New Homes - Saturday, December 23, 2006

Situated just 500 metres from the 2012 Olympic Park, Heart of Bow is a large development by Lovell. The scheme is considered to be of huge strategic importance on the overall masterplan for the Lower Lea Valley area.

Heart of Bow will provide over 200 homes for private purchase. Demand has already been brisk, with first phase fully sold within days of the opening of the show flat and site sales office.
This is a part of London where house prices have not kept up with neighbouring areas in recent years but evidence from other Olympic cities around the world points to a potential boom in the local property market over the next few years.
Heart of Bow offers a range of choice in flat types as well as houses, all attractively priced bearing in mind its location, which is wonderfully close to The City and Docklands.
Prices start at 209,995 for a one-bedroom apartment, while two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments start at £263,000. The site sales office is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm and is located on the corner of Tredegar Road and Parnell Road. For further information contact the marketing suite on 020 8981 0485.

Stratford’s Olympic connections and upcoming international railway terminus are just two big reasons why buyers are flocking to the E15 area. Here Barratt offers Stratford Square, a new collection of apartments and town houses. For Barratt, this is the latest in a series of contributions to the radical rejuvenation programme currently changing the face of the area.
Stratford Square is the conversion of the old London Electricity Board offices in Romford Road, which will consist of 60 one- and two-bedroom apartments, many with balconies and views over the courtyard. All homes feature fully fitted kitchens with integrated appliances, fitted bathrooms, central heating, double glazing and pre-fitted TV and telephone wiring. The high ceilings and large windows that are a legacy of the building’s previous incarnation will serve the new apartments well, imparting all-important space and light.
Apartments at Stratford Square currently start at £338,995. Sales offices and fully furnished show homes are open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm and Monday from 2pm to 6pm. For further information call the main sales office on 020 8519 9658.

EastSide, a collection of 132 apartments, from studios to two-bedrooms, offers one of the best locations in terms of proximity to the 2012 Games.
Just a short walk from the future site of the Olympic village and stadium, EastSide will also offer further benefits that will accrue from London’s selection as host city: new swimming, cycling and hockey facilities in Stratford (just four minutes away by DLR) and the upgrading of Mile End Stadium. The local economy in Bow is also due to benefit immensely during the run-up to the Games. EastSide, developed by Widacre Homes and Circle 33 Lifespace, also offers that irresistible benefit – very affordable prices. The second phase with apartments in the Soho building is now 50 per cent sold; prices currently start at £189,950 for one-bedroom apartments and £242,450 for two-bedroom apartments. For further sales information call Strettons Residential on 020 7422 0989. Visit eastside-e3.com.

The East End is continuing its transformation into a cosmopolitan, vibrant and much sought after destination. Following its success at Urban Island in Bromley-By-Bow, Countryside Properties is now set to play a main role in the regeneration of the area with its brand new landmark development Space2 at Bethnal Green.

Space2 will comprise 258 one and two bedroom apartments and two and three bedroom duplex apartments and will include a variety of apartment types, ranging from 529 sq ft to 1,445 sq ft, all featuring modern stylish interiors.  

In contrast to the sleek towers of Canary Wharf to the South and the nearby Georgian terraces of Tredegar Square, the striking apartment buildings at Space2 mirror the curve of the canal and eye-catching larch and coloured panelling accentuates their location.     

Internally, there is an excellent choice of layouts to meet most lifestyle needs with spaces that flow easily into each other.  Kitchen and living spaces are open plan with a contemporary and stylish specification.

Bathrooms and en-suites are elegant and clean with chrome and walnut accessories whilst bedrooms can be as minimalist or cosy as the owner chooses.

A typical two bedroom apartment has an open plan kitchen and reception area with a balcony overlooking Meath Gardens Park, a master bedroom with en-suite shower room, second bedroom and main bathroom. Some of the duplex penthouse units have semi -circular rooms with sweeping walls, inviting imaginative interior design.
 
Apartments are set in green and leafy surroundings overlooking Meath Gardens Park and adjacent to the Grand Union canal. The innovative Mile End Park and lively Victoria Park are also within easy reach, providing over 400 acres of open space and parkland nearby that creates an oasis of calm away from the city.
Brick Lane, Hoxton and Shoreditch are all on the doorstep, and Space2 not only offers a stylish new home but also a great social life and an exciting area of London to discover. The markets at Spitalfields and Columbia Road are perfect for whiling away hours at the weekend with the bars and cafés on Hoxton Square offering the ideal after work drink.
Bow Wharf, a brand new complex - close to the Roman Road - provides a Fitness First leisure centre, Fat Cat café and bar, Jongleurs comedy club, and many more shops bars and restaurants all within a short walk from the development.

Space2 is within walking distance of three underground stations providing easy access to the City, and allowing you to be in the centre of town on the central and district lines from Mile End, Bethnal Green and Stepney Green in around 15 minutes.
Stratford, set to be the centre of the 2012 Games is only one tube stop from Mile End on the Central Line, bringing a host of new leisure and sporting facilities within easy reach.
Tony Travers, Subsidiary Managing Director of Countryside Properties commented: “This area is continuing to grow in popularity with the announcement that London will host the 2012 Olympics.  The ongoing regeneration initiatives such as Space2 will put the East End firmly on the map as a buoyant residential location.  Residents at Space2 will enjoy a great parkland location in a highly exciting area of London that is also close to the City.”

Prices at Space2 start from £205,000 for a one bedroom apartment and £245,000 for a two bedroom apartment and penthouses at £399,9501. For further details, please visit www.space2london.com

Tempus, South Woodford, London E18
 
Tempus, a Higgins Homes development in South Woodford, London E18, comprises 37 contemporary one and two bedroom apartments and three bedroom penthouses. A former Ford garage, the development consists of two buildings, one new build and the other a conversion, incorporating the front section of the former building and its distinctive landmark clock. Located within the attractive conservation area of South Woodford, the gated development is set within landscaped communal gardens. All of the apartments have a private balcony or a patio and the penthouses incorporate spectacular, ‘wrap-around’ terraces. There is also secure, off-street parking.
 
The apartments feature a high standard of specification, and include designer kitchens by Urban Myth, an integrated fridge/freezer, washer dryer and dishwasher and high quality Smeg appliances including an electric oven and gas hob.
 
Tempus is located within walking distance of the lively local restaurant, bar and shopping scene. South Woodford Underground station (Central Line) is less than half a mile away, and is just seven stops from Liverpool Street Station. The North Circular, M25 and M11 are nearby, providing access to Stansted Airport which is approximately 27 miles away.
 
Prices: From £295,000 for a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment.

Sales contact details: Call Higgins Homes on telephone: 020 8498 9700 or visit the website: www.higginshomes.co.uk

Rydon Homes has just opened the doors to its chic new show apartment at the Nordic Apartments in Shadwell, E1, one of the hottest locations for 2006.
Located on the fifth floor of the Ikon building, one of three buildings at the stunning new scheme, the two bedroom show apartment offers 677sqft of accommodation.  The kitchen is open plan to the living area, which leads out onto a balcony providing stunning views of the City.  
The kitchens at Nordic Apartments are a fusion of practicality with contemporary simplicity and style. Elegant and versatile storage is combined with attractive details, including laminate work surfaces with glass up stands, integrated appliances to include oven, hob, hood, combi microwave, fridge freezer, dishwasher, washer dryer and waste disposal.
The master bedroom suite features fitted wardrobes and an en-suite facility while the second bedroom, which is also a double room, has fitted wardrobes and access to a separate bathroom.

Robert Kerr, Marketing Manager for Rydon Homes comments: “The Nordic Apartments offer a range of ultra-cool modern homes, from single bedroom living utilising a flexible open plan approach to spacious two bedroom penthouses with private balconies.  The new show apartment reflects a relaxed and comfortable lifestyle with chilled out naturally toned interiors to enable residents to create a surrounding that suits them most.”
Located just 400 metres from the River Thames, and just ten minutes from Canary Wharf, The Nordic Apartments is a collection 97 one, two and three bedroom apartments.  Many of the apartments have spacious open plan layouts, and there are some exclusive two bedroom penthouses with private balconies or terraces available.

Accessibility from Nordic Apartments is second to none. Shadwell’s 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 just four minutes. Canary Wharf is 10 minutes away in the opposite direction and less than 20 minutes on foot via the Thames riverside walk.

Rydon Homes new marketing suite and show apartment at the Nordic Apartments is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and at other times, strictly by appointment only.

Prices start from £189,950.  For further information, contact the Marketing Suite and Show Apartment on 0207 780 1580, or visit the development’s website at www.nordic-cool.co.uk

Prices at The Water Gardens start from £330,000 for a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment and agents for the development, King Sturge Residential, estimate that over the next five years the regeneration of Canada Water could see capital value growth of up to 20% for properties in the district, making it the ideal chance to invest in an area set to receive £1billion of private and public investment over the next five years.

The planned regeneration of Canada Water will transform the area into a highly sought after address that compliments neighbouring Canary Wharf. The apartments at The Water Gardens are an ideal investment for those looking to venture into an up-and-coming area of regeneration for investment purposes. With London’s recent successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics, properties in the Docklands area can only become more attractive as an investment proposition.
The Water Gardens will be one of the most prestigious developments in the Canada Water region, and will provide 242 new homes, including one, two and three-bedroom apartments designed around a central water garden piazza. The central water garden will combine water reflection pools, lawns, walkways and seating areas with covered gated parking facilities available to purchase, and commercial space fronting on to the Albion Channel, ideal for cafés, shops, or offices.
For further information on The Water Gardens please call 0845 606 6929. The nearest tube to King Sturge’s Westferry Circus offices is Canary Wharf on the Jubilee Line and Docklands Light Railway.

The worlds of football and property are increasingly linked. We look at two upcoming London events that mix the beautiful game and some beautiful new homes

The football scene been popping up in property news quite a lot lately, with both the players and the grounds getting involved in London’s exciting home-buying scene. A pair of upcoming events is further evidence that the beautiful game and desirable properties are well suited.
Chelsea Football Club’s Drake Suite at Stamford Bridge Stadium is the setting for a celebrity event to be held on 7 February from 7pm to 9.30pm. New Era Wealth Management, in association with Berkeley Homes and Jonathan Power Properties, will present the final phase at Senses South, an exclusive investment opportunity at Chelsea Bridge Wharf.

In association with this event, a celebrity auction is to be held on behalf of CLIC Sargent – caring for children with cancer – who are Chelsea FC’s centenary charity of choice.
An impressive selection of the great and the good of the sporting world will be attending. There will be an introductory speech by Sir Bobby Robson, along with presentations by Berkeley Homes and Knight Frank. And clients of both New Era and Jonathan Power who have already invested in the development will also be attending; besides various Chelsea players, there will be world boxing champion Joe Calazaghe, as well as footballers Andy Cole, Robbie Savage, Craig Bellamy, Muzzy Izzet, Darren Ward, Jody Morris, Frank Sinclair and Lee Hendrie.

New Era Wealth Management is a company set up by Jamie Moralee, the ex-Watford and Millwall footballer, and Frank Sinclair, the Burnley captain and ex-Chelsea and Jamaican international. The company is fast building a reputation in wealth management, mainly by building up a strong property portfolio for its high-net-worth clientele – including footballers and other sportsmen, as well as those in the entertainment industry.
New Era has now joined forces with Jonathan Power Properties, suppliers of specialised property investment services to many of the county’s elite sportsmen and women, some of whom are mentioned above. And this event looks set to usher in a phase of even stronger connections between the worlds of sport and property.
Apartments at Senses South range in price from £520,000 to £660,000. Contact Berkeley Homes on 020 7720 4000.

Meanwhile, potential investors looking for one of the best deals in London should head to VizioN7, a residential development by joint venture partners Taylor Woodrow and George Wimpey, in conjunction with Arsenal Football Club. An event is being held on 4 February between10am and 2pm.
Those who reserve a selected plot on this day will be assured of a great deal as VizioN7 will be offering a seven per cent gross rental guarantee for a full two years.  In addition, legal fees will be paid and the apartments will include a superb furniture package therefore giving buyers a fully equipped investment in one easy step.

’This is a fantastic opportunity and a great way for buyers to invest with complete confidence,’ explained Niki Turner, sales and marketing director for George Wimpey City. ‘Those who come along to the event will be able to see for themselves just how easy it is to invest in property, with the assurance of a healthy return on their money for two years.’
Furthermore, VizioN7 will also offer – on selected plots - the added bonus of a highly sought-after Arsenal Football Club season ticket for the first season in the new Emirates Stadium. Conditions apply. Prices start at £249,000. Call 020 7700 7555 to find out more.
 

This ambitious development on the Bedfordshire/Hertfordshire border is one of the South East’s most desirable places to buy.
With an increasing shortage of available land for housing and pressure from the government to take more care of the environment, making the most of existing space is high on developers’ list of priorities these days. And developments such as Fairfield Park do exactly that.

Fairfield Park is an imaginative project in Arlesey, Bedfordshire, breathing new life into a former Grade II Victorian mental asylum and its 173 acres of grounds. The hospital was closed down in 1999 and became derelict, and is now the centre of a multi-million-pound scheme in which a consortium of builders will provide around 1,000 new homes.

The regeneration aspect of Fairfield Park is not its only attraction. Villages are racing back into fashion, popular with those who are tired of the anonymity of the cities and keen to be part of a community; and this collection of homes is perfect in that respect. Not only does it offer communal space and facilities for all residents, it also offers proximity to excellent transport links so that those who work in the cities can have the best of both worlds.

The setting is fantastic – Fairfield Park is situated in mature parkland just a short drive from the towns of Letchworth and Hitchin, and is only two miles from junction 10 of the A1(M). There is easy access to London via railway stations at Hitchin, Letchworth and Arlesey – all of these stations run regular services to King’s Cross. And for frequent flyers, Luton Airport is just over ten miles away.
Fairfield Park is ideal for families. Educationally, the area is served well with pre-school, nursery, primary and secondary schools in Stotfold, Arlesey, Letchworth and Hitchin, as well as North Herts College, which offers further education opportunities. These nearby towns also offer a wealth of leisure, entertainment and shopping facilities, including cinemas, swimming pools, sports centres, golf courses, restaurants, bars and clubs.

Stamford Homes offers wonderful homes in a prime Fairfield Park setting. There is a range of stunning three- and four-bedroom terraced and detached family homes, including the impressive three-bedroom Newton design, which currently has a series of special offers available on plot 137.
Living and sleeping areas are spread over three spacious floors and can be adapted to suit individual requirements and lifestyle needs. Priced at £375,000, the Newton comes with free carpets throughout, as well as turfed and landscaped gardens. Stamford Homes is offering three per cent deposit paid, which marks an extra saving of £11,250.

Prices at Stamford Homes’ development at Fairfield Park start at £255,000. The sales office and show home are open daily from 10.30am to 5pm. Contact the sales team on 01426 835192.
Bryant Homes has just launched its Fairfield Park development. The selection of unique one-bedroom apartments and two-, three- and four-bedroom homes is available for house hunters to buy off-plan. A show home is planned for later in the year.

Bryant Homes’ prestigious development will offer a wide range of house styles to suit all needs. The Barns is an imaginative refurbishment on the grounds of the 19th-century Fairfield Hospital – a magnificent Grade II listed landmark featuring one bedroom apartments and two bedroom homes. Three-bedroom homes will also be available, along with a single four-bedroom property called the Farmhouse, a spacious family home with contemporary styling and features, two en-suite bathrooms, three reception rooms and a large kitchen/breakfast room.
All the homes are built to a high specification with double glazing, gas central heating, fitted kitchens with oven, hob and hood, integrated appliances including fridge freezer, washer dryer and dishwasher and ceramic floor and wall tiles. 

This exclusive new development from Bryant Homes follows on from the company’s other successful developments in the area including Northfield Grange and Grange View.
Regional senior sales manager, Heather Holl, said: ‘We expect our Fairfield Park development to attract a great deal of attention from house hunters as Bryant is well known in the area. Not only will purchasers be attracted to the unique lifestyle and stunning surroundings that the development will have to offer, there is also the added convenience of great commuter links.’
Prices for these stunning new properties start from just £175,000. Call the marketing suite, open daily, on 01462 733785.

Miller Homes currently offers properties ranging from two to five bedrooms. With two-bedroom apartments priced from £189,950 and ready to move into, there will definitely be a lot of interest from first-time buyers. These are ‘detached’ apartments built over garage blocks and finished to an excellent specification.
The range of houses includes the popular Alice design, a three-bedroom terraced home, available from only £229,950. There are also four-bedroom houses, many including such features as a garden room or family room, priced from £334,995. Top of the range is the Victoria five-bedroom home, priced at £549,995.
Miller Homes at Fairfield Park is located off the Hitchin Road out of nearby Stotfold. The sales centre is open daily from 10am to 5pm and can be contacted on 0845 676 0171.
Charles Church has a wide range of homes at Fairfield Park, including two-, three-, four-, five- and six-bedroom homes, each designed in keeping with the Victorian style of the development.
Prices currently range from £179,995 to £619,995. The sales office is open 11am to 5pm. For further information call 01462 835407.

Charles Church has announced the launch of a second phase of luxurious new homes. The
selection of 28 newly designed properties with include some with beautiful views of the surrounding parkland. The homes offer purchasers the opportunity to buy a Charles Church home designed specifically to complement its natural surroundings and established properties in the area.
Each home features superb levels of specification, including a well-planned and imaginatively-designed kitchen fitted with a luxurious range of units including oven, hob, and hood, as well as integrated dishwasher and fridge/freezer. The spacious living area is ideal for the family to relax in together and boasts superb French doors which flood the room with natural light.
The lavish master bedroom comes with its own en suite shower room for added convenience. Further bedrooms will be served by the main family bathroom featuring sleek white sanitaryware and enhanced by chrome fittings.
For further information or to register your interest please contact Charles Church North London on 0845 121 2211 or visit charleschurch.com.

Twigden Homes will be developing over eight acres of the Fairfield Park project, creating a variety of Victorian-style houses and paying particular attention to detail. Care has been taken to ensure that the development is sympathetically designed to blend with surrounding countryside and architecture.
Twigden’s contribution to Fairfield Park will be built in four phases and will offer a range of house types from two to six bedrooms, terraced to detached. Interiors will include both traditional Victorian-style and contemporary designs.
The sales office is open daily. Call 01462 683537.

Wokingham, Berkshire

Braybrook is Millgate Homes’ development of just eight one- and two-bedroom apartments on Finchampstead Road. Half of the apartments were reserved in the first three weeks. The location is peaceful yet within half a mile of the town centre and easy reach of with the M3, M4 and M25 motorways. Prices range from £175,000 to £275,000. Call Prospects on 0118 979 7775.

Ashford, Kent

Great Homes Ltd offers Windsor Court in Singleton, a collection of sheltered apartments for buyers of 55 years and over currently under construction. The gated development, located in Hoxton Close, will feature 46 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Security includes CCTV entry, a duty manager and a 24-hour support and careline facility through specialist company Peverel. Due for completion this spring. Call 08000 28 8177

Kenley, Surrey

At Kenley Park, Linden Homes offers the ultimate part-exchange plan: they will buy your present home! Valuations are carried out and an offer made within seven days, making for a less stressful move. The development, which is situated in mature tree-lined cul-de-sacs, has 58 three-bedroom homes, each with a spacious layout and high level of specification. Prices from £314,995. Call 020 8668 4119.

Bromley, Kent

South East Living has been granted planning permission for a site on Sherman Road, which will provide both new homes and offices. The mixed-use scheme, which will be brought to the market at the end of the year, is sure to be as successful as current Kent schemes from the developer such as MVS in Beckenham and Styles Court in Paddock Wood. Call 020 8851 3938.

Shefford, Bedfordshire

In the picture-perfect village of Clifton, George Wimpey offers a range of new homes, priced from £197,995. The three-bedroom Tebworth and Twyford designs are currently available. The Twyford has a large, square combined living room/dining area with French doors to the rear garden as well as a kitchen/breakfast area. Visit the sales centre, located off Pedley Lane, or call 01462 817576 for more information.

Seaford, East Sussex

Headfind Developments is selling apartments at Claremont Quays, located in this delightful coastal resort between Brighton and Eastbourne. Secure underground parking and sea views (pictured) are just two of the benefits of buying at Claremont Quays. Prices for the two- and three-bedroom apartments start at £225,950 and there are many incentives available to help purchasers. Call 01323 490300 or 01403 783830 to find out more.

Slough, Berkshire

Investors will be very interested in KingsOak Thames Valley’s Centrika development, especially with the current offer of a guaranteed rental income of eight per cent for two years on selected plots. Conditions apply. The development is on Bath Road, well connected for London commuting via road or rail. Prices from £219,995. The marketing suite is location on Windsor Road. Call 01753 574262 for more information.

Tatsfield, Kent

At Asprey Homes’ Village Place, the three-bedroom Cadogan show home has been released for sale as the last home remaining. The beautiful Paula Rosa kitchen has integrated appliances such as an electric oven, chimney extractor hood and Bosch fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washer/dryer. The home is priced at £310,00 and Asprey Homes is also offering part-exchange for a hassle-free move. Call 01959 540259.

With its knack for building chic, affordable apartments, Telford Homes truly knows today’s buyer. We look on as a new scheme is unveiled.

The Telford ethos is simple but effective: provide buyers with apartments that are not only in an excellent location and high-quality but also well priced. This approach has served both home buyers and Telford well. And as the latest development is prepared for launch, we find Telford thinking outside the box geographically while continuing to apply the same high standards of design, specification and commuter convenience that have driven all previous schemes.

Called Cosmopolitan, this new development will consist of 69 one- and two-bedroom apartments for private sale. The stylish new residential scheme is situated in Enfield, north London, and aims to combine contemporary style and quality with fantastic value for money. Called. Telford Homes is hosting a launch event on Sunday  5 February from 11am to 5pm at Bar-Ten in Silver Street, Enfield. Prospective buyers, who will undoubtedly include the repeat purchasers for whom all Telford schemes make such inviting investment buys, are invited to phone or register online now at telfordhomes.plc.uk.
Prices are expected to start from just £135,000 for a contemporary studio apartment – including a parking space! – and this is an ideal price bracket for the young demographic that can be found in Enfield. Here, 49 per cent of the population is under the age of 34.

Cosmopolitan is located in an established residential area, with excellent transport links for those who prefer to work in the capital while residing in a more quiet environment. Both Bush Hill Park and Southbury stations are within walking distance of the development, and both offer connections to London Liverpool Street in less than half an hour. For car commuters, the A10 provides fast road links into and out of London.

Enfield is one of London’s largest boroughs, being home to nearly 300,000 people. The suburb provides excellent amenities with five shopping centres and a range of leisure facilities: cinemas, bars and restaurants and Lee Valley Leisure Centre- one of north London’s largest leisure complexes with gym, pool and facilities for racquet sports.

Sheena Ellwood, sales and marketing director of Telford Homes, comments: ‘Cosmopolitan is an exceptional scheme that will especially provide younger purchasers with an excellent opportunity to invest and live in one of the capital’s most up-and-coming areas. We wanted to create vibrant, desirable housing for the 21st century and I believe we’ve done just that. We’re delighted to offer top-quality apartments that combine contemporary design with affordability and convenience.’
For further sales information call local selling agents Lanes on 020 8342 3795 or Telford Homes on 0870 872 0987. To register online visit telfordhomes.plc.uk.

Waterloo SE1, London

The Bench comprises one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, some of which benefit from either a balcony or terrace with excellent views over the city skyline. The specification includes gas central heating with stylish contemporary tubular heaters, wiring for plasma screens and surround sound, communal Sky TV connection, chrome downlights and electrical fittings, burglar alarms, veneered oak flooring in the living room and limestone hallways. Kitchens have Neff appliances and granite work surfaces, while bathrooms include CP Hart Philippe Starck limestone-finished suites with sunken baths in a limestone surround, and there are fitted wardrobes to bedrooms. Nearby Southwark station gives access to the West End, Canary Wharf, City Airport and Waterloo rail station. There is an NHBC guarantee and 999-year lease. Call Deco Design & Build on 020 8313 1411 or visit or northstar-2000.com.

Merstham, Surrey

At exclusive Pullman Place, developer Charles Church has released a new phase of luxury apartments. This intimate development consists of just 12 superb two-bedroom apartments offering the very best in open-plan contemporary living. Merstham is just two miles from Redhill and has excellent transport links. Prices from £220,000. Call the sales office Thursday to Monday on 01737 648248 or selling agents Connells on 01737 774277.

Newbury Park, Essex

Higgins Homes offers London-style bespoke designer living with its impressive Aria development. The striking, asymmetrical building houses just nine two-bedroom apartments and a one-bedroom apartment, all with good natural light courtesy of large windows and double-sized French doors to balconies. One- and two-bedroom apartments are priced at £179,950 and £219,950 respectively (less five per cent assisted deposit). Call 020 3022 9009 or see higginshomes.co.uk.

Sunningdale, Berkshire

Bewley Homes launches a collection of stylish apartments at Wilbury Lodge on 28 January. The building resembles a large Georgian-style country house rather than an apartment building and contains 15 luxury two-bedroom apartments. The location, in a tree-lined residential road in the heart of this sought-after town, is ideal. Each apartment has two secure parking spaces and individual storage. Prices from £399,950. Call 0118 970 8222.

West Molesey, Surrey

George Wimpey West London has unveiled its new development, The Works, which was launched from the nearby Avantgarde development. This collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments is situated on Pool Road and will be ready to move into late this year. Prices start at just £184,995 for a one-bedroom apartment and £218,995 for a two-bedroom apartment - very affordable for the area. Call 020 8979 8950.

Ipswich, Suffolk

Persimmon Homes Essex releases Jutland block at its flagship waterfront development Orwell Quay. The 24 one- and two-bedroom apartments have been designed with local buyers and key workers in mind. To celebrate the release, for a limited period only Persimmon is offering five per cent deposit paid, carpets and stamp duty paid on all apartments in the block. Prices from an astounding £124,750. Call 01473 286105.

Crawley, West Sussex

Investors are flocking to Redrow’s Porterhouse development, which boasts a location adjacent to Three Bridges station and only ten minutes from Gatwick Airport. There will be a mix of one- and two-bedroom properties in four separate buildings between two and six storeys high. An electronically gated entrance will lead to secure surface and underground parking. Prices start at £169,000. Call 01293 532165.

The 2012 Olympics have already given the east London property scene a boost. Johnny Turner sees what’s happening in the new homes market.

W ith the Olympics on their way to the capital, the scramble is on to create the kind of London that is suited to holding such a high-profile event. The very infrastructure of east London will be reimagined, with an Olympic stadium and village as well as improved transport and amenities. There is also the housing element – not the first thing many think of when it comes to the Games but crucial none the less.

With thousands of apartments being built in and near the east London epicentre of the 2012 Olympics, developers and prospective buyers alike have sensed a rare opportunity. The result is an unprecedented level of popularity for homes in this area. And it’s not as if east London had not been reinventing itself for the past decade or so; many have already taken advantage of excellent proximity to the City and Canary Wharf and made their home there. The Olympics will be the phenomenon that puts the icing on the cake in terms of the desirability of the E-postcode section of London.
The Nordic Apartments is a great example of a high-spec development in a very convenient East End location. The Rydon Homes scheme is not only very close to the planned Olympic sites but is also amazingly well placed for commuters. It is within walking distance of Canary Wharf and great for the Square Mile.

Located just 400m from the River Thames and just ten minutes’ walk from Canary Wharf, this collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments is perfect for today’s busy professional. Shadwell DLR and tube are just 800m away, putting the rest of London within easy reach; Bank, for instance, is only four minutes away by DLR.

The high specification is yet another draw, both for owner-occupiers and investment buyers. Many of the apartments have spacious open-plan layouts and there are some exclusive two- and three-bedroom penthouses with private balconies or terraces as well. Stylish kitchens by Commodore boast a full range of appliances, while bathrooms have elegant white suites. There is wooden flooring to the kitchen, living area and hallways.

In the Ikon building two-bedroom apartments start at £ 293,950; the Arta building features one-bedroom apartments from £ 189,950; and there are still apartments available in the Stylus building, where two-beds are priced from £ 245,000. The marketing suite is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm – and at other times strictly by appointment. Call 020 7780 1580 or visit nordic-cool.co.uk.
EastSide, a collection of 132 apartments, from studios to two-bedrooms, offers one of the best locations in terms of proximity to the 2012 Games.

Just a short walk from the future site of the Olympic village and stadium, EastSide will also offer further benefits that will accrue from London’s selection as host city: new swimming, cycling and hockey facilities in Stratford (just four minutes away by DLR) and the upgrading of Mile End Stadium. The local economy in Bow is also due to benefit immensely during the run-up to the Games. EastSide, developed by Widacre Homes and Circle 33 Lifespace, also offers that irresistible benefit – very affordable prices. The second phase with apartments in the Soho building is now 50 per cent sold; prices currently start at £189,950 for one-bedroom apartments and £242,450 for two-bedroom apartments. For further sales information call Strettons Residential on 020 7422 0989. Visit eastside-e3.com.

In Clapton, Altius is a distinctive development offering good commuter links as well as proximity to the Olympics. Located in Mount Pleasant Hill, minutes from Stratford.
The development offers major road links, with the A10, A13 and M25 within easy reach. Clapton train station is just three minutes’ walk away, providing very quick services into Liverpool Street as well as out of London to Chingford and Hertford.
A city centre location with the benefit of water and parkland nearby, Clapton is one of the greenest areas of the inner city offering Lee Valley Park, Hackney Marshes and Walthamstow Nature Reserve.
Altius has spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments, many with en suite facilities and generous balconies. For further information contact George Wimpey East London on 0845 676 0235 or visit georgewimpey.co.uk

Situated just 500 metres from the 2012 Olympic Park, Heart of Bow is a large development by Lovell. The scheme is considered to be of huge strategic importance on the overall masterplan for the Lower Lea Valley area.
Heart of Bow will provide over 200 homes for private purchase. Demand has already been brisk, with first phase fully sold within days of the opening of the show flat and site sales office.
This is a part of London where house prices have not kept up with neighbouring areas in recent years but evidence from other Olympic cities around the world points to a potential boom in the local property market over the next few years.

Heart of Bow offers a range of choice in flat types as well as houses, all attractively priced bearing in mind its location, which is wonderfully close to The City and Docklands.
Prices start at 209,995 for a one-bedroom apartment, while two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments start at £263,000. The site sales office is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm and is located on the corner of Tredegar Road and Parnell Road. For further information contact the marketing suite on 020 8981 0485.

Following its success at Urban Island in Bromley-By-Bow, Countryside Properties is now set to play a main role in the regeneration of the area with its brand new landmark development Space2 in Bethnal Green.
Space2 will comprise 258 one- and two-bedroom apartments and two- and three-bedroom duplex apartments. It will include a variety of apartment types, ranging from 529 sq ft to 1,445 sq ft and featuring modern stylish interiors.
In contrast to the sleek towers of Canary Wharf to the south and the nearby Georgian terraces of Tredegar Square, the striking apartment buildings at Space2 mirror the curve of the canal and eye-catching larch, while coloured panelling accentuates their location.

Internally, there is an excellent choice of layouts to meet most lifestyle needs with spaces that flow easily into each other. Kitchen and living spaces are open-plan with a contemporary and stylish specification. Bathrooms and en suites are elegant and clean with chrome and walnut accessories, while bedrooms can be as minimalist or cosy as the owner chooses.
A typical two-bedroom apartment has an open-plan kitchen and reception area with a balcony giving park views, a master bedroom with en-suite shower room, second bedroom and main bathroom. Some of the duplex penthouse units have semi -circular rooms with sweeping walls, inviting imaginative interior design.

Apartments are set in green and leafy surroundings overlooking Meath Gardens Park and adjacent to the Grand Union Canal. The innovative Mile End Park and lively Victoria Park are also within easy reach, providing over 400 acres of open space and parkland that brings residents an oasis of calm away from the city.

The fashionable evening haunts of Brick Lane, Hoxton and Shoreditch are all on the doorstep, meaning Space2 not only offers a stylish new home but also a great social life and an exciting area of London to discover. The markets at Spitalfields and Columbia Road are perfect for whiling away hours at the weekend, and the bars and cafés on Hoxton Square provide the ideal setting for a relaxed after-work drink.

Bow Wharf, a brand new complex close to the Roman Road provides a Fitness First leisure centre, Fat Cat café and bar, excellent Thai restaurant, Jongleurs comedy club and many more shops bars and restaurants – all within a short walk from the development.
Space2 is within walking distance of three underground stations – Mile End, Bethnal Green and Stepney Green - providing easy access to the City and West End. And for those who want proximity to the 2012Games, the Olympic village will be only one tube stop away.
Tony Travers, subsidiary managing director of Countryside Properties, comments, ‘This area is continuing to grow in popularity with the announcement that London will host the 2012 Olympics. The ongoing regeneration initiatives such as Space2 will put the East End firmly on the map as a buoyant residential location. Residents at Space2 will enjoy a great parkland location in a highly exciting area of London that is also close to the City.’
Prices start from £200,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £260,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. For further details visit space2london.com.

For those who want access to the thrills (and rental yields) the Olympics bring but want to buy slightly out of London, Ilford holds the answer. Vector, by Higgins Homes, comprises 24 highly contemporary two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments and duplexes. There are a variety of apartment configurations and the duplex apartments feature a spiral staircase, some with a mezzanine floor or study. All apartments feature a private balcony.

 The gated development is set within landscaped communal gardens and parking spaces are available to purchase. All apartments feature designer kitchens by Urban Myth with Smeg appliances including electric oven and gas hob. Integrated fridge/freezer and washer/dryer are also included as standard.
Ilford train station is within walking distance, providing excellent links to central London, the City and Canary Wharf. Liverpool Street Station is approximately 18 minutes away and Stratford train station is just two stops away, with its links to the Jubilee Line and Docklands Light Railway, as well as the Olympic Site.
Prices start from £270,000 for a two bedroom apartment. Contact Higgins Homes on 020 8478 2020.

Telford Homes, a company that has made its mark in east London in a big way, has only a couple of apartments remaining for sale at Tequila Wharf, its collection of high-spec homes in E14. There is a one-bedroom eighth-floor apartment featuring a canalside balcony, guaranteeing wonderful far-reaching views. This home is priced at £237,500 and interested parties should act quickly. Meanwhile, a ground-floor two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment remains at a price of £320,000.

This location is excellent for those with a busy lifestyle that requires a low-maintenance home and a short commute. Olympic-watchers – and those who want to rent to them – will also love the location. The development is very near Limehouse DLR station, making for a simple trip to the City or Canary Wharf, and is just south of Bow, where much of the Olympic pageantry and competition will take place.
Completion at Tequila Wharf is expect in mid- to late-2006. For further information contact Telford Homes on 01992 809800. You may also register your interest online at telfordhomes.plc.uk

Stratford’s Olympic connections and upcoming international railway terminus are just two big reasons why buyers are flocking to the E15 area. Here Barratt offers Stratford Square, a new collection of apartments and town houses. For Barratt, this is the latest in a series of contributions to the radical rejuvenation programme currently changing the face of the area.
Stratford Square is the conversion of the old London Electricity Board offices in Romford Road, which will consist of 60 one- and two-bedroom apartments, many with balconies and views over the courtyard. All homes feature fully fitted kitchens with integrated appliances, fitted bathrooms, central heating, double glazing and pre-fitted TV and telephone wiring. The high ceilings and large windows that are a legacy of the building’s previous incarnation will serve the new apartments well, imparting all-important space and light.
Apartments at Stratford Square currently start at £338,995. Sales offices and fully furnished show homes are open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm and Monday from 2pm to 6pm. For further information call the main sales office on 020 8519 9658.

The Docklands area south of the Thames is another excellent location with simple access to commuter destinations and the Games. And George Wimpey City’s The Water Gardens is already a popular buying option among those who need easy transport options, whether to the Olympics or to the office. The Water Gardens will be one of the most prestigious developments in the Canada Water region, and will provide 242 new homes, including one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments designed around a central water garden piazza. The central water garden will combine water reflection pools, lawns, walkways and seating areas with covered gated parking facilities available to purchase, and commercial space fronting on to the Albion Channel, ideal for cafés, shops, or offices.

The development is just 300m from Canada Water Underground station, a major interchange station providing access to both the Jubilee and East London Lines. It is just one stop to Canary Wharf, meaning a commute to this mega-centre of banking, media and other industries can take as little as five minutes. The extension of the East London Line, expected to be opened within the next two years, will also provide links out through to Highbury and Islington to the north, south to West Croydon, and west to Clapham Junction.
For the latest prices and availability contact 0845 606 6929.

Buckinghamshire is the home-hunter’s dream, with great scenery, good commuting and fabulous homes. Johnny Turner has a look around the new homes market.

Think of the ideal place to live and you may see images of leafy lanes, friendly neighbours, convenient and high-quality nearby shops, easy travelling. Comfort, ease, an escape from the daily hassles – these are the attributes that many of us seek in a home. Buckinghamshire, with its rolling hills, genteel suburban air and easy transport links, fits the bill on several levels. And there is a wide range of newly built homes currently available in this most desirable county.

Charles Church has only a few homes remaining at Westcroft Park, a superb development of three-, four- and five-bedroom homes on Frampton Grove in Milton Keynes.
Properties still remaining include: the Amersham, a four-bedroom house with a car port; four-bedroom Chesham and Risborough designs; the Wendover, which has four bedrooms and a double garage; and the Marlow, a five-bedroom home with detached home with detached garage.
Prices for the remaining houses range from £262,995 to £374,995.The show home is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Call 01908 867820 for more information.

KingsOak Homes has a high profile in the county of Buckinghamshire, having provided high-quality new homes in all corners, from thriving market town locations to out-of-the-way village. An upcoming development in High Wycombe looks very promising indeed. Riverlock will provide one- and two-bedroom apartments in Pinnions Way, near the town centre. The launch is imminent; call 01628 629111 for an invitation.

Also from KingsOak is a project that is set to revitalise the popular Tylers Green area with a good selection of homes on the site of a former home for the elderly at Penn. Ashwell Gardens will feature a choice of six particularly large refurbished apartments, complemented by two three-bedroom newly build semi-detached homes and 16 two-bedroom apartments.
As a listed building, the former nursing home will be sympathe
tically restored by KingsOak using its expertise in the area of brownfield regeneration and listed building refurbishment.
Penn is an exclusive location near Beaconsfield and Amersham in the beautiful Chiltern Hills. Popular with commuters for its easy road and rail links to central London, this is a delightful village location with a wealth of history. Call 01494 818909 to find out more.

With leafy trees adorning many of the roads and quaint character cottages, Stokenchurch is a hidden gem in Buckinghamshire. The area is increasingly sought-after by both commuters and families looking for the best of town and country living.
Here Linden Homes offers Fernleigh, an exclusive collection of homes consisting of two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom mews homes. The village is situated conveniently for road travel with the M40 just minutes away, giving access to nearby High Wycombe and further afield to Oxford and London.

Saunderton train station is just three miles away, providing frequent trains into London Marylebone with a journey time of approximately 45 minutes.
Helen Todd, sales and marketing director of Linden Homes Chiltern, says, ‘Fernleigh is perfect for families who want to enjoy village life, especially with the large village green in the heart of Stokenchurch. It will also appeal to commuters who don’t want to be in the centre of a large town but do still need great travel links to get them to major centres.’
The homes at Fernleigh have been crafted to enjoy a superb specification. This includes fully fitted designer kitchens with include integrated stainless steel appliances. The bathrooms include pristine white sanitaryware with chrome finishes and contemporary chrome thermostatic showers.
Prices for the apartments at Fernleigh start at just £189,950. Prices for the three-bedroom homes start from just £299,950. And for a limited time only purchasers can take advantage of the part-exchange scheme on the three-bedroom homes for a hassle-free move. For further information call the sales and marketing suite on 01494 484801.

Also from Linden Homes is Cranwells Meadow in Farnham Common, which is ideal for buyers who are style savvy and looking for the perfect balance of town and country living.
The development comprises a mixture of apartments and family homes in a beautiful semi-rural area. The two-bedroom apartments and three- and four-bedroom houses are in keeping with the local area and boast high specifications, including fully fitted designer kitchens and integrated appliances, granite worktops and ceramic underfloor heating to the bathrooms. Also, you can specify a host of other extras, subject to build stage, allowing you to tailor your new home to your requirements.
Cranwells Meadow is within easy reach of local amenities, as well as larger towns of Beaconsfield, High Wycombe and Gerrards Cross. Families are well catered for with a selection of local schools, including nearby Farnham Common junior school. For commuters the village is conveniently situated for the M40 motorway, giving access to the M25. Burnham railway station is approximately three miles away, with services to London Paddington in approximately 35 to 40 minutes.
For further information regarding Cranwells Meadow call Linden Homes on 01895 827447.

The first new homes have been released for sale at Shrove Meadows, George Wimpey South Midlands’ brand new development in the historic town of Olney.
George Wimpey South Midlands is offering house-hunters the opportunity to live mortgage-free until 2007 when they buy the brand new Avon design at its Melford Park development in the picturesque village of Stone.

Customers reserving the stylish five-bedroom Avon home (plot 18) before the end of this month will have their mortgage repayments paid by the developer until 1 January 2007.
This luxurious property features a thoughtfully designed combined kitchen/breakfast area with an adjoining utility area, large lounge, separate dining room and family room. A guest cloakroom, an entrance hallway and generous storage cupboard can also be found on the ground floor.
Upstairs, the master bedroom benefits from an adjoining dressing room and en suite facilities. There are four further bedrooms, two of which share an en suite shower room, as well as a family bathroom and airing cupboard.

The Avon is on the market at £474,995 and comes with a range of valuable additional extras, including carpets and Amtico flooring throughout. The fitted kitchen features a built-in stainless steel double oven, hob and hood, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washer/dryer. In common with all new homes at Melford Park, the Avon also features gas central heating and double glazing.
Other new homes currently available at the development include two-bedroom designs priced from £198,995, four-bedroom homes from £341,995 and five-bedroom properties starting at £379,995.
Melford Park is set in an idyllic location on the edge of the attractive village of Stone, enjoying breathtaking views of the nearby Chiltern Hills. The village offers an array of everyday facilities including two traditional inns, a sports and social club, a primary school and large public park with children’s play area. A mini-supermarket and post office are located just over half a mile away.
Further information is available by visiting the sales centre, located on St John’s Drive in Stone and open daily, or by calling the sales executive on 01296 749904.

Also from George Wimpey, Shrove Meadows is set just a mile from the centre of the traditional market town and comprises 48 superbly designed properties, ranging from stylish two-bedroom apartments to sophisticated three-, four- and five-bedroom homes.
Designs now available include: the four-bedroom Gower, Harcourt and Stafford homes, which are priced from £271,995; the five-bedroom Warrington house type from £475,995; and the three-storey, five-bedroom York design, available from £449,995.

Olney has a fascinating history, and maintains its individual character while offering a range of convenient modern facilities. The town offers a wide selection of amenities including a selection of both specialist independent shops and well-known high street stores, a post office, banks, fashionable bars, traditional village inns, restaurants, a community centre, a library, health facilities and schools for younger children.

The glorious Buckinghamshire countryside is close by. The 70-acre Emberton Country Park is just one mile away – ideal for outdoor pursuits. The development is less than ten miles from the M1, and just 12 miles from the rail stations at Milton Keynes, Bedford, Northampton and Wellingborough, where there are regular direct services to London.
George Wimpey’s easymover programme offers a range of special incentives on selected properties to make it simple for purchasers to move to the home of their dreams at Shrove Meadows. Call the sales executive on 07785 363297 for further information on both the homes and the incentive packages.
Willow Court in sought-after Gerrards Cross is an exclusive collection of four three-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom penthouse which are currently for sale off. The stunning show home is set to open this month.

Built to exceptionally high standard, with spacious living areas, beautifully designed interiors and a lift servicing the upper floors, Willow Court is ideal for downsizers. Those looking for greater financial freedom can escape the demands of a larger house without compromising on space, comfort or quality. Residents of this highly desirable area can enjoy the combination of a semi-rural location, local leisure pursuits and excellent travel connections.
The apartments at Willow Court feature spacious lounges, large kitchens and beautiful designed interiors. The kitchens are superbly designed with black granite work surfaces, under-unit lighting and downlighters, as well as stainless steel and integrated appliances.
Bedrooms come complete with sizeable fitted wardrobes, while bathrooms are fitted with stylish white sanitaryware, heated towel rails, chrome-effect fixtures and recessed down lights. There are vehicular and pedestrian gates with a telephone entry system and 24-hour access code and remote opening. Willow Court will also be carefully landscaped.
Prices start at £525,000. For further information contact the sales office, open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm, on 01628 536229.

Last week Miller Homes launched two newly finished house types at Oakhill View in West Milton Keynes. The Arundel town house has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a garage at a price that will come as a pleasant surprise – only £214,950.

The Chantrey is a larger town house design with lots of family accommodation. On the ground floor is a utility room, kitchen/breakfast room and separate dining room. The first floor has a living room, family room and study/fourth bedroom, while the top floor feature three bedrooms (one with en suite) and a family bathroom. All this at prices from £279,950.
For further information on Oakhill View call the sales centre, open daily, on 0845 676 0166.

There is plenty for the new home buyer to like in south-east London, finds Johnny Turner.

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

Miller Homes is holding a first-time buyer weekend on 14 and 15 January at The Gateway, set in a superb riverside location in up-and-coming Thamesmead. These beautifully specified one- and two-bedroom apartments have the added attraction of low prices and excellent buyer incentives currently on offer.
Prices start at just £174,950 and deals include five per cent deposit paid as well as stamp duty paid. And over the sales weekend a further incentive is offered: a home starter pack worth approximately £2,750 is available to enhance the new home and help with removal and legal costs.
For further information information on homes at The Gateway – and details of the first-time buyer weekend – call the sales centre on 0845 676 0166.

Oakmayne Properties is spearheading the regeneration plans for the Elephant and Castle. South Central, situated in the heart of SE1, is the first major redevelopment scheme in the area and will provide 280 apartments and live-work units located in five contemporary buildings at two separate locations, called South Central East and West.
South Central East on Steedman Street, is a tiered façade development designed by Piers Gough of CZWG Architects. This shape creates generously sized, south facing terraces for the penthouse flats that exploit the urban landscapes and provide a perfect entertainment area. All apartments have full-length terraces accessed by floor-to-ceiling glazed doors. The penthouses, all of which utilize the tiered façade, comprise 80 sq metres of contemporary living space.
Internally, the apartments at South Central East have bespoke designer kitchens with Zanussi stainless steel oven and hob, integrated dishwasher, fridge and freezer. The bathrooms enjoy porcelain floor and wall tiles, white Villeroy Boch sanitaryware with designer Grohe chrome fittings and heated towel rail.
South Central East will be a secure controlled access development. Video entry phone systems and mains powered smoke detectors will be installed in each apartment. There are approximately 14 apartments still available at South Central East, priced from £265,000 to £475,000; secure underground parking spaces are priced at £15,000. Call 020 7403 6644 for more information.

My HQ is the newest phase at Royal Arsenal, the stunning ongoing regeneration project by Berkeley Homes at Woolwich. It is to launch on 28 January.
Once the administrative hub of Royal Arsenal, My HQ building has now been carefully restored and embellished to provide a unique setting for a complex of highly individual one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes, as well as two- and three-bedroom penthouses.
Set around an internal paved courtyard and overlooking Royal Arsenal's fabulous new park, the apartments offer open-plan, contemporary accommodation. Duplexes have split-level living space with mezzanines and double-height ceilings. The top-floor penthouses enjoy the added advantage of extensive glazing and roof terraces.

Looking even further into the future, the London Borough of Greenwich resolved to grant planning permission for the next and final phase of development on the Royal Arsenal, entitled The Warren. The Berkeley Homes Royal Arsenal scheme includes 2,517 new homes and a quarter of million square feet of commercial and community space, including a ten-screen cinema, a hotel and several bars and restaurants.

Subject to final approval from the Mayor of London and Government Office for London, the new phase, which will be sited within the former Royal Carriage Factory, will begin with 423 new homes as well as commercial space.
Royal Arsenal is linked to London Bridge by a regular 17-minute rail service from Woolwich Arsenal station. The extended DLR will reach the town in 2009 and will take passengers and future spectators to the Olympic Park in Stratford. The Woolwich Ferry is only five minutes away, with its connection to the M11 and a 20-minute drive east is the Dartford Crossing, Bluewater shopping centre and the north Kent coastline.

Meanwhile, homes are currently available at The Grand Store and Reflections phases. For further information on these homes contact the sales and marketing suite, open daily from 10am until 6pm, on 020 8331 7272. Register for the My HQ launch and follow progress on The Warren online at royal-arsenal.co.uk.

Laing Homes South East Thames has opened High Wood, a much-anticipated new development of apartments and houses at the top of Lordship Lane in East Dulwich. High Wood has a wide variety of homes, from one- and two-bedroom apartments to three- and four-bedroom houses.
The gated development offers 11 one-bedroom apartments, 58 two-bedroom apartments and ten three- and four-bedroom houses with off-road parking, both underground and in garages.  The development backs onto a sports ground and open land, and some properties benefit from views across Dulwich and Sydenham golf courses.

East Dulwich is an enclave of trendy gift shops, cosy bohemian cafés, parks and restaurants, and there is a thriving weekend street market. There is also good access to London for commuters. High Wood is less than one mile from Forest Hill station and has convenient links to the A205 south circular.
For further information contact Laing Homes sales executives on 0800 622298.
Another new Laing development is Evolution in Peckham, which has one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom, three-story mews houses. Evolution is part of the Peckham regeneration programme, and the development is located adjacent to a landscaped designed ‘town square’, perfect for relaxing and watching the world go by.  The development also benefits from gated car parking and a video entry system.

Guy Hampson, sales and marketing director of Laing Homes South East Thames, says, ‘Peckham is well known as an area which is ripe for investment, and we expect investors and first-time buyers alike to be attracted to the affordability of Evolution. It follows hot on the heels of Renaissance, a previous Laing Homes development of 70 apartments in Peckham which was extremely successful with investors and first time buyers.’
For further information call 020 7708 8750.

Tabard Square is a striking 570-unit development built on an historic site in Long Lane, minutes from Borough tube and London Bridge station and also a short walk from the City of London. The scheme incorporates a landmark 22-storey tower and offers stylish one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, many of which have extensive views across London. The site is complemented by a landscaped public square with facilities for shops, bars and restaurants.
Visit the interactive sales and marketing suite, open Monday to Friday from10am to 6pm (Tuesdays to 8pm), Saturday and Sunday 10am until 5pm.  For further information call 020 7403 7503.
The Water Gardens, located on the Rotherhithe peninsula, offers an unbeatable combination of style and location. It is just moments from Canada Water tube station, meaning that a commute into Canary Wharf can take as little as five minutes. This is the ideal buy for busy professionals who want a low-maintenance, high-quality lifestyle.

Its location alongside the Albion Channel, a peaceful canal, will be further enhanced by landscaped gardens and water features. The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and live/work units make great use of unusual-shaped rooms and provide roomy balconies to most properties. A stroll around the two-bedroom show apartment reveals spacious hallways leading to good-sized and well laid out space, including ample storage. Both of the bedrooms have access to the balcony, which is a rare luxury. Meanwhile, bathrooms are simple and beautifully designed, offering good-sized space.
The homes at The Water Gardens make up just one aspect of an ambitious, well-thought-out programme of regeneration which is bringing new life to a very convenient section of south-east London. There will be re-landscaped docks, an aquatic centre, new department store, offices, ecology quarter, hotel, new civic square, library and learning centre, year-round skating rink, fitness centre and even a floating pool!
Stop by the marketing suite, located at Deal Porters Way SE16, or call 0845 606 6929. Visit thewatergardens.co.uk.

The county of Essex has a wealth of wonderful homes on the market. Johnny Turner looks at some highlights.

Essex has all sorts of surprises up its sleeve. This commutable county has long been a favourite of home buyers. But with the selection of developments available at the moment, it is difficult to see how anyone can fail to find the home of their dreams within its borders.

Following recent launches at Burnham Business Park, Westcliff-on-Sea and Writtle, Sand Island Developments’ latest project in Essex is a brand new exquisitely designed luxury detached executive house with detached garage, which is shortly to be built at Latchingdon.
The residence is to be situated on the B1010 Burnham Road, Althorne, and will benefit from approximately 2,500 square feet of flexible living space, complete with a treble detached garage and a half-acre of land.

The home is designed to appeal to a cross section of purchasers, from professionals to commuter families, and indeed the more mature buyer. Internally, 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, double glazed windows, central heating and a landscaped and fenced garden.

The location is excellent for commuting and leisure pursuits. The pretty waterside towns of Maldon and Burnham are close by, while the River Blackwater, Lawling Creek and River Crouch are within easy reach. There are direct mainline links from Althorne into Liverpool Street taking around an hour; from Chelmsford there are links to Liverpool Street taking around 30 minutes. Road users will find good access to the A414, which links to the A12(M25) and A130 (M25/M11). For overseas links, there are airports at Southend, Stansted and City, whilst Gatwick and Heathrow are also accessible.

Typically of village life, the small village of Latchingdon offers a village shop, church, two pubs, a village hall and bowls facilities, while Chelmsford is within easy reach for a wide selection of big name stores, bars, restaurants and evening entertainment. Southend-on-Sea also provides a wealth of further facilities and amenities, while Thurrock and Bluewater are accessible via the M25.
The property is due for occupation in spring. As interest in the property is expected to be high, early enquiries are strongly advised. Contact Sand Island Developments Ltd on 01245 290003.

In Wickham Bishops, country house agents Savills and Strutt & Parker have jointly been instructed to market Benton Manor, an absolutely amazing recently built contemporary manor house with 21st-century features. This is a home for those who seek space, seclusion and flexible living, and whose taste runs to the traditionally built homes.

The considerable accommodation includes a large reception hall with vaulted library, drawing room, dining room, study, conservatory, comprehensively fitted kitchen with built-in appliances and walk-in pantry, and separate utility room. On the first floor are five bedrooms, each with en-suite facilities. In addition there is a superb leisure wing with swimming pool, spa, sauna as well as changing facilities. There is an air conditioned home cinema/games room and four-car garage with additional annexe or office space over.

The property has been designed to make use of many of the latest features now available, such as air conditioning to the master bedroom, home cinema, integrated sound system and a telephone system with data points in all main rooms. Security is top-notch: the property is entered via remote control electric gates with external security cameras. There is a range of automatic and programmable exterior lights as well as an automatic irrigation system which makes use of surface rainwater to ensure that the two acres of grounds are kept in tip-top condition. Each of the four garages has its own electric up-and-over door and has been designed to accommodate the largest motor cars.
Wickham Bishops is a sought-after attractive village which rests in the heart of the Essex countryside. The village has a church, two public houses and a convenience store which incorporates a post office. The A12 is within easy access, providing direct road links to Chelmsford, Colchester and beyond. Direct trains to London Liverpool Street are available from Wickham station about three miles away. This wonderful home offers

Wickham Bishops is one of the highest points in the County at some 50 metres above affords many excellent views over the Blackwater and Chelmer Valley.
For further details or a full-colour brochure or appointment to view, phone one of the joint sole agents, Strutt & Parker on 01245 258201 or Savills on 01245 293233.

In Dagenham, Higgins Homes offers its fourth local scheme, called East Village North. This collection of 179 one- and two-bedroom apartments is popular with first-time buyers and investors, both from London and the nearby area. The previous scheme, East Village South, offered smart apartments at less than half the price one would be paying in central London – and this follow-up seals its success in this well-connected area.
This stylish development brings London-style living to Dagenham, delivering affordable and high-quality apartments that are as easy to get to as they are comfortable. Sleek designer kitchens by Urban Myth lead onto spacious living areas, while bathrooms feature elegant white sanitaryware by Ideal Standard and stylish chrome fittings.

A short walk from Dagenham Heathway and Dagenham East Underground stations on the District Line, this development will place City commuters within 35 minutes of their destination. For drivers, the scheme is minutes from the A13 and the A406 North Circular, offering excellent connections to central London and the M25. London City Airport is only 20 minutes away by car.
Prices for one-bedroom apartments start from an amazing £139,995. Two-bedrooms are priced from £164,995. Each of these prices represents a discount, which includes five per cent assisted deposit, stamp duty refund and assistance towards legal fees. To find out more call 020 8517 7887 or go online to higginshomes.co.uk.

In Ilford, the former home of a parts factory for the famous Lancaster bomber, is being regenerated by Crest Nicholson. Recently launched, the Lancaster Square development will offer an impressive selection of one- and two-bedroom apartments and two- and three-bedroom houses. This historic site offers all types of homes at exceptional prices with the added bonus of fast transport links to London.
James Moody, managing director of Crest Nicholson (Eastern) Ltd comments: ‘We believe the redevelopment of historic sites like Lancaster Square offers us a real opportunity to regenerate local neighbourhoods and revitalise surrounding communities, while sustaining the site's prestigious heritage. Lancaster Square will provide a striking mix of properties with high-quality finishes featuring light and spacious living areas in an area with very good communication links to central London.’
Since the arrival of the Great Eastern Railway in 1839, Ilford has expanded from a small collection of dwellings into a vibrant residential area, served by excellent transport links. Seven Kings rail station is a few minutes’ walk from Lancaster Square and provides frequent, peak time services to Liverpool Street with journey times of about 20 minutes. For car commuters, access to the M25 is via the nearby A12 and M11. These links also put London's most popular shopping and entertainment venues, Lakeside and Bluewater, within a short drive.

The two bedroom apartments and houses at Lancaster Square feature generously sized open-plan living/dining areas, while the three-bedroom houses benefit from large kitchen/dining areas.
Buyers will like the high-quality internal specifications at all of their developments. The kitchens at Lancaster Square are fully fitted with a Symphony design and boast a range of Bosch appliances, including single oven, gas or electric hob and canopy extractor. All bathrooms and cloakrooms feature Villeroy and Boch sanitaryware with Hansgrohe accessories.
Prices for the two-bedroom apartments, which each come with a parking space, start at £195,000. For further information contact the sales and marketing suite 0870 755 1640.

The Quarter is a charming development of two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and two-bedroom apartments and duplexes located in Chipping Ongar. Set among an abundance of landscaping and open space, the Higgins Homes development is focused around a ‘village green’ area, which adds appeal for all types of purchasers including singles, young families and downsizers. The exterior style is in keeping with the local vernacular, with colours including white, pink and blue, some with weatherboarding. All properties have modern interiors including designer kitchens with an integrated fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and dishwasher, and quality Smeg appliances.
The medieval market town of Chipping Ongar has a selection of good restaurants and old inns. Ongar Leisure Centre offers a swimming pool, squash and tennis. The countryside around Chipping Ongar is spectacular, perfect for walkers and cyclists. For commuters, Chipping Ongar has good access to the M11 and the M25 and the A414 provides a route to the major towns of Harlow, Hertford and Welwyn Garden City.

Prices start at £195,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and £310,000 for a three-bedroom house. Call Higgins Homes: 01277 365252 to find out more about The Quarter.
Persimmon Homes Essex is offering Colchester house-hunters several high-quality developments which provide the ideal opportunity for those who have been renting to make that difficult step onto the property ladder.
Brinkley Chase is an excellent new development of 113 units, boasting a mix of two-bedroom apartments and two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses including terraces, three-storey town houses and detached properties. Parking comes as standard with all properties, and the majority of houses boast a garage and second parking space.

Riverside Nursery, meanwhile, is situated on the bank of the river Colne and, when complete, will comprise a selection of two-bedroom coach houses and two- and three-bedroom apartments. Conveniently located for the nearby A12 and the A120, which provide easy access to London, Suffolk and the east coast, Riverside Nursery is just a 25-minute walk to the mainline railway station, which offers a journey from Colchester to Liverpool Street of less than one hour. Residents are also within striking distance of Colchester town centre.
The marketing suites of both developments are open daily from 10am to 5pm. For more information on the properties available at Brinkley Chase call 01206 752044. For Riverside Nursery call 01206 793676.

The same developer has named its Heathlands development in Stanway its best selling of 2005. This exceptional development, located in one of Colchester’s most desirable residential areas, has proven a hit with its sheer expanse of green public space and large room proportions pulling in the purchasers.
John Stent, sales adviser at Heathlands, says, ‘Despite the plethora of new build properties currently available in Colchester, sales at Heathlands have been consistently excellent, far exceeding both half-year and year-end targets.

‘Our visitors are always impressed by the appearance of the development as there is an impressive expanse of green open space which forms the central feature of the community. Similarly, a large majority of the properties have a large front garden – a traditional feature overlooked by so many builders today – which really adds to the overall appearance of the development.’
The traditional Essex style homes at Heathlands boast timber cladding and attractive brick fascias which sit side by side with attractive rendered exteriors, creating pleasing and varied street scenes.
Heathlands is an exceptional new development located in one of the most desirable residential areas of Colchester, comprising 200 units of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom properties, including apartments, terraces and three-storey town houses. Selected plots have integrated conservatories and garages.

Originally a small village, Stanway today provides families with a choice of popular schools, both primary and secondary, which are located a short walk from the Heathlands development. Stanway also offers a wide range of shops, including a retail park featuring many well known high street names.
Located on Winstree Road, this Persimmon development provides easy access to Colchester town centre, the A12 and the Marks Tey mainline railway station, which boasts a direct service to London’s Liverpool Street station, ideal for commuters.
Prices start at £159,950 for a two-bedroom apartment, while three-bedroom houses are priced from £189,995. For further information on Heathlands contact the marketing suite on 01206 331910.

Weston Homes has launched its latest project, Axis, located on Southchurch Road. The development consists of 24 one- and two-bedroom apartments in a contemporary building fronted by attractive balconies fabricated from steel, glass and wood. At prices starting from £137,500, these homes are ideal for purchasers who want to put that first foot on the property ladder.
The apartments at Axis has a very high-quality interior specification. There are specially designed kitchen units and integrated stainless steel fitted oven. As standard, the master bedroom contains a fitted wardrobe which can be chosen from a selection. All bedrooms contain a fitted woollen carpet, which the new owner can choose from a selection offered by Weston Homes as part of their Choices package, subject to the stage of construction. All of the bathrooms contain white wall-hung sanitaryware with a choice of wall tile colours and a range of vinyl floor covering, again offered as part of the Choices package.

The apartments at Axis have low-maintenance double-glazed PVC windows to retain heat and keep out noise, slimline convector heaters and a telephone entry system. Additionally all apartments are also supplied with an allocated parking space as well as a secure bicycle store and use of the communal gardens.
Axis also includes three penthouses on the 4th floor, which have extensive terraces and luxury kitchens with integrated appliances to an even higher specification than those in the other apartments at the development.

Axis is located on Southchurch Road, opposite a parade of shops. The Royals shopping mall and Southend High Street are close by, and the seafront and amusements are within walking distance. For further details on Axis contact 01702 469583.

Also from Weston Homes is Centurion Row, situated on Seymer Road in Romford. This development is ideal for first-time buyers, as with prices start at £165,000. Centurion Row comprises 19 one- and two-bedroom apartments located only a mile from Romford railway station, which offers a journey time of just 20 minutes to London Liverpool Street. This attractive development has received tremendous interest and is expected to sell very quickly.
The apartments at Centurion Row are designed for a contemporary, flexible lifestyle with each home thoughtfully planned to make the best possible use of space. This attractive scheme is constructed with a brick and render façade with under-eave parking to some apartments. All apartments include an allocated space.

Each apartment boasts an open-plan living space incorporating the kitchen and dining area – the perfect environment for entertaining guests. Kitchens feature a stainless steel oven with matching splashback, hob and extractor fan, a choice of designer units, worktops from an exclusive range and choice of vinyl flooring (subject to construction stage).
Centurion Row is perfectly located for residents who like to be close to a lively town. Romford is just two miles away, with its wealth of shopping and leisure options. Shopping malls, smaller shops, leisure centre, golf courses, pubs, clubs and restaurants – these are plentiful and of good quality. Centurion Row is perfect for commuters; the railway station is nearby, and residents will also be within easy reach of the M11, M25 and A12.
Prices at Centurion Row start at £165,000. For further information contact the on site sales and marketing suite between 10am and 5pm on 01708 744517.

Chambers Place, a further Weston development, is a development of 140 one- and two-bedroom apartments in Purfleet, where the first phase has already been sold to a combination of first-time buyers and investors.
The apartments feature spacious reception rooms with open-plan kitchens and dining areas, creating the perfect environment for entertaining guests. The high-quality fitted kitchens include stainless steel oven, hob and splashbacks as well as a range of optional appliances including fridge/freezer, washing machine and tumble dryer which can be bought as part of an upgrade package, ensuring that moving into a new home is even easier. This option is equally helpful to first-time buyers and investors who hope to let their property quickly.

Luxurious bathroom suites are fitted with high-quality sanitaryware as well as downlighters. The spacious master bedrooms will also include built-in wardrobes which can also be upgraded if desired.
Purfleet station offers regular services to London Fenchurch Street, making this development ideal for City workers. Alternatively interchanges for London Underground and the Docklands' Light Railway (DLR) are also situated nearby. Purfleet is also conveniently positioned for road travel, with fast routes into the capital and the M25 situated only a mile away. Rural attractions are also within easy reach of Chambers Place: Belhaus Woods Country Park at South Ockendon, complete with a golf club, is perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Prices start at an amazing £141,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £176,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. A sales suite with show apartment is open daily from 10am from 5pm. For further sales information call 01708 864252.

In Loughton, Charles Church has opened the doors of the new sales office at Strevens Place. In the sales office, which is situated in one of the high-spec apartments, prospective purchasers are now able to sit down, relax and find out more about the development of 14 spacious two-bedroom apartments. The development, located on the corner of Lower Park Road and High Road, is already 60 per cent sold and interest remains high.
All homes at Strevens Place boast high levels of specification. Imaginatively designed kitchens have a range of stainless steel appliances by AEG, including a double oven, ceramic touch-control hob and chimney hood, integrated fridge/freezer, slimline dishwasher and washer/dryer. The lavish master bedroom suite has double fitted wardrobes and an en suite shower room. And the modern bathrooms are superbly equipped and fitted with classic white sanitaryware, enhanced by chrome fittings and ceramic tiles.

Strevens Place offers a range of luxurious apartments, some with their own garden leading out onto the communal gardens, and others with their own garages – unusual for an apartment development.
The location is perfect for those who enjoy the great outdoors, with the green belt meadows and fields of Epping Forest and Roding Valley Meadows nearby. Loughton also has its own golf club and leisure and sports centres for sporty types. Commuting is straightforward – Loughton tube station is just under a mile away, putting the Central Line, and therefore the City and West End of London within easy reach.
The development has lifts to all floors and a video entryphone system for added security. Prices start at £339,995. The sales office and new show apartment are open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm. Call 020 8502 4116 or selling agents Heatheringtons Countrywide on 020 8508 5424. Visit charleschurch.com.

Surbiton, Surrey

Intro Homes and agents Chancellors have just launched Avenue Heights, located on Avenue Elmers. The development is designed to complement neighbouring Victorian villas, and these 11 one- and two-bedroom apartments all feature covered parking. Prices start at £245,750 and £294,995 for one- and two-bedroom apartments respectively. Each has its own covered parking. Frequent trains into London take only 25 minutes. Visit introhomes.co.uk to find out more about these desirable homes. Viewing are arranged through the Surbiton office of Chancellors New Homes; contact them on 020 8390 5282 or 020 8390 7033.

Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire

KingsOak’s Taverner’s Court offers 90 new one- and two-bedroom apartments occupying a prime position within the heart of one of Hertfordshire’s most popular towns. Prices currently start at £177,745 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment. Rye House station has good links to central London and Stansted Airport. The development is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Call 01992 442781 for more information.

Hadley Wood, Hertfordshire

Banner Homes has launched an exclusive collection of homes in one of the UK’s most desirable neighbourhoods. Located off Camlet Way, Regent Place is an impressive collection of four imposing five/six bedroom detached houses. This development promises to be extremely popular; buyers are advised to act swiftly. Guide prices start at £1.95 million. For further information call estate agent Statons in Hadley Wood on 020 8440 9797.

Development of just eight one- and two-bedroom apartments on Finchampstead Road. Half of the apartments were reserved in the first three weeks, and the rest are not likely to be on the market for long. Prices range from £175,000 to £275,000. Call Prospects on 0118 979 7775.
Cubicle that carries on the crisp white theme from the main bathroom. Both bathrooms feature bespoke, fitted units to provide the ideal storage solution.
Sales and Marketing Director at Millgate Homes, David Wrigley explains:
“These apartments benefit from a fantastic location – within half a mile of the town centre and easy reach of with the M3, M4 and M25 motorways, yet they belie their proximity to the town, being well set back off the road and surrounded by beautiful mature trees and a large, landscaped garden.”
Only four apartments remain at Braybrook, ranging in price from £175,000 to £275,000. The show home is open daily between 10am and 4pm. For all enquiries please contact our selling agents Prospects on 0118 979 7775.

Old Bryers Close is a development of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom bedroom homes in a secluded, semi-rural location off Ickford Road in this highly sought-after residential area near the Oxfordshire border. Homes include professionally designed kitchens with granite work surfaces. Some have stunning views across meadowland. Prices range from £325,000 to £635,000. Contact Banner Homes on 01628 536229 for more information.

Each home is fitted with everything a modern family could need, from professionally designed kitchens with dark granite work surfaces, stainless steel appliances and recessed downlighters to bathrooms in stylish white with heated towel rails and chrome fittings.  There are fitted wardrobes in the bedrooms, outside lights with passive infrared sensors to the front door and double glazed PVC-u windows. Banner Homes’ Advantage Collection upgrades are available throughout, subject to stage of construction.

Shabbington is a highly sought-after residential area, courtesy of its beautiful location by the River Thame, excellent travel connections, English village atmosphere and proximity to Oxford.  Busy families will appreciate the handy local shopping facilities including a Waitrose and a weekly market in nearby Thame.

Reigate, Surrey

Try Homes’ new collection of two-bedroom apartments at Warwick Place on Wray Common Road in sought-after Reigate is set for release on Saturday 14 January. Two distinctive new blocks are being built to provide a total of 24 apartments, with dormer windows, and timber detailing to the feature gables. Call 01372 385194 to find out more about the launch and the homes.
 
Standon Mill is an historic landmark building in an attractive village nestling in the
Hertfordshire countryside. The prestigious space has been sensitively converted to
21 contemporary riverside apartments which are an exciting blend of style,
elegance and luxury rarely found in a new development.
The prime rural location means that you can leave everything behind but it still
offers ease of access to major transport links including A10, M11, Stansted Airport
and intermediate rail stations to London.

Just six units remain at this award-winning conversion. Prices start at £199,000.

Contact City & Country Residential on 01279 818900 or visit www.standonmill.co.uk

Surrey has something for every type of buyer. Johnny Turner sees a wide selection of new homes in this diverse county.

Surrey contains so many of the ingredients of a quality lifestyle that buyers are never in short supply, whatever state the housing market is meant to be in. At the moment, not only is there plenty of demand but supply is also up - and what a supply there is! From smart city-type apartments in buzzing town centres to executive homes in stockbroker-belt locations, this county is starting 2006 with a bang.

Those in the market for a new home should definitely have a look in the charming market town of Reigate. Here, Blanford Place is an exclusive Rydon Homes development, set within stunning landscaped grounds. The homes offer a high level of specification, including kitchens by Euro Cucina with a wide range of integrated appliances. The development is well placed for access to junction 8 of the M25 via the A217, and Reigate station is just over a mile away. Prices from £349,950. Call 01737 226464.

Bloor Homes presents the stylish Adagio Lifestyle Apartments development in Heathcote Road, Camberley. The prestigious development is being built on the site formerly occupied by the Elmhurst Ballet School. The 140 chic one-, two- and three-bedroom Adagio Lifestyle Apartments feature varying internal profiles, typifying Bloor’s outstanding standards of quality, style and function in both construction and interior design. Set in striking landscaped gardens surrounded by mature trees, the development provides a much sought-after combination of a tranquil environment within an easy walk of Camberley’s vibrant town centre and transport system. Indeed, Camberley station is only 200 yards away, making this the ultimate commuter location.

The apartments are still at the early building stage, but a purpose-built marketing suite complete with fully furnished show flat is situated on the site. The homes will be available from early 2006 – and at prices start at £175,000, these apartments offer a rare opportunity for a no-compromise first step on to the property ladder.
To find out more about this outstanding blend of contemporary architecture and comfort within a convenient and attractive location call Bloor Homes on 01276 62712.

Countryside Properties is selling Phoenix Apartments, a stylish development of one- and two-bedroom apartments in the centre of Chertsey, is bringing a metropolitan look and lifestyle to the centre of this picturesque market town. Nearing completion, this contemporary scheme has truly transformed the local area and is now ready for viewing.
Phoenix Apartments is centred around a beautifully landscaped residents’ courtyard. A new public open space has also been created with provision for retail premises and a restaurant, providing new life and a focal point for this part of town.

The scheme comprises four landmark buildings offering homes ranging from 439 sq ft to 861 sq ft. Charles House has just been completed and is already 70 per cent occupied. Enjoying a traditional design, this attractive building is situated in a quiet one-way street and overlooks the residents’ landscaped garden. All available apartments can now be viewed.
Regency House, the stunning cylindrical building that forms the centre piece of Phoenix Apartments, is also nearing completion and ready for viewing. Only four stories high, this feature building comprises just seven two-bedroom apartments. These come complete with allocated undercroft garage parking, with lift access to your front door for maximum ease and security. The Regency House specification includes oven, hob extractor, fridge freezer, dishwasher and washer/dryer as standard. These carpeted apartments also feature two balconies accessed from the living area and bedrooms.
Tony Travers, Managing Director of Countryside Properties London & Thames Gateway, comments: ‘Phoenix Apartments has already proved extremely popular with local purchasers and commuters. The railway station is just a few minutes away and it only takes 50 minutes by train to get into central London. Excellent connections to the rest of the South East are provided by the M25, M3 and M4, and Heathrow Airport is close by.’
In Charles House, just three, good-sized one-bedroom apartments remain, starting at £170,000. All remaining two-bedroom apartments in this building are spacious and well designed. Two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments start at £185,000 and apartments with an additional en suite start at £195,000.

In Regency House exclusive two bedroom apartments start at £249,995. Book now for your personal tour of these units. The marketing suite is open Thursday to Sunday 10am to 5pm. For further information call 01932 570197.

Rydon Homes reports that downsizers have been drawn to its charming collection of properties at Blanford Place, Blanford Road in Reigate, Surrey.
An increasing number of Londoners are deserting the city for rural quality of life. But instead of the country cottage, some astute purchasers are opting for rural apartments, which combine the advantages of low maintenance living and pleasant rural surroundings, while reducing their mortgage from the equity released on selling their metropolitan home. Figures from the National Office for Statistics reveal that 260,000 people a year are moving out of London to find a better quality of life.
Robert Kerr, marketing manager of Rydon Homes, says, ‘Downsizers generally look for a smaller home, which means less upkeep and less expenditure. The average downsizer, however, does not want to compromise on quality and still wants to enjoy the close proximity of a range of leisure, shopping and generally relaxing activities. Blanford Place ticks all these boxes and more.’

Blanford Place has been designed with the careful consideration for the mature leafy location for which Rydon Homes has become renowned. The prestigious development is set on the highly desirable Blanford Road in Reigate and comprises eight stunning two-bedroom apartments, duplex apartments and three-bedroom penthouses, with gated undercroft parking.

Spec includes Italian kitchens designed by Euro Cucina with features such as granite work surfaces, ceramic floor tiles and stainless steel integrated appliances, including oven, hob and extractor hood, microwave, fridge freezer, washer dryer, dishwasher and waste disposal.
There are also stylish bathrooms and en-suites, which are fitted with pristine white sanitaryware from Villeroy and Boch and Kaldewei, with elegant chrome finishing touches.
Blanford Place is well positioned to access junction 8 of the M25 from the A217. The M23 is also under five miles away, providing access to Gatwick and the South Coast. Reigate rail station is just over a mile away, offering regular services to Gatwick in around 15 minutes as well as links to Victoria or London Bridge in approximately 45 minutes.

The completed apartments at Blanford Place are priced from £359,950 for a two-bedroom apartment. For further information visit the show apartment and marketing suite, open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm. Call 01737 226464.

Try Homes is pleased to announce the sales launch of Ashcroft Place on Saturday 7 January. The new development of one- and two-bedroom apartments is situated on the Epsom Road, approximately 400 metres from the centre of Leatherhead.
The new homes have been carefully designed to pick up on references to the Arts and Crafts style and local Surrey vernacular, with dormer windows and brick and tile elevations. The age-restricted apartments are available for home owners aged 60 and over, and have been carefully designed to offer security, independence and quality for your retirement.
While all of the apartments are self contained, with their own kitchen and living room, there are also some shared facilities, including a residents lounge and a guest suite, which can be booked in advance for visiting friends and family.

This development is ideal for the lock-up-and-leave lifestyle. An estate manager ensures the smooth running of the development, giving residents the freedom to travel without the day-to-day concerns about maintenance or the garden.
Prices for the apartments will be released at Saturday’s launch, after which the sales information centre situated in the Try Homes’ Victoria House, opposite the development, will be open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm. Contact Try Homes on 01372 361275.
From Barratt Homes comes Reflections in Wallington, a development of one- and two-bedroom apartments that are ideal for first-time buyers. Wi