New Homes - Friday, April 21, 2006

Rustington, West Sussex

MJH Executive Homes is selling the second phase at Oceanique in Harsfold Road, a collection of 46 two-bedroom apartments. This phase includes a small selection in Pacific House and Atlantic House, and first completions are due in September. Prices range from £279,995 for a two-bedroom apartment. Contact the sales office, open Thursday to Monday, on 01903 775333 or call MJH Executive Homes on 01798 874612. visit mjh-homes.co.uk.

Leatherhead, Surrey

Beechwood Court is a recently launched Antler Homes development of just ten two-bedroom apartments located on Garlands Road near the town centre. The setting is quiet and mature, yet the M25 is just minutes away. Prices start at £320,000; the development includes two penthouse apartments which are priced at £365,000. The show home at Beechwood Court is now open. Call 01372 450255 for more information.

Binfield, Berkshire

Beech Court, situated in Beehive Road, comprises six impressive two-bedroom apartments ideal for young professionals and first-time buyers. Each kitchens feature bespoke luxury storage units and integrated appliances, including dishwasher, double fridge/freezer and washing machine. The M4 and M3 are nearby and Heathrow is approximately 25 minutes away. Also nearby is Reading’s great shopping and entertainment. A show home is now open. Contact 0118 979 7775 or visit prospect.co.uk.

Crouch End, London

Exclusive apartments have just been launched at The Village, where selling agents Castles are now taking enquiries on all phases. The 18 exclusive two-bedroom apartments and penthouses will suit investors, first-time buyers, north London locals and upgraders. The homes have first-class contemporary features, not to mention an enviable village-y location. Prices start at £305,000. Early enquiries are advised. Call 020 8348 5515 or visit castles-estateagents.co.uk.

Epsom, Surrey

At Park Heights in South Street, Premier Properties is building 12 luxury two-bedroom apartments set in landscaped gardens in an elevated position opposite Rosebery Park. The station is within walking distance, making commuting very straightforward. Each home has an allocated parking space. Prices start at £299,950; the first homes are expected to be ready for completion in June. Call Jackson-Stops & Staff on 0870 780 2377.

Matfield, Kent

Appledore Developments opens the doors to its stunning new Webb’s Orchard development of seven luxury houses and five apartments during the weekend of 22 and 23 April, between 10am and 5pm. Have a look around the stunning show apartment and see for yourself the quality and comfort on offer. Tunbridge Wells is only six miles away. Prices start at £195,000. Call Savills New Homes on 01732 789700 or see appledoredevelopments.co.uk.

There is some impressive regeneration taking place in the towns near Heathrow Airport – and buyers will be impressed at Barratt West London’s contribution

With the development of Heathrow’s Terminal 5 and the massive regeneration in the surrounding towns of Hounslow, Feltham, Brentford and Bedfont, both investment buyers and home movers are looking at west London with a new eye.
New residential, commercial, retail, leisure and community provision are making the area a great proposition in terms of investment; with potential for capital growth. Indeed, the level of interest has been such that the area has been given a new name: London’s Heathrow Quarter. Providing a new collective identity for the towns around Heathrow Airport, London’s Heathrow Quarter is set to become as instantly recognisable as London Docklands or the Thames Gateway.

The benefits of living in London’s Heathrow Quarter are immense; not least outstanding transport links. The M25, M3 and M4 all serve the area and it’s easy to reach Heathrow Airport by public transport: bus, rail, underground or coach service.
Building outstanding new developments and making a vital contribution to the regeneration of town centres in the area, Barratt West London is playing a crucial role in the creation of the new LHQ, working within complex partnerships to bring the vision to reality through large mixed-use schemes like those currently under way in Hounslow, Feltham and Bedfont.
At Reflexion in Hounslow, Barratt West London is creating 334 private apartments as part of the rejuvenation of Hounslow town centre, incorporating 150 affordable homes as well as approximately 150,000 square feet of retail and leisure space to include an Asda supermarket, fitness centre, restaurant and bar facilities.
Featuring striking architecture, the iconic development dominates the skyline. There are plans to create a new pedestrian link to Hounslow Central tube station. Prices for the stunning apartments start from just £213,995 and information is available from the Barratt marketing suite on 020 8572 3668

Scheduled for completion in 2008, Axiom is transforming Feltham town centre with over 800 apartments for private sale and shared ownership, together with new and refurbished retail spaces that will double the current provision, attracting key retailers to the town. A new library is scheduled to open in June and a health centre and hotel are also planned, along with new landscaped plazas and improvements to the High Street parade. Prices at Axiom start at just £199,995. Further information can be obtained by calling the marketing suite on 020 8867 0382.
At Bedfont Lakes, where town meets country, Barratt West London has launched its new Azure development, comprising contemporary one- and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses, many with balconies or terraces and all offering underground parking. The homes are set around a landscaped central courtyard.
Located within easy reach of the thriving commercial centre that is home to some of the world’s leading businesses and the workplace of more than 4,500 people, Azure is proving a popular choice with young professionals. There’s also an award-winning country park with over 200 acres of natural parkland, extensive lakes and woodland and an orienteering course, trim trail, bridle path, children’s playground and a nature trail. Apartments at Azure are priced from £199,995. Get more information from the Barratt marketing suite on 020 8890 1255.

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

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

What a show home can show you

Increasingly, new developments are sold off-plan, with developers providing show apartments and houses in order to give prospective buyers an idea of the space, specification and style that is on offer. These show homes make it easy to imagine what it would be like to live in a particular environment, and with the following tips from KingsOak Homes buyers will get the most out of their show home visit.

Be prepared

Before you even walk through the show home door, know exactly what it is you’re looking for in a new home. What are the essential features you require, such as number of bedrooms, separate dining room or garage space. It sounds obvious but it’s helpful to have these details clear in your mind before you even contemplate looking at a new property.

Have the facts

Make sure you know what’s included and what is not. Ask the house builder for a specification list to help you identify the elements that your new home will have. Certain items within the show home such as fireplaces and some appliances may be optional extras. A reputable house builder will make you aware of these things from the outset.

Make the most of the negotiator

As well as taking a tour by yourself, ask the sales negotiator to show you around. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure you get the answers you need. They’re there to help you so make the most of their knowledge about this particular development and the house builder generally.

Evaluate the space

Look at the size of the furniture. Check out how many chairs are seated around the dining room table, for instance: would it accommodate your family? Try hard to imagine your own possessions in place of those in the show home – even take a tape measure and write down sizes so that you can compare them with your own furniture when you get home.

The bricks and mortar

Try to look beyond the gloss and ask questions about the more basic aspects of the home, such as how expensive it will be to heat. Ask the negotiator about the SAP rating, a standard by which a home’s energy efficiency is judged. Are the windows double glazed? Does the house have energy-efficient central heating? Are the items included, such as appliances, of a good-quality brand? Are the pipes sufficiently insulated? Also, what will the garden look like? And what scope is there to choose finishes such as tiles and work surfaces?

Above all, make sure you ask questions. A home is the largest single purchase most of us will ever make, so you owe it to yourself to make your show home visit as fruitful as possible.

KingsOak Homes has a wide range of high-quality properties throughout southern England. Visit kingsoakhomes.co.uk to find out more.

The current crop of newly built homes in Hertfordshire are well worth a look, finds Johnny Turner

Hertfordshire is a county with a lot to offer – pleasant countryside, well-connected market towns, good schools and fine property. There are currently a number of winning developments that are convincing both Herts natives and incomers that this region is on the up.
Barratt is showing its green credentials at its newly released mixed-use development on the former site of the British Aerospace factory in Hatfield. Equinox will generate its own heat and electricity and is set to play a major part in the regeneration of Hatfield.
The residential element at Equinox comprises 267 homes, both private and affordable, with an Eco-rating of ‘Good’. There will also be a medical centre, a 115 place nursery, a Sanctuary Housing Association nursing home, 35,500 square feet of bar, restaurant and retail space, a 120 bed hotel, a public house and a purpose-built bus interchange.
What makes Equinox stand head and shoulders above other mixed-use schemes of this size is that in delivering a sustainable community, it has also addressed important environmental issues, such as carbon savings, with an innovative on-site centralised heat and electricity network.

The technology used will be Combined Heat and Power (CHP) provided by Utilicom, whereby an engine is installed to produce the majority of the electricity for the development, with the waste heat from this unit fed into the heating/hot water network. This approach overcomes the enormous wastage normally associated with large, inefficient power stations and the huge losses that occur in the National Grid. The CHP unit is backed up by conventional boilers and the grid, to give a high security of supply, and will provide more than 65% of the energy required by the Equinox development.
Glyn Hopping, managing director at Barratt North London says: ‘Equinox is not only addressing the high demand for one and two bedroom apartments in Hatfield, it also includes a lifestyle element, with the retail and leisure areas providing the infrastructure to support a vibrant and popular place to live. Sales of the new apartments have been going well since their recent launch; prospective buyers seem to appreciate we are building such an innovative, environmentally friendly development.’

Equinox offers a choice of contemporary apartment styles, many of which have balconies. Smart designer kitchens sport integrated stainless steel appliances and modern technology requirements have been catered for in all bedrooms and living rooms, with these fitted with digital satellite TV connections. All master bedrooms include their own shower room. Every apartment has a video/audio entry-phone system and allocated private parking.
The development is located conveniently near to the University of Hertfordshire and to the famous Galleria Outlet Centre, which has more than 60 stores and a cinema complex. For sports enthusiasts, the Next Generation Health and Fitness Club, one of largest gyms in Europe, is housed in the listed Hatfield Aerodrome Hanger, next door to Equinox; Barratt is offering each buyer a year’s free membership.

Prices for one-bedroom apartments at Equinox start from £165,000 and two bedroom apartments start at £190,000. For further details, telephone the sales and marketing suite on 01707 267153, which is open between 10am and 6pm from Thursday to Sunday and between 2pm and 6pm on Mondays.

Adam and Tricia Tonkin, their two sons Luke and Toby and their daughter Sophie recently moved home to the award-winning four-bedroom detached gatehouse at Twigden’s Homes’ impressive Victorian-style Fairfield Park development. Set in 168 acres of parkland in Stotfold, just across the Bedfordshire border, a consortium of developers are together providing over 900 new homes here. As Tricia says: ‘We fell in love with the gatehouse as soon as we saw it. It is very, very special and I still can’t quite believe we are now living here!’
Initially the Tonkin family had had no intention of moving home! As Tricia explains: ‘We had tried to sell our house, but the sale kept falling through, which was extremely stressful. We therefore decided to stay where we were and had just spent quite a lot of money on landscaping and new furniture – but then we saw an ad for ‘Fairfield Park’ and decided to take a look at it. What initially attracted us is the fact that the homes here are all very individual with lots of character. It would be easy to believe that some of them here have been here for quite a long time.’

Having seen the development once, they decided to go back for a second look. This time they visited the gatehouse show house, which was for sale. Tricia says: ‘As soon as we saw it we knew that this was where we wanted to live.’ However, this time round they weren’t taking any chances on the sale of their house falling through. Instead they took advantage of Twigden’s part-exchange scheme, which gave them a guaranteed buyer and they were able to plan their moving in date. ‘It was wonderful not to have all that pressure and worry’, explained Tricia. About a month later they were in their new home.
At Fairfield Park, there really is something for everyone. Whether you choose to buy a two-bedroom or a five-bedroom house, you can rest assured that all of Twigden’s homes at ‘Fairfield Park’ benefit from the same level of care and attention to detail. Whilst the development itself has been designed to replicate an urban Victorian landscape, Twigden are offering a choice of Victorian or contemporary interiors according to the house design. This gives purchasers the best of both worlds depending on their individual taste.
While Victorian features dominate at Fairfield Park, modern facilities have been carefully integrated into the scheme and will include a community centre, a convenience store, tennis courts, trim trails and play areas in addition to the existing cricket and bowls amenities which have club membership facilities.

Purchasers can currently choose from two-bedroom houses at £229,995, three-bedroom houses from £289,995, and five-bedroom houses from £544,995. A choice of four-bedroom houses will be available when the next phase of development is launched.
Twigden have won many awards for the new homes at ‘Fairfield Park’, the most recent being the prestigious gold award for ‘Best Development’ at The Daily Telegraph What House? Magazine awards 2005. At the same awards the imposing gatehouse show house, now home of the Tonkin family, won the silver award for Best House.
Three fully-furnished show homes at Fairfield Park are open seven days a week from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 pm whilst a detailed scale model enables purchasers to envisage how this attractive development will look on completion. For further information please contact the site sales team on 01462 684687.

For details of all Twigden’s developments visit twigdenhomes.co.uk
In Harpenden, Bryant at Hatching Green, the greatly anticipated collection of two bedroom apartments and three, four, and five bedroom luxury homes in Harpenden, is due to launch in May.
The exclusive development from leading house builder Bryant Homes is set within the grounds of Rothamsted Manor, on the edge of Rothamsted Park. It will provide homebuyers with unique and luxurious 'barn' style homes in fantastic surroundings, close to local amenities and transport links.
Bryant Homes' Regional Sales Manager, Heather Holl, said, ‘Bryant at Hatching Green is a development of exceptional quality and is ideally suited for couples, families or those looking for a home in a secluded setting. The prestigious area, coupled with the picturesque scenery and varied selection of properties, will make Hatching Green highly desirable.
 ‘We've already had a great deal of interest from prospective purchasers eagerly awaiting the first release of properties, so with this in mind I'd recommend that buyers act now and register their interest to make sure they are among the first to receive an invitation to our exclusive launch where price and build information will be released.’
Ideal for commuters, Bryant at Hatching Green is situated just one mile from the local station that provides transport to central London in around 25 minutes. There is also good access to regional motorway networks, and a fine selection of local schools and amenities in the area.
For more information on the Bryant at Hatching Green development call 01206 578492 alternatively log on to bryant.co.uk.

Higgins Homes’ new development, Rivière, in Hertford, Hertfordshire boasts nearly every one of these attributes on its doorstep, and as a result has attracted many property investors and private purchasers. Rivière is located on the banks of the River Lea and comprises 78 luxury one and two bedroom apartments and penthouses.
Tony Yianni, who owns a north-London based brickwork company called Winchmore Brickwork Ltd, has recently added two apartments at Rivière to his existing property portfolio of more than ten properties within the Hertfordshire area. He explains: ‘Hertford has a lot to offer in terms of location and lifestyle and it’s an obvious choice for people looking to move out of London but who want to be within easy commuting distance. I chose to invest in Rivière largely due to its proximity to the station and the town, and also for its spectacular riverside position which is unrivalled by other developments in the area.’

Most of the Rivière apartments feature a private balcony or roof terrace offering stunning views of the river, and an electronically accessed underground car park provides secure, allocated parking for each apartment. There is a range of floor layouts and the apartments feature modern, designer inspired interiors including fully-fitted Urban Myth kitchens, complete with Smeg integrated appliances and fitted wardrobes to the master bedroom.
The development is set within landscaped communal grounds and boasts spectacular views of the River Lea and surrounding countryside. The charming town of Hertford is approximately one mile from Rivière along the river’s leafy tow path, offering a wide selection of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. Two major supermarkets are also close by as well as a large fitness club with swimming pool, tennis courts and a bowling green.
Hertford East, a charming listed station, is less than 200 metres from the development and offers a regular service to London Liverpool Street station in just 48 minutes.
First completions are expected June 2006. The show apartment is launching Saturday 22 April. Prices start from £245,000 for a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment. For sales enquiries, contact Higgins Homes 01992 503600.

Set in over 72 acres of listed woodland on the outskirts of St Albans, The Arboretum consists of 545 homes, comprising new and refurbished one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and three-, four- and five-bedroom town houses. All of the properties boast the high quality of design that is synonymous with Crest Nicholson homes.                                   
The homes and apartments at The Arboretum offer well proportioned, light filled interiors that provide all of the comforts of modern living. The attention to detail that is apparent in the refurbished and new-build external features have been replicated throughout the interiors of the houses and apartments.
Crest Nicholson has ensured that each property at The Arboretum benefits from private space, and the homes are interspersed among acres of mature woodland and leafy courtyards offering peaceful settings for romantic strolls.

The Arboretum is well placed for both City and country, surrounded by beautiful countryside and yet only 20 minutes from the City of London by train. The M25 is a short drive away which is great for getting into or away from the capital.
Just under 4 miles away from St Albans train station, peak time Thameslink trains take around 20 minutes to travel direct into Kings Cross. As well as providing connections to the London Underground, the Thameslink service also offers direct trains to Moorgate, London Bridge and Luton and Gatwick airports – ideal for work and leisure.

The homes at The Arboretum feature fully fitted kitchens with a comprehensive range of Bosch appliances in stainless steel, including an oven and stainless steel hood/extractor or canopy. The bathrooms include fully fitted Villeroy & Boch sanitary ware in white, complemented by Hansgrohe taps and fittings, together with a choice of stylish ceramic wall tiles.
Currently at The Arboretum, prices for two-bedroom refurbished apartments start at £369,950 and the two, three and four bedroom houses are priced from £274,950. For further information please contact the sales and marketing suite which is open seven days a week from 10am-5pm, or Tel: 01727 820730 or visit the-arboretum.com

Today’s developers are creating a modern version of the classic town house design. Johnny Turner sees what’s available.

Today’s home buyer is looking for modern, spacious and flexible accommodation, and town houses are the answer to many a prospective buyer’s prayers. From its roots in the still-popular Georgian architecture, the town house is characterised by elegance in layout and generosity of space. And the town houses that are now being built take these principles and give them a useful 21st-century spin.
At Castle Mews in popular Weybridge, Antler Homes provides ten Georgian-style town houses in a private cul-de-sac 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 impressive, with modern clean lines and attention to detail. There are luxury fitted kitchens with granite worktops, 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 call Antler Homes on 01932 857857.

In the Harmans Water district of Bracknell, the new four-bedroom town houses in are exceptional on every level. Built by Phoenix Homes & Development Ltd, Broad Terrace is an individual development of four superb homes built to an exacting standard. The luxurious properties are within easy reach of Bracknell’s local amenities and transport links.

Designed specifically to take full advantage of the three-storey layout, each property boasts a generous 21ft kitchen/dining/family room, which opens out onto an open-plan conservatory. Flexible and practical, this room forms the heart of the home. The kitchen area is fitted with a comprehensive range of storage units as well as a built-in oven with hob, while the conservatory provides an ideal entertaining space. A study, cloakroom and integral garage complete the ground floor.         
Each house benefits from a first floor living room with feature fireplace, French doors and Juliet balcony. The main bathroom is also located on this level and features a contemporary three-piece suite, heated towel rails and tiled flooring. The bedrooms are situated across the upper two floors, while the master and second bedrooms enjoy en-suite facilities and built-in wardrobes.

For those who purchase early, there is the added opportunity to customise the interior to your own personal taste using Phoenix Homes’ bespoke service. Depending on the stage of construction, buyers are offered their choice of everything from the colour of walls to more integral options such as a kitchen or bathroom suite. Each property is fitted with a security alarm system and mains-wired smoke alarms to all floors.
Situated a mile to the east of the town centre, Broad Terrace is in walking distance of Bracknell’s mainline train station and within easy reach of the M4 and M3 motorways. Leisure facilities in the area include a cinema, swimming pool, bowling alley and retail park. For an even wider choice of shops and entertainment, Windsor and Reading are also nearby.     
The homes at Broad Terrace are priced at £325,000. Contact Prospect’s New Homes department on 0118 979 7775.

Bovis Homes has re-designed its popular three storey town house to reflect the changing lifestyles of its customers. Research conducted by Bovis revealed that today’s customers demand flexibility of living space and practicality of design. The Portman, an innovative three-bedroom property with open-plan features, has been developed as a result.
Keith Pye, group architectural director at Bovis Homes, says, ‘In my experience, the layout of traditional three-storey town house properties can often be impractical and rigid, with little flexibility in usage of living space. The new Portman design aims to address this via the concept of open-plan living, comprising large interlinking kitchen, dining area and family area with patio doors leading out into the garden.’

The new design is popular with families with young children, as parents can keep a close eye on their children from any space on the ground floor, as well as prepare and eat meals together in the same area. The new design also makes the downstairs space ideal for guests. On the first floor, the accommodation is perfect for parents, with a sitting room and master bedroom with en suite and fitted wardrobes, while on the second floor there are two further bedrooms, one with fitted wardrobes, and a separate family bathroom. This layout allows each member of the family to have their own space.
Other practical changes in the town house design include a conveniently located ground floor cloakroom, providing toilet facilities on each level, which is unusual in traditional town houses. The Portman also encompasses a new straight staircase, which facilitates easy access for furniture to the first floor.
Bovis Homes offers a range of home designs throughout the South East. For further information call 01474 876200 or visit bovishomes.co.uk.

The four-bedroom Kent design available at George Wimpey South Midlands’ Mathison Grange development in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, presents buyers with the perfect town house property.
The Kent offers flexible and attractive accommodation over three storeys and features a thoughtfully designed kitchen and spacious combined family room/dining area, which offers a contemporary open plan living space with French doors to the rear garden. A separate entrance hallway, a guest cloakroom and a useful storage cupboard complete the ground floor accommodation.

Upstairs, the landing leads to a large lounge and the master bedroom with en-suite facilities. On the top floor there are three further bedrooms, one with en-suite, a family bathroom and an airing cupboard.
Like all new homes at Mathison Grange, the Kent benefits from a high standard specification including central heating, double glazing, and a fitted kitchen with built-in oven, hob and hood.
Mathison Grange is located in one of Bletchley’s most prestigious areas, just over half a mile from the town centre which is home to a wide variety of local amenities including high street and independent stores, banks, supermarkets, a Post Office, and a library.

The Kent design is currently available priced from £259,995. Visit the sales centre, which is located off Church Green Road in Bletchley and open daily from 11am to 5pm. Call  01908 643466.

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