity to Fairlop Waters, Epping Forest and the local primary school are all factors bound to entice families.

Century + will comprise public open space to the back of the development while selected properties will overlook woodland.

Prices currently start from £349,950.  For further information on the properties available contact the marketing suite, open 10am-5pm Thursday-Monday, on 0208 550 2544.

Bellway Homes is currently offering a pair of high-quality residential developments in the Thames Gateway area. Town Wharf scheme in Grays is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors. With a riverside walkway and cycle path running from the scheme, residents will have immediate access to the Thames for outdoor pursuits – or just to sit and enjoy the great views.
Located at Argent Street, Town Wharf is a development of 261 apartments set across five apartment buildings. One-bedroom studio apartments are priced from £129,995 and two-bedroom apartments start at £163,000. And first-time buyers will be interested to know that Bellway is offering an attractive paid-deposit incentive.

Water-facing apartments will provide stunning views along the Thames. The majority of apartments will have balconies (and selected ground floor apartments their own gardens), providing residents with plenty of outdoor space. Communal landscaped gardens will be included for everyone to enjoy.
Town Wharf is a few minutes walk from the shopping area of Grays and the mainline railway station, from where regular trains run to London’s Fenchurch Street with a journey time of only 40 minutes. There are road links to the M25, A13 and the Dartford Crossing. Two furnished show apartments are open and first residents moved in during the spring of 2005. Call 01375 372715 to find out more.
Meanwhile, houses and apartments are also available at Bellway’s Church Hollow scheme of 365 new homes on London Road in Purfleet. Two fully furnished show houses are open daily to enable purchasers to experience the appeal of homes at the new development – which, incidentally, is located only a five-minute walk from the banks of the River Thames.
Church Hollow has been designed to appeal to purchasers across the house-buying spectrum, from first-time buyers to those who are downsizing after their children have left home. A landscaped green with play area will be included in the centre of the scheme.
Houses are priced from £199,000 for three bedrooms and £270,000 for four bedrooms. Two-bedroom apartments start at £135,000. Call the sales office, open daily, on 01708 680450.

Recent reports and statistics highlight the reluctance for young people to put money towards their pension until much later on in life. Paul Davie, 30, has instead decided to put his money into property with the intention of renting it out in later years and living off the rental income. Having thoroughly researched up and coming areas within commuting distance of central London, Paul has recently purchased a two bedroom duplex apartment at Higgins Homes’ Vector development in Ilford, which comprises 24 highly contemporary two bedroom, two bathroom apartments.

Paul, marketing manager for top London hotels including Claridges and the Berkeley, comments: “I wanted to buy a property which I can rent out and put into my pension pot in a few years, so it was important for me to buy in an up and coming area where I can take a long term view. I used to live in Cardiff where I was able to afford a great lifestyle, including a large apartment in a central location and when I recently moved back to London, I decided I didn’t want to compromise on design or space. I originally looked at properties in zone one and two, but realised I would get a lot more for my money if I bought somewhere slightly further out.”

Paul was attracted to Ilford for its excellent transport links and commutability – the journey to his Mayfair office is approximately 30 minutes – and also the substantial regeneration plans for the area. The creation of a new landmark town square in Ilford is already underway as the £160-200 million first phase of a 30 year vision called ‘Progressive Ilford’. This includes a major change in the access from the A406 into the town centre, as well as upgrading areas and increasing high and medium rise development within the area, and improving cultural and leisure facilities. Public transport proposals include a new bus network linking key development areas. In particular the East London Transit and Greenwich Waterfront Transit schemes will cover the Redbridge area and are expected to be developed into an extensive regional Thames Gateway Transit in the longer term.

Vector is a striking, modern development which combines sloping, angular architecture with designer-inspired interiors including spiral staircases, mezzanine floors and overlooking galleries, maximising space and style. There are a variety of apartment and duplex configurations, all of which feature a private balcony and designer kitchen including Smeg appliances, an integrated fridge/freezer and a washer/dryer. The gated development is set within landscaped communal gardens and parking spaces are available to purchase.

Ilford town centre is close to the development. The mile long high street offers an extensive mix of trendy designer shops and traditional retailers as well as a large indoor shopping centre. There is a varied selection of restaurants and a lively bar, pub and club scene, and the Kenneth More Theatre provides year round entertainment ranging from opera to pantomime. A sports ground and swimming pool are close by at Valentines Park, as well as an Esporta Health Club and several good golf courses. The proposed new town square will feature extensive retail space and leisure amenities and the Grade II listed town hall will have a new ‘glazed’ exterior to form a ‘light box’ where large and prominent works of art can be displayed at night.

Ilford train station is less than a mile from Vector and provides excellent transport links to central London, the City and Canary Wharf. Journey times to Liverpool Street station are approximately 18 minutes away and Stratford train station is just two stops away, providing links to the Jubilee Line and Docklands Light Railway, as well as the Olympic Site. Gants Hill and Newbury Park, both on the Central Line, are approximately 1.5 miles away from the development. For road travel, the A406 North Circular Road provides access to the M11, A12 and the A13 for Docklands. The M11 also has direct access onto the M25.

Only three apartments remain for sale. Prices start from £259,950 for a two bedroom, two bathroom duplex – less a 5% assisted deposit. For sales enquiries, contact Higgins Homes on telephone: 020 8478 2020 or visit www.higginshomes.co.uk.

The East Village, Reede Road, Dagenham, RM10
Prices: from £134,995 for a one bedroom apartment and from £164,995 for a two bedroom apartment – both less a 5% assisted deposit
Contact Higgins Homes: 020 8517 7887 or visit www.higginshomes.co.uk
 
The East Village comprises 179 contemporary one and two bedroom apartments in Dagenham. The one bedroom apartments are situated on the top floor, providing views of the surrounding area, and many feature balconies at the front and the back of the property. The apartments include designer kitchens featuring stainless steel appliances and include an integrated fridge/freezer and a washer/dryer.  A number of the two bedroom apartments also benefit from a balcony and they all include an allocated parking space.
 
The East Village is situated near to Dagenham Heathway tube station (District Line). Monument tube station is 15 stops away, providing easy access to central London and the City, and only 7 stops from West Ham tube station and its Jubilee Line tube connection.
 
Dagenham is located in the heart of the Thames Gateway, the largest regeneration zone in Western Europe. The area has so far received £446m of investment for new schools, sports facilities, business opportunities, nature parks, theatres, and sustainable transport links.
 
The surrounding area includes local shops and a selection of restaurants as well as several primary schools and a doctor’s surgery. Open green space is nearby, with Pondfield Park just metres away.
 

Surrey is full of surprises, from its bustling towns to its quiet villages. Home buyers have a wide choice within this lovely county, finds Johnny Turner.

Surrey is blessed with a number of advantages, including plenty of greenery, good transport links into the capital and an excellent selection of homes to choose from. And the current property market has a number of fantastic buys.
Buyers choosing one of Bewley Homes’ superb new properties at Heritage Gate in Lower Sunbury will gain more than a fabulous new house; a peaceful way of life is also on offer.
Lower Sunbury is a delightful village oasis where church bells ring out on Sundays, children feed ducks on the banks of the Thames and local people and visitors alike stroll through Sunbury Park or enjoy a few quiet moments in the two-acre 18th-century walled garden, adjoining the historic Parish Church of St Mary’s.

Each of the 11 three-, four- and five-bedroom homes at Heritage Gate provide an abundance of space as well as the style and quality of finish for which Bewley is renowned.
Inspired by the classic architectural style and spacious interiors of 1930s properties - many of which are found in Lower Sunbury’s tree-lined avenues - the homes at Heritage Gate are ideal both for families and couples who enjoy entertaining. First-floor living rooms make the most of views over the development and the ground floor accommodation includes either a kitchen/dining room or family room/guest room, with doors opening onto the garden. All the properties include either an integral or an attached garage, while some offer a home office/games room above.
Set in gated, landscaped grounds, Heritage Gate on Green Street is situated within easy reach of the river, the A308 and junction 1 of the M3 motorway. With excellent road connections and the rail journey from Lower Sunbury to London Waterloo taking approximately 30 minutes, commuting is easy.
The houses are priced from just £449,950 to £525,000. Call Bewley Homes on 01932 783040 between 10am and 5pm Thursday to Monday.

Bewley Homes has already had a high level of response to its forthcoming development, The Croft in Elstead. Elstead, located on the River Wey between Guildford and Farnham on the Surrey/Hampshire borders, is surrounded by beautiful countryside and offers a rich sense of history. This development provides a rare opportunity for home buyers to secure a brand new home in this village which boasts an ancient village green, a 12th-century church, several 17th-century houses and an 18th-century inn.
The Croft comprises just 27 two-, three- and four-bedroom terraced and detached homes priced from £275,000 to £500,000. Call 0118 970 8200.

A final Bewley presence in the county is Wilbury Lodge in Sunningdale, which affords the resident a peaceful location and yet is conveniently placed near the bustling town centre. Set in a residential, tree-lined road and approached via remote-controlled electronic gates and a sweeping driveway, this is an extremely desirable collection of homes in keeping with Sunningdale’s upmarket feel.
The recently launched show apartment offers a taste of the luxurious specification; each apartment includes double glazed sash windows, providing period style with modern insulation, a designer kitchen with stone worktops and a comprehensive range of appliances including a combination microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer and washer dryer. Meanwhile, the elegant bathrooms and shower rooms have pristine white Villeroy and Boch sanitaryware and the latest chrome fittings.

All apartments have two secure underground parking spaces with individual lockable storage facilities. Some apartments feature private terraces or roof terraces or steps leading down to the landscaped gardens, while all residents are able to enjoy the beautiful communal grounds.
Everything is within easy reach, from Sunninghill and Ascot’s boutiques, delicatessens and cafés to Windsor’s mix of stores, antique shops and art galleries. Evenings can be spent at the theatre in Windsor or in one of the many fine restaurants in the area. Natural beauty abounds in the area, with Savill Gardens, Windsor Great Park and Chobham Common conveniently close. For the sporting, there’s polo at Smith’s Lawn and The Berkshire Polo Club and racing at Ascot.
Prices at Wilbury Lodge start at £399,950. Call Bewley Homes on 01344 627350 or contact selling agents Edwards & Elliott on 01344 872588. Visit bewley.co.uk.

Antler Homes is selling Beechwood Court, a collection of just ten two-bedroom apartments set within communal landscaped gardens in a sought-after area of Leatherhead. Each apartment has an airy and spacious reception room flooded with natural light from the large windows. Luxury fitted kitchens include granite worktops, ceramic floor tiles and a range of integral appliances such as stainless steel oven and gas hob as well as built-in fridge freezer, dishwasher and washer/dryer.
The master bedroom incorporates fitted wardrobes and an en suite bathroom, and there is a further bathroom for bedroom two. Bathrooms feature classic pure white Ideal Standard sanitaryware. There is a lift to all floors, as well as a video entryphone system. Plenty of parking has been provided for both residents and their guests.

Leatherhead town centre offers a good selection of shops and restaurants, café bars and leisure facilities, as well as independently owned shops and traditional pubs. The M25 is immediately accessible, providing swift links to greater London, as well as to Gatwick and Heathrow airports. There are also regular trains from Leatherhead to central London.
The nearby towns of Dorking, Guildford and Reigate offer further shopping and leisure opportunities. Leatherhead is also well served by golf courses and sports facilities, and there are endless opportunities for walking, cycling and exploration along the entire length of the North Downs.
The two-bedroom apartments at Beechwood Court are priced from £320,000. For further information call 01372 450255 or visit antlerhomes.co.uk.

Spectacular views of the countryside and good access to the River Thames are two big selling points at George Wimpey West London’s new Avantgarde development in popular West Molesey.
The collection of 40 one- and two-bedroom apartments is ideal for those who love the city but want an escape from London’s stresses. With the River Thames just a stone’s throw from the development, residents can enjoy relaxing walks along the river banks. For those wishing for a more stately stroll, Hampton Court Palace is also nearby.
The spacious apartments have a generous living/dining area in all apartments, along with a separate kitchen. The bedrooms are also very spacious, with en suites to many of the master bedrooms
To find out more about Avantgarde contact the sales team on 020 8979 8950 or see georgewimpey.co.uk.

For many first- and second-time buyers, being able to afford a stunning new apartment on a prestigious development may seem unlikely. However, at St James Homes’ The Hamptons in Worcester Park, the latest release of one-bedroom apartments is priced from just £220,000.

The apartments are located in Norfolk Waterside, the second of The Hamptons’ five ‘neighbourhoods’, inspired by the charm and character of East Anglian villages and featuring quayside and water features that recall the beauty of the Norfolk Broads.
The open-plan living space of each one-bedroom apartments incorporates a generous living/dining area and a designer kitchen with a range of integrated appliances. Both the living area and the double bedroom provide access onto a private balcony. The bathroom includes elegant white sanitaryware and stylish chrome fittings.
Residents will enjoy 30 acres of parkland, including four acres of water, woodland trails, a nature reserve with five lakes, a fully-equipped gym for the use of residents and two tennis courts, it is hard to believe that The Hamptons is only about half an hour from the heart of London.
Excellent road and rail connections make commuting or travelling easy; indeed, these new apartments with easy access to Heathrow and Gatwick airports are perfect for the ‘lock up and leave’ buyer.
Call the sales and marketing suite, open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, on 020 8337 3425 or go online to thehamptons.co.uk

Premier Properties is creating a superb development of 12 luxury two-bedroom apartments and penthouses in Epsom, setting new standards for properties in the town. Park Heights is situated in South Street, within an easy stroll of the station and the town centre, making it perfect for commuters or for anyone who wants the benefits of living in a town as well as glorious countryside right on the doorstep.

 ‘No other apartments in the town come even close to the very high specification of these homes,’ says Roger Jelley, managing director of Premier Properties. ‘We’ve already introduced this new luxury style of apartment to Guildford and Woking with great success, and having been overwhelmed by over 100 enquiries already I have no doubt that our new homes at Park Heights will be equally popular.’
Set in an elevated position opposite the green spaces of Rosebery Park, Park Heights is surrounded by landscaped gardens, including a decked area, where residents can make the most of fine weather. Two apartments enjoy a private patio and some have great views of the famous Epsom Racecourse.
These two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments are exceptionally spacious and enjoy an abundance of light that floods in from the large sash windows. But it is the luxurious touches and carefully thought out ‘extras’ that set these apartments apart.

Every room has thermostatically controlled under-floor gas central heating – and a constantly warm floor is a pleasure that has to be experienced! Without radiators to constrain the use of space, home buyers have greater flexibility to lay out rooms however they choose.

Built in wiring for ceiling speakers and a central stereo system can bring music to every room and there is an LCD television screen in the living room and the bathroom, for keeping up with the latest programmes whilst enjoying a luxurious soak. Lighting is always important and a separate dimmer lighting circuit allows lamps to be adjusted at the click of a switch.
The two bedrooms both have fitted wardrobes, with lighting inside, whilst the fittings of the elegant bathrooms are of the highest standard. Designer kitchens have striking granite work surfaces and a complete range of integrated appliances: electric oven, ceramic hob, chimney hood, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washer/dryer.

The central setting of Park Heights is an enormous advantage. High street shops and restaurants are a short stroll away. Epsom railway station with direct services to London (26 minutes) is within close walking distance and it takes just ten minutes to reach the M25 by car, bringing Heathrow and Gatwick within easy reach. Epsom has excellent schools, health and leisure facilities, and is surrounded by the beautiful Epsom Downs.

Construction of Park Heights is well underway. A show apartment will open at the beginning of April and the homes are expected to be ready for occupation in June. ‘Earlybird’ prices at Park Heights start at £299,950. Premier Properties is expecting a great deal of interest in these outstanding apartments and those interested are advised to contact the selling agents as soon as possible. Contact Jackson-Stops & Staff on 0870 780 2377 or Michael Everett Estate Agents on 01372 724477. Also see premier-properties.co.uk.

Millgate Homes has launched its exclusive collection of just 17 two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments at Churchlands located off desirable Woodgavil in Banstead.
Situated in a peaceful residential area of large homes, the apartments are well placed for commuting by road and rail, with rail services into London offering journey times of around 45 minutes at peak times and the M25 located within 5 miles. Banstead’s village atmosphere, meanwhile offers the perfect antidote to work life, with the High Street a brisk walk from the development offering an excellent range of independent and well-known high street stores. Each property will feature two double bedrooms with ample built-in storage (the master with en-suite facilities) while spacious living/dining rooms are equally suited to relaxing or entertaining. As with all Millgate developments, comprehensively equipped, bespoke designer kitchens will feature appliances in a steel finish, including a gas hob, oven, extractor hood, integrated fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, dishwasher and microwave oven.
The sales and marketing suite is open daily between 10am and 4pm, and the apartments are available to purchase off-plan. Call selling agent Patrick Gardner on 01372 360832 or visit millgatehomes.co.uk.

Try Homes has seen a marked improvement in the market at the start of 2006, with visitor levels up by 118 per cent on this time last year. As a result of this buoyant market there are now only two properties remaining available for sale at Copthorne Place, Effingham.

Plot 6 is a two-bedroom ground floor apartment, featuring a generous living room with feature bay window, fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, and a large bathroom with separate bath and shower. The apartment is available for £249,950 and is ready to move into today.
Plot 1 is a three-bedroom detached house with a combined kitchen and dining room with large bay window and a conservatory opening off the living room and onto the garden. Each of the three-bedrooms feature built-in wardrobes and two boast en suite shower rooms. The house is offered for sale at £475,000 and is also ready for immediate occupation.
Effingham Junction station has regular services to London and Guildford, making this ideal for commuters who want to combine convenience with a more rural setting. Call 01483 283170 or visit tryhomes.co.uk.
The launch of Barratt’s new show apartment at Hampton Court Mews, East Molesey has been a huge success; the new show home was instantly sold along with five other two- A stream of visitors was attracted to the launch, keen to view the new homes in this popular riverside village. Six apartments have been created within an old stately building, above the former Barclays Bank which fronts Bridge Road. A further six new apartments have been built on the quiet, leafy Feltham Avenue. All apartments benefit from gated undercroft parking, and many have views over the beautiful communal courtyard gardens. The development is also ideally located to provide easy access to the local shops and restaurants.

A further four apartments are to be constructed on the site of the old Alpine Steelworks, adjacent to Hampton Court Mews. These apartments, situated on Feltham Avenue, will include two one-bedroom apartments, one two-bedroom apartment and one three-bedroom apartment; all of which have access to undercroft parking.

These luxury apartments offer an abundance of light-filled living space; each has extensive glazing and the majority have glazed double doors opening onto a private decked terrace or a balcony. Most apartments have two bathrooms, one a shower room adjacent to the master bedroom. Attractive designer kitchens include an electric oven, gas hob, cooker hood, washer/dryer, dishwasher and fridge/freezer.

Hampton Court Mews is in a fantastic location, a stone’s throw from the river, with shops, bars, cafes and restaurants literally on the doorstep. For easy commuting, Hampton Court station is just two hundred yards away (services to London Waterloo take around 40 minutes); the M3, linking to the M25 and motorway network, is around five miles away and Heathrow airport takes less than a 20 minute drive. In summer, a passenger boat service operates between Richmond, Kingston and Hampton Court, for days out with a difference.

A huge attraction is Hampton Court Palace, literally across the road. This spectacular riverside palace stages many enticing events – including an annual flower show, many concerts and even an ice rink in winter! Also very close are the green expanses of Bushy Park, the second largest of the Royal Parks and a magnet for runners and walkers.
Prices of one-bedroom apartments at Hampton Court Mews start from £249,995 and two-bedroom apartments start from £324,995. For further information, and to arrange a viewing of the show home, contact 020 8941 7002.

The recent launch of Barratt’s Kendra Grove in Kendra Hall Road, Croydon, offered local
home-buyers the opportunity to reserve a fabulous apartment at an off-plan price.
On the launch day, the Barratt sales team, based in an on-site sales cabin, provided visitors with an enticing glimpse of the development, currently under construction, and details of the one and two-bedroom apartments which, priced from just £199,995, represent excellent value for money.
Kendra Grove has been constructed in traditional style with entirely contemporary interiors. Each generous, open-plan living space incorporates a designer kitchen with integrated stainless steel oven, hob, hood and washer dryer. Elegant white bathrooms include complementary chrome fittings and, in the two-bedroom apartments, there is a shower room to each master bedroom. Some of the ground floor apartments have the added benefit of a private patio area.

The location is ideal for commuters. Purley Oaks or South Croydon stations are both within ten minutes’ walk and journeys to London’s Victoria, King’s Cross, Blackfriars or London Bridge take approximately 30 minutes. Contact the Barratt sales team on 020 8680 5717 or visit barratthomes.co.uk.

Frinton-on-Sea, Essex

Barratt is marketing its brand new homes at its Thorpe Place development in the village of Kirby Cross, just a mile from Frinton. The mix of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses, together with a two-bedroom coach house, means there’s something for a wide range of buyers, from first-timers and investors to downsizers and growing families. There is excellent provision for parking, with garages or allocated spaces for all the homes. Just minutes away from Thorpe Place is Kirby Cross station, which offers services to Liverpool Street, via Thorpe, in less than an hour. Colchester, with its busy shopping centre, wealth of bars and restaurants, multi-screen cinema and popular Mercury Theatre, is just 20 minutes away. Families will also appreciate the excellent schools in the area. Barratt is assisting first-time buyers by offering to pay their five per cent deposit. And those who are trading up to a higher-priced home will appreciate Barratt’s popular part-exchange scheme, in which Barratt buys an existing home at up to full market value, giving a guaranteed sale and saving time, estate agent fees and worry. Off-plan purchasers can take advantage of Earlybird prices at Thorpe Place which range from £169,995 for a one-bedroom house to £379,995 for a five-bedroom house. For further information contact the Barratt sales office on 01255 679096.

Hammersmith, London

St James Homes has launched the second phase of its visionary new PumpHouse development, located midway between Chiswick and Hammersmith and between the Great West Road and the Thames waterfront. The gated development of 43 apartments boasts an extremely high specification. To register interest call 020 8878 9140. Prices range from £235,000 for a studio to £405,000 for two-bedroom apartments. Visit stjameshomes.co.uk.

Stevenage, Hertfordshire

Plot 108 at Fairlands Mews, a development of apartments and houses backing on to the 120-acre Fairlands Valley Park, is currently available with a great investors’ offer: curtains, lighting and carpets are included, in addition to a guaranteed six per cent rental yield for 12 months. The apartment has two good-sized double bedrooms and two bathrooms, one en suite. Conditions apply. Price £179,950. Call 0870 755 1644.

Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire

Linden Homes is selling Fernleigh, a popular development of apartments and three-bedroom houses. There is just on two-bedroom apartment remaining, along with a number of three-bedroom homes – and Linden offers part-exchange on the latter. The sole remaining apartment is on the market at £189,950, while the three-bedroom homes are priced from £299,950. For more information call 01494 484801 or visit lindenhomes.co.uk.

Woolwich, London

Corner Homes offers Mast Quay, a development of 158 one-, two- and three-bedroom riverside apartments. Woolwich has excellent transport connections to the City, Canary Wharf and the West End, allowing for less commuting and more enjoyment of life. The development has video entryphone, 24-hour secure parking and communal rooftop gardens with river and City views. Prices from £270,000. Call Knight Frank on 020 8317 9757.

As car use increases, more buyers are looking for good access to motorways. Johnny Turner sees some very well connected new developments.

The Willows, Swanley

The Willows, Swanley, is situated close to large areas of beautiful countryside and with an easy commute to London from Swanley station - purchasers can choose to relax in the tranquillity of the country, or join the buzz of the capital city.

The Willows is a small development of four and five bedroom houses just a short walk from Swanley railway station which has regular services to and from the capital. The journey time is only ½ an hour, making this development ideal for those who need to commute to London but who want peace and quiet at the end of a hard day.

As well as being a superb location for commuting, there are a number of good local schools in the area. The most convenient is Downsview Primary School, which is situated literally next door to The Willows. Downsview Primary School offers excellent primary education for boys and girls aged between 4 and 11, perfect for young families moving to the development.

Swanley has a variety of individual shops, a large supermarket and a weekly market. Bluewater, Europe’s largest regional shopping centre is just 5 miles away which is also home to a large cinema and restaurant complex and Lakeside shopping centre in Thurrock is only 8 miles away.

The Willows is within easy reach of the M25 and the M20 which provides links to Ashford and coastal ports.

There are currently two show homes at The Willows, the Melville, a three storey detached four bedroom property with innovative ‘room in the roof’ – a bonus room that can be utilised as required, and the four bedroom detached Beaumont, which benefits from a study and utility room. Each show home is fitted out in a contemporary style, with stylish downlighting and fitted wardrobes.
 
Prices at The Willows range from £300,000 – £399,950. For further information please call the sales office, open Thursday to Monday on 01322 615024 or visit the website www.bovishomes.co.uk

Purchasers looking for hi-tech luxury living at a high-specification development with cutting-edge design need look no further than Navigation Yard. The select Bermac Properties development of just seven luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments is situated off of Navigation Road in Chelmsford.
The quiet location is only a few minutes’ walk from the town centre – and for those who commute by car, Navigation Yard is near the major Essex A roads: the A12, A414 and A130.
The homes have interesting duplex layouts, and the first-class specification and build quality, combined with contemporary design, make the properties an ideal buy for professionals and commuters, as well as investors and downsizers.

Purchasers can expect a range of benefits such as allocated parking, which is included in the purchase price, fully fitted first class kitchens with integrated appliances, a Smart Home system and pre-cabling for burglar alarms and Sky + television.
Prices currently start at £169,950. Contact selling agents Elwell Taylor Living on 01245 266088 or Beresfords Residential on 01245 500555.

Bovis Homes’ Birch Grove is an appealing mix of apartments, town houses and terraces, ranging from two to four bedrooms. The range of properties, located in an attractive village setting close to Haywards Heath, means there is something for everyone, from first-time buyers to families. Located within easy reach of the M23, M25, Gatwick Airport and Haywards Heath, from where trains to London Victoria and London Bridge take just over an hour, this is an ideal haven for commuters.
Gareth Goodridge, marketing manager for Bovis Homes South East comments, ‘This development is proving extremely popular among those looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.’
Part of a newly created Sussex village, Birch Grove is set among attractive woodland, which includes protected wildlife areas, and has a strong community spirit. Beautiful Sussex countryside is right on the doorstep, making this the perfect setting for those who want to come home to a more relaxed way of life after their daily commute.
Homes at Birch Grove are highly specified, with fitted kitchens including integrated appliances and bathrooms with stylish white sanitaryware and a choice of tiles. Other features include en suite bathrooms to the master bedroom, fitted wardrobes and a feature fire with surround and hearth to the living area.
Prices start at £189,950 for a two-bedroom apartment and rise to £349,950 for a four-bedroom town house. Contact the sales manager between Thursday and Monday on 01444 448005 or visit bovishomes.co.uk.

Looking after one of London’s iconic modern landmarks, Liz Edwards was keen that her first home had the same flair for design and attention to detail.

Liz, 24, a PR Manager for a top London attraction, previously lived with her parents at their family home in Camberley, Surrey. As a first time buyer she now has her foot firmly on the property ladder having purchased a one bedroom apartment at Countryside Properties’ Phoenix Apartments in Chertsey.

Now close to completing its renaissance, the Surrey town has transformed itself over the last few years into a sought after destination in which to both live and work. Phoenix Apartments, comprising 69 one and two bedroom apartments, has been one of the final pieces of the jigsaw.

Being both keen to stay close to friends and family and keep her daily commute into London manageable, Phoenix Apartments (located a two minute walk from Chertsey train station) offered Liz the perfect location.

Liz said: “Working in London, I wanted my first home to be close to all that I need when I return from work. Having a gym and supermarket within walking distance was perfect for me. I was also keen that there was no work for me to do, such as having to worry about stripping floors and painting skirting boards. Living here I can make the most of my free time which is really important to me.”

Liz continued: “As a first time buyer I was naturally a bit wary of purchasing my new home but from first seeing the apartment to moving in took just six weeks, and it was a great introduction to being on the property ladder.”

With her new home having met Liz’s high standards and being close to amenities, Liz spread the word and now two of Liz’s friends are also looking at buying at Phoenix Apartments.
If both of her friends move in, Liz will also receive two £1,000 cheques as part of Countryside Properties’ ‘Recommend a Friend’ scheme.

With only 10 apartments now remaining, viewing is essential. All the apartments offer a high-specification interior throughout including fitted kitchens with stainless steel appliances, as well as beautifully finished en suites to many of the bedrooms.

The four apartment buildings are all situated around a raised residents’ courtyard garden. The scheme also includes some retail units and a renovated Grade II listed house, providing a striking contrast to the glass and render of the new buildings.

Phoenix Apartments is conveniently located for Chertsey railway station just a few minutes away. Those wanting to travel further a field are also well served by the nearby M25, A4 and M3, as well as Heathrow Airport for national and international travel.

Prices start at £171,995 for a one bedroom apartment and £194,995 for a two bedroom apartment, with fantastic incentives available. For further information or to take advantage of the latest incentives on Phoenix Apartments in Chertsey, contact the marketing suite on 01932 570197 or visit www.phoenix-apartments.co.uk

Castle Mews, Weybridge, Surrey

Castle Mews is a development of 10 Georgian style houses in a private cul-de-sac in Castle Road, within the leafy Oatlands area. Castle Mews comprises just six four bedroom homes and four three bedroom homes. The properties are designed in an appealing traditional style, with all of the elegant elements of Georgian architecture, such as white render and traditional brick work. Some also have integral garages.
 
Inside, the homes are equally as impressive, with modern clean lines and attention to detail. The stylish interiors incorporate luxury fitted kitchens with granite work tops, integrated fridge-freezers, microwaves and dishwashers. For flexibility and convenience, each home also offers a cabling infrastructure that allows for computer and telephone networking, as well as the ultimate in entertainment systems.
 
Prices at Castle Mews start from £439,950 for a three bedroom home. For further information, please call Antler Homes on 01932 857857. Alternatively visit: www.antlerhomes.co.uk

Homebuyers looking to settle in the Hertfordshire countryside while maintaining good access to London and the M25 will love Standon Place, a development from Furlong Homes.
Situated on the outskirts of the village of Standon close to Bishop’s Stortford, the development comprises just 13 four-bedroom semi-detached and five-bedroom detached properties.
Each home at Standon Place offers a high standard of specification and quality craftsmanship. There are five different house styles to choose from, benefiting from features such as a large lounge, en suite facilities in the master bedroom and fully fitted kitchens with integrated dishwasher, fridge freezer and washer dryer.
Buyers will have the dual benefit of beautiful countryside surroundings and easy access to the capital and nearby towns. The nearby A10 links to the M25 and also has excellent local rail connections making commuting to London easy.
Prices at Standon Place start from £410,000 for four bedroom semi-detached homes and from £560,000 for a five bedroom detached property with garage. For further information and to register interest please contact our sales team on 01992 782201.

Details on all developments from Furlong Homes are available at www.furlonghomes.co.uk

HOME buyers are being urged to ‘go west’ to be in with a chance of snapping up one of the remaining apartments at Redrow’s development on St Mary’s Island, Chatham.

In Chatham, Redrow is selling the final phase of homes at Quay West, where only two-bedroom apartments remain for sale. Set against the superb dockside of St Mary’s Island, this is a uniquely designed development of contemporary apartments, with the perfect location for a flexible and contemporary lifestyle.
Quay West has a superb dockside location as well as an eye-catching bold exterior which both complements and contrasts with the other buildings in the area. The development consists of two apartment blocks with a total of 84 properties, which are generously proportioned with open-plan kitchen and living areas. In addition, all the dockside apartments have large balconies or terraces, which benefit from the spectacular waterfront views overlooking the marina.
Quay West is the perfect location for those looking to invest in a fantastic second home or professionals looking for a prestigious address without having to pay the huge price tag which normally comes with this type of property. Two-bedroom apartments currently range from
£194,950 to £270,000. All the apartments are ready to be move into immediately. For more information call 01634 893992.

Homebuyers from North London and the northern Home Counties have made a beeline to KingsOak North London’s new development of apartments, Taverners Court in Hoddesdon and within a few months of its launch, the development has already sold 60% of available homes.

Recent purchasers of new apartments at this development have come from Cheshunt, Enfield, Chingford, Stevenage and Waltham Abbey.

Sales Manager for KingsOak North London Nina Fitzgerald said: “The popularity and success of this development is undoubtedly attributed to a combination of great location, excellent deals and the right interior layout and design elements of the new apartments.”

KingsOak North London is offering first time buyers the opportunity to step onto the property ladder and move into a new apartment for just £99 with prices of the new two bedroom apartments starting at £229,995. An incentive to investor buyers is the guaranteed £800 a month for two years, possibly one of the best deals around for investors seeking to start a property portfolio or extend an existing one.

Taverners Court comprises 90 one and two-bedroom apartments in a prime town centre position that enables easy access to the local shops and restaurants. Barclay Park is just a short walk, offering an abundance of green open space.
Hoddesdon is located close to the A10 and less than 7 miles to the M25, making it a favoured choice with commuters wishing to gain easy access to London and the South East. The A1 (M) and M11 are also easily accessible from here providing good commuting to Cambridge and the North. The local train station, Rye House, brings a journey to central London within around half an hour, and also links directly to the Victoria tube line and Stansted Airport.

For further information for further information please telephone the Sales Office on 01992 442 781.

Cosmopolitan is this new development in Enfield which will consist of 69 one- and two-bedroom apartments. The Telford Homes scheme aims to combine contemporary style and quality with fantastic value for money.
Cosmopolitan is located in an established residential area, with excellent transport links for those who prefer to work in the capital while residing in a more quiet environment. Both Bush Hill Park and Southbury stations are within walking distance of the development, offering connections to London Liverpool Street in less than half an hour. For car commuters, the A10 provides fast road links into and out of London.
Completion is expected during spring/summer 2007. Prices range from £137,500 to £295,000. For further sales information call local selling agents Lanes on 020 8342 3795 or Telford Homes on 0870 872 0987. Visit telfordhomes.plc.uk.

Linden Homes will be launching its new Sales & Marketing Suite at Cranwells Meadow on Christmas Lane in Farnham Common. Time is running out for those customers looking to guarantee their home of choice and reserve off-plan at this popular scheme*.

Helen Todd, Sales & Marketing Director for Linden Homes, comments: “Construction is progressing well on these exclusive 2 bedroom apartments and 3 & 4 bedroom homes and there really is a limited timeframe in which to guarantee your pick of the plots. Interest has been extremely high and once we launch on-site, I really do not expect the homes to be available for much longer as they really are unique to the area.”

Cranwells Meadow is a classic collection of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding area. There are a variety of house styles available and each boasts an outstanding specification with designer fitted kitchens, granite worksurfaces and a wealth of integrated appliances.

This beautiful semi-rural location is within easy reach of the M40, M4 and M25 motorways, as well as parkland and woodland at nearby Burham Beeches. Farnham Common itself has a range of everyday amenities and the larger towns of Beaconsfield, High Wycombe and Gerrards Cross are also very convenient.

Burnham railway station is located approximately three miles away and offers services to London Paddington in approximately 40 minutes.

The apartments are priced from £299,950, whilst the houses are priced from £499,950. For further information regarding Cranwells Meadow and to arrange an appointment with a Sales Advisor at the launch weekend, please call Linden Homes on 01895 827441.

The Historic Dockyard Chatham and the Dockside Outlet Centre are within walking distance of the development and the new ING Centre currently under construction, which is to house restaurants, bars and a multiplex cinema, is approximately a 15-minute walk. Chatham town centre, which offers a variety of shops, bars, pubs and restaurants to satisfy even the most diverse of appetites, is approximately one mile away.

The M2, M20 and M26 are all close at hand, connecting motorists to Ashford, Folkestone, London and beyond. Chatham train station, which is less than two miles away, provides frequent services to London Victoria with a journey time of approximately 50 minutes.

For more information about the final release of apartments available at Quay West call the Redrow sales consultant on 01634 893992 or log onto www.redrow.co.uk.

One of the advantages of a quick motorway connection is that you can divide your time efficiently between hustle and bustle and peace and quiet. A new show home has opened at The Brambles, Barratt’s delightful development in the picturesque town of Rochford. Located in beautiful Essex countryside, with stunning views across open farmland, yet within a few minutes’ walk of the railway station and Rochford town centre, the Brambles is set in a wonderful position. Homebuyers have been swift to appreciate this and over half of the homes have already been sold.

There are just 16 mostly three or four bedroom homes at The Brambles, offering a