New Homes - Friday, July 07, 2006

The Crescent at Holwood in Keston have captured the imagination of home hunters seeking contemporary apartment living in a country setting - and with a new show apartment ready for viewing in July, it will be possible to see first hand what all the excitement is about.
Bryant Homes is inviting potential buyers to enjoy cocktails and canapés at the official opening of the luxurious Addington show apartment on Saturday July 15th  - a top floor three-bedroom 2080 sq ft apartment which features great views over Holwood's Five Islands Pond and the beautiful parkland.

Bryant Homes' regional sales and marketing director, John Inglis said: "We are inviting homebuyers to come to Holwood to view the new show apartment and find out for themselves what this magnificent location has to offer.
"The exclusive private country estate setting combined with easy access to Central London, which is 15 miles away, makes Holwood the perfect country retreat for city dwellers seeking a weekend residence or those wishing to downsize to a high quality home.  With the M25 around 8 miles away giving access to the Channel Tunnel and Gatwick Airport, Holwood is also a secure UK base for ex-patriots with homes on the continent."
Set in 74-acres of glorious private parkland, The Crescent comprises a total of 78 two and three bedroom apartments, arranged in 3 sweeping crescents.  Built to the highest of contemporary standards, the façades incorporate elegant period features, tall sash windows and spacious balconies. Visitors to Holwood pass through a gated entrance and along an impressive driveway.    Gated undercroft parking is available and an estate manager is responsible for the upkeep of the grounds and buildings.
Holwood is situated off the A233 Westerham Road, around 4.5 miles to Bromley where there are 25-minute fast train services into London. For private flyers, Biggin Hill aerodrome lies just three miles away.

Holwood is steeped in history, which can be traced back to the Iron Age, and illustrious owners of the Estate include William Pitt the Younger and the Earl of Derby.    For todays resident the local village of Keston has a pub and shops, and the Michelin-starred 'Chapter One' restaurant is in nearby Locksbottom.  Further afield, Westerham offers popular restaurants such as San Bas, Rendezvous and Chow's, and the well-known Grasshopper pub.  Sir Winston Churchill's country home, Chartwell, can be found in Westerham, as well as Quebec House, once the home of General Wolfe.  For sports enthusiasts, there is an equestrian school and numerous tennis and golf clubs in the area, including the renowned West Kent Golf Club.
To discover more about the Holwood apartments and view the stunning new show apartment, join the sales team on Saturday 15th July from 12pm onwards at the marketing suite.

Two-bedroom apartments at Holwood  are priced from £399,500 to £560,000. Three-bedroom properties are available in three designs, priced from £850,000. For more information visit the Holwood marketing suite, open daily from 9.30am until 5pm or telephone 01689 860952.

South Fambridge, Essex

Ryan Homes has already sold seven properties at Maritime Mews following the recent launch of the show apartment. The cottages have been snapped up and only six two-bedroom apartments currently remain. An open weekend will take place on 1 and 2 July, with the show apartment open between 10am and 4pm. The exquisite apartments and cottages are located in a sought-after village centre setting near the riverside, offering picturesque views. Prices start at £189,000 for the remaining apartments, which range in size from 639 to 884 square feet. There will be a new bar/bistro at the development, providing residents indoor and al fresco dining and refreshments. The high specification includes stainless steel electric ovens, hobs and extractors, integrated fridge/freezers, dishwashers and washer/dryers. Purchasers can also expect uPVC windows, chrome television and satellite outlet points and telephone points. There is allocated parking, as well as alarm systems, mains-operated smoke detectors and video door entry systems. Interested parties are advised to register their interest with Dedman New Homes on 01702 533700 or visit dedman.net.

Colchester, Essex

Persimmon Homes has unveiled a regency show home at its Bloomsbury Mews development. The four-bedroom, three-storey Virginia design is based on the Regency style. Bloomsbury Mews is only 50 minutes from Liverpool Street by train. This is the first of four phases at New Braiswick Park, each of which will boast its own unique identity and character. The Virginia house type starts at £282,750. Call 01206 845903.
Sittingbourne, Kent
Countryside Properties has launched Great Easthall, its latest scheme, which is being created in a joint venture with Trenport Investments Limited. The 74-acre scheme, set in 18 acres of public open space, will include around 800 new homes. At Fenacres, the first phase, two-bedroom apartments start at £123, 500 and two-, three- and four-bedroom houses are priced from £155, 950. Call 01795 435497 or visit greateasthall.co.uk.

Oakley, Buckinghamshire

At Admiral Gardens, local people are offered an exclusive deal to help them remain in this popular, award-winning village. KingsOak Milton Keynes is urging local people a great choice of deals, including stamp duty paid, legal fees paid, free fitted carpets, an allowance towards their deposit and the opportunity for part-exchange. KingsOak is building 37 properties including two-bedroom apartments and three- and four-bedroom houses. Prices start at £175,995. Call 01234 825925.

Redhill, Surrey

Only one home remains for sale at Barratt’s Birchwood Place, which is ideal for commuters. Earlswood station is just half a mile away, providing a 35-minute train journey into Victoria. Birchwood Place is designated a Home Zone, so people take priority over vehicles in the streets and activities such as cycling are encouraged. The remaining home is priced at £274,995 including furniture. Call 01737 771039 or see barratthomes.co.uk.


Caversham, Berkshire

Try Homes has just launched Chandler Court, which is garnering major interest from all purchaser types, from investors to downsizers and first-time buyers. Within the development, Albury Terrace is a row of five elegant three- and four-bedroom town houses, while Westcott Row is a terrace of just three character houses. There are also six unique one- and two-bedroom apartments within Sunningdale Villa, a restored manor house which retains many of the its original features. All of the houses and apartments will have integrated fridge/freezer and washer/dryers, tiled floors and downlighters, together with excellent bathroom fittings and stylish sanitaryware. Elegant elevations are complemented by light and airy interiors, planned with modern lifestyles in mind. For further information about Chandler Court contact the show home, open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm, 0118 946 4981. Visit tryhomes.co.uk.

CHANDLER COURT, CAVERSHAM

Try Homes has been inundated with enquiries from potential purchasers following the launch of Chandler Court in Caversham.  The launch weekend was a great success with over 50 purchasers sipping on Bucks Fizz and canapés giving them the opportunity to see the long awaited show home.
Emma Locklear, Sales Negotiator for Chandler Court, said:  “There has been major interest in the development from all types of purchasers, including investors, down sizers and first time buyers. With three properties already snapped up at the launch weekend, I recommend prospective buyers to reserve their preferred property now, as demand is likely to be even stronger as the development continues to take shape’’

Of course the build specification and general quality will be Try Homes’ usual high standard but what makes these properties particularly attractive is their enviable location. Nestling within the grounds is Albury Terrace, a row of five elegant three and four bedroom townhouses, complementing the townhouses is Westcott Row, a terrace of just three character houses and then finally the six unique one and two bedroom apartments within Sunningdale Villa, the restored manor house, with many of the existing features being retained and brought back to its former glory.

Prices range from £260,000 to £450,000. Try Homes build to an exceptionally high standard borne out by the fact that over 90% of their purchasers would recommend their best friends to by a Try Home.  All the houses and apartments will have integrated fridge/freezer and washer/dryers, tiled floors and down lighters, together with excellent bathroom fittings and stylish sanitary ware.  

Zoe Dobbs, Sales & Marketing Director, said:
“Try Homes has taken great care to ensure that Chandler Court will enhance the existing residential landscape. The development has elegant elevations which are complemented by light and airy interiors, planned with modern lifestyles in mind.  The style and build quality have certainly caused a lot of local interest, hence the busy launch day.”

For further information about the development contact Show Home Open Thursday through to Monday 10am-5pm tel: 0118 946 4981. Alternatively view outline details: www.tryhomes.co.uk

When room is required, the current crop of newly built houses more than makes the grade, finds Johnny Turner

With the current effort to up the number of new homes being built, the emphasis has been on building apartments. As a result larger homes have been somewhat lost in the shuffle, even though the demand for them is still very strong. However, I am glad to report that houses are making a comeback. Whether you’re in the market for a town house, a large detached family home or something in between, there is plenty to choose from.
Starting in the leafy, lovely suburb of South Woodford, Telford Homes is building an attractive scheme tucked away off the High Road. Queen Mary’s Villas offers 16 three- and four-bedroom town houses situated on a comfortable, established cul-de-sac.

The Richmond house type is proving extremely popular. Arranged across three floors, these three-bedroom semi-detached homes are ideal for young families. The homes have been designed to fuse with the architecture of their surrounding locale, with sand-coloured brick facades delicately complemented by tiled roof porticoes and gabled windows.
Boasting a 35ft garden, an integral garage and spacious living areas, The Richmond is a great mix of style, comfort and utility. Internally, the ground floor features a welcoming entrance hall with convenient access to the integral garage and a cloakroom. To the rear is a large open-plan kitchen/dining area that extends via French doors to the garden. The kitchen has a fine range of German Systemat units by local specialist Urban Myth and includes fully integrated Smeg and Siemens appliances.
The first floor comprises a spacious lounge, third bedroom and main bathroom, while the second floor has the main and second bedrooms. The large main bedroom has an en suite bathroom and fitted wardrobes.
The remaining Richmond houses are priced at £392,500. For sales information contact Churchill Estates on 020 8530 3333. Visit telfordhomes.plc.uk.

Stamford Homes is giving home-hunters the chance to live the lifestyle at its prestigious Fairfield Park development, located at Arlesey on the Bedfordshire/Hertfordshire border.

Situated in mature parkland just a short drive from the towns of Letchworth and Hitchin, just two miles from junction 10 of the A1(M), Fairfield Park is close to a wealth of amenities yet retains an element of independence. The development is set firmly in commuter land, boasting easy access to London from the railway stations at Hitchin, Letchworth and Arlesey. It is also very well placed for Luton Airport.
Stamford Homes currently offers a range of stunning three- and four-bedroom terrace and detached family homes in a variety of designs that have high specification and quality in common.

Town houses, family homes and open-plan style properties - there is something at Fairfield Park to cater for all lifestyle requirements and tastes.
And right now a series of special offers on selected plots can help buyers curb the cost of moving into their dream home, as Stamford Homes extends its popular Blue X promotion into July.
Prices on the last remaining three- and four-bedroom properties start at £369,995. The sales office and show home are open daily from 10.30am to 5pm. Contact the sales team on 01426 835192.

Antler Homes offers Bancroft Wood, a collection of just seven detached four- and five-bedroom family homes located at Kings Hill in West Malling, adjacent to a lovely conservation area. Each property has a double garage and includes a fully fitted kitchen with granite work surfaces and a range of Siemens stainless steel appliances. Master bedrooms and bedroom two incorporate en-suite bathrooms and fitted wardrobes.

Kings Hill, the site of a former World War II airfield, and now offers every modern amenity you could wish for, including extensive sports and leisure amenities such as an impressive 200-acre 18-hole PGA golf course and a David Lloyd sports centre. There are also comprehensive retail outlets, including a new Asda concept store - plus there's a wide choice of local education facilities, with day nurseries and primary schools in the village and additional schools at nearby Aylesford East and West Malling. At the heart of the new Kings Hill village you'll also find a medical centre, shops and cafes, as well as a lively pub, plus popular restaurant and bistro.
Kings Hill is well placed for immediate access to the M20/M26, leading westwards to the M25 and Greater London and eastwards to Folkestone and Dover, both of which offer excellent links to the continent. There is also a railway station at nearby West Malling for direct connections to central London.
Prices start at £495,000 for a four bedroom detached home. Contact the marketing suite, open daily, on 01732 875542.

One consideration that is important to many house-hunters is proximity to good schools. This gives Orchard Place, a new development in Coxheath, Kent, a particular edge. The Fernham Homes development, which consists of 14 stunning three-bedroom houses and one two-bedroom apartment, is situated within easy reach of one of the prime schools in Kent, the Cornwallis School.
The excellent school is one reason the homes at Orchard Place have been snapped up; the first phase is already over 90 per cent sold.
David Masters, director of Fernham Homes, says, ‘The location of Orchard Place is outstanding. Not only does it benefit from great schools, Coxheath has a wealth of local shops, a medical centre, as well as being a close to the bustling town of Maidstone. It’s easy to see why these homes have been so popular. We’ll soon be releasing the next phase of homes at Orchard Place and I urge all home buyers to register their interest as soon as possible.’
Prices start at just £225,000 for a three-bedroom home. The marketing suite and show home are open Friday to Monday 10am to 5pm and at other times by appointment with the selling agents Contact RPC on 01622 691911 or Page & Wells on 01622 625129. Also visit fernham-homes.co.uk.

The Island at Brentford Lock is a unique island environment created by Charles Church and Crest Nicholson, which forms part of the exciting regeneration of Brentford town centre. Only three properties remain, including a four bedroom, four-storey Mill House and a three-bedroom penthouse.
The Mill houses have been inspired by traditional mill buildings and incorporate features such as black timber boarding and high pitched roof lines, while internally the style is modern and chic. Arranged over four storeys, the modern and highly superior specification of the Mill Houses is striking. There is an open-plan lounge area which features triple-aspect, double-height glazing that bestows a sense of light and space. The kitchen, located to the front of the house, features stainless steel range cooker by Smeg and deep grey granite worktops, plus other integrated appliances.   
The first-floor family room has a galleried area overlooking the lounge below as well as a balcony. The extensive master bedroom, located on the third floor, contains a large dressing area with extensive storage space as well as an en suite shower room. There are two balconies to this bedroom, allowing for far reaching views over the water.
The location of The Island is extremely convenient. Brentford train station is approximately half a mile away with connections to Waterloo International via Chiswick, Putney and Clapham Junction. For motorists, junction 2 of the M4 is less than half a mile away, giving access to the A4 and as well as direct links to Heathrow and the M25.
Both Mill Houses are priced at £669,950 and there is also one remaining penthouse, priced at £529,950. Visit the marketing suite, open daily from 10am to 6pm, or call 0870 7581010. See island-life.co.uk.

Whether you are looking to enjoy a slower pace of life or are simply prefer the larger properties on offer in the countryside, making the decision to buy a home out of the city is a definite lifestyle choice.
Furlong Homes’ Standon Place development, located near the Hertfordshire village of Standon, is perfect for buyers who crave the rural lifestyle. And a soon-to-be-launched collection of semi-detached and detached houses will stir up a lot of interest.
Furlong is set to unveil its exclusive collection of just 13 four semi-detached and five bedroom detached properties at a special preview event on Saturday 22 July. This will be an ideal opportunity to get a peek at some fantastic homes.
Standon Place occupies a prime location on Standon Hill, just outside the historic village centre. With its fully gated grounds, the development offers the perfect environment for bringing up a family. Each of the homes has been specifically designed to reflect the freedom and space of the country. Large living spaces and generous bedrooms combine to create truly desirable rural family homes.

There are five house styles to choose from, allowing prospective buyers to cater to their individual tastes and requirements. All of the homes benefit from similar features such as a large lounge, en suite facilities in at least one of the bedrooms and a fully fitted kitchen with integrated fridge/freezer and washer/dryer.
The four-bedroom semi-detached Sunflowers and Reeds house types are three-storey homes which allow plenty of room for the whole family to spread out and enjoy their own private space. In the Reeds, the large lounge has a conservatory overlooking the rear gardens, while the lounge in the Sunflowers has a feature bay window. In both homes the second floor is entirely dedicated to the master bedroom; in the Reeds this has an en suite shower room as well as a dressing room, while in the Sunflowers it has an en suite bathroom.
The five bedroom detached properties also make full use of space and light to create an idyllic living environment. The Thistles house type is the ultimate luxury home, featuring private balconies to two of the bedrooms as well as a separate studio area located above the double garage which creates the ideal private space for a teenager or an older relative.
The development is within walking distance from the charming village of Standon and just seven miles from Bishop’s Stortford. Commuting to London is convenient, with excellent local rail connections and the nearby A10 which links to the M25.
Prices start from £450,000 to £775,000. For further information and to register interest contact 01992 782201 or visit furlonghomes.co.uk.

In popular Reigate, KingsOak Southern Counties is selling The Mews, a mix of four- and five-bedroom town houses and two-bedroom apartments in a prime residential location. The development is within easy reach of three rail stations: Reigate, Redhill and Earlswood, making it very commutable; there are also good schools nearby.
The Mews features a mix of 10, two-double-bedroom apartments and the same number of four-bedroom townhouses plus one five-bedroom townhouse, each arranged over three floors for flexible living. Benefits include en-suite facilities to the master bedroom in apartments as well as houses and luxury fitted kitchens with integrated appliances. Another plus point is the availability of private, off-street parking and garages.
Find out more about The Mews by visiting kingsoakhomes.com.

Only one house remains at Millgate’s popular Wellington Court development, located just three miles from central Reading. One of just six detached properties, this four-bedroom home features spacious accommodation complemented by a generous landscaped garden.
The home provides the perfect base from which to enjoy the best of both worlds; the village of Three Mile Cross is within a short walk, providing local amenities, including a shop and traditional village pub. Meanwhile, the M4 is just a few minutes away and Reading, with its excellent shopping centre and cosmopolitan nightlife, is also within easy reach. This combination of town and country living is already proving popular – in fact, the other five properties were reserved within a month of the site’s launch.
Internally, the house is finished to Millgate’s exceptional specification, including a designer kitchen with a range of stainless steel and integrated appliances. A washing machine and tumble dryer are housed in a separate utility room. The first floor accommodation includes four double bedrooms, the master and second bedrooms featuring en suite facilities. There is also a separate kitchen, living and dining room.

The remaining plot overlooks grazing land and is priced at £399,950. The show home is open daily from 10am to 4pm; call 0118 988 7339. Outside of these hours contact selling agent Richard Worth on 0118 979 6796 or see millgatehomes.co.uk.

North London offers many public transport options, from tubes to overland trains to buses. And St James Homes’ New River Village is well placed for all of these transport types. The development is located just five minutes’ walk from Hornsey mainline station, which provides a simple 16-minute journey to Moorgate station via the WAGN line. There is also Turnpike Lane Underground station, a ten-minute walk away, which gives access to the Piccadilly Line and puts central London as well as Heathrow Airport within easy reach. Local bus routes make for easy trips to nearby shopping as well as nights out in the centre of the capital.

Another north London landmark is taking shape in the vicinity of the new home of Arsenal FC. As the impressive Emirates Stadium nears completion, an accompanying development of modern apartments is emerging. VizioN7, located off Holloway Road just north of Highbury, comprises an exciting five-acre scheme which features landscaped gardens with lawns, water features and trees, and incorporates three separate buildings in an innovative stepped formation.

The development, by George Wimpey City, will include the conversion of a Victorian building, formerly the Mount Carmel School, as well as an additional residential building. Offering a wealth of choice for potential investors and owner occupiers, completions at the scheme started in September 2005 and will continue through until Spring 2007 when VizioN7 is set to complete.
Transport options are fantastic, whether your work takes you into the City, the West End or any other major London employment centre. Holloway Road tube puts the Piccadilly Line within a couple of minutes’ walk, while Highbury & Islington station offers both Victoria Line tube services and WAGN mainline services into Moorgate – not to mention the North London Line towards Stratford in the east or Richmond in the west. And with Holloway Road a main London artery, you’ll find good connections to all parts of the capital by car.

Prices currently start at £259,000 for a one-bedroom apartment including parking. For further information call the on-site sales and marketing suite on 020 7700 7555 or visit vizion7.co.uk.
Another well-connected scheme by George Wimpey City is Falcon Wharf in Battersea. This new addition to the Thames-side skyline is an elegant 17-floor structure of curvilinear glass, aluminium and timber. It will become one of the tallest and most stylish riverside residential towers in Battersea.

Commuters will find a quick and easy way to work, with trains from nearby Clapham Junction taking just a few minutes to reach Victoria. This combination of riverside elegance and commuter convenience is what makes these apartments truly special.
A new show apartment has now opened at Falcon Wharf, with viewing by appointment only. Call 0870 990 7599 or visit falconwharf.co.uk.

And in south-east London, George Wimpey City gives buyers a third scheme that combines high style and an easy commute. The Water Gardens is a development that brings together all the worthwhile ideals of a modern London living space. Located in Rotherhithe, this scheme is integral to the regeneration of the local area, while offering buyers a lifestyle in which great design meets ease of commuting.

The development is ideal for investors and owner occupiers alike, providing 242 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and live/work units in six individual buildings designed around a central garden area. This wonderful haven offers reflection pools, lawns, walkways and seating areas.

Commuters will find an amazingly easy journey to work: from nearby Canada Water station, those who work in Canary Wharf will find that they are spending only a few minutes travelling to the office, while transport into the City is also very quick and easy.
For current price and availability information call the marketing suite 0845 606 6929. Find out more about this very sought-after scheme at thewatergardens.co.uk.

New River Village is a high-style collection of homes, including urban suites and one- and two-bedroom apartments. One particular advantage of the development is the provision of friendly, stylish outside space. Each building incorporates a communal roof terrace. Michelle Harris, sales and marketing director of St James Homes (North Thames) says, ‘The roof terraces at New River Village have been designed to offer a quiet oasis in which to enjoy the summer months as well as a great meeting place where residents can get to know one another. From here, residents can also enjoy stunning views over Alexandra Palace and the London skyline.’
Covering 400 metres of river frontage, New River Village also offers a concierge service, fully equipped gym, Royal Academy Art Gallery and Pumphouse Dining Bar. This development ticks all the boxes for buyers seeking a commuter-friendly home in relaxing surroundings.
Prices currently start at £199,999 for a one-bedroom apartment. To find out more
about New River Village call 020 8347 4139 or by visit newrivervillage.co.uk.

Canary Wharf is London’s fastest-growing business destination and more people every month are coming to work on the Isle of Dogs. For those who work in the area’s banking and media centres, among other sectors, what would be more fantastic than a 20-minute Thames-side stroll to work?

Rydon Homes’ Nordic Apartments puts Canary Wharf less than 20 minutes away by foot via the Thames riverside walk.
For those who prefer to take public transport, the accessibility of Nordic Apartments is second to none. The DLR and tube stations are just 800 metres along Cable Street, putting the rest of London within easy reach. The West End is a 17-minute journey and Bank is just four minutes away. Canary Wharf is just four stops away on the DLR.
Not only do residents get the perfect commute, but the style and specification available in these apartments is second to none. Both apartments and penthouses are available, giving buyers a good choice of
stylish homes.
The marketing suite at the Nordic Apartments is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and at other times, strictly by appointment only.
Prices for the penthouses start at £330,000. For further information, contact the sales and marketing suite on 020 7780 1580 or visit nordic-cool.co.uk.

Widacre Homes is selling a new phase at EastSide, a collection of high-style apartments in booming Bow, east London. Both City workers and those who need a hassle-free journey to Canary Wharf will find that E3 is perfectly placed. Also, getting to the West End, whether for workdays or nights out, is a breeze via the nearby Central and District Lines.

A joint venture between Widacre Homes and Circle 33 Lifespace, EastSide consists of 132 stylish apartments in four buildings arranged around 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-sized 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.

Eastside currently has only ten two-bedroom apartments remaining of its third release, The Washington Building; where prices start at £264,450 for a two-bedroom apartment. Call Strettons Residential on 020 7422 0989 or see eastside-e3.com.
Whitelands Park stands in 13 acres of beautiful parkland. The land the development is set in will provide a new village green and a formal public garden including a sculpture park. The development features a mix of one and two bedroom apartments and three and four bedroom houses.

Each of the houses at Whitelands Park has an open plan living and dining area leading to the rear garden, with a first floor reception room providing access onto a balcony, offering fantastic views across the grounds of the development. The apartments are spacious with floor to ceiling glazing, open-plan kitchens and living areas. The apartments are designed for flexible living with most benefiting from either a balcony or terrace, which again provide beautiful views over the gardens and parkland.
Whitelands Park is situated between Putney and Southfields and enjoys easy access to East Putney and Southfields tube stations as well as Putney station, situated on the High Street. By car, the development is located on the A3 which is one of the main arteries into and out of central London and is also linked to the M25.
Prices at Whitelands Park start at £264,950 for one bedroom apartments, £349,950 for two bedroom apartments and £649,950 for town houses. The development is open daily from 10am to 6pm. For more information or to arrange viewing, contact Corinne Thomas at DTZ Residential on 020 7408 7505.

Higgins Homes is known for its well-located, well-priced developments, which include popular schemes in north London, Essex and east London. One particularly commutable collection of homes is Twenty Two, located in Forest View, North Chingford.

Twenty Two is an exclusive, gated development comprising just 13 luxury one and two bedroom apartments and penthouses. Contemporary design is featured in both the architecture and the apartments’ interiors. Each property has spacious, open-plan living areas and designer fitted kitchens which include Smeg appliances. The development also offers allocated parking.
Twenty Two overlooks a manicured golf course fairway and beautiful Epping Forest, so it is no surprise that the development is attracting a great deal of interest.
Jeremy Marcus, sales and marketing director of Higgins Homes, says, ‘The apartments offer stunning views which are made up of a combination of green belt and Royal Forest land which is highly unlikely ever to be developed. Country views are very rare so close to central London and this is a huge attraction to home purchasers.

‘The development is perfect for those looking for a secluded luxury apartment within easy reach of local boutiques and restaurants, as well as central London.’ East of travel is another big draw, says Marcus: the journey into Liverpool Street from Chingford station takes just under half an hour. ‘It can take much longer than that just to get from one side of central London to the other,’ he says.
A parade of boutiques, restaurants and wine bars are only a few hundred metres away from the development, as well as Chingford train station, where trains run every 15 minutes during peak hours. The area offers an excellent selection of nearby sporting facilities which include local cricket, rugby and football clubs, as well as water sports at the local reservoirs. Twenty Two is very well placed for travel by car as well as train, with good access to the M25 and the M11.
The first completions are expected to be this autumn. Prices start from £250,000 for a one bedroom apartment and £299,950 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment. Contact Higgins Homes on 020 8508 6000 or visit higginshomes.co.uk.

Try Homes is selling The Chase, a select new development of stylish two-bedroom apartments and elegant four-bedroom town houses in the heart of Hatch End. Each of the seven town houses offers spacious accommodation and high specification.
These homes include a designer kitchen/
breakfast room with integratedappliances, generous-sized living room and four bedrooms. The principal bedroom has a fitted wardrobe and en suite bathroom.
The 12 two-bedroom apartments make the best use of light and space. A stylish and well appointed kitchen is complemented by a spacious living/dining room. The master bedroom to each apartment features a fitted wardrobe and the majority have en suites. Each of the apartments has a balcony.

Hatch End offers a range of shops and amenities for day-to-day needs, and a selection of restaurants and bars is also within walking distance. Further afield but within easy reach are the towns of Harrow and Watford, which offer premier shopping and entertainment venues.
Apartments currently start at £275,000, while town houses are priced from £499,000. For further information about The Chase call 020 8954 8626.

Telford Homes offers a mix of apartments and penthouses with contemporary cool
at its Cosmopolitan scheme near the heart of Enfield. Within walking distance of both Enfield Town and Bush Hill Park railway
station, commuting is straightforward ­ and the benefits of a London-style living environment outside of the capital is not to be underestimated.
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 £179,950. This development is selling extremely quickly, so fast action is advised. Contact selling agents Lanes on 020 8342 3795. Visit telfordhomes.plc.uk.

A recent survey has indicated that it now takes first time buyers as long as six years to save up for the deposit required to take their first step onto the property ladder. Over a third of these potential first time buyers want to buy within the next year (2007), but only five per cent are confident that they will be able to do so. The average house deposit currently stands at £16,000, an amount most of these potential first timers simply cannot afford.
Countryside Properties has launched a ‘Move in for £99’ scheme at Eclipse, its development on Panfield Lane, in Braintree. At Eclipse, affordability and commutabiity meet, which is good news for a majority of less experienced buyers, who could use all the help they can get these days.
The components of the incentive deal include stamp duty paid, deposit paid and legal and survey fees paid on the contemporary two-bedroom apartments. Yvonne Hudson-Green, sales and marketing director of Countryside Properties, says: ‘Over recent years with the rapid increase of house prices and interest rates, it has become increasingly difficult and expensive to get onto the property ladder. Saving money for the deposit, legal fees and stamp duty is the part that many struggle with, and at Eclipse we are taking away this expense. We now actually only have six apartments remaining under this scheme, so this new initiative is proving extremely successful.’

Eclipse is wonderfully located just a mile from Braintree station, with its easy connections into the City. Journeys to Liverpool Street take only one hour. For motorists, the new A120 provides fast and efficient access to Stansted Airport, with London’s West End easily reached via the M11 and M25.
The development is perfect for those who want good access to the workplace combined with a relaxed pace of life during off-time.
Eclipse is a collection of 38 houses in three different designs and 24 two-bedroom apartments in four layouts. The homes include contemporary interiors with features such as stainless steel appliances and under pelmet lighting in the kitchen, and striking white sanitaryware by Porcelanosa and Kaldewei in the bathrooms.
A new show apartment is now open for viewing. Prices start at just £149,950 for a two-bedroom apartment. For further information please call 01376 552164 or visit the website homes-at-eclipse.co.uk.

Belvedere, Kent

RPC Land & New Homes annouces the launch of 54, a new select development comprising six luxury two-bedroom apartments and one one-bedroom apartment. Most homes will enjoy overlooking views of landscaped gardens and open woodlands. The convenient location in Erith Road offers a choice of two nearby mainline train stations, enabling a fast and easy commute to London in around 35 minutes. Likewise for the allocated driver, the M25, A2 & Dartford crossing are also within easy reach. Belvedere and neighbouring Nuxley Village have an array of leisure facilities and amenities, including shops and restaurants. Also a short drive away is a choice of either Bluewater, Europe’s largest shopping complex, or Lakeside Thurroc, which also provides great shopping and cinema facilities. For keeping fit, the newly re-opened Crook Log Sports Centre has an array of sporting facilitis, including a full-size indoor swimming pool. The homes at 54 have designer kitchens with quality appliances, together with contemporary bathrooms, secure entryphone system, allocated parking and lift access for apartments on the first and second floor. For further information call RPC Land & New Homes on 01322 228891.

Romford, Essex

At Market Place, the £40 million mixed-use scheme under construction in the heart of Romford,
Telford Homes will market the scheme’s 89 one- and-two bedroom apartments for private sale. The three-acre scheme, on the northern edge of the town’s famous open-air market, is being developed with Pickenham, part of the Beadie Group. The residential part is due for completion at the end of the year. Call Telford Homes on 01992 809800 to find out more about the private sale apartments.

Greenhithe, Kent

At Castle View, part of Waterstone Park near Bluewater, just four apartments remain for sale. The contemporary apartments have two bedrooms and two bathrooms and measure 868 sq ft. There They feature stunning full height glazing throughout, and have generous sized balconies with views overlooking Stone Castle and their new formal landscaped gardens. are incentive packages available for first-time buyers. Call 01322 313835.

Ramsgate, Kent

Millwood Designer Homes’ Cliffsend Meadows development in Cliffsend near Ramsgate has just opened a new show home. The collection of 32 luxurious three-, four-, five-, six- and seven-bedroom homes will be built in a variety of styles, including Millwood’s renowned Yeoman range. Prices start at £250,000. The show home and marketing suite are open daily from 10am to 5pm. Call 01843 607497 or see mdh.uk.com.

Clerkenwell, London

Iconic Space at St John's Square is a joint venture development by londonewcastle and Rugby Estates Ltd. This conversion of an office block will yield nine apartments and penthouses on the third, fourth and fifth floors. One-bedroom apartments are priced from £350,000, while two-bedroom apartments start at £395,000 and the two-bedroom duplex penthouse is available at £1.25 million. Visit iconic-space.co.uk or call 020 7563 1666.

Woking, Surrey

The Maples is a collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments, two- and three-bedroom duplex apartments and a three-bedroom house, each combining contemporary and traditional design. Woking station is less than two miles away, with its direct service to London Waterloo in only 30 minutes. Also, Hook Heath Golf Course and Woking Lawn Tennis Club are both nearby. Two apartments remain, priced from £264,950. Call 01483 726346

Colchester, Essex

Bryant Homes' Marlborough Place currently has a selection of properties, including  two-bedroom homes starting at £160,000, three-bedroom properties available from £180,000 and four-bedroom homes starting at £249,995. Nearby there are miles of walk, cycle and bridleways. For commuting, the town centre is close by, and trains to Liverpool Street take just 50 minutes. For more information call 01206 577451. Alternatively, log on to bryant.co.uk.

 

The current market offers a great selection of apartments and houses in some of the South East’s most sought-after locations

Developers are reporting very strong sales as buyers make a beeline for homes of all descriptions. Some areas, however, are particularly popular, with the time between release and sell-out amazingly short. These are the new hotspots, where a combination of excellent location and stylish design have drawn home-seekers in record numbers.
One area where the term ‘hotspot’ is very suitable is Reading, where you’ll find a
Since the official opening of the new St James development in Reading, Kennet Island, at the end of April, demand for the properties has been exceptionally high.

Hundreds of potential home buyers headed to Kennet Island on 29 April eager to get a first look at the New Urban Village being launched by St James Thames Valley.  Some were so determined to beat the competition that they camped overnight to ensure their places at the front of queue!

The combination of premium specification and astonishingly low prices meant that all the apartments in the first release were sold within the first couple of hours.
Once finished, Kennet Island will have a mixture of 1,150 flats and houses. At the heart of Reading’s new urban village will be a continental style urban piazza, envisaged to be home to an array of cafes, shops, parks, play areas and other leisure facilities, represents a key focal point. Nearby, a new commercial quarter, will incorporate a 200-bedroom hotel with spa and conference facilities.
Because of the very competitive pricing, so far the majority (58 per cent) of the purchasers have been first-time buyers, 24 per cent have been investors, 13 per cent 2nd time buyers and 3 per cent buying a property as a second home.
The long term vision for Kennet Island is to create a mixed community. One-bedroom flats cost between £130,000 and £165,000; two-bedders range from £160,000 and £195,000. Two- bedroom houses will cost between £195,000 and £220,000; a three-bedroom will sell from £265,000; and a four-bedroom house will start at £275,000.
St James’ Thames Valley Head of Sales and Marketing, Deana Everingham, said: ‘The launch was a resounding success with 75 per cent of all properties released in phase one snapped up in the first couple of hours. And because demand is so high, we have already taken refundable options on all of the next 46 appartments due to be released in phase two at end June.

‘Our vision to create a sustainable, vibrant community has taken a very positive first step. We are absolutely delighted with the feedback received thus far and the fact that Kennet Island clearly looks set to become one of Reading’s most desirable locations in which to live,’ Everingham concluded.
Gerry McCormack, Managing Director, Thames Valley Region, St James Group Ltd, concluded: ‘In the creation of Kennet Island, we were keen to maintain the quality of a St James development at an affordable price. Homes will suit the lifestyle of anyone be it a family or the first-time buyer.
 ‘There is a real opportunity with this new development in Reading to apply many of the same principles we use in our luxury housing - such as good contemporary design, quality fittings and meticulous attention to detail. This site is fulfilling a real housing shortage in the area and as experts in regeneration and brownfield development we have taken the challenge of applying our skills and expertise to create something both affordable and lasting,’ he concluded.
all 41 properties in the first phase have now sold.
 
The next 46 appartments are being released for sale this week and over 75 per cent of those have already been reserved with deposits. So they are selling like hot cakes!
Once they are sold, the next 36 appartments will become available for purchase at end of July - so people need to get down there quickly, if they want to get their name on the list!

In Chelmsford, The Hub is a new development by Higgins Homes. It consists of 54 high-specification, one, two and three bedroom apartments and luxury penthouses.
The Hub will consist of a collection of apartment buildings, each with its own distinct character, combining large expanses of glass with yellow or red buff brick. Internally, apartments will include spacious, open plan interiors, complete with a fitted designer kitchen. The penthouses will feature large expanses of glass and wrap-around terraces providing spectacular panoramic views. Electronically accessed parking spaces will be available to purchase separately.
 
There will be several commercial units on the ground floors of the development which are likely to become restaurants, cafés, bars and offices, creating a waterside piazza scene on the doorstep of The Hub. Shops, bars and leisure facilities are within metres of the development, and Chelmsford station is less than half a mile away, providing a train service to London Liverpool Street station in less than 30 minutes.
 
Prices start from £185,000 for a one bedroom apartment and from £225,000 for a two bedroom apartment. The first completions are expected in autumn 2006. For sales enquiries, contact Higgins Homes on telephone: 08456 783 790 or visit higginshomes.co.uk.

The combination of a superb location at Canada Water, just one stop from Canary Wharf, in the heartland of Rotherhithe’s £1 billion regeneration scheme, along with the design of the buildings and its grounds have attracted a wide variety of buyers, ranging from young professionals to investor buyers:

Ideal for investors and owner occupiers, the development will provide 242 one, two and three bedroom apartments including live/work units, in six individual buildings which have been designed around a central garden area combining reflection pools, lawns, walkways and seating areas to provide a tranquil retreat from city life. The development also has the added benefit of underground parking and 9,200 sq ft of commercial space which has been allocated for potential office, retail, café or health and fitness use.

Prices at The Water Gardens currently start from £350,000 for a spacious two-bedroom apartment to £670,000 for a three-bedroom penthouse. With the prices at The Water Gardens comparing well against apartments with a similar specification across the river in Canary Wharf, the development has attracted buyers looking for great value for money.

For further information on The Water Gardens please call the marketing suite on 0845 606 6929. Alternatively, log onto www.thewatergardens.co.uk. The Marketing Suite, which is on Deal Porters Way, opposite Canada Water Station, is open daily from 10am until 6pm.
Miller Homes Group is delighted to announce their expansion to Southern England sees them developing an appealing collection of homes in aspirational Horsham in West Sussex.
With reservations already being taken, ‘Bridges Place’ promises to be an exciting development of one and two bedroom apartments superbly located in the town centre with easy commuter access to the M23 and mainline railway station.
Maria Heatley, Sales and Marketing Manager comments, ‘This is a development of contemporary apartments in the heart of Horsham. Miller Homes has a an award winning reputation for innovation and customer focus, with ‘Bridges Place’ promising to be a delightful addition to the Horsham street scene. With a show home available to view from mid summer and with reservations already having taken place, we are confident this development will create a lot of interest for those looking for exceptional homes in an exciting and sought after location.’

Horsham provides added value to these homes as a highly desirable location with exceptional schools in the area all achieving above average results in all mainstream subjects for Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form education. The crime rate for Horsham is way below the national average and communication links provide plane, train, ferry and road transport with Gatwick airport just 10 miles away – perfect for business or pleasure.

The Miller Group has its head offices in Edinburgh and has been well known for many years as the UK’s largest privately-owned homebuilding property development and construction business. But having headed South, Miller Home’s commitment to expansion and progression in the UK has seen it acquire Fairclough Homes, placing the Miller Group firmly in the top ten housebuilders in the UK.

Miller Homes operate across nine regions and over 85 per cent of customers would be happy to recommend Miller to their best friend. An innovative developer with firm family roots, Miller Homes promises exciting things in the future and homes with style and real appeal as demonstrated at Bridges Place.
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First time buyers Elizabeth Kirwin and Robert Hillier moved into their new four bedroom townhouse just 26 days after their first viewing at Barratt’s Foxgrove Gardens development in Ipswich!

The couple had been renting a property but were keen to take their first steps onto the property ladder. Robert, a software engineer for BT says: ‘We were very attracted to Foxgrove Gardens. The development has the three main ingredients: a great location - around a mile from the town centre and a five minute walk from the railway station - the build quality is fantastic and the price was right!’

The development, located off Foxhall Road, comprises 288 one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom houses within a superb landscaped setting that includes an attractive ‘pocket park’. No fewer than five showhomes demonstrate the variety of house styles available.

Robert was amazed at how quickly they were able to move in saying: ‘The entire purchasing process was very efficient. The sales team was excellent; I thought once we moved in they might forget about us, but this was not the case, they have been very attentive making our move into our first home hassle-free. We would definitely recommend Barratt to other buyers.’
Robert feels as the development progresses it will prove a wonderful place to live adding: ‘We are in a good part of Ipswich and once more people move in, I think we’ll have a great community here. Elizabeth and I are already enjoying our new home; I don’t see us moving, with four bedrooms it is plenty big enough should we decide to start a family.’
Prices at Foxgrove Gardens currently start at £157,000 for two bedroom apartments, from £189,995 for two bedroom houses, from £224,995 for three bedroom houses and from £243,995 for four bedroom houses; first time buyer and investor incentives are available. For further information, please contact Barratt’s sales office, open Monday 2pm – 6pm and Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 6pm, telephone 01473 273694 or 01473 271283 or visit the website at barratthomes.co.uk.

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

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

With several high-spec schemes currently on offer, Rushmon Homes is setting the pace in Surrey

Rushmon Homes is known for quality, as several accolades from the new homes press demonstrate. Not only did its recent Twin Trees development in Woking win the 2005 HotProperty Award for Family Homes but it also snagged a coveted award from the Evening Standard.

With Twin Tress unsurprisingly sold out, buyers will find further great opportunities in Surrey from Rushmon Homes. Starting in coveted Epsom, Grosvenor Mews is a collection of three- and four-bedroom semi-detached and detached homes with a very stylish specification.
Alan Taylor, sales and marketing director of Rushmon Homes, says, ‘We relish the opportunity to build these homes in such a prime location. The site is located in an established residential area that's surrounded predominantly by open countryside, yet is within easy reach of Epsom, Leatherhead and the M25.’
Shaker-style designer kitchens have integrated fridge/freezers and dishwashers, while bathrooms have thermostatically controlled showers and Amtico flooring.
Prices currently range from £414,950 to £460,000. For further information about Grosvenor Mews call 01372 271513 or 01932 586777.

Meanwhile, in leafy Reigate, Rushmon is selling Allingtons on Beech Road. This development of one- and two-bedroom apartments is set in a ‘private road’ location and offers light oak designer kitchens, built-in wardrobes to all bedrooms, white bathrooms with thermostatically controlled showers and video entryphone.
Prices range from £214,950 to £395,000. Call Robert Leech on 01737 246246 to find out more.

Another high-quality Rushmon development is Holmfield Place in New Haw, where buyers will find two-bedroom apartment as well as two- and three-bedroom houses.
This newly launched development is wonderfully located for commuters, with the M25 a short distance away. Ring 01932 586777 for information on current prices at Holmfield Place.
And looking towards the near future, Rushmon Homes is soon to release Parkview in well-connected Guildford. The location, overlooking Stoke Park, is ideal. This luxury development of eight two-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom duplex apartments is sure to cause a stir among prospective buyers both from the local area and beyond. Find out more by calling the sales hotline on 01932 586777.
For more information about these developments or any other projects from Rushmon Homes visit rushmonhomes.co.uk.
 

Stanmore, Middlesex

At Annington Mews, first-time buyers are being offered the excellent incentive of five per cent deposit paid. Just under a mile from Stanmore tube at the end of the Jubilee Line, these homes offer practicality for everyday living – and each home comes with a garden and a parking space. Homes go on sale on 9 September, and response is sure to be high. Call 020 8954 7716.

Chichester, West Sussex

Charles Church invites you to enjoy an evening of Pimm’s and classical music at its stunning show home at Westgate Mews, to be held on Friday 16 September from 3pm to 7pm. Buyers will be able to browse the quality style available at this collection of luxury two-bedroom apartments (from £249,950), two-bedroom two-storey houses and three-bedroom three-storey houses, all with off-street allocated parking. Call 01243 774896.

Maidenhead, Berkshire

Bentash is Millgate Homes’ third apartment development on Shoppenhangers Road. This collection of just 13 two-bedroom apartments overlooks Maidenhead Golf Club and offers the developer’s high specification combined with a wonderful location convenient for the town centre. Contact selling agents Roger Platt on 01628 773333. Meanwhile, Braybrook in Wokingham (0118 979 7775) and Hunter’s Chase in Warfield (01344 400100) are also available. Visit millgatehomes.co.uk.

Clerkenwell, London

Modern City Living has put the strong colours of blue, red and green to use at two show apartments at Knights Court, a new scheme on sought-after St John’s Square. Knights Court is the transformation of a former interwar office into a mixed-use collection of 13 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and a 1,400 sq ft penthouse. Remaining two-bedroom apartments start at £450,000. Call 020 7250 1012.


Watford, Hertfordshire

Get ahead of the inevitable crowd and register your interest in KingsOak’s prestigious new Queensgate scheme in Derby Road at an exclusive preview day on 10 September at the Hilton Hotel, Watford. The event will allow potential buyers to see what all the excitement is about. Queensgate will have 94 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments at prices starting at £179,950. Call the 24-hour hotline on 01923 810880.

Reading, Berkshire

At KingsOak Thames Valley’s Kings Reach development, construction has begun on the fifth and final block, and the scheme is 85 per cent reserved and 75 per cent occupied. Located off Napier Road and bordered by Kings Meadow, this new collection of apartments is within walking distance of the Oracle shopping centre, rail connections and city centre entertainments. Prices from £215,995. Call 0118 939 3611.

Worcester Park, Surrey

The Laura Ashley Interior Design Service has designed a stunning show home, launching 10 September, at the newest phase of The Hamptons. Norfolk Waterside is located adjacent to The Hamptons’ grand entrance and features an attractive combination of East Anglia-inspired black and white clapboarding and autumnal-coloured render. Prices range from £275,000 for a two-bedroom apartment to £765,000 for a six-bedroom house. Call 020 8337 3425.

Essex is a whole world in one county. Johnny Turner looks at its appeal – and at some wonderful new homes on the market.

Essex is a charming mix of suburban sprawl and old-fashioned village environment, with a bit of saucy seaside and market-town thrown in. Those in search of a new home will be impressed by the varied collections of houses and apartments currently on offer from a range of developers.
Persimmon’s Cotton Park in Romford comprises a range of contemporary two-bedroom apartments built to a high specification. As Cotton Park Gardens is located on London Road, within walking distance of the town centre and station, these homes are ideal for the busy professional who wants a convenient commute.

In the way of incentives, first-time purchasers are being offered the Buy With Us shared equity scheme. This, according to Gerry Pople, sales director for Persimmon’s Essex region, ‘allows first-time buyers to own 100 per cent of a property but only pay for 80 per cent of the apartment initially. The home is the buyers’ own and they have up to ten years to repay the remaining 20 per cent.’ At Cotton Park a first-timer, says Pople, could pay as little as £144,000 for a £180,000 apartment. ‘We believe the first-time buyers are crucial to the property market and hope that we will be able to help many new purchasers on to the property ladder.’
For more information about the properties or the incentives available at Cotton Park Gardens call the marketing suite, open daily, on 01708 765014.

Following the sales success of the first two phases at Brooklands in Romford, Bermac Estates is announces the forthcoming launch of the third phase show apartment. Situated on Brooklands Lane, off of Marshalls Road, the contemporary scheme is close to the heart of Romford’s vibrant town centre, with its plentiful choice of shops and amenities, restaurants, bars its famous market. Set to open its doors to the public on Saturday 10 September from noon to 3pm, the stunning show apartment reflects the lifestyle residents can expect at the popular development.

High-specification features include kitchens with stainless steel integrated appliances, feature tiled splashbacks and task lighting with complementing worktops. Bathrooms incorporate ceramic/stainless steel sink units with over-mirror lighting, Roca steel white enamel baths, and showers with Grohe fittings and clear glass screens.
The apartments are designed to suit a cross section of purchasers including first-time buyers and investors. Each comes with an allocated parking space, included in the selling price. A short walk from the town centre and the Brewery shopping centre, the homes are also very convenient for commuters; journey times take under 30 minutes to London’s Liverpool Street, while the A12 and A127 provide excellent motorway links.
The present phase comprises nine one and two-bedroom apartments, and the properties are now ready for occupation. Prices start at just £149,950. As an added bonus, upon completion every purchaser in phase three, along with the owners of apartments from the first two phases, will be automatically entered into a competition to win a two-seater sports car, giving a 1 in 33 chance of winning. For further details contact selling agents Peter Mills at Beresfords on 01708 730255 or Philip Day at Bairstow Eves Countrywide on 01708 761862.

Gladedale Homes offers luxury living by the sea at Outlook in Southend-on-Sea. The development is an exclusive collection of only 30 apartments, including two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses.
Touches such as floor-to-ceiling windows and fully decked patio areas with access doors from the main public rooms, combined with state-of-the-art specification, guarantee that these properties appeal to buyers who are looking for a luxury seafront home.  
Debbie Gallier, sales manager of Gladedale Homes, says, ‘The apartments at Outlook have been designed to be instantly striking and desirable. The beauty of the location has allowed for the creation of truly awe-inspiring designs that have the immediate “wow” factor. The properties offer such a good outlook that home owners can enjoy uninterrupted views of the sea from their living areas.’
Prices apartments at the aptly-named Outlook start at £369,995. An open weekend is being held at Outlook on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September. For further information, and to make an appointment for viewings during the open weekend, contact the marketing suite on 01702 290232.

Ilford is very popular with London commuters, and a new scheme from Higgins Homes will be just what those who work in central London are looking for. Vector is a very central development of 24 two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments that have the ‘wow’ factor both inside and outside. The architecture, with its large expanses of glass and metal cladding, is striking and modern. Once inside, the apartments continue to impress, with sleek, contemporary lines accentuated by the stunning kitchens and bathrooms.
The location is superb, with the local station just a short walk away. The commute will be simple and quick, which makes for a pleasant, unworried lifestyle. Those who need a home that is both smart and central should take a look.
Prices at Vector range from £215,000 to £230,000. To get more information or reserve an apartment off-plan contact the brochure request line weekdays from 9.30am to 5pm on 020 8508 6000.

Another Higgins development that combines proximity to London with elegant, uncluttered style is The East Village in Dagenham, where this weekend sees the launch of a new show apartment. The East Village consists of 179 one- and two-bedroom apartments on Reede Road. The location is extremely convenient – both Dagenham Heathway and Dagenham East District Line stations are nearby, make for a simple commute.
Kitchens are designed by Urban Myth and feature integrated stainless steel appliances. Bathrooms feature simple white Ideal Standard sanitaryware and chrome fittings. There is an audio entryphone system as well as provision for satellite TV.
Prices start at £139,995. For further information call 020 8517 7887 or visit higginshomes.co.uk.

Furlong Homes offers The Meadows in picturesque St Osyth, near Clacton-on-Sea, a development that provides a host of desirable features that potential home buyers expect.
The exclusive rural development of just 28 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes is characterised by an abundance of light, space and flexibility. Some of the homes are set over three levels.
The Meadows features a range of house styles whose names reflect the beautiful countryside surroundings. From the two-bedroom Orchid to the four-bedroom Saffron, every property is built to a high level of specification and includes as standard a washer dryer, oven and integrated fridge/freezer in the kitchen.
The Meadows is an ideal location for those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, yet is within easy reach of both London and the nearby towns along the Essex coast.
A three-bedroom show home with integrated garage is available for viewing. Prices start at £174,995. For further information contact the sales office on 01255 821516.

Only one of the high-style apartments remains at Quarles Park, Laing Homes’ development in Chadwell Heath. However, there are also three- and four-bedroom houses that are perfect for families.
The last remaining one-bedroom apartment has luxury fitted kitchen units and laminate worktops, integrated stainless steel electric single oven, cooker hood and gas hob. There is space and plumbing for a dishwasher and washer/dryer and the room is finished with ceramic tiling and pelmet lighting to kitchen wall units and inside the glazed wall units. The bathroom, meanwhile, comes with classic white suite; there is also a shower enclosure with chrome thermostatic shower.

The location, near Romford town centre, is excellent for all manner of pursuits, from education to entertainment, nightlife to a quiet life. Commuters will like the fast and frequent rail services from Chadwell Heath station, located just a half-mile from Quarles Park, that get you into Liverpool Street in just 20 minutes. There is also Newbury Park tube station, which is just over two miles away. For drivers, junction 28 of the M25 is a short distance away, providing a number of good road links.
Laing is offering an unbelievable incentive for a limited time – move in for £99. All the buyer needs to do is pay £99 on reservation, then the first month’s mortgage payment on completion. Laing Homes will pay all fees, deposit and stamp duty, which leaves the mover extra cash at a time when that really comes in handy. Terms and conditions apply; check with Laing Homes for further details of this offer.
The last remaining apartment is priced at £175,950, while three-bedroom houses start at £287,500 and four-bedroom houses are priced from £294,950. Call 020 8586 4091 to find out more.

St James Homes brings inner London living to Buckhurst Hill with Buckhurst Gate, an exclusive development that consists of 48 one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Buckhurst Gate provides the ideal setting for the modern lifestyle. These cosmopolitan-style apartments are located in beautiful countryside and enjoy excellent views across the London skyline and Epping Forest. This is the perfect place to escape to during evenings and weekends.
All of the flats are open and airy, and many provide a balcony off the living areas.
Sitting on the edge of suburban London and the Essex countryside, Buckhurst Hill offers loads of local amenities, including ample sport and leisure facilities, golf courses and tennis clubs. The high street also offers a wide range of stylish boutiques, shops and restaurants.
The development is only a ten-minute walk from Buckhurst Hill station, which provides direct routes into London. The M11, M25 and the rest of the South East are within easy reach from the scheme by road, while Stansted Airport is just a 30-minute drive away.
Such is the popularity of Buckhurst Gate that all of the one-bedroom apartments have been reserved at the scheme since its launch in April. Prices for the properties at Buckhurst Gate start from £249,950 for a two-bedroom apartment. For further information contact the sales and marketing suite on 020 8504 4117.

At Baddow Grange in Great Baddow, Westbury has just released one- and two-bedroom Chafford-style apartments – and with prices starting at £155,000, these represent amazing value for money. The apartments are sure to appeal to first-time buyers and couples.
The two-bedroom Chafford apartments have a substantial living/dining room with an open-plan kitchen at one end; this features a host of appliances including a washer/dryer. A good-sized master bedroom offers plenty of storage space in the form of two fitted wardrobes, and the en suite shower room means an end to bathroom queues. The second bedroom adds to the flexibility of the home, as it can be used as a home office or den.
For buyers looking for an apartment with the benefits of a house, the two-bedroom coach house-style Richmond, priced from £185,000, is the perfect solution. Again, open-plan living is a key feature, with the main room measuring 18’2 x 16’3 and incorporating a lounge, dining room and well-appointed kitchen.
Maria Morris, sales manager of Westbury South East, says, ‘The response to the development has been positive, with ten properties already reserved in only a few months.’ Morris sees signs in Baddow Grange that buyers are moving towards larger properties.
Each apartment has its own garage, which is rare in this type of home. To find out more about this exceptional development call 01245 478834.

Barratt Homes offers the chance to get away from it all at its Wentworth Chase development in Braintree. First-time buyers, families and downsizers will all be interested in these homes, which range from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom houses.
Two-bedroom houses are proving very popular, particularly with professional singles and couples who are starting a family. There are two types of two-bedroom house – the Ealing and the Emerson; the former is laid out in a more traditional way and the latter offers open-plan living space.

The location is ideal for those who work in the City, or anywhere in central London. Braintree station offers a fast and efficient service to Liverpool Street, with a journey time of less than an hour.
The two-bedroom houses are priced between £184,995 and £214,995. Three-bedroom houses start at £249,995 and four-bedroom houses are priced between £274,995 and £279,995. And early buyers at Wentworth Chase are offered incentive packages which range from stamp duty paid and home exchange though to a first-time buyers’ package of £500 towards legal fees and five per cent deposit paid. Contact the sales and marketing suite on 01376 343273.

Sand Island Developments announces its latest addition to Essex – a brand new exquisitely designed detached house with detached garage, which is shortly to be built at Writtle, in Chelmsford.
Planning consent has recently been given for the brand new three-bedroom property, to be situated on Hunts Drive, off of Margaretting Road, near the A414 Writtle Bypass. The property will have 1,011 square feet of flexible living space, incorporating a range of lifestyle features. Work is set to start on the new property in the autumn and the home is expected to be ready for occupation next April.
Designed to accommodate a wealth of living requirements, the new home, priced at £275,000, offers excellent value for money in comparison to other similar properties in the area. In addition, Sand Island Developments is offering purchasers a tailored incentive package for early reservation.
The contemporary specification will include features such as quality kitchens with integrated appliances, white bathrooms with chrome fixtures and fittings, separate kitchen and living areas, uPVC windows, gas central heating and a landscaped and fenced garden.

For commuters, there are mainline links from nearby Chelmsford into Liverpool Street taking around 30 minutes, while for road users the A414 accesses the M11(M25), and the A12(M25). The A13 is also within easy reach and Stansted Airport is accessible.
As interest in the property is expected to be high, early enquiries are advised. For off plan enquiries, contact Sand Island Developments Ltd on 01245 290003.

Barratt offers the chance to keep fit at its Colne View development in Colchester. When the residents’ gym is completed, home owners will have fitness facilities right on the doorstep.
The latest release at the development is Cleveland Court, which comprises 29 one- and two-bedroom apartments over four floors. Buyers can choose from a range of apartment styles, each of which has been designed to maximise light and space. There is a large underground parking area with electronic gates.
Prices start at just £149,995 for a one-bedroom apartment, while two-bedroom apartments are priced from £179,995 and include an allocated parking space. To find out more call 01206 861572.
Also in Chelmsford, Savills is selling a fantastic new development of individually designed one- and two-bedroom apartments by locally-based developer Chelsteen Homes. Trident Place injects the best contemporary luxury living into one of this popular town’s most vibrant quarters – historic Moulsham Street, with its strong identity as a ‘village within a town’ and unique fusion of shops, eating places and service providers. Fronting a pleasant street scene, this development is designed to be relaxing.
Adam Akhust of Savills says, ‘Each of the 16 individually designed apartments is designed to maximise the use of space and natural light, and boasts a generous specification. Certainly, going by the initial interest we have received in this scheme, we envisage that it will be extremely popular with many buyers seeking a contemporary apartment in a convenient location’.

Located a few minutes stroll from the high street and within easy walking distance of the station (about 35 minutes to Liverpool Street) Moulsham Street continues to develop as a retail area but retains its own identity. Cosmopolitan restaurants and smart home furnishing retailers are now shoulder-to-shoulder with the more established range of shops in this amazing street.

Although so conveniently close to the town centre the development provides off-street car parking and is set within an attractive courtyard area. High standards of comfort are provided internally with modern methods of sound insulation used to enhance privacy. The fully integrated designer kitchens and bathrooms leave nothing to be desired while the provision of satellite TV, FM reception and telecommunications support expectations in home entertainment.
The fully furnished show apartment sales office is now open for public viewing Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm. Contact Savills on 01245 269311.

West London is luring more buyers than ever, thanks to its combination of convenience and style, says Johnny Turner.

West London has long since been famed for its exclusivity – the quiet residential turnings, thriving high streets, café lifestyle and the elegant homes – and the current vogue for building new homes on the west side means that the area offers more choice than ever. The current lot of newly built homes includes an excellent mix of quality and convenience.
One new development, The pumpHouse in Hammersmith, offers an enviable lifestyle in an outstanding riverside setting. The scheme, by St James Homes, is being created from the conversion of a Grade II listed Victorian pumping station, is made up of a combination of converted and newly built properties. On one side, private gardens lead directly to the Thames-side pathway and on the other side, the Great West Road ensures fantastic transport links.

Indeed, it couldn’t be easier to get into and out of London. The A4, M4, A40 and M40 are all extremely accessible, and Heathrow Airport is just a short journey away. For tube travellers, Ravenscourt Park station is within walking distance and the shops and entertainment scene of bustling Hammersmith and chic Chiswick are equidistant. Going further west, South Kensington, Chelsea and Knightsbridge are all within easy reach.
And however far you travel, The pumpHouse apartments are something special to come home to. The apartments, priced from just £235,000 for a studio, are an eclectic mixture of cool modernity and Victorian elegance.    
           
Further information on the pumpHouse is available from St James Homes’ marketing suite on 020 8563 9139 or at phw6.co.uk.

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.

Linden Homes is selling Mode, an exciting new development in Spring Grove Road in Isleworth. The stunning collection of three-bedroom town houses and two-bedroom apartments has something for everyone. Plot 18, for instance, is a two-bedroom apartment built within the eaves of the building, covering the entire second floor and featuring sloping ceilings.
Helen Todd, sales and marketing director of Linden Homes Chiltern, says, ‘We are extremely excited about the Mode development and wish to encourage buyers to register their interest in these high specified homes now.’

The homes will boast designer kitchens from Symphony with De Dietrich appliances and, subject to stage of construction, a choice of ceramic floor and wall tiles from either Minoli or Porcelanosa. Bathrooms and en suites will have pristine white sanitaryware and chrome finishes.
Isleworth is a riverside town that hosts a range of shops, restaurants and leisure attractions, as well as easy proximity to Richmond, Kingston and central London. Communication links are superb, with central London a short drive or 15-minute train journey away. Osterley and Hounslow East tube stations bring the Piccadilly Line close by, and Heathrow airport is just ten miles away.

The homes at Mode selling quickly, with the remaining ones priced at £292,995 to £395,995. For further information contact Linden Homes Chiltern on 01895 827447 or visit lindenhomes.co.uk.

At Reflexion in Hounslow, Barratt West London is creating 334 private apartments as part of the rejuvenation of Hounslow town centre, incorporating 150 affordable homes as well as approximately 150,000 square feet of retail and leisure space to include an Asda supermarket, fitness centre, restaurant and bar facilities.
Featuring striking architecture, the iconic development dominates the skyline. There are plans to create a new pedestrian link to Hounslow Central tube station. Prices for the stunning apartments start from just £213,995 and information is available from the Barratt marketing suite on 020 8572 3668

Scheduled for completion in 2008, Axiom is transforming Feltham town centre with over 800 apartments for private sale and shared ownership, together with new and refurbished retail spaces that will double the current provision, attracting key retailers to the town. A new library is scheduled to open in June and a health centre and hotel are also planned, along with new landscaped plazas and improvements to the High Street parade. Prices at Axiom start at just £199,995. Further information can be obtained by calling the marketing suite on 020 8867 0382.

The UK self-build market gets a glimpse of an eco-friendly future.

Within the UK housing market there is an increasing demand for a healthier way of living and an eco-friendly building solution. The answer now looks to lie within multi-award winning house builder, Baufritz, as the company opens its first UK office near Cambridge.
Until now, the gap in the self-build market meant that buyer’s looking for something different to that of a conventional home have had to compromise on choice, quality and design. Buyers’ options have been limited and such problems as fragmented and lengthy building processes have proved frustrating. Baufritz, the ecological pioneer in timber house construction is set to bring a unique offering of stunning, high-quality tailor-made homes to the UK self-build housing market.

Baufritz, already firmly established as one of the leading timber home companies in Germany, creates each house to the client’s individual specification, with no two the same. Focusing on providing a uniquely healthy housing solution, particularly for allergy sufferers, it is Baufritz’s philosophy that a house should provide more than simply a roof over our heads. A home should offer an unrivalled level of comfort and luxury combined with an abundance of natural materials and a healthy room climate. With a variety of designs, ranging from exclusive city villas to beautiful country homes, every house is built on the foundations of ecology and healthy living.
With Baufritz’s arrival in the UK, customers will see bring a welcome solution to the increasingly negative influences on health and the environment. The company builds each house using exclusive pollutant-tested materials and constructs them without the use of chemical wood preservation. Specialist Baufritz equipment is used to heat and cool rooms with fresh, filtered and pollution-free air providing a unique room air quality. In addition, rooms can be designed for specific allergy sufferers, containing untreated furniture, suitable materials and the world’s first external blinds with integrated pollen protection, all to create the ultimate healthy home.
Baufritz has homes for all lifestyles, designed to individual taste and requirements. Each house can incorporate aspects of modern and traditional living but always with a healthy ecological approach.

Oliver Rehm will be heading up Baufritz’s transition into the UK as managing director of the UK division. He is a German-trained architect and engineer with over eight years experience in the UK market alone, working for architects RMJM, Wrenbridge, and Breathe.
Customers who choose to purchase a home will embark on a unique design experience. Courtesy of Baufritz, they will travel to Germany to visit HausSchneiderei, the company’s main exhibition centre in Erkheim. It is here that customers can create their house, within a sense- and emotion-stimulating environment. Customers will select the finest detail from a wide variety of materials and colours.

The company will fill a large void in the self-build market with the entire process from planning to completion taking just five months, one-third of the time it takes to build a traditional house from bricks and mortar. All initial enquiries can be made by contacting Oliver Rehm, managing director, Baufritz (UK) Ltd, on 01223 235632.

Bletchley, Buckinghamshire

At Mathison Grange in sought-after Bletchley, George Wimpey is inviting purchasers to reserve through their easymover programme, which allows them to relax while the house builder works with its team of local estate agents to sell your existing homes. New homes in the scheme include the four-bedroom Kent design, priced from £249,995, and five-bedroom homes from £290,000. Call 01908 643466 for further information.


North Chingford, London

Twenty Two, a new development by Higgins Homes which overlooks a manicured golf course fairway and Royal Epping Forest, is already nearly one-third sold or reserved. The exclusive gated development offers just 13 luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses. Contemporary design features in both the architecture and the apartments’ interiors. The development also offers allocated parking. Prices start at £250,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Call 020 8508 6000 or see higginshomes.co.uk.

Bishop’s Stortford, Essex

Furlong Homes’ Central Walk development is an exclusive range of 208 one- and two bedroom apartments with scenic views across the River Stort. This is the perfect location for those who want the tranquility of a riverside location as well as an easy commute to the City. The train station is within walking distance, offering regular services to Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport. Prices start at £179,995. Call 01279 758702.


Rainham, Kent

ASPREY HOMES TO LAUNCH RUSSETT FARM

Asprey Homes will soon launch Russett Farm, a development on Pump Lane. The two-, three- and four-bedroom homes are currently available off-plan. It is perfect for families and commuters, with excellent amenities in and around the town, plus reliable train links into central London with an approximate journey time of one hour from Rainham station. Prices start at £195,000. Call RPC Land & New Homes on 01634 835900.

LINDEN HOMES LEADS RENEWABLE ENERGY TRIAL AT WOKING DEVELOPMENT

Linden Homes has embraced an innovative method of meeting a planning requirement to generate at least 10% of a development's energy needs though onsite renewable energy, on its Fusion development in Woking. Determined to explore a new approach to tackling the renewable energy challenge, Linden Homes is undertaking twelve months of research as part of an agreement with Woking Borough Council. Homes at Fusion have been fitted with the Nuaire Drimaster system, a positive ventilation system that works by taking the air within the loft space which has already been partially heated by the sun, and pushing it through a ventilation system in the ceiling. The warmed air then circulates the house, reducing the demand on the boiler to generate heat, thereby saving energy and lowering bills.

In an added health benefit for the residents, the advanced filtering system reduces pollen and dust mites to barely detectable levels, creating a much healthier living environment especially for asthmatics or hay fever sufferers. The system also reduces damp by enforcing a constant recycling of air within the home.

In addition, a number of homes have been equipped with Nuaire's Ecosmart, which uses 'passive solar gain' from a solar panel inside the roof to use energy from the sun's rays, resulting in temperatures of 50 - 60 degrees in the roof cavity during direct sunlight. This solution does not compromise the external appearance of the home, which can be an important issue for residents.

Using the sun to generate energy within the home has been taken even further on selected units at Fusion, which have been fitted with Nuaire's Sunwarm, a direct solar collector. Using solar panels to heat water and air in the home, the Sunwarm uses pure renewable energy to reduce dependency on the traditional boiler system. Its unique method of operation means it is capable of saving twice as much energy as a conventional solar hot water heating system, and works effectively twelve months of the year.

As a result of these initiatives, Linden Homes anticipate achieving as much as 12.7% of Fusion's energy requirements through renewable energy. The benefits of this for residents will last the lifetime of the site, resulting in reduced fuel bills and considerable savings over the long term.

As part of the ongoing experiment, the progress of the systems will be monitored remotely using Radio Frequency Signals, with no intrusion into the lives of residents.

Philip Davies, Chief Executive of Linden Homes comments:

"Research into the wider issue of renewable energy is essential if housebuilders are going to successfully contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through environmentally friendly new homes. We will be reporting the results of our experiments at Fusion to Woking Borough Council, but early results indicate we will easily exceed the required 10% onsite renewable energy."

Woking Borough Council, which has received national recognition for its pioneering work in developing and promoting renewable energy, requires at least 10% of the energy consumed by all new developments to be generated from renewable sources on site.  Sean Rendall, Principal Policy Officer at Woking, concluded that the approach proposed by Linden Homes in meeting this target merited closer examination:

 "We are keen to encourage developers to think hard about the contribution their proposals can make in tackling the global issue of climate change.  The potential benefits of the technologies at Fusion demonstrated to the Council a willingness to explore new ways of responding to the challenge of reducing the Borough's greenhouse gas emissions.  We welcome Linden's commitment to monitoring the systems at Fusion and sharing with us the outcome of this trial."

Linden Homes takes its green credentials extremely seriously, with all its homes achieving a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating of at least 90, compared to the national average of 75 for new homes. Fusion was also accredited with a 'Very Good' Eco-Homes rating.

Hatfield, Hertfordshire

Selling Like Hot Cakes: 35% Sold at Barratt’s Equinox Development in Hatfield!

In just a few months following the launch of the first phase at Barratt’s Equinox development in Hatfield, some 35% of the 79 homes have been snapped up by buyers.    

The development, located on the former site of the British Aerospace factory, will comprise 171 private one and two bedroom apartments when complete.    As part of the major regeneration of the area, there will also be a medical centre, a 115 place nursery, a nursing home, 35,000 sq ft of bar, restaurant and retail space, a 120 bed hotel, a