New Homes - Friday, May 12, 2006

Getting around quickly and easily is a must in these busy times. So why not choose a home that makes commuting a breeze, says Johnny Turner.

As we work longer and longer hours, the last thing we need is a stressful, time-consuming commute. Luckily, there is a wide selection of new homes on the market that help cut travel time and make room for more ‘you’ time.

In well-connected Bow, first-time buyers will have much to crow about with EastSide, a collection of 132 apartments, ranging from studios to two-bedrooms apartments, 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.’
EastSide’s first two phases sold out quickly. The third phase, The Washington Building, has only 14 apartments remaining for sale, with prices starting at £229,950 for the last remaining one-bedroom fifth-floor apartment. Two-bedrooms are priced between £264,950 and £369,950. 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 Rydon Homes’ Nordic Apartments, property hunters will find an amazingly central location, cutting-edge design and, most importantly, a fantastically low price. This collection of high-style flats, located in Cable Street E1, is a must-see for anyone who thought metropolitan cool was out of their price range.

Apartments at the Arta Building have just been released, while those in the other two buildings, Stylus and Ikon, are now over 50 per cent sold.
The kitchens at Nordic Apartments mix practicality with contemporary simplicity and style. Elegant and versatile storage is combined with attractive details, including laminate work surfaces with glass up stands, integrated appliances to include oven, hob, hood, combi microwave, fridge freezer, dishwasher, washer dryer and waste disposal.
The master bedroom offers fitted wardrobes as well as an en-suite facility; the second bedroom, which is also a double room, has fitted wardrobes and access to a separate bathroom.

Located just 400 metres from the River Thames and just 20 minutes’ walk from Canary Wharf, this collection of 97 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments is also only 800m along Cable Street from Shadwell DLR station. From this convenient connection, City workers and West End revellers alike will find it very easy to get to their destination.
Prices at the just-released Arta Building start at £204,950 for one-bedroom apartments and £264,950 for two-bedroom apartments. Meanwhile, there are still a few two-bedroom apartments left at the Stylus Building, priced from £269,950.

The marketing suite and show apartment are open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and at other times strictly by appointment. To find out more about the homes or special incentives call 020 7780 1580 or see nordic-cool.co.uk.
From Oakdene Homes comes Collection 14, a development of stylish new homes in Willesborough, on the outskirts of Ashford, Kent. These three-bedroom houses offer the perfect blend of chic design and comfort – and their quick and easy access to London and Paris is a real plus.
Each of the eight styles of home comes with high-quality fitted kitchens as well as bathrooms furnished with Villeroy and Boch sanitaryware and decorated with ceramic tiles from Porcelanosa. Typically of Oakdene Homes, all of the properties are constructed with minute attention to detail, such as moulded coving and cornicing. The gardens are a ready-made entertaining and relaxation space just as thoughtfully designed as the home itself, with an outside tap, closeboard fencing for privcy and security and access to a parking space via a rear gate. A security system is included in the price.

Willesborough is a sought-after area on the outskirts of Ashford. It’s right by the M20, which provides easy assess to the Channel Tunnel, Dover and the M25. Ashford mainline station has direct links to London – a 30-minute journey once the high-speed rail link has been finished – and the international terminal serving the Eurostar to Paris, Lille and Brussels.
Oakdene Homes has a show home on the development in Silver Hill Road, open Saturday to Monday from 10am to 5pm. Prices start at £177,500. Visit oakdene-homes.co.uk for more information.

In Slough, KingsOak Thames Valley’s Centrika is an ideal choice for new buyers and investors, as commuters find this one of the South East’s most commutable locations.
Little wonder, then, that most of the apartments in this high-spec development have nearly sold out.

Centrika, located on the Bath Road in Slough, is well placed for shopping, as well as major roads and the train station. From here residents can speed to the heart of London via the M4 or, from the mainline BR station, get to London Paddington in less than half an hour.
The two-double-bedroom apartments at Centrika start at £243,995. KingsOak offers a ‘move in for £99’ deal, as well as a guaranteed rental income deal of eight per cent on selected plots for a full two years. These incentives are subject to conditions. Contact the marketing centre on 01753 574262.

Birch Grove, located in the highly sought-after Bolnore Village development near Haywards Heath, is a new collection of homes located in an attractive village setting. Ideally located within easy reach of the M23, Birch Grove is ideal for those working in Brighton. The development comprises an appealing mix of apartments, town houses and terraces ranging from two to four bedrooms.

Gareth Goodridge, marketing manager for Bovis Homes South East, says, ‘Haywards Heath and Crawley are obviously popular choices for those who commute to Gatwick Airport, Croydon or central London due to their excellent transport links. However, what also holds huge appeal for people is the fact that this area of Sussex is simply so beautiful. With its leafy lanes and rolling countryside it provides the perfect retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city.’
Birch Grove offers an excellent train service to Gatwick, Croydon and London to the north and Brighton to the south, and Bolnore Village itself is ideally located for the M23.
Homes at Birch Grove are highly specified, including fitted kitchens with integrated appliances and bathrooms with stylish white sanitaryware and a choice of tiles in the bathrooms. Other features include gas central heating, turfed front and back gardens and fully fitted mains-wired smoke detectors.

Prices start at £189,950 for a two-bedroom apartment and rise to £324,950 for a four-bedroom terraced house. Contact the sales manager from Thursday to Monday between 10am and 5pm on 0845 260 5194. Alternatively, visit bovishomes.co.uk.
In Fareham, Hampshire, Berkeley’s GreenQuarter at Knowle near Wickham has an attractive farmland setting and a wide choice of homes. Two new show homes are now open - one a four-bedroom detached family home with top floor bonus room, the other impressively dressed in modish 1970s-style colours.

Current prices range from £282,500 to £380,000. Call 01329 835135 or visit knowlehomes.co.uk.
Crest Nicholson has recently launched Q development in Reading, which will provide 82 contemporary one- and two-bedroom apartments within a landmark eight-storey building. The location couldn’t be more convenient for those whose sanity depends on a straightforward commute.

Kerry Jones, Sales Manager for Crest Nicholson (Chiltern) Ltd, comments, ‘We have already received a great deal of interest for Q and are urging people to register their details in order to avoid missing out. With a central location, great transport links and good investment prospects, these apartments are ideal for young professionals wanting to commute into London.’
Reading station is only a short walk away, providing frequent peak-time services to London Paddington taking only 22 minutes. The M4 is less than a mile away, giving good links to the M25 and the road network beyond. The development also has excellent international transport links, with Gatwick and Heathrow Airports within easy reach.

Reading is a well-known hub for IT professionals, home to household names such as Microsoft and Hewlett Packard. Its city centre offers a vibrant mix of shopping facilities, bars, bistros and cafes and Q is superbly placed to exploit these amenities.
Q will feature the highest interior and exterior design, including such thoughtful touches as dual roof terraces and unique exterior landscaping features.
Prices start at £159,950 for a one-bedroom apartment with terrace. Contact Crest Nicholson’s satellite sales centre at Romans Property Services, 33-34 Market Place, Reading RG1 2DE or call 0870 755 1645.

At the recent launch of the first phase of St James’ very well-connected Kennet Island development in Reading, one buyer drove in the evening before the opening to be sure of a place at the front of the queue – and then camped in her car overnight! the launch of the first phase of the St James Kennet Island development went really well on Saturday.
 
There were five prospective buyers who camped overnight to secure their place at the front of the queue for when the doors opened at 10am. First in that queue was student Emma Pengilly, who was the first to park her car outside the gates at 6pm the night before, keen to get her foot on the property ladder and buy her first one-bedroom flat at the bargain price of £130,000.

Kennet Island is Reading’s largest ever single-site development and will feature 850 high-quality residential dwellings set around a central piazza, along with commercial properties and leisure facilities. Call 0845 603 4043 or see kennetisland.co.uk to find out more.
Antler Homes’ Hawke Mews comprises six prestigious terraced homes just a quarter of a mile from the heart of Sunbury-on-Thames. Conveniently close to central London by both car and train, Sunbury is an excellent commuter location.

Four of the properties are three-storey, while the two end-terrace houses are two-storey. All have parking spaces to the front and gardens to the rear. Kitchens are fully fitted with top-quality appliances such as stainless steel hob and oven, fridge freezer and dishwasher as well as ceramic tiled flooring. Bathrooms feature pure white designer sanitaryware with chrome fittings, as well as white ladder heated towel rails and power showers.
Transport-wise, the M3 starts at Sunbury, providing immediate access to the nearby M25 and linking to rural Hampshire, Southampton and the New Forest. Heathrow and Gatwick airports are both easily accessible via the M25, and the delightful hills and valleys of the North Downs are only a few miles to the south. There are direct trains from Sunbury to London Waterloo which take approximately 50 minutes.
Prices start at £450,000 for a three-bedroom home and £550,000 for a four-bedroom home. Call Antler Homes on 01932 785164.

As Arsenal’s much-loved Highbury Stadium gives way to the forthcoming Emirates just 500 yards to the north, the property-buying scene is also changing. The new stadium development carries with it the provision of some exciting new apartments, and VizioN7 is a major part of this renewal.

The stretch of Holloway Road between Highbury Corner and one of the most buzzing and well-connected spots in north London. Not only do you have Highbury & Islington station, which offers quick Victoria Line access to the West End, but WAGN train services from the station call at Moorgate, putting the City within very easy reach. Nearby Holloway Road tube is on the Piccadilly Line, making a commute to King’s Cross – or a simple journey to Heathrow – very simple indeed.

Prices at VizioN7 currently start at £249,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. For more information on the apartments at VizioN7 and current incentive packages call the on-site sales and marketing suite on 020 7700 7555, or visit vizion7.co.uk.

A particularly well-connected development will launch on 20 May in Enfield. At Fusion, a collection of 24 one- and two-bedroom apartments, Linden Homes offers several introductory incentives for those who reserve off-plan. The developer is offering to pay buyers’ five per cent deposit, as well as legal and survey fees (subject to conditions).
Located in Southbury Road, Fusion benefits from a prime location and enjoys easy access to both the town centre and leisure amenities, where there is a wide choice of leisure and entertainment options. Enfield has a large cinema complex, various shops, bars and restaurants – and when it’s time to get to work, this location also comes up trumps. Enfield station is nearby, providing convenient links to central London. For motorists, there are also close connections to the M25 and the wider motorway network.

Helen Todd, sales and marketing director of Linden Homes Chiltern, says, ‘We have taken a number of reservations already at Fusion as interest has been high. A number of our developments have seen impressive sales success before the on-site sales office has even launched, such is the demand for highly specified homes. With the fantastic location of Fusion and the quality customers can expect from a Linden home, the apartments are likely to sell quickly.’
Prices for the homes at Fusion start from £227,950. For more information call Linden Homes Chiltern on 01895 827447 or visit lindenhomes.co.uk.

Also in Enfield, Telford Homes’ Cosmopolitan development is proving very popular. The location, near the heart of the town, makes commuting very straightforward. Cosmopolitan is within walking distance of both Enfield Town and Bush Hill Park railway station, bringing the employment and enjoyment benefits of a London within easy reach.
Spec is high, with designer kitchens by Urban Myth featuring stainless steel sink and appliances by Smeg, along with pure white bathroom suites with polished chrome taps and fittings by Roca. There is also good security, with a concierge, CCTV and gated
covered parking. And alongside the standard ten-year NHBC warranty, Telford gives
further protection to buyers with its two-year 24/7 emergency cover.
Current availability is priced from an amazing £137,500 for a studio and £180,000 for a one-bedroom apartment; two-bedrooms start at £239,950. This development is selling extremely quickly, so fast action is advised. Contact selling agents Lanes on 020 8342 3795 or visit telfordhomes.plc.uk.

Finally, Higgins Homes’ The East Village offers an excellent combination of convenience and affordability. The modern development of 179 one- and two-bedroom apartments is within walking distance of both Dagenham and Dagenham Heathway stations, from where the District Line will take you into the City and West End in just over half an hour. Those who work in Canary Wharf will also find an easy commute, as the Jubilee Line is seven stops away at West Ham station.

One-bedroom apartments are priced at £139,995 and two-bedrooms are priced at £169,995 – both less a five per cent assisted deposit. Contact Higgins Homes: 020 8517 7887 or visit higginshomes.co.uk.

Classic town houses in a fabulous setting near Colchester.

Waterside Marina, the superior new development by Hampstead Homes in Brightlingsea, has attracted considerable interest from people looking to embrace a whole new lifestyle.
This new marina, which overlooks Brightlingsea Creek and the River Colne estuary, offers a fresh combination of three-storey houses and apartments. The classic three-storey town houses allow a dual-aspect view over the marina to the west and across the water towards Cindery Island in the east. The apartments lie next to the new pedestrian walkway that acts as a viewing platform over the yacht moorings.

Brightlingsea is the only Essex town to be awarded Cinque Port status and it is naturally proud of its tradition and historic links with the sea. The town offers shops and restaurants but the larger town’s of Colchester and Clacton are within a ten-mile drive. London can be accessed in under one hour from Colchester’s mainline train station.

Waterside Marina forms part of the historic Brightlingsea yachting harbour, which plays host to a number of annual competitions. And in the summer months, the town comes alive thanks to an influx of visitors wishing to experience the carnival, beaches, flower festival, watersports and the local delicacy of fish and chips.

Phase two of the build, which is set around a private marina, comprises more than 175 apartments – many with up to three bedrooms – and a handful of three/four-bedroom town houses, as well as over 20 retail units. Prices start from £185,995.
The crisp lines of these contemporary homes blend seamlessly with the new marina, and the altering façades of white render and western red cedar stay true to the nautical theme in the stunning coastal location.

Internally, the properties benefit from hardwood flooring and fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms, providing sophistication and style. Secure underground parking is provided and there is also the option of leasing a private mooring (subject to availability).
For information about Waterside Marina visit the marketing suite, which is open Friday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Alternatively, call Bateman’s of Brightlingsea on 01206 302601 or Savills New Homes Ipswich on 01473 234800, or visit watersidemarina.co.uk.

Hornsey, London

St James Homes is seeing great success with its new mixed-use development New River Village, located in sought-after N8. Covering 400 metres of river frontage, the development provides 622 urban suites, one and two bedroom apartments with extensive landscaping, a fully equipped gymnasium, Royal Academy Art Gallery, Pumphouse Dining Bar and communal roof terraces. New River Village is approximately five minutes from Hornsey mainline station, from where trains to Moorgate take only 18 minutes. Also, Turnpike Lane tube is less than a ten-minute walk away. Prices in the Hudson Building start at £156,000 for an ‘urban suite’ studio apartment. Contact 020 8347 4139 or visit newrivervillage.co.uk.

Finchley, London

Linden Homes has just launched its exclusive new 96 Torrington Park development to customers registered on its innovative Connections database at Jeremy Leaf Estate Agents on Thursday 11 May. These luxury two bedroom, two bathroom apartments will appeal to young professional owner-occupiers and investors alike. Guide prices start at £325,000; off-plan incentives are available. Call selling agents Jeremy Leaf on 020 8446 4295.

Addlestone, Surrey

Barratt’s St George’s Gate development is a collection of just 22 apartments, located between Weybridge and Chertsey. The area is very convenient, with the M3 and M25 nearby. Prices at St George’s Gate start at £262,995. For further information on these stylish one- and two-bedroom apartments or details on the special incentives contact the Barratt sales team on 01932 846056 or visit barratthomes.co.uk.

Horsham, West Sussex

Hillreed Homes is currently marketing Kentwyns Place, a prestigious development of 18 top-of-the-range luxury apartments and penthouses. These exceptional properties boast the highest specification. Hillreed is offering a spring discount on two two-bedroom second-floor penthouses, for those who are able to exchange quickly; these are priced at £499,950 and £589,950. Other apartments are priced between £279,950 and £304,950. Call 01403 256866 for further information.

Notting Hill, London

No. 7 Pembridge Villas consists of a pair of modern four-bedroom semi-detached residences, tucked away behind where Pembridge Villas meets Pembridge Place in this ultra-desirable area. Designed by architects Barton Willmore, each property offers around 2,890 square feet of living space. Emphasis is very much on cutting edge design and luxury specification. Each home is priced at £2.8 million. Call Berkeley Homes on 020 7720 4000.

Docklands, London

Only a handful of spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments and duplexes remain for sale at Weston Homes’ 41 Millharbour, located moments from South Quay.  The apartments, located on the eight and ninth floors, range from 1,017 to 1,044 square feet. The remaining two-bedroom apartments and duplexes at 41 Millharbour start at £415,000, while three-bedroom duplexes start at £795,000.  Penthouses are priced from £710,000. Call 020 7517 0808.

Reigate, Surrey

A two-bedroom show apartment is now open at Warwick Place, Try Homes’ new development on Wray Common Road. The apartment has an en suite shower room, as well as a large living room with glazed double doors to a sleek modern kitchen with integrated appliances. French doors open out from the living room on to a patio. Prices start at £249,950. Call Try Homes on 01737 764652.

A waterside location never goes out of fashion – and with the current crop of new homes near water, the homes themselves are also stunning.

A location beside a river, canal, lake or seaside lends an aura of tranquillity that is invaluable in a home environment. It is also good for the capital growth, as this type of feelgood factor never goes out of style. There are quite a few newly built homes with a waterside aspect currently on the market.

Barratt Homes offers a number of high-quality Thames-side schemes, including Sargasso, the last waterside release of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments at the very successful Capital East development.

With the 18-storey height providing out-of-this-world water views and the Royal Docks location making for a quiet yet connected lifestyle, this development has won fans representing a wide range of buyer types. For busy career people, this development is the ultimate location; Royal Victoria DLR is only minutes’ away, from where you can reach Canary Wharf in seven minutes and Bank in 25. London City Airport is also very nearby.
Capital East is also well placed for Olympic action; the adjacent ExCel Centre will host four separate arenas for the 2012 Olympics hosting boxing, table tennis, judo, tae kwon do, wrestling and weightlifting.

Designer fitted kitchens have integrated stainless steel appliances, while many of the apartments have an en suite to the master bedroom. The spacious living/dining rooms are the ideal setting for relaxing or entertaining.

Visit the floating marketing suite, open daily from 10am to 6pm, or call 0845 600 3525.
Downriver in up-and-coming Thamesmead is Barratt’s The Crescent at Thames Walk, which has contemporary houses and apartments that are ideal for today’s lifestyle. This development is part of the exciting Thames Gateway expansion programme of residential, commercial, retail and leisure enterprise which is building a whole new community in this part of south-east London.
The apartments feature designer fitted kitchens with integrated oven, hob and hood, and spacious living/dining rooms. Some of the homes have balconies, and many have en suites. Allocated parking is included in the cost.

New public transport services have been introduced and many more are planned, including the new Thames Gateway Bridge from Thamesmead Central to the north bank. The go-ahead has also been given for an extension of the DLR from London City Airport to Woolwich Arsenal. These two initiatives alone will make commuting into Canary Wharf, the City and the West End even easier than at present – good news for investors as well as owner-occupiers.
Thamesmead itself has a good range of local shopping facilities including superstores, while there are extensive facilities in neighbouring Woolwich, Greenwich and the Peninsula Retail Park. Bluewater, Europe’s largest shopping complex, is only 12 miles away, just off the M25 at junction 2. Bus services operate from Merbury Road to Woolwich Arsenal.
Prices currently range from £235,995 to £272,995. Call 020 8316 5876.

Also at Woolwich is Berkeley Homes’ amazing Royal Arsenal development, which combines respectful restoration of the wonderful Victorian buildings of the former arsenal site with highly complementary new buildings. Throughout the large development, which is being rnovated and released to buyers gradually, the watchwords are extremely high specification and architectural quality.

Currently at Royal Arsenal there are several phases available to buyers. Reflection provides a particularly fresh take on waterside living. The group of interlinked apartment blocks is built around a shallow lagoon which forms a stunning central feature – and great care has been taken in choosing the colours and textures of the buildings in a way that augments the waterside location.

Spread over seven floors, the apartments and penthouses offer smart, contemporary living space with great views and top-of-the-range specification. Lush water plants and a central sculpture make the lagoon an attractive focal point for all the apartments. The ground floor apartments have either patio areas with timber jetties reaching over the water or open access to a large timber boardwalk overlooking the water.
Current availability at Reflection includes two- and three-bedroom apartments, priced between £2850,000 and £365,000. For more information call 020 8331 7272.

Expressions is a new Barratt development on Parrock Street in the centre of Gravesend. These homes, which include eight four-bedroom town houses and 12 two-bedroom, two bathroom apartments, are already proving exceptionally popular.

The three-storey town houses are exceptionally spacious and designed for flexible use. Each home has an integrated sound system, security system and two allocated parking spaces, a great boon for town-centre dwellers. The development also demonstrates Barratt’s commitment to environmental reponsibility: two of the town houses include solar panels in the roof, which provide energy for water heating, and a harvesting system pumps fresh rainwater directly into the house.

One of these ‘green’ homes also includes a fantastic range of cutting-edge technology, including LCD or plasma screens on every floor, a touch screen computer with broadband and a CCTV camera on the front door.
Apartments are also impressive, with an exceptionally roomy living/dining area, a balcony or terrace opening off both the living room and the main bedroom, and an extremely well equipped luxury fitted kitchen and two bathrooms. Each apartment has allocated parking.
Prices start at £224,995 for a two-bedroom apartment and £349,995 for a three-bedroom town house. Call Barratt on 01474 327864 or visit barratthomes.co.uk.

St James Homes, in partnership with the Chelsea College of Art and Design and gallery director Donald Smith, have launched a groundbreaking contemporary exhibition space, Chelsea Futurespace in Hepworth Court at Grosvenor Waterside, a new development of apartments and penthouses built around the historic Grosvenor Dock. The exhibition space is the first in the area for over a decade and the first ‘alumni’ space of its kind in London. The public will be able to see regular exhibitions of high-profile artworks by well-known artists who once studied or taught at the Chelsea College of Art and Design.

Grosvenor Waterside, on the banks of the Thames next to Chelsea Bridge, has transformed the historic Grosvenor Dock into a new residential quarter for Chelsea, providing over 850 apartments and penthouses as well as commercial, leisure and parking facilities.
The inaugural Chelsea Futurespace exhibition will feature a new series of works by leading British artist Stephen Farthing RA, entitled Painting The Atlantic, the central element of which is a 27-foot-long continuous painting of the Atlantic Ocean.
Curent availability at Grosvenor Waterside includes apartments in the Cubitt Building, priced from £450,000 for a studio to £875,000 for a three-bedroom apartment. Call 020 7828 6326 or visit grosvenorwaterside.com.

For those who aspire to the seaside life, Valley Park is Bovis Homes’ stunning new development of 38 four- and five-bedroom homes at Dovercourt, Harwich. The homes are close to public open space just minutes from majestic cliffs and a Blue Flag sandy beach.
These executive homes incorporate 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 homes have a bonus room in the roof, a Bovis specialty. Purchasers who buy early can chose their own kitchens units and bathroom tiling from the extensive Bovis Homes range.

Valley Park is just 30 minutes by rail to Colchester and Ipswich and one-and-a-half hour 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 at £219,950. Contact the sales manager on 0845 260 5189 or visit the website bovishomes.co.uk.

St Clements is an impressive collection of 16 apartments in Westgate-on-Sea, designed for those who have reached retirement age and want a well-designed, comfortable home that offers much and demands little.
Occupying a prominent position in St Mildreds Road, most of these apartments have spectacular sea views. Each includes luxury fitted kitchen with integrated appliances. The building has two lifts, while each home has a security entry system. Communal parking is an exclusive right to all of the residents living at St.Clements. The communal lounge and communal lounge and gardens are ideal.

Westgate-on-Sea offers good high street shopping, as well as easy links to such destinations as Margate and Birchington via a regular bus service. Canterbury is also within easy reach via the A28, while train connections from London to Margate are set to get even better with a scheduled fast link. The newly opened Westwood Cross shopping centre offers popular high street stores such as Marks & Spencer and Debenhams.
To view one of the apartments at St Clements call 01462 712917.

Higgins Homes offers apartments with an enviable riverside location at Rivière in Hertford, where homes are priced from £215,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.
Rivière is a new Higgins Homes development which stretches along the banks of the River Lea in Hertford, Hertfordshire comprising 78 one, two and three bedroom apartments, most with views over the river.
 
The development, located on Mill Road, is configured in an ‘L’ shape and creates a dramatic frontage to the river and the adjacent Hertford Basin. To maximise views, some apartments feature balconies or roof terraces, ideal for watching the comings and goings on the river.
The development is the perfect solution for busy London professionals who are looking for a retreat from the hustle and bustle of London life though have no intention of compromising on specification or location. Rivière offers the tranquillity of waterside living, yet London Liverpool Street can be reached in 48 minutes from Hertford East train station which is opposite the development. For local shopping, including the weekly market and nightlife, Hertford town centre is approximately a mile away and can be reached via the leafy tow path.
Designer-inspired interiors feature fully-fitted Urban Myth kitchens complete with Smeg integrated appliances and fitted wardrobes to the master bedroom. Each apartment comes with an allocated parking space within an electronically accessed underground car park and there is a communal garden for the sole use of residents.

First completions are due summer 2006. Contact Higgins Homes on 01992 503600.
George Wimpey City has opened a superb new show apartment at Falcon Wharf in Battersea.
The one-bedroom contemporary-style apartment offers an impressive 821 sq ft of space, while the super-chic interior design scheme complements the home’s architectural features.
Located on the fifth storey, the floor-to-ceiling glazing of the show apartment affords lovely river views. Another interesting feature of this apartment is the winter garden, an enclosed glazed balcony which extends the living space for year-round use and capitalises on the great views.

Falcon Wharf features four curved towers facing north, east, south and west and rises to 17 storeys, making it a real Thames landmark. The building has been designed to maximise views over the river, the City of London and Canary Wharf.
Current prices start at £321,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. To arrange a viewing contact the marketing suite on 0870 990 7599 or visit falconwharf.co.uk.

Tabard Square is one of the largest brownfield regeneration sites within central London at 1.2 hectares, and has transformed the historic former Pickfords Removals Depot on Long Lane into a mix of contemporary homes, shops, leisure facilities, commercial space - which already includes the recently opened ‘Bright Horizons’ childcare centre - and offices. The homes and commercial outlets will be set around the community focal point of a central public square.
Tabard Square is the latest Berkeley Homes addition to sophisticated London city living. Comprising 572 units and incorporating a 22 –storey landmark tower and central piazza, the apartments range from 313 sq ft to 1,433 sq ft. Once complete, the development with its new beacon will form an iconic part of the South London skyline.     
         
The development is proving extremely popular with purchasers in the local area, with over 80 per cent of the apartments already sold. The recent opening of the Bright Horizons childcare facility is the first commercial element of this mixed use regeneration project, which will have a supermarket, dedicated office space, a restaurant and a variety of smaller boutiques and cafés. Tabard Square is destined to become a real urban village for residents and the local community alike.

The stylish apartments, which boast a highly contemporary specification, are priced between £345,000 and £595,000, and many benefit from their own private balcony or terrace. All apartments are cleverly designed to offer spacious open plan living and many feature expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing to make the most of the spectacular views.
The new community is ideally placed for city workers with the capital’s business and financial district located just a ten-minute walk from the development. Commuters will find Borough an ideal location for local, national and international travel. Borough tube station and London Bridge mainline station offer a host of local and national connections.
Call 020 7403 7503 or visit tabard-square.co.uk.

Barratt has launched Vista in Seaford, which has drawn interest from such far-flung places as Croydon, Crawley and London. The superb new gated development on Marine Parade, has plenty to offer. It’s within easy walking distance of the town centre, Bishopstone station and the seafront, which is approximately 200 yards away.

Each of the beautiful new three and four-bedroom houses provides a balcony and an abundance of spacious living accommodation including a kitchen/breakfast room or kitchen/dining room, a separate utility room, a well-proportioned living room and a family/room study.
Prices range from just £317,995 for a three-bedroom, two bathroom house and from £379,995 for a four-bedroom, three bathroom house. Contact the sales team on 01323 899650.

Fareham, Hampshire

Berkeley’s GreenQuarter at Knowle near Wickham has an attractive farmland setting and a wide choice of homes. Two new show homes are now open - one a four-bedroom detached family home with top floor bonus room, the other impressively dressed in modish 1970s-style colours. Prices start at £175,000 for a two-bedroom apartment, £215,000 for a three-bedroom house and £275,000 for a four-bedroom house. Call 01329 835135 or visit knowlehomes.co.uk.

Only one apartment remains in the Luna Building at at Berkeley Homes’ Tempus in SE16. The two-bedroom second-floor show apartment is set in a seven-storey cube of glass, steel and stone, in stark contrast to the brick warehouse conversions on this stretch of the Thames. Shad Thames, with its excellent restaurants, is just a short stroll away. Priced at £550,000. Call 01732 227666 for further information.

Crowthorne, Berkshire

Wellesley Court is a collection of 24 two-bedroom apartments, each with a professionally designed kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a large living/dining room leading to a balcony or patio area. The development is within walking distance of Crowthorne station and situated very near wonderful countryside and a golf course. Prices start at £265,000. Call selling agents Romans on 01344 776010.

This collection of 24 two bedroom apartments, offers spacious and well-proportioned homes built to the highest specification, which are easily maintained and economical to run. Each apartment features a professionally designed kitchen with stainless steel integrated appliances and recessed downlighters, a large living/dining room leading to a balcony or patio area, an en-suite and generous fitted wardrobes to the bedrooms.

The luxurious development is perfectly situated, as it is located within easy walking distance of Crowthorne station, local shops and provides easy access to Crowthorne High Street.  It is also close to a variety of woods and commons, providing ample opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside.

Keen golfers will be pleased to see that East Berkshire Golf Club is located just behind Wellesley Court on Ravenswood Avenue, and The Downshire Golf Complex, one of the UK’s premier municipal golf courses, is also situated nearby on Nine Mile Ride.

Prices at Wellesley Court range from £265,000 to £270,000.  The show apartment is open from Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm. For further information please call the selling agent Romans on 01344 776010

Swiss Cottage, London

As new beautifully designed three-bedroom show apartment is now open at The Visage, Barratt’s ultra-modern development with its distinctive steel and glass exterior, only a few apartments remain. This select NW3 development has Alno kitchens, wonderful views and an exclusive concierge service. The remaining apartments start at £474,995. For more information contact Barratt Homes at The Visage on 020 7586 7577.

Must hurry for must-have apartment
 
With its amazing steel and glass atrium-foyer, The Visage feels pretty special as soon as you walk through the main entrance. Barratt’s ultra modern development, located in the heart of Swiss Cottage, has been a great success since its launch and opportunities to buy there are now strictly limited. Just a few apartments remain, hardly surprising when you take into account the unique combination of looks, location, service and specification.

A new, beautifully designed and furnished three-bedroom show apartment is now open demonstrates why The Visage is so different and exciting.  In the show apartment the interior space is generous, and the views across the London skyline are inspiring. Cutting edge contemporary furnishings and colour schemes illustrate perfectly the enticing possibilities of life at The Visage.

The remaining apartments, in the Nexus One phase, have between one and four bedrooms, all with coolly sophisticated interiors. Kitchens are by top German designer Alno; most apartments have a balcony or terrace. As befits an address with the select NW3 postcode, The Visage offers its residents an exclusive concierge service, La Vie a Visage, another hotel-type feature which is a real boon to busy urbanites.

The Visage has a prestigious location close to Hampstead, St John’s Wood and Regent’s Park. The West End is a quick black cab ride away, and it’s just a few minutes from major road routes for fast, out-of-town getaways. It’s an amazing development in every sense: its sell-out success is hardly surprising.

For further details about The Visage, where prices for the remaining apartments start from £474,995, please contact Barratt Homes at The Visage on 020 7586 7577, between 10 am and   6 pm daily or visit the Barratt website: www.barratthomes.co.uk

Fairfield Park is an imaginative project near Stotfold, Bedfordshire, breathing new life into a former Grade II Victorian mental asylum and its 173 acres of grounds. The hospital was closed down in 1999 and became derelict, and is now the centre of a multi-million-pound scheme in which a consortium of builders will provide over 900 new homes.
The regeneration aspect of Fairfield Park is not its only attraction. Villages back in vogue with those who are tired of the anonymity of the cities and keen to be part of a community; and this wonderfully varied collection of homes is perfect in that respect. Not only does it offer communal space and facilities for all residents, it also offers proximity to excellent transport links so that those who work in the cities can have the best of both worlds.
The setting is fantastic – Fairfield Park is situated in mature parkland just a short drive from the towns of Letchworth and Hitchin, and is only two miles from junction 10 of the A1(M). There is easy access to London via railway stations at Hitchin, Letchworth and Arlesey – all of these stations run regular services to King’s Cross. And for frequent flyers, Luton Airport is just over ten miles away.

Fairfield Park is ideal for families. Educationally, the area is served well with pre-school, nursery, primary and secondary schools in Stotfold, Arlesey, Letchworth and Hitchin, as well as North Herts College, which offers further education opportunities. These nearby towns also offer a wealth of leisure, entertainment and shopping facilities, including cinemas, swimming pools, sports centres, golf courses, restaurants, bars and clubs.
Twigden Homes is developing over eight acres of the Fairfield Park project, creating a variety of Victorian-style houses and paying particular attention to detail. Care has been taken to ensure that the development is sympathetically designed to blend with surrounding countryside and architecture.

Twigden’s contribution to Fairfield Park will be built in four phases and will offer a range of house types from two to six bedrooms, terraced to detached. Interiors will include both traditional Victorian-style and contemporary designs.
At Fairfield Park, there is something for everyone. Whatever the size, all of Twigden’s homes at Fairfield Park benefit from the same level of care and attention to detail. While the development itself has been designed to recall 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.

Current availability includes the Arthur house type, a five-bedroom home on three floors, as well as the two-bedroom semi-detached Bertie and the Peter four-bedroom home. The George house type, a five-bedroom home with garage and additional study and cloakroom above, has only one example left to sell. The Leopold and Louise three-bedroom house types also have only one remaining each.
Prices for Twigden’s contribution to Fairfield Park currently start at £229,995 for a two-bedroom home. The sales office is open daily. Call 01462 683537 or visit twigdenhomes.co.uk for more information. For details of all Twigden’s developments visit twigdenhomes.co.uk.

PJ Livesey demonstrates its well-known devotion to Britain’s architectural heritage with its stunning renovations at Fairfield Hall, its current contribution to the wider Stotfold scheme. With the recent opening of a new show apartment, the developer is also offering some impressive spring deals, including such goodies as: stamp duty paid; upgraded kitchens and bathrooms; carpets and flooring; or an allowance towards legal fees. There are also wonderful first-time buyer deals, as well as mortgage advice.
Fairfield Hall consists of a range of exclusive apartments, each demonstrating high standards of build quality, specification and finish. An open-plan design ensures maximum space and light, while kitchens boast a range of modern appliances and bathrooms are beautiful and contemporary.

Fairfield Hall will have its own luxury leisure facilities, including a state-of-the-art health club and fully licensed deli bar.
Current availability includes one- and two-bedroom apartments, priced from £179,950. The marketing suite at Fairfield Hall is open daily from 10am to 5pm and no appointment is necessary. Call 01462 735125 for more information.

Stamford Homes offers wonderful homes in a prime Fairfield Park setting. Such is the popularity of the homes Stamford is creating here that only four currently remain for sale. The impressive three-bedroom Newton design offers living and sleeping areas are spread over three spacious floors and can be adapted to suit individual requirements and lifestyle needs. Priced at £375,000, the Newton comes with turfed and landscaped gardens.
Also available are two four-bedroom semi-detached houses, priced at £375,000 and £380,000.
The sales office and show home are open daily from 10.30am to 5pm. Contact the sales team on 01462 835192.

Bryant Homes has just launched its Fairfield Park development. The selection of unique one-bedroom apartments and two-, three- and four-bedroom homes is available for house hunters to buy off-plan. A show home is planned for later in the year.
One-bedroom apartments start at £175,000, while two-bedroom apartments are priced from £205,000. Three-bedroom homes are also now available, priced from £225,000. A single four-bedroom property called the Farmhouse – a spacious family home with contemporary styling and features, two en-suite bathrooms, three reception rooms and a large kitchen/breakfast room – will be released shortly.

All the homes are built to a high specification with double glazing, gas central heating, fitted kitchens with oven, hob and hood, integrated appliances including fridge freezer, washer dryer and dishwasher and ceramic floor and wall tiles.  
This exclusive new development from Bryant Homes follows on from the company’s other successful developments in the area including Northfield Grange and Grange View.
Regional senior sales manager, Heather Holl, said: ‘We expect our Fairfield Park development to attract a great deal of attention from house hunters as Bryant is well known in the area. Not only will purchasers be attracted to the unique lifestyle and stunning surroundings that the development will have to offer, there is also the added convenience of great commuter links.’
Call the marketing suite, open daily, on 01462 733785.

Miller Homes currently offers properties ranging from two to five bedrooms. With two-bedroom apartments priced from £189,950 and ready to move into, there will definitely be a lot of interest from first-time buyers. These are ‘detached’ apartments built over garage blocks and finished to an excellent specification.
The range of houses includes the popular Alice design, a three-bedroom terraced home, available from only £229,950. There are also four-bedroom houses, many including such features as a garden room or family room, priced from £334,995. Top of the range is the Victoria five-bedroom home, priced at £549,995.

Miller Homes at Fairfield Park is located off the Hitchin Road out of nearby Stotfold. The sales centre is open daily from 10am to 5pm and can be contacted on 0845 676 0171.
Charles Church has a wide range of homes at Fairfield Park, including two-, three-, four-, five- and six-bedroom homes, each designed in keeping with the Victorian style of the development.
Prices currently range from £262,995 to £635,995. The sales office is open 11am to 5pm. For further information call 01462 835407.

Each home features superb levels of specification, including a well-planned and imaginatively-designed kitchen fitted with a luxurious range of units including oven, hob, and hood, as well as integrated dishwasher and fridge/freezer. The spacious living area is ideal for the family to relax in together and boasts superb French doors which flood the room with natural light.
The lavish master bedroom comes with its own en suite shower room for added convenience. Further bedrooms will be served by the main family bathroom featuring sleek white sanitaryware and enhanced by chrome fittings.
For further information contact Charles Church North London on 0845 121 2211 or visit charleschurch.com.

Bellway Homes is selling its Oakdene development at Fairfield Park, a collection of 20 three-, four- and five-bedroom houses that offer both wonderful indoor space and also ample opportunities to connect with nature. Set in mature parkland, the development has the advantage of offering plenty of space for everything from child’s play to ‘green exercise’, from quiet contemplation to brisk walks.

Cars are put in their place at Fairfield Park; necessary though they may be to modern living, a community is better served when the infrastructure of a community gives priority to cyclists and pedestrians. And this is exactly what has been done here; pedestrian walkways and a web of cycle paths throughout the mature parkland setting will enable residents to reach nearby Arlesey, Stotfold and Letchworth without the stress of being behind the wheel.
Green policies are given more than lip service. Each house will have a water butt and water meter, compost bins, and bike storage facility, and energy-efficient boilers and light fittings.
Current availability includes four-bedroom homes, price from £373,000 and five-bedroom homes starting at £405,000. All houses will have landscaped rear gardens. The sales centre is open daily from 10am and 5pm. Call 01462 731580.

 
Bermac Properties Plc are delighted to announce that building work is now well underway at its flagship scheme, ‘Nautica’, a stunning new collection of 24 contemporary apartments, situated at Fore Hamlet in Ipswich. A “topping out” ceremony was recently held to celebrate completion of the highest point of the building and site workers were treated to a fish and chip lunch.

Featuring private terraces and elevated views over the historic docks at Orwell Quay, the development is located a few minutes walk from Ipswich town centre, with the new scheme comprising an exclusive collection of two-bedroom high specification apartments, incorporating a ground floor commercial unit and a feature 5th floor penthouse apartment with dual aspect private terraces.  
With the show apartment expected to launch in mid May 2006, interested parties can take in what life will be like to reside close to the waters edge in a new Bermac property, with aspirational lifestyle benefits and contemporary design features exceeding the requirements of today’s discerning purchasers.  Currently purchasers can make off plan enquiries at the development, with the first apartments at ‘Nautica’ expected to be ready for occupation in June 2006

The properties at ‘Nautica’ have been designed to accommodate a myriad of purchaser expectations, offering competitive pricing in comparison to other developments in and around the dock area, with prices expected to start from

£139,950.  Bermac Properties Plc are also offering buyers a range of excellent incentives for early reservations.

‘Nautica’ provides an aesthetically appealing and interesting local landmark, with a nautical theme and contemporary addition to the streetscene enhancing the skyline in keeping with the history of the local area.

Interesting architectural features incorporate an overall design with the silhouette of a cargo ship in mind; where the top floor has full width glazing, giving the appearance of the ‘bridge’ as seen on a ship, whilst the 4th floor roof terrace and flat roof over the lower elements of the building provides a view similar to that across a cargo area.

The apartments at ‘Nautica’ are expected to be complete in August 2006.
 
Internally, the urban chic layouts feature first class kitchens with quality integrated appliances, contemporary bathrooms with fixtures and fittings and    open plan kitchen/living areas enhancing natural light and space.

Offering today’s busy purchasers flexible living space, a number of apartments feature dual aspect layouts, with further lifestyle benefits to all properties including smart home structured data cabling systems featuring television and telephone distribution and pre-cabling for “whole home audio”, Sky and Sky+ television and intruder alarms.  Purchasers also benefit from allocated private parking which is included in the purchase price.

‘Nautica’ is ideally located for commuters, with mainline links from Ipswich into London’s Liverpool Street taking around an hour, whilst for road users the A14 accesses the A140 to Norwich and beyond; and the A12 into London (which links to the M25).  The A12 from Colchester provides links to the A133 to Clacton on Sea and the A120 to Harwich.

With interest in the development already high, early enquiries are advised.  For off plan enquiries, please contact selling agents Strutt & Parker on 01473 214841 or e-mail: ipswich@struttandparker.co.uk or Fenn Wright on 01473 232700 or e-mail: ipswichresidential@fennwright.co.uk.  Further information will shortly be available from the Nautica web site - www.nautica-ipswich.co.uk  
   

Apartment living is in big demand these days. Johnny Turner seeks out the finest new build flats currently available.

A high-quality apartment is a sought-after commodity to today’s buyer, whether they are a first-time buyer or looking to trade up or downsize. Developers are providing an excellent selection of apartments in a variety of locations throughout London and the South East.
Bermac Properties has announced the launch of a show apartment at Nautica, its flagship development in Ipswich, where work is well under way. The stunning new collection of 24 contemporary apartments, situated at Fore Hamlet in Ipswich, will feature private terraces and elevated views over the historic docks at Orwell Quay.

The development, located just a few minutes’ walk from Ipswich town centre, will comprise an exclusive collection of high-specification two-bedroom apartments and incorporate a ground-floor commercial unit. Nautica will feature a fifth-floor penthouse apartment with dual-aspect private terraces. Allocated private parking is included in the purchase price.

Nautica is ideally located for commuters, with mainline links from Ipswich into Liverpool Street taking around an hour. For motorists, the A14 accesses the A140 to Norwich and beyond, as well as the A12 into London (which links to the M25). The seaside is very convenient, with the A12 from Colchester providing links to the A133 to Clacton-on-Sea and the A120 to Harwich.
The show apartment will launch in mid-May and the first apartments at Nautica are expected to be ready for occupation in June. Prices are expected to start at £139,950. Bermac Properties is also offering buyers a range of incentives for early reservations. Those who are interested in living an aspirational, water’s-edge lifestyle in buzzing Ipswich should make an off-plan enquiry. Contact selling agents Strutt & Parker on 01473 214841 or Fenn Wright on 01473 232700.

Apartments are the ideal spaces for those who have found it difficult to get on to the property ladder. And a particular scheme in the Borough of Hounslow comes up trumps in terms of smart use of space as well as the ways in which first-time buyers can finally be included in the property market.

Berkeley First has completed phase two of its landmark Paragon scheme in Brentford, handing over the 179 key worker apartments to Presentation Housing Association. There is a mix of home types available, either for rent or purchase through shared ownership.
The Paragon scheme meets not only the ambition of Berkeley First to be at the forefront of the provision of well designed affordable accommodation, but also the aspirations of the London Borough of Hounslow to enhance the provision of affordable homes for its key workers.
Of the handover to Presentation, Matthew Biddle, managing director of Berkeley First, says, ‘This marks a significant step towards meeting the demand for well designed, key worker homes in London. We can now start to see our vision turning into reality. Paragon provides a genuine opportunity for people to invest in their future and enhance their quality of life, in what will become a truly mixed and sustainable community.’

Paragon, London’s largest mixed-use affordable led development, will regenerate a formerly under-utilised site, creating a total of 221 homes for key workers, 839 student study bedrooms, a 130,000 sq ft academic facility for Thames Valley University’s Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, 3,000 sq ft of retail space and more than 300 jobs for the borough.
Most of the student accommodation is expected to be handed over for occupation by TVU students by September, with the completion of the academic facility expected in March next year.

Other current ventures include 661 London Road in Isleworth, while a proposal for a site near Clapham Junction is also making progress. Visit berkeleyfirst.co.uk to learn more about these first-time-buyer-friendly developments.
The latest venture from Ryan Homes is seeing the transformation of the former Anchor Pub site in South Fambridge, Essex into Maritime Mews, an exquisite collection of apartments and cottages. Situated adjacent to The Coach House on Fambridge Road, the high-specification properties boast a highly sought-after village centre setting near the riverside as well as attractive views.

The ten two-bedroom apartments range in size from 639 sq ft to 884 sq ft, while the three three-bedroom cottages offer living accommodation of 1,102 sq ft. There will also be a café bar at the development.
Ashingdon provides shops and amenities including a post office, community hall, chemists and florists, while there is a further choice of shops and amenities at Rochford, approximately five miles away.

A show apartment is open. Prices for the new homes currently start at £180,000 for the apartments and £259,950 for the cottages. As interest is high, early enquiries are advised. To register your interest contact Dedman New Homes on 01702 533700.

Crest Nicholson is proud to announce the next stage of exciting living spaces at The Arboretum in St Albans, starting with the launch of Casson House, a delightful scheme of two-bedroom apartments and two- and three-bedroom houses on Saturday 6 May. With prices starting from £249,950 these homes are ideal for singles or couples, downsizers looking for generous space or indeed for a small family.

Set in over 72 acres of listed woodland, The Arboretum consists of 545 homes, including new and refurbished one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses and villas, all with a high quality of design.

Crest Nicholson has ensured that most properties at The Arboretum benefits from its unique environment, and the homes are interspersed among acres of mature parkland offering a peaceful setting. Yet the development is well placed for commuting, being only 30 minutes by train from the City of London. For drivers, the M25, with its links to the M1, A1(M) and A41, is a short drive away, making this location perfect for getting into or away from the capital.
From St Albans train station, peak time Thameslink trains take around 25 minutes to travel direct into King’s 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 feature fully fitted kitchens with a comprehensive range of Bosch appliances in stainless steel, white or black, whilst ovens feature a stainless steel hood/extractor or canopy. Fully fitted Villeroy & Boch sanitaryware in white, complemented by Hansgrohe taps and fittings, are included in the bathrooms, together with a wide ranging choice of stylish ceramic wall tiles.

To register interest in Casson House at The Arboretum contact the sales and marketing suite, open seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm on 01727 820730.

EastSide is a collection of apartments offering outstanding value for money in Bow, an area that is gaining ground daily in terms of desirability. The popularity of the area is reflected in the consistent growth of property values over the last ten years: prices in the area have increased by 180 per cent, from an average of £78,153 in 1996 to £219,244 in 2006. At just £194,950 for a one-bedroom apartment, Eastside offers potential purchasers an affordable opportunity to purchase close to this exciting market.

The area has all that today’s buyer could want: proximity to both the City and Canary Wharf for work and a vast array of restaurants, cafés, bars and entertainment venues, as well as the vibrant, historic Roman Road Market. Established in 1843, it is now one of London’s liveliest street markets, combining everyday goods with specialist products including crafts, clothing, antiques, books and foods.

Sue Dance, sales and marketing director of Widacre Home, says, ‘London’s historic markets are extremely popular and have become major attractions across the capital. The Roman Road is a cultural melting pot that is full of buzz and character, ideal for shopaholics and foodies alike. Eastside is perfectly positioned, close enough to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the market, but just far enough away to retreat from its hustle and bustle.’

A joint venture between Widacre Homes and Circle 33 Lifespace, Eastside comprises 132 stylish apartments dispersed across four building arranged on a central piazza-style garden square.
All apartments have been meticulously designed to maximise both light and space and boast a contemporary open-plan layout. Stylish kitchens extend into spacious living areas, while floor-to-ceiling windows flood the apartments with light.

Apartments all have outdoor spaces in the form of either good size balconies or terraces, ideal for al fresco dining and enjoying London during the summer months. The communal piazza-style garden square provides residents with a welcome outside space, a real. When complete it will comprise a selection of hard and soft landscaping along with a piece of communal art in the form of a bronze resin sculpture by a local artist.

Prices at for Eastside start at £192,450 for a one-bedroom apartment and £264,950 for a two-bedroom apartment. Call Strettons Residential on 020 7422 0989 or see eastside-e3.com.

At Vector in Ilford, Higgins Homes offers affordability in a very commuter-friendly zone. With prices from £225,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and £249,950 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex (both less a five per cent assisted deposit), this development is ideal for first-time buyers and investors alike.
Vector is a distinctive development of 24 highly modern apartments in a variety of apartment and duplex configurations. All of the homes include a private balcony and designer kitchen featuring Smeg appliances, as well as an integrated fridge/freezer and washer/dryer. The gated development is set within landscaped communal gardens and parking spaces are available to purchase.

Vector is close to lively Ilford town centre and its extensive selection of shops, bars and restaurants. Ilford train station is less than a mile away, giving journey times to Liverpool Street station of approximately 18 minutes. Stratford train station is just two stops away, providing links to the Jubilee Line and Docklands Light Railway, as well as the forthcoming Olympic site. Gants Hill and Newbury Park, both on the Central Line, are approximately a mile and a half away from Vector. 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.
For more information contact Higgins Homes on 020 8478 2020 or visit higginshomes.co.uk.

With the Outlook development in Southend-on-Sea, Gladedale Homes has created an exclusive range of just 30 two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses offering the ultimate in contemporary living at a stunning location.

The apartments epitomise luxury living with state-of-the-art specification, floor-to-ceiling windows, underground parking and decked balconies creating stylish yet practical living environments.

With cleverly designed open-plan layouts, en suite facilities and integrated kitchens, these apartments have been perfectly designed and built to complement the demands of 21st-century living.
Debbie Gallier, sales manager of Gladedale Homes, says, ‘The apartments at Outlook are instantly desirable and offer exceptional views across the Essex coastline. This development really does offer home buyers a unique and unrivalled living experience.’
Prices at Outlook start from £369,995. For further information contact the sales office on 01702 290232 or visit gladedale.co.uk.

Gate Studios, the eagerly anticipated Borehamwood development by Bryant Homes, will be launched on Saturday 29 May. Visitors keen not to miss out on one of the highly desirable properties can enjoy a glass of wine and some nibbles in the marketing suite to celebrate the release of first phase of properties.

This project sees a former sound studios site, disused since 2003, redeveloped into a collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments and three- and four-bedroom homes. With its excellent location and transport links, these properties will appeal to first-time buyers, commuters, families and downsizers.

Gate Studios is adjacent to Borehamwood high street and close to the Thameslink Station. The Thameslink line runs from Bedford to Brighton. Borehamwood has a wealth of amenities for owners of a Gate Studios property to enjoy. In addition to the excellent location and transport links into London, there are plenty of restaurants and country pubs to sample. A synagogue is within walking distance and fitness fanatics can take advantage such amenities as Holmes Place, Elstree Golf Club and the driving range.

The high street has a variety of bakeries, delis, a chemist, off license, banks and a Marks & Spencer food store. The nearby retail park is home to a range of well-known brand names.
This development is unlikely to stay on the market for long, so quick action is advised. For further information call 01992 441 959 or see bryant.co.uk.

At George Wimpey’s Birchwood Place in Redhill, Surrey several apartments have already been sold off-plan, giving purchasers the option to personalise their apartments and make savings.
The collection of apartments has been designed to appeal to first-time buyers and young professionals with its affordability and contemporary design. The en suite to the master bedroom as well as separate bathroom make the apartments suitable for mortgage shares or buy-to-let. 

For more information about Birchwood Place, or to view the stunning new show apartment, contact the sales team on 01737 76901.
Finally, Telford Homes’ Estilo development, located near the Islington/City borders, is fast approaching sell-out – and considering the location and the specification, this comes as no surprise.

The final apartment is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom lower ground floor apartment with the irresistible draw of a large private ground-floor terrace. The apartment offers 755 sq ft of living space and is priced at £350,000.
For more information on Estilo call the marketing suite on 020 7490 4814. To find out more about other high-quality apartment schemes from Telford, visit telfordhomes.plc.uk.

We look at a very desirable development in Cambridge by Redeham Homes

An exclusive development of contemporary waterside homes has just been successfully launched on the old Simoco site in Chesterton in Cambridge. Vie, a flagship development by Redeham Homes, is an outstanding waterside development comprising one- and two-bedroom apartments and three- and four-bedroom town houses, situated within just a mile of Cambridge city centre.

Following the highly successful launch, the first two blocks of apartments comprising 27 one- and two-bedroom apartments have already been sold. Also already sold are two large duplex penthouse apartments overlooking the river, which have achieved figures in excess of £500,000.

Work is already well underway on the site, with first completions expected this summer. And, according to David Bentley, head of Bidwells New Homes in Cambridge, the houses and apartments will be of a unique design with some exceptional features.

‘We have just released 14 houses of a contemporary design,’ said Bentley, ‘some of which have internal courtyards and terraces. All are being built to a very high specification which exceeds some of the top schemes in the city. Three of the houses have already been sold.’
Born out of the construction arm of well-established construction firm Coinford, Redeham Homes expects its flagship scheme to be a huge success. Redeham has built a reputation for designing and building distinctly superior homes throughout the South East of England.
Among the high-specification finishes at Vie are underfloor central heating, Villeroy & Boch sanitaryware, Hansgrohe fittings, walk-in wet floor shower rooms, and kitchens with integrated oven, hob, fridge freezer and washer/dryer, built-in microwave and dishwasher. Allocated parking and garaging are also included.

A large recreation area borders the front of the development and the River Cam, and a 14-metre high illuminated footbridge and a cycleway, which will provide easy access between Chesterton and the city, are also being planned. Work on the footbridge and cycleway is due to start this July and should be completed by spring 2007.
Prices for the one-bedroom apartments at Vie start at £225,000 and two-bedrooms at £299,950, while four-bedroom town houses start at £490,000.

The marketing suite, which includes a two-bedroom show apartment, is open seven days a week between 10am and 5pm. For further details on the development contact Bidwells New Homes on 01223 841842 or the marketing suite on 01223 365666.

Buckinghamshire’s bustling towns and charming hamlets are a favourite for home buyers. Johnny Turner sees what’s currently available.

With its rolling hills, cosy villages, well-connected commuter towns and its friendly pace, Buckinghamshire has lured a variety of buyer types from London and beyond. New developments offer a range of homes, from starter apartments to large family homes.
Starting in Milton Keynes, Bellway Homes offers a scheme that is ideal for water sports enthusiasts – or for anyone who appreciates the beauty of a canalside location. Broughton MK, situated just off Chaffron Way, is a collection of 234 new homes, including one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-, four- and five-bedroom houses.

With Willen Lake only a three-minute car drive or ten-minute bicycle ride away, water sports-loving residents at Broughton MK will be able to indulge in windsurfing, sailing and water skiing. A tributary of the Grand Union Canal runs by the scheme and Milton Keynes village, with its 12th-century All Saints Church, is only a few minutes away.

The Redway, a network of pedestrian and cycle paths, encircles the development, allowing residents to walk or cycle safely to Willen Lake or the centre of Milton Keynes. To meet the need for cycle storage, garages have been extended to include bicycle racks, while apartment buildings will have cycle areas. Local schools are plentiful and the Kingston Centre is accessible for its Tesco hypermarket, Marks & Spencer, restaurants and leisure facilities.
For rail commuters, regular trains run from Milton Keynes station to London Euston in around 50 minutes. Motorists can reach links to the M1 and A5 within minutes.

Broughton MK is still in the construction stage, and buyers can currently choose from a range of incentives, including five per cent deposit paid, cashback, or stamp duty and legal fees paid. Conditions apply. Call the marketing suite, open daily from 10am to 5pm and until 8pm on Thursday, on 01908 395463.

Also in Milton Keynes, Miller Homes offers Oakhill View, which has a range of homes that will appeal to a variety of buyers, from first-timers to large families. An example is The Chantrey, a three-story town house with four bedrooms, priced from £274,950. It has a large kitchen and breakfast room, separate dining room, living room and separate family room, as well as a utility room. This home is ideal for the growing family in need of increased space. With the Chantrey, too, Miller is offering its very popular part-exchange scheme to qualifying buyers, making it easy to trade up to a new home with lots more room. With this scheme, Miller buys your old home, giving you a guaranteed buyer at a guaranteed price and no estate agents’ fees to pay on completion.

For those in search of lateral living you want, Miller also has a range of two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments at Oakhill View, built to a similar high level of specification as the rest of the development and priced from £164,950. These homes are ideal for first-time buyers – and to give them a money-saving start on the property ladder Miller will also pay the five per cent deposit. These offers are subject to terms and conditions.
Apartments are planned to suit informal, modern lifestyles, with a well-equipped kitchen opening into a dining area and living room. The master bedroom has an en suite shower room as well as fitted wardrobes. Like all the homes at Oakhill View, they have Roca bathrooms, and kitchens with AEG appliances, and are carpeted throughout.
The sales centre at Oakhill View is off Tattenhoe Street to the west of the city and open daily from 10am to 5pm. Call 0845 676 0166.

Redrow’s sought-after development The Cedars, located in Hazlemere near High Wycombe, is finding favour with a range of buyers, including empty-nesters.
Just a short distance from High Wycombe town centre, Redrow is creating a stunning range of one- and two-bedroom apartments – perfect bases from which to enjoy new-found freedom.
Paul Moran, sales director for Redrow Homes (Southern) said: ‘Many people who have purchased a property at The Cedars are older buyers, looking for a home that fits in with their busy lifestyle. They no longer need lots of bedrooms but instead want a low-maintenance home, without compromising on style or quality.’
The Cedars is ideally situated in an established residential area, which provides its residents with all the necessary amenities such as shops, pubs and restaurants, making it ideal for downsizers. With High Wycombe surrounded by beautiful countryside and areas of outstanding natural beauty, The Cedars is also perfect for quiet country walks or bike rides, while London is also within easy commuting distance.

The homes at the Cedars score well on both the security side and with regard to energy efficiency. Each apartment comes with a single parking space included in the price. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment start at £193,950, while two-bedroom apartments are priced from £212,950. Cal the sales consultant on 01494 718347.

In Burnham town centre, another good bet for downsizers is Penn House, a modern development of stylish one- and two-bedroom apartments designed by Bryant Homes exclusively for over-55s. All homes are carpeted and have a fully fitted kitchen with high-quality appliances including oven, microwave, and washer/dryer. Many apartments benefit from an en suite bathroom and some have balconies.

The residents' communal lounge offers a fantastic place in which to relax and entertain friends and family, and the professionally maintained landscaped garden allows residents to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine without the worry of its upkeep. A video entry system offers discreet additional security and a concierge service is also available to welcome guests and deal with residents’ queries. Over half of the apartments have now been sold.
The development offers good access to the M40, M25 and M4, while nearby Beaconsfield train station provides direct train services to London Marylebone.
Prices for a one-bedroom apartment start at £204,950. Call 01628 663958.

At Linden Homes’ Cranwells Meadow development in Farnham Common, 14 homes have already been sold off-plan. With the newly completed show home ready for viewing, the remaining properties should sell just as quickly.
The Cranwells Meadow development benefits from a sought-after village location and is within easy reach of the village centre for local amenities. For commuters, the development has easy access to the A355 and the M4 and M40 motorways.

Helen Todd, sales and marketing director of Linden Homes Chiltern, says, ‘It really is a superb village location, which is why we have had such a fantastic response with homes being reserved even prior to the official launch. Customers are recognising that superior homes in such a sought-after and established residential location are not going to take long to sell and are taking advantage of buying off-plan in order to personalise their new home. The newly opened show home demonstrates the kind of lifestyle available.’
The homes have designer fitted kitchens with natural granite worktops and fully integrated stainless steel appliances by De Dietrich. A choice of floor and wall tiles are also available in the bathrooms, where purchasers will find luxury pristine white sanitaryware and underfloor heating.
Prices for the two-bedroom apartments start at £299,950 while houses are priced from £550,000. Call the sales and marketing suite, open daily from 10am to 5pm, on 01753 646192. Visit lindenhomes.co.uk.

Ashwell Gardens, the KingsOak Thames Valley development in Penn village, is cruising nearing sell-out. Only one two-bedroom apartment remains in the new Alnwick House building, priced at £304,995, while two apartments are left in the refurbished Grade II listed manor house – a one-bedroom at £234,995 and a two-bedroom apartment with a study, available at £404,995. There are also two semi-detached homes remaining, each offering just under 2,000 sq ft of space and priced at £550,995. KingsOak is extending its part-exchange facility on the semi-detached homes and will pay full market value for your present home, subject to certain conditions.

The delightful village is popular with London commuters for its easy access by road and rail. Beaconsfield is the nearest mainline station, while there is also a London Underground link at Amersham. For motorists, Junction 3 of the M40 is nearby at Loudwater. High Wycombe is also just three miles away. For more information please telephone the sales office on 01494 818909.
Work has begun at George Wimpey South Midlands’ brand new lakeside development in the attractive town of Woburn Sands on the border of Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Ideally situated just a mile from the centre of the beautiful Woburn Sands, Parklands will feature a range of two-bedroom apartments and three-, four- and five-bedroom homes.
These new high-quality homes will benefit from a high standard of specification, including gas central heating, double glazing and a fitted kitchen with built-in oven, hob and hood. The development has already attracted a high level of interest from house hunters who have been excited by the prospect of moving to this exciting location in one of the most desirable parts of the county.

Jason Colmer, Sales & Marketing Director for George Wimpey South Midlands, says, ‘Parklands is set to become the flagship development for the region, with a wide range of homes to suit every need, striking architectural features and a stunning setting with an established lake at its heart.’ Buyer interest was obvious, he says, from months before the first of the homes were released for sale. George Wimpey’s easymover programme will offer a range of special incentives on selected properties, including support for first- time buyers as well as those with a house to sell.
Woburn Sands enjoys a unique charm and character and offers a wide variety of everyday amenities, including a large selection of shops, a Post Office, banks, restaurants and traditional village inns. The village also features a medical centre, a dentists’ surgery, a primary and middle school, and a recreation ground.

Woburn Sands is surrounded by attractive woodland and countryside, providing the perfect retreat for those who enjoy the great outdoors, while the fast growing city of Milton Keynes is only six miles away with its wide choice of shopping and leisure facilities. Rail commuters will find the town’s rail station a short walk away, offering regular services to London and the North, while drivers will find the M1 and A5 within easy reach.

The sales centre at Parklands is due to open in the near future. In the meantime, further information on this and other George Wimpey developments is available on 01908 544800.
Banners Homes is selling Willow Court in Gerrards Cross, an exclusive collection of four three-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom penthouse. All of the apartments are built to the highest standards, with spacious living areas, beautifully designed interiors, spacious fitted wardrobes and a lift servicing the upper floors. Ground floor apartments have their own private gardens, while those on the upper levels benefit from landscaped communal gardens, maintained by Banner Homes.

The apartments contain kitchens with black granite work surfaces, under-unit lighting and downlighters and stainless steel integrated appliances. Bedrooms have sizeable fitted wardrobes and bathrooms feature stylish white sanitaryware, heated towel rails, chrome-effect fixtures and recessed down lights. The development has vehicular and pedestrian gates with a telephone entry system, 24-hour access code and remote opening.
Gerrards Cross offers wonderful shopping, leisure and entertainment options. There is a nearby supermarket, as well as a continental food hall, a variety of quality boutiques and other retail shops, not to mention plenty of restaurants and country inns. The town has its own cinema and library, and there are a number of fitness centres and tennis and golf clubs in the surrounding area.

The mainline station runs regular services into London Marylebone in around 30 minutes. The M25, M40 and M4 motorways are also easily accessible. Heathrow airport is approximately 15 miles away, Gatwick approximately 44 miles and Luton approximately 33 miles.
Prices at Willlow Court range from £525,000 to £575,000. For further information contact the sales advisers on 01753 890907.

Also from Banner, the exclusive new Gardener Walk development in Holmer Green has recently been launched. Located in the heart of the Chilterns, Gardener Walk offers the very latest in contemporary living. New homes in such a private location are rare, so prospective buyers are advised to act quickly.

Gardener Walk comprises a collection of just 13 carefully designed two- and four-bedroom homes. Benefiting from rolling chalk hills, lush beech woods and quiet valleys, this is the prefect location for those wishing to take advantage of outdoor life.
The houses at Gardener Walk feature spacious lounges, large kitchens and beautifully designed interiors. The four-bedroom homes feature kitchens with dark granite work surfaces, under-unit lighting and downlighters as well as stainless steel and integrated appliances. Bedrooms one and two have fitted wardrobes, and bathrooms are fitted with stylish white sanitaryware, heated towel rails, chrome fixtures and recessed downlights.

Holmer Green has a good range of shops to cater for everyday needs, while just a short distance away, Amersham, Chesham and Beaconsfield offer a wider range of shopping facilities.
Prices at Gardener Walk currently start at £485,000. Call the selling agents on 01494 715544.
Following on from the success of Bryant Homes' Fairford Leys development in the area, the developer unveils The Square at Grand Central, situated close to Aylesbury railway station. The development will have 90 one- and two bedroom apartments. The emphasis here is on quality and affordability, combined with proximity to local amenities and transport links.
All apartments come with a fully fitted kitchen including an integrated fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washer/dryer. Most apartments have an en suite bathroom and either a patio or balcony.

Bryant Homes' regional sales manager, Donna Beange, said: ‘We expect The Square at Grand Central to attract a great deal of attention from house hunters as Bryant is well known in the area. These apartments will be ideal for first-time buyers or young professionals, as they will be reasonably priced with a view to enabling people to make the first step onto the property ladder. We will also have a first-time buyer package in place to help make the step even easier.
Beange predicts the combination of convenient location and high spec will attract a great deal of buyer interest. ‘We are recommending that buyers register their interest sooner rather than later to make sure they are amongst the first to find out price and build information,’ she says.
For further information on the homes available at The Square at Grand Central call 01296 488111.

The first homes go on sale over the weekend of 22 and 23 April at Kennet Island, St James Homes’ new £200 million urban village in south-west Reading. Proof that this development is set to cause ripples in the local property market can be found in the pre-interest would-be buyers have shown: there have been over 1,000 general enquiries, and more than 100 people have made pre-launch viewing appointments. Also, several have expressed the intention of camping out the night before the launch to ensure they get the pick of the plots. Kennet Island is Reading’s largest ever single-site development and will feature 850 high-quality residential dwellings set around a central piazza, along with commercial properties and leisure facilities. Work is now underway and prices will start at just £130,000. The first 26 homes will be available during launch weekend on a first-come-first-served basis. Call 0845 603 4043 or see kennetisland.co.uk.

Reigate, Surrey

The very last home is available at Barratt’s The Coppice & The Gables, located just minutes from the town centre. The three-bedroom cottage, located in The Coppice, has a large kitchen/dining room, ideal for entertaining. Transport-wise, the home has allocated parking – but with the station just minutes away (Victoria 38 minutes) you have the choice of commutes. Priced at £389,995. Call 01737 246311 for further information. 

Coxheath, Kent

The weekend of 22 and 23 April sees the launch of the exclusive Orchard Place. There are just 14 three- and four-bedroom houses and a single two-bedroom apartment – all in a delightful village setting. The M20 is nearby and Maidstone East station offers trains to Victoria taking less than an hour. Call Fernham Homes on 01622 755388 or selling agents RPC on 01622 691911 or Page & Wells on 01622 625129.

Englefield Green, Surrey

Fircroft in Bagshot Road is an exclusive gated development of 14 luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments and nine desirable three- and four-bedroom homes. The development provides privacy and security and the location has good access to the M25 and M3, as well as Egham station.  Prices range from £239,950 for a two bedroom-apartment to £419,950 for a four-bedroom Thaxted home. Call 01784 435862 for more information.

Camberley, Surrey

Premier Properties launched the Grasmere development last month and already sell-out looms. The ten luxury apartments have American white oak doors, soft carpeting throughout, solid granite kitchen worktops and private landscaped grounds. Prices range from £265,000 for a two-bedroom ground floor apartment to £350,000 for a top-floor apartment with over 1,000 sq ft of living space. Call sole agents Carson & Company on 01276 20804.

Purley, Surrey

Charnleigh Gate is a unique collection of just four luxury five-bedroom detached homes situated in a private gated cul-de-sac just off Russell Hill. Set in spacious landscaped gardens, the high spec includes wiring for home cinema entertainment. Purley is well placed for fast travel into central London or for a quick getaway to the country via the nearby M25 and M23. Prices from £725,000. Call 020 8668 1211.

Chelmsford, Essex

Brookglade Court Homes has created a collection of 12 individual homes specially for over-55s at Little Orchards. Situated in the grounds of an elegant old town house only a mile and a half from the town centre, these homes have been constructed to the highest standard and provide plenty of space. Most of the houses are on two floors, with large living rooms and dining rooms, as well as fitted kitchens with a range of appliances. Each property has an allocated pergola covered car parking space, while in the communal gardens there is a pavilion and a cycle store. An assisted move package is being offered, which means selling agents Savills will appoint an agent for your present home, provide advice on offers, liaise with the solicitors and manage the whole process on your behalf – and, subject to approval, Brookglade Court Homes Ltd will meet the costs. A manager is on-site to help with such tasks as booking flights and taxis, ordering and taking in supermarket deliveries and keeping an eye out when a property’s owners are away. Contact Savills on 01245 293233.

 

Developers are currently offering a range of attractive incentives. Johnny Turner looks at homes for sale with special offers attached.

In the current market, buyers are showing caution, a natural consequence of last year’s somewhat stalled price rises. Although prices are once again seeing healthy upward movement, prospective purchasers are thinking long-term,

The East Village. Dagenham

Prices: from £139,995 for a one bedroom apartment and from £169,995 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 is a modern development of 179 one and two bedroom apartments.
 
The development is close to Dagenham Heathway tube station (District line). Monument tube station is 15 stops away, providing easy access to central London and the City, and West Ham tube station and its Jubilee Line tube connection is only 7 stops away.
 
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.
 
The one bedroom apartments at The East Village 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.
 
Aspex, Finsbury Park, London N4

Prices from: £285,000 for a two bedroom apartment and from £425,000 for a two bedroom penthouse
Contact Higgins Homes: 020 8802 8620 or visit www.higginshomes.co.uk.
 
Aspex is a new Higgins Homes development in Finsbury Park, N4, which comprises 25 two and three bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses. The modern four storey development is set within landscaped communal gardens and leads onto the West Reservoir.
 
The apartments offer contemporary interiors with a range of layouts which have been designed to optimise its space. Each features a patio or balcony and the penthouses have fantastic balconies which ‘wrap-around’ the entire living room.
 
The apartments also feature 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.
 
Aspex is situated in an ideal location, within walking distance of Manor House tube station (zone two, Piccadilly Line), just five stops from King’s Cross station.
 
Finsbury Park is an ideal location with excellent sporting facilities and within walking distance of Stoke Newington, a unique urban village offering a fantastic selection of shops, restaurants, bars and pubs and the world famous Vortex jazz club. The West Reservoir, which many of the apartments overlook, features a modern aquatics club which offers a range of water sports 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.
 
Completion is expected to be in summer 2006.

SHINFIELD PARK

New Leaseback Scheme makes investing a pleasure not a pain

Investing in property is a great idea, as everyone knows, but, for a first-time investor, it can be a little daunting. Thankfully, KingsOak Thames Valley has come up with an ingenious solution which will allow you to invest with confidence.

Buy a showhome at Shinfield Park, KingsOak Thames Valley’s exceptional Reading development, on the special *Leaseback Scheme and you will be able to enjoy all the pleasures of investing with none of the ‘pain’:

‘The *Leaseback Scheme means that we sell a showhome and then rent it back from you for the duration of its life as a showhome’, explained Bob Rutherford, Sales Director for KingsOak Thames Valley. ‘This means that you will get a guaranteed income without having to find a tenant: literally a hassle-free investment. Later