New Homes - November, 2002

A new development in Docklands has all the hallmarks of success – innovative design in a desirable area with good connections. Jennifer Sutton has a look at the latest Docklands delight

From the first sight of its unique waterborne marketing suite at George Wimpey’s Eastern Quay, it is apparent that this is a development with a touch of panache. Sitting proudly on a pontoon jutting into Royal Victoria Dock, the innovative glass building allows potential purchasers the ideal opportunity to experience the level of comfort and quality offered here.

Eastern Quay is set in the impressive surrounds of Docklands, just five minutes’ walk from Royal Victoria Dock DLR station, offering easy access to Canary Wharf and the Jubilee Line. Keen Bond fans may recognise the location from the opening action sequences of the James Bond epic The World Is Not Enough.

The 73 one- and two-bedroom apartments nestle within a 12-storey tiered building, with wraparound glass balconies enhancing each storey and providing each apartment with its own balcony space. For some lucky residents on the west side, fully enclosed sun lounges extend the living space and offer the perfect spot for entertaining or simply relaxing and watching the world go by. What could be nicer on a balmy summer night?

Inside, the living is easy with open plan interiors giving a truly modern feel. Siematic kitchens designed and installed by Nicholas Anthony are characterised by neutral colours and simple lines. Kitchens come complete with Siemens appliances including microwave and oven, integrated dishwasher and fridge-freezer. There’s also plenty of storage and working space for those busy chefs amongst you.

The remainder of the apartment shows the same high level of specification with brushed chrome electrical fittings and suites by Roca to bathrooms and en suites. Full-height tiling around the bath and shower cubicle provide a complement whilst ceramic floor tiles sparkle in white.

Residents will benefit from gated access to private car parking and a secure door entry system. For frequent fliers, City Airport is less than two miles away and there are excellent road connections to the M11.  

With an enviable position on the doorstep of the thriving business and leisure environment at Canary Wharf, the development lies just across the way from the ExCel Centre with its shops, cafes and top restaurants such as Leiths and The Olive Tree. For easy access from one side of the Dock to the other or simply a place to stand and stare at spectacular views, The Royal Victoria Dock Footbridge is just a few minutes’ walk away.

For the active amongst you, there’s a huge array of recreational and sporting opportunities at The Royal Docks, including Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre, Royal Docks Waterski Club and the London Regatta Centre with is 2,000-metre rowing course, gym and state-of-the-art rowing tank. Speed freaks can enjoy go-karting at F1 City Racing whilst for gentle strolls, the Royal Victoria Gardens and Thames Barrier Park offer an abundance of green open space.

Duplex one-bedroom apartments are available, priced at £395,000, with two-bedroom apartments ranging in price from £265,000 to £340,000. For those of you who like to get a good feel of the fixtures and fittings, visit the innovative marketing suite where you can check out the options available to purchasers, with anything from kitchen colour to the floor tiles available to view. For further information contact the marketing suite on 020 7474 0247 or visit www.georgewimpey.co.uk.

There’s something soothing about living close to water, whether it’s the salty tang in the air or the melodic lapping of water against the shore. Jennifer Sutton discovers designer chic by the sea

Littlehampton is home to Harbourside East, part of a multi-million pound regeneration project being undertaken along the East Bank in Littlehampton overlooking the River Arun. The development comprises an exciting range of 86 two- and three-bedroom apartments and town houses, many enjoying waterside views from external balconies or terraces – perfect for a spot of al fresco dining or entertaining. Whether you’re looking for a stylish apartment or three-storey living, there’s something to suit, from apartments with spacious living/dining rooms to four-storey town houses featuring stylish spiral staircases leading to private dressing rooms. All boast a fitted kitchen, living room, family bathroom and en-suite master bedroom with fitted wardrobes, whilst some homes offer a separate study for those times you need a little peace and quiet away from the family. Many of the town houses have an integral garage and all properties have an allocated parking space. Set just 200 metres from the main shopping areas, a good selection of high street shops and restaurants are close at hand and it’s only a short walk along the harbourside walkway to the beach. Prices start at £187,999 and there’s a superb marketing suite – the first that will also operate as a visitor information centre. Contact the marketing suite on 01903 715562 to find out more.

If you’re looking for a spot of seaside chic in Brighton you’d be hard pressed to find a home more fitting than Gladedale Homes’ grand mansion style properties at The French Apartments. Set just off Marine Parade on the border of fashionable Kemp Town, the homes are set in a Grade II listed building. Apartments offering stunning sea views are spacious with a host of period details but also the latest contemporary fixtures and fittings. Modern kitchens boast Siemens integrated steel appliances whilst sleek sanitaryware graces the bath and shower rooms with their double sized showers and built-in storage. Elegant high ceilings with decorative cornicing, fireplaces, original windows and full-height doors all carefully renovated add a touch of elegance. Communal gardens will have restored deep stone terrace and intimate little areas for the residents’ relaxation. Prices start from £225,000. Telephone 01273 672225 for further details.


On to Eastbourne, where Docklands was the inspiration for the stylish properties at Silver Wharf, a wonderful development by Silver Homes. Created to provide sophisticated London-style living outside the capital, the development comprises a mix of mews-style houses, cottages, town houses, apartments and gatehouses, many with waterfront locations. Accessed via private roads through a stunning gated entrance, the homes are built around a magnificent piazza-style central landscaped garden. All homes include designer kitchens with stainless steel appliances including feature cooker hood, gas hob, electric oven, fridge, freezer, dishwasher and washer-dryer. Bathrooms are suitably attired with modern chrome taps, while apartments boast feature exposed brickwork. All homes feature gas fired central heating and are wired for an internal sound system, satellite TV and computer network. For further information, telephone the marketing suite on 01323 460200.

Barnes, London

In this much sought-after riverside pocket of south-west London, Thirlstone Homes have built four elegant villas on Lonsdale Road and two semi-detached houses on Gerard Road. The innovative design concept at Gerard Road, plus its desirable location near Barnes Bridge station, makes it a natural for today’s lifestyle.  Only one of the houses remains, priced at £1,225,000. There are three remaining villas at Lonsdale Road, situated in a conservation area, each providing an extremely large 2,112 sq ft of living space. Exteriors blend with the architectural detail and spacious proportions of the surrounding Victorian properties. Specially designed to meet the needs of modern London living, the homes offer an open plan kitchen and a conservatory, giving plenty of natural light. Lonsdale Road prices are from £1,275,000. Call 01932 350900 or visit www.thirlstonehomes.co.uk.

Angmering, West Sussex

An increasing demand for large rooms has prompted Wilson Connolly to design the four-bedroom detached Bonningdale and Bourton five-bedroom detached house types to provide all the comforts of modern living. Room size is a top priority for many buyers, and here there is particular emphasis on space and open plan living. The trend for larger rooms shows reflects the fact that the provision of space has joined the ranks of location and specification as a key element in the buying equation. Commuters will benefit from the proximity of Angmering station, and both Brighton and London are only an hour and a half away by train. Gatwick airport is also close. Prices start at £309,905. Contact the sales office on 01903 784774.

Putney, London

St George has recently opened the Rocket Riverside restaurant in the stunning Putney Wharf development. The restaurant is part of the mixed-use scheme, which also provides 147 residential apartments, cafés, bars and a health and fitness club. Putney Wharf is a 2.4-acre riverside development of a brownfield site situated on the River Thames next to Putney Bridge and close to Putney train station. Natural beautyThe development is home to 127 private and 20 affordable apartments with landscaped courtyards with water features. Contact 020 8917 4000.

Oxshott, Surrey

Silver Shingles is the new luxury home by Arcadia Ventures in this very desirable commuter belt location. Combining a private estate, six bedrooms and six bathrooms, this traditionally styled home offers accommodation that’s both elegant and practical. A visually striking entrance hall creates a stunning and practical hub to the extensive ground floor, which includes a study, drawing room, dining room and kitchen/breakfast room – perfect for both relaxed family life and formal entertaining. Silver Shingles also has secluded gardens and rural aspects. Priced at £1.75 million. Call Boyce Thornton on 01372 844200.

Barming, Kent

Only six apartments remain at Barratt’s Coach Yard, and interest in these duplex two-bedroom, two-bathroom homes is still great. The 1,236 sq ft of space includes a study, balcony and complete furnishings. The homes have landscaped gardens and private parking – and are well located for frequent links to London Victoria. From £162,995. Call 01622 727446.

Saffron Walden, Essex

In keeping with the local trend, Fairview have created Saffron Place.  All of the ten three-bedroom mews-style houses, of which eight remain, have pastel coloured renders. The development also has 80 two-bedroom apartments offering a variety of contemporary designs. Cambridge is only18 miles away. From £191,995. Call 01799 521176.

Romford, Essex

Only two out of the original eight two-bedroom Meridien apartments are available from Hallmark Developments. The apartments include a range of contemporary features – and fast links to central London and Romford town centre will appeal to commuters. Very affordable, with prices from £155,000. Contact David Smith at Hilbery Chaplin on 01708 767676.

Vauxhall, London

Berkeley Homes’ new duplex penthouses on the Albert Embankment provide views of the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s and Canary Wharf. The two-bedroom homes at are arranged over the tenth and eleventh floors, with entertaining space on the upper floor and the bedrooms on the lower floor. Finishes are sleek and elegant. French doors opening onto a private rooftop terrace put you on top of the world. Priced from £495,000 to £595,000. Call 01732 225666.

Brentwood, Essex

At Bellway’s Sawyers Grove development, the show house is now on the market. The attractive three-bedroom three-storey Becket-type house is perfect for those who want to move but could do without the hassle of furnishing a home. The home comes complete with fitted carpets, curtains and light fittings, as well as integrated appliances, burglar alarm system, garage and landscaped gardens. Features include a first-floor dual-aspect living room with doors opening onto a balcony to the front Priced at £400,000. As the development nears completion, homes remaining for sale include one apartment and two duplexes, priced from £270,000, plus four other three-bedroom houses, priced from £380,000. Sawyers Grove is located a five-minute walk from the Brentwood town centre, yet is bordered by picturesque countryside. Find out more by calling the sales office on 01277 849329.

Royston, Hertfordshire

The  Orchard Grange development by Wilson Connolly offers the ultimate in three-storey living. These three- and four-bedroom traditional townhouses have an additional floor of accommodation, which can provide additional bedrooms. The Conway house type is a traditional design with a spacious living room, rear garden and a second bedroom which enjoys the freedom of the entire second floor. The Stockbridge housetype has four bedrooms, and open plan kitchen and dining section and a separate study area. Orchard Grange is very well connected, with regular train services to London King’s Cross, Cambridge and Kings Lynn. Sporting facilities including tennis, golf, football, cricket and rugby, and netball clubs surround the development. Prices start at £157,950. Call the sales centre on 01763 250496 for more details or visit www.wilsonconnolly.co.uk

Weybridge, Surrey

Lockestone is a development of 24 five-bedroom family homes from Swan Hill. Offering a convenient and contemporary lifestyle, these individually designed houses are set in private gardens bordered by beech and hornbeam hedges, and are surrounded by over 30 acres of countryside. The first seven houses are priced from £925,000 and each home is an interpretation of a traditional Surrey country house. The exteriors boast pitched roofs, impressive elevations and oak entrance doors. However, the interiors offer a stylish contemporary setting with spacious rooms and all the modern conveniences you expect. Call the sales office on 01932 850665, or visit www.swanhill.co.uk or www.lockestone.co.uk for more details.

New Providence Wharf, Docklands

Ballymore Properties’ Premiere Collection consists of 89 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 16 three-bedroom Premiere Suites. This is the last phase of the main riverside residential building at New Providence Wharf. The Premiere Suites have a glass-fronted exterior with a panoramic living room and scenic balcony views of the Thames, with interiors blending mid-Atlantic and European influences with use of materials such as limestone and walnut. The five star luxury penthouses are priced from £950,000. All apartments have river views and are priced from £295,000 and £440,000. Call 07000 701701.

Chesham, Buckinghamshire

Linden Homes offer something for everyone with Moorland Place – from two-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom detached homes, each designed for different buyers’   needs. The Cobham three-storey house type offers three bedrooms, large rooms, garden, as well as an open plan kitchen/dining area with fully fitted appliances. Prices start at £170,000. Call 01494 776858.

Hindhead, Surrey

In an area where homes are generally expensive, Fairview New Homes are offering  Tyndall’s Pine as an affordable alternative. Homes include 24 four-bedroom townhouses, 16 three-bedroom houses and 18 two-bedroom apartments – all with spacious rooms, a rear garden and a modern fitted kitchen. Prices from £225,000. Contact 01428 608183.

Maidstone, Kent

Ward Homes’ Kingsgate project consists of 32 two- and three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom duplex penthouses, along with 12 three-bedroom town houses set around a central space. The geometric, contemporary exteriors are mirrored by minimalist, chic interiors. The layout is a classic three-storey one, but with twenty-first century variations. Prices from £169,000. Call 01622 609963.

East Grinstead, West Sussex

KingsOak Southern Counties are soon to bring their blend of high-quality homes and imaginative design to East Grinstead. Ashdown Court will be a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, set in a convenient Sussex country location close to Gatwick Airport. Aimed at commuters and young professionals, this development is sure to attract a lot of interest. Prices are yet to be released. For further details call the KingsOak Hotline on 01932 349740.

For a peaceful environment and pleasant walks, what could be nicer than living near a common? Jennifer Sutton discovers developers in the South East who have created a wealth of homes to suit you outdoor types

Wimbledon Common, with its wide expanse of open woodland and wild heathland, is the perfect place to live if you enjoy a good walk. And when you’ve finished your Sunday stroll, you can take advantage of Wimbledon Village’s wide variety of bars, restaurants and shops. At least you can if you’re the purchaser of one of the last luxury flats at Laing Homes’ new development Hightrees, set in Queensmere Road very near Wimbledon Common. Only three of the 14 apartments remain and Laing has a special offer for the investment purchaser – a six per cent gross rental yield for the first year (subject to conditions). Plus they will pay the stamp duty on the property, representing a very generous discount

The apartments include floor-to-ceiling windows which allow light to flood into the spacious open plan living room/dining room/kitchen. The kitchen is fully stocked with a range of luxury appliances, and there’s also separate laundry room with freestanding washer/dryer. The specification is high throughout and purchasers also have their own parking space. To arrange an appointment to view, phone the selling agents Quinton Scott on 020 8971 6780. The penthouse is available at £525,000 and the two two-bed apartments are on sale at £335,000.

If you’re looking for a larger family home, then Laing Homes can offer you one of just four spectacular three-bedroom detached villas with private parking at Crescent, its successful development in Crescent Lane, Clapham. Priced from £580,000, these unusual new homes are set in a private courtyard with off road parking behind security gates.  Whilst exteriors are traditional, the interiors of these three-storey homes are anything but. The open plan living area on the lower ground floor boasts a modern kitchen opening into a spacious reception room, which in turn leads to a sunken patio with steps to a raised private garden. The ground floor holds a well-proportioned galleried reception room with floor-to-ceiling full-width windows, the second bedroom/study and a shower room. Upstairs, both the principal bedroom and guest suite enjoy en-suite facilities and built-in wardrobes. If you’re up for some three-storey living, ring a new homes sales advisor on 020 8674 8252.

Moving away from cosmopolitan Clapham now to buzzing Islington, where Furlong Homes offers you your very own architect-designed home in its trendy Forum@N5 development in Highbury Place. The homes have already attracted a number of high-profile city dwellers including artists and celebrities, drawn no doubt to the location and specification of the George Petrides-designed homes. If you’re looking for an added incentive and you like the idea of celeb spotting, then you’ll be impressed to know that local residents in the neighbourhood include Paul Whitehouse, Sade and numerous sports personalities. There are two of the larger four-storey five-bedroom properties available with a price guide of £990,000, as well as three four-bedroom homes on three storeys from £819,950. If you’re interested in taking a look for yourself, there’s a show home open daily from 10.30am to 5.30pm and on Thursday evening to 7.00pm. Phone 0207 354 3411 for further details.

Kew Village, North London

Ever wished you could live in an apartment similar to that of the ever-popular TV programme Friends? Well, Laing Homes’ latest development is based on exactly that. With the two- and three-bedroom loft-style apartments at Blake Mews now available, buyers can now start living the lifestyle of Chandler, Monica and the other zany characters. The apartments feature private balconies or patios, and Richmond Park, Kew Village’s answer to Central Park, is nearby. Interiors are designed in a contemporary minimalist style, with glass block walls, wooden flooring, chrome fittings and radiators. Underground parking is available. Homes at the development, a brand new project from Laing Homes, are sure to sell quickly, so act now. Prices start at £399,950. For more information contact selling agents Featherstone Leigh on 020 8940 7676.

Whaddon, Cambridgeshire

For those wanting a rural lifestyle along with the ability to commute to London within a reasonably short time, Berkeley Homes have created Town Farm. This outstanding development gives purchasers the best of both worlds. It is set in a stunning countryside location near Royston and Cambridge – and yet is only 40 minutes from London by train. From the original eight homes, only two remain unsold – a three-bedroom mid terrace home and an end four-bedroom home with roof terrace. Both houses feature attractive timber elevations, spacious interior layouts and plenty of up-to-the-minute technology installed. The homes provide for all the needs of modern living, whilst retaining the traditional values of the surrounding area. Prices start at £299,950. For further information call 01732 227555.
 
Wallingford, Oxfordshire

Scholars Place, KingsOak’s development created on the former Wallingford School site, has been such a success that there are now only three houses left for sale. Scholars Place is an imaginative project consisting of refurbished apartments and town houses. The remaining houses are two Harrow style four-bedroom detached homes and one four-bedroom Durham style home, all  with garages. Wallingford is a historic and picturesque tenth-century town on the banks of the River Thames, close to Abingdon. Transport is good in this market town and there are many modern amenities in nearby Oxford and Reading. Prices start at £383,995. Call 01491 836993 soon to avoid disappointment.

Markyate, Hertfordshire

Cheverells, a stunning Grade II* listed Queen Ann style mansion dating from 1706, is being converted into ten luxury new homes set in mature gardens. The period features and sweeping landscape have been used as the location for Nicole Kidman’s forthcoming film The Hours, and as a backdrop for Jonathan Creek and The Ice House. Cheverells will offer a range of different house styles and sizes, with many original features. Definitely worth a visit. Prices range from £250,000 to £1.39 million. Call Knight Frank on 01494 675368 or Lane Fox on 01582 764343.

Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Berkley Homes has designed a splendid six-bedroom family home with musical excellence in mind. Collingwood offers quiet surroundings, large rooms, good acoustics and solid soundproofing. Situated in substantial grounds with a private driveway, it includes several music rooms and is ideal for a musical family. Priced at £1.35 million. Call 01732 227555 for more information.

Tonbridge, Kent

Lyons Wharf is Crest Nicholson’s development of luxury apartments, townhouses and penthouses, near the High Street and the River Medway. Having attracted all types of buyers – professionals, retired people, commuters – only three two-bedroom apartments remain. Prices range from £199,950 to £239,950. Get more information on 01622 691911 or 01732 363633.

Wickham Bishops, Essex

The Hall, by Countryside Properties, is built in the style of a historic Georgian country house. This unique residence combines authentic classical features with modern luxuries, with large rooms, high ceilings, open fireplaces, indoor swimming pool and spa area. From £3.25 million.  Call Hawksley Pearce on 01621 893589 or Strutt and Parker on 01245 258201.

East Dulwich, South London

Homebuilder CDC2020 offers Groveside, a prime development of 24 three-storey town houses situated a few minutes from East Dulwich station in an enclave within a neighbourhood of traditional Victorian streets. The first properties to be released range from one- to four-bedroom houses, all with private gardens and parking. The site is carefully laid out in small, distinctive groups and offers a wide variety of internal layouts and sizes. Prices start at £370,000. Call 020 8693 9594.

Many of us dream about a rural retreat, a place where city pressure gives way to country living. Jennifer Sutton looks at a great new development where getting away from it all doesn’t mean giving up convenience

Set in the grounds of Damascus House, a former Victorian convent, Linden Homes’ new collection of 28 two-bedroom apartments offers breathtaking views of the Totteridge Valley. Millfields is set in an idyllic location but one that also places you just a short tube ride away from the West End – ideal for those times when you want to swap The Good Life for the high life. The development has already proved popular, and over 50 per cent of the apartments were snapped up even before the opening of the grand show apartment.

Externally, this is a development dressed to impress. Architecturally striking with sweeping Italianate lines and period-style grandeur, Millfields offers those small touches that transform a standard home into something eye-catching. And from its delicate wrought iron balconies to its Portland stone façade, the exterior gives you a clue as to the level of specification you can expect to find when you walk inside.

The show apartment is a prime example of the wonderful accommodation, with its two large en-suite double bedrooms, a luxurious bathroom and fully fitted kitchen complete with a range of Siemens appliances. These include oven, hob, canopy hood, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and dishwasher. Double doors from both the dining room and drawing room mean that you can enjoy those spectacular views over the Totteridge Valley.  Bathrooms and en suite facilities offer classic white sanitaryware witih thermostatic mixer showers, chrome Grohe taps, monobloc mixers and a heated mirror. The choice of Porcelanosa or Worlds End ceramic tiling to both floors and walls reinforces the overall feeling of luxury and comfort.

As befits a development of this stature, apartments at Millfields are pre-wired so you can enjoy a multi-room sound and vision system for total 'room to room' control over your CD, video, DVD, satellite and terrestrial television entertainment. And if you need or choose to work from home, then the state of the art CAT5 cabling will provide the facility of IT networking for high-speed data links and digital transmission.

Secure undercroft parking is available and residents will be able to enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens.  For a range of local shops, bars and restaurants, Mill Hill Broadway lies close by while of course an abundance of shopping, nightlife, theatre and restaurants are close at hand in the West End.

There are nine apartments currently available at Millfields with guide prices between £445,000 and £620,000. For further information contact the Linden Homes sales and information centre on 020 8201 1881 or visit www.lindenhomes.co.uk.

From the brazen delights of Brighton to the rolling splendour of the Sussex Downs, this is a county that caters for the most discerning new home seeker. Jennifer Sutton scours West Sussex for a few of the best

One of Britain’s most popular destinations, Brighton offers the perfect blend of grand architecture, trendy shops and bars and seaside thrills. It also offers a young, cosmopolitan lifestyle with a wealth of stylish new developments to enjoy that lifestyle within.

London Town plc’s development 1897, set within the magnificent Gothic confines of the former Brighton College of Technology, comprises 48 spectacular private galleried loft apartments. From its elegant exterior to the ornate decoration within the principal entrance hall and staircase, this is a scheme with true style, oozing with period features and dressed to impress. Many of the lofts benefit from double or triple height living rooms and mezzanine floors with glazed balustrades whilst some boast special sliding walls for truly flexible living.

If space is important, then you won’t be disappointed, as each provides between one and three bedrooms, ranging up to 1,943 sq ft in size – that’s equivalent to the size of a house! Interior specification is high, with oak strip wood flooring to reception areas and hallways, oak wood entrance doors, video door entry system and wiring for entertainment or home office systems. Spacious reception rooms, some with ceilings 18ft high, provide an abundance of room for entertaining while the mezzanine levels, all of which are galleried, provide flexible living space. Most master bedrooms have en suites, some boasting a separate walk-in dressing area. Whether your style is contemporary or more traditional in style, there are fitted kitchens to suit, all with oak strip wood flooring and stone worktops as well as a range of integrated appliances. In the three-bedroom apartments, the third bedroom has been designed to provide flexible accommodation and could be used as either a dining room, study or home gym. Extras include a private communal landscaped garden, porterage, CCTV security, bicycle storage and two communal cars, for residents’ exclusive use. For further information and prices telephone London Town plc on 020 7839 5588 or visit www.1897brighton.co.uk.

Also in Brighton and offering a spot of seaside chic is Gladedale Homes’ grand mansion-style homes at The French Apartments. Situated in a superb position off Marine Parade and on the border with fashionable Kemp Town, these are homes with oodles of individuality. Set within a Grade II listed Gallic-style building built between 1895 and 1907 for patients of London’s French Hospital, each of the apartments offer spacious accommodation, most offering stunning sea views. Unsurprisingly, the development is proving extremely popular with over 120 visitors turning up for the opening day.

Whilst apartments are fitted with the latest contemporary fixtures and fittings, they also retain period details offering the perfect blend of old and new. Kitchens are most definitely modern with Siemens integrated stainless steel appliances, including fridge/freezer, oven and microwave and cool tiled floors. Sleek sanitary ware features in the bath and shower rooms that boast double sized showers and built-in storage. Elegance abounds in the high ceilings with decorative cornicing, fireplaces, original windows and full height French doors all of which have been carefully renovated. Communal gardens will have a restored deep stone terrace and intimate little areas for residents to relax in and enjoy. In addition, each home has a burglar alarm system, video entry phones and remote controlled parking gates to the parking bays. Magnifique! Of course, the location ensures you also have a wealth of entertainment and leisure possibilities close by. Prices start from £225,000 and the show apartment is open for viewing Thursday-Monday, telephone 01273 672225 for further details.

In the centre of the established village of Barnham, Bovis Homes are selling Sussex Court, an attractive development of three- and four-bedroom houses, including town houses, as well as two-bedroom apartments. Each of these homes has been carefully designed to provide well-planned accommodation to a high specification. Barnham is only four miles from the coast and offers excellent travel links by road and rail. Four town houses are still available, at prices ranging from £207,950 to £209,950. Apartments will be released shortly. Contact 01243 558830 for more information.

Last but not least, an exclusive new development in Lindfield is top of its class. Old School Court comprises a collection of two- and three-bedroom duplex apartments and two-, three- and four-bedroom traditional homes by Appledore Developments. Beautiful scenery and a peaceful environment ensure a perfect country retreat – and the vibrant seaside town of Brighton lies within easy reach. Extensive amenities can also be found at the nearby towns of Haywards Heath and East Grinstead. Combining the careful renovation of a former Victorian school with sympathetic new build, all the homes are built to a high specification with timber features and a traditional touch throughout. The Courtyard consists of just two mews buildings, each containing a collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom cottages. The old school hall has been converted to form The Hall, with just two three-bedroom homes, each featuring a magnificent galleried study. The old Victorian school buildings contain just eight two- and three-bedroom duplex apartments with a number of stunning design features. The homes have proved popular, with nine of the 17 homes already reserved since the launch at the beginning of September. Call 01732 469888.

Crowthorne, Berkshire

The pleasant village location of Crowthorne is now home to Grosvenor Place, a select development of two- and three-bedroom apartments by KingsOak. With only the last few apartments remaining, this stylish and spacious accommodation is very much in demand. The homes feature superb fitted kitchens, en-suite shower rooms for master bedrooms and an energy-efficient heating system. There is private parking and convenient access to both M3 and M4 motorways. With the current trend moving away from stock market and pension investments and towards bricks and mortar, KingsOak takes great pride in choosing exemplary locations in which to site a wide variety of investor-friendly developments. And Grosvenor Place is a fine example, with its excellent commuting and the first-class amenities. Call the sales office on 01344 752774 for further details.

Colchester, Essex

Hopkins Homes are creating a new riverside development of 36 three- and four-bedroom houses and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Parkside Quarter has 29 different house designs, including one with a sitting room which from the outside appears to be an extra garage. This smart residence is spacious, with traditional exteriors, and has river views and townhouse terraces. Emphasis has been placed on the design of the development, creating a highly distinctive environment in which to live. The interiors are contemporary and some of the luxury features include under-floor heating and large bay windows. Near the peaceful River Colne and Castle Park and less than a quarter-mile from the town centre, this is an ideally placed project. Prices start at £135,000. Call 01206 367982.

Maidstone, Kent

Wilson Connolly are offering home buyers an excellent opportunity to purchase a classic three-bedroom townhouse at their Fountain Crescent development. The townhouses offer flexible and spacious accommodation and are ideally suited for couples who have or plan to start a family – as well as for couples wishing to entertain or work from home. The style, named The Thornton, is of contemporary design, with large rooms suitable for modern-day living. Situated just over a mile from Maidstone town centre, Fountain Crescent is very handy for excellent transport links and top-class amenities. Prices start at £199,995. Call the sales centre on 01622 765649 for further details.

West Malling, Kent

Due to popular demand, Charles Church has announced the launch of the new phase at ‘Brunswick Place’ and several of the houses will be available earlier than first expected. This is the fourth part of the project and is part of the popular King’s Hill development. Brunswick Place is attractively laid out with block paved roads, green open spaces, well-maintained floral displays and community artworks. Close to the M20 and M26, and with transport links to London Victoria and London Bridge. Prices are between £232,500 to £395,000. Call 01732 873488.

Chelmsford, Essex

Barratt’s Clarendon Park development has a choice of 16 different designs, including two- and three-bedroom apartments in a stylish red brick building, elegant four-bedroom town houses on three storeys, and four- and five-bedroom family homes. They offer fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms, double glazing and energy-efficient gas central heating. From £160,000. Call 01245 290013.

Cliffe, Kent

RPC Land and New Homes have created St Helen’s Cottages in a perfect rural setting. The two five-bedroom detached houses have stunning views of the Medway and a wildlife conservation area, plus plenty of parking at the front and gardens at the rear. For price information call 01322 228891.

Hornchurch, Essex

Olivers is Hallmark Developments’ luxurious new collection of apartments is built on the grounds of an old village house, in a convenient location. The homes are beautifully situated and created for those with busy lifestyle. Only a few of the 12 apartments are still available. Prices from £199,995. For more information call 01708 755333.

Weybridge, Surrey

Right in the heart of Weybridge is Belvedere House, Try Homes’ latest development of 24 very highly specified apartments, where only five of the properties are still available. Every one of these houses is fully equipped for comfortable, contemporary living. Belvedere House is set within mature, private landscaped grounds and secure underground parking is accessed via an electric gated entrance. Prices start at £470,000. Call the sales and marketing suite on 01932 855525.

 A diverse mix of rural delights and cosmopolitan chic, Middlesex is proving to be a tempting proposition for today’s purchasers. Jennifer Sutton looks at the developments making their mark

Want to feel on top of the world? Then 22 Uxbridge Road in Stanmore is the address for you. Here Fairclough Homes has built a huge penthouse that occupies the whole upper floor of the building. Private lift access takes you directly to the hall, where centre stage lies a stunning 28ft by 25ft living room. This space, with its own roof terrace overlooking gardens to the rear, was just made for entertaining.

There is a superbly equipped 16ft kitchen with designer units and a comprehensive range of integrated appliances. It also benefits from a separate utility room. All three bedrooms feature en suite bathrooms – and two have fitted wardrobes, whilst the third has a separate dressing room. If you need yet more space, a separate study provides a convenient fourth bedroom. Bath and shower rooms feature high-quality Roca sanitaryware. The penthouse sits atop an exclusive apartment building, set back off Uxbridge Road in an acre of landscaped grounds, which has its own private drive. Central London is easily accessible by the Jubilee Line, with Stanmore station less than a mile away. And there are easy road links to the North Circular, M1 and M25. The penthouse is priced at £849,950 but there is also a two-bedroom apartment within the development available for £469,950. Phone selling agents Preston Bennett on 020 8954 8626.

For the ‘empty nester’ searching for a low-maintenance home with a high specification and space aplenty, Wilson Connolly offers Chenies in Northwood. It comprises just 12 generously sized three-bedroom apartments, all designed with the more mature couple in mind. These homes are easy to maintain and offer stylish living. Each apartment includes a spacious living room plus a fully fitted kitchen with a range of integrated appliances. There are good sized bedrooms – and the master bedroom features an en suite bathroom. Plus there is a separate bathroom suite. The apartments also benefit from balconies, a video entry system, paved patio area and landscaped garden. Prices start at £357,950. For further information phone the sales office on 01923 833780.

Set in the up-and-coming area of Kenton Road, Kenton, a new development by Barratt is causing a commotion with local home buyers. Just 26 minutes by train from the City of London, St Leonard’s Place features two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments. The well-appointed homes are reached by lift from smart entrance lobbies whilst striking design features such as an oriole window illuminating the central hallway adds a unique touch.

Inside, all apartments feature fully-fitted designer kitchens with integrated appliances, spacious living/dining rooms with terrace or balcony, central heating and double glazing. The development is set within about a quarter of a mile from Kenton overground and underground stations, from where frequent trains take just under half an hour to reach Paddington station. Prices start from around £280,000 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment. Phone the Barratt North London sales hotline on 01923 297311 for details.

Whether you’re looking to spend your retirement near the bright lights or searching for more rural splendour, there’s choice a-plenty for today’s more mature homebuyers. Jennifer Sutton finds homes for the young at heart.

Are you a CLAM? That’s City Living Active Matures to the uninitiated. And according to developer Laing Homes, there’s an increasing number around, those who would rather stay within walking distance of town then retire to a country cottage. Those who want a property that’s secure enough to leave for several months at a time while they jet off to their second home in the sun.

If this sounds like you, then Laing’s Westfield Gardens development in Dorking, Surrey may be right up your street. The development comprises just nine two- and three-bedroom mews houses and three luxury apartments in an attractive, secure gated courtyard setting within easy reach of the town centre. Private parking spaces are provided and homes are priced from £305,000. The mews cottages are selling quick, apparently, so if you’re looking for a home you can ‘lock up and leave’ which is also close to the town centre, then ring 01306 886562 now or visit www.laing-homes.co.uk.

If the idea of having someone at hand to be at your home when deliveries are made or book your travel arrangements, you should take a look at Court Royal in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Offering luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments together with two superb duplex penthouses set in a conservation area, the development also offers the added incentive of supplying a ConciergePlus service to its residents. If you’re not green fingered, you don’t need to worry as the landscaped grounds as well as the buildings are regularly maintained, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy life. Each apartment is spacious enough to accommodate occasional guests and boasts a high specification with fitted designer kitchen, en-suite bathroom/shower room and low-cost electric heating. Court Royal also offers a good security system as well as a private vehicle available for residents’ exclusive use. Telephone 01892 532300 for more details or visit www.courtroyal.com.

Countryside Properties’ Stonegate development in Ingatestone, Essex has been proving a huge draw for those looking for a new luxury apartment to replace their larger family home. Set in a pretty village, the prestigious development comprises two-bedroom apartments in two attractively designed linked buildings. Most benefit from one or more terraces or balconies, and private off-street parking is available for all residents.

Downsizing doesn’t have to mean compromising on style. Each apartment features contemporary interiors that include Villeroy & Boch sanitaryware with stylish Hansgrohe brassware and kitchen appliances from AEG. Stonegate is adjacent to the Ingatestone cricket ground so it’s not far to go for some local sporting entertainment, and also close to the village high street with its good selection of shops and restaurants. If you fancy a trip into town, the station is just a few minutes walk away with regular, direct services to London Liverpool Street. Apartments are currently available priced from £235,000 to £295,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Telephone 01277 355767 or visit www.stonegate-apartments.co.uk to have a look at what Stonegate can offer you.

Space is scarce in London – and developers have found that turning disused buildings into homes makes sense. Buyers, meanwhile, are finding that these sites make fantastic living spaces.

One such scheme is Barratt’s proposed conversion of a redundant electricity switching station near Canary Wharf into a spectacular development of almost 200 apartments. Called the Elektron Building, the conversion will be linked to a second new development alongside – The Switch House, which will comprise a further 60 apartments on nine floors.

The former switching station, a landmark red-brick monolith off Aspen Way, will be utterly transformed – Barratt is extending it upwards to ten storeys and renovating it into a glistening white and grey apartments block of striking contemporary design. The location could not be better, with Canary Wharf and the City an easy commute away.

There will be homes for sale, as well as for rent and shared ownership. Work on The Switch House has already begun and the entire twin development is expected to be completed around 2005. A marketing suite, along with mock-up show apartments, is now open. The first phase of homes has been released, at prices from £212,995. Call 020 8522 5555.

Home to some of Britain’s coolest celebrities and host to Britain’s most famous carnival, Notting Hill has long been a mecca for those wanting to rub shoulders with the rich and famous. Jennifer Sutton looks at impressive homes nearby

In this A-list enclave, style reigns supreme. And The Corner, London Town plc’s conversion of an elegant Grade II listed Victorian building, absolutely radiates chic. Set in an ideal position on the corner of Westbourne Grove and Chepstow Road, The Corner offers 32 luxury two- and three-bedroom homes. The eye-catching architecture will be mirrored by stylish interiors benefiting from a superior specification, including master bedroom suites with ensuite facilities, separate shower cubicles with body jets and a walk-in dressing room, perfect for those with a passion for purchasing.

To continue the luxurious feel, all bathrooms are finished with porcelain wall and floor tiles with a unique opaque bath screen dividing the bathroom and bedroom for full theatrical effect. Culinary queens will love the bespoke kitchens with stainless steel appliances, and spacious reception rooms will be perfect for entertaining. Other features include limestone floors with under floor heating in entrance halls, plus air cooling and oak timber flooring to principal rooms. Some apartments will have balconies or terraces with external lighting and landscaping, perfect for enjoying balmy London nights. If you’re looking for the ultimate penthouse pad, The Corner will offer duplex penthouses with a number of additional features including double-height areas to the main reception room, separate dining room and scene lighting to receptions, kitchens and dining rooms. As befits a development of this stature, apartments will include video door entry systems, pre-wiring for surround sound and plasma TV cabling.
Prices for the apartments range from £600,000 up to approximately £2 million on 125-year leases. Telephone FPDSavills on 020 7792 0022 or visit www.live-at-the-corner.co.uk.

Aching for something a little avant-garde? Take a look at Berkeley Homes’ exciting collection of homes at 7 Pembridge Villas. Choose from four bedroom town houses, one- and two-bedroom apartments or perhaps pick the three-bedroom penthouse. Whichever you choose, all offer spacious accommodation and a high specification, and traditional exteriors providing a nice contrast with highly contemporary interiors with large, bright, open plan style rooms. Fully fitted kitchens come complete with leading name appliances, and both the apartments and town houses benefit from comfort cooling. In each of the town houses the ground floor has a galleried inner hall and open plan kitchen/breakfast room, while the first floors are entirely open plan complete with glass block walls to the staircase and two sets of French doors at one side. The upper floors offer true flexibility as either bedroom suites or entertaining space. Each apartment boasts a spacious reception room with open plan kitchen and master bedroom suite, with some enjoying French doors to the reception or bedroom. Guide prices for the apartments start from around £500,000; prices for the houses start from circa £2.4 million. Contact Berkeley Homes on 01753 211511 for more details.

A county of hidden villages, rural pubs, thatched cottages and country walks, Buckinghamshire has attracted many famous residents over the years, from prime ministers to poets. Jennifer Sutton discovers developments to entice today’s home buyers

High Wycombe is home to KingsOak North London’s stylish new development Capital Court, a collection of 48 one and two-bedroom apartments that has taken the local property market by storm. Set in a popular residential area, it offers an excellent location close to the major towns of Maidenhead, Amersham and Beaconsfield and excellent communication links to London and the South East. If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, there’s also plenty of countryside around and about to enjoy. The development has already been met with great enthusiasm, particularly from young professional purchasers, with the launch weekend resulting in several firm reservations. If you want to snap one up for yourself, contact the sales office on 01494 479062 – or visit www.kingsoakhomes.com to find out more.

Award winning housebuilder Linden Homes, meanwhile, is offering housebuyers in desirable Chesham a superb chance to save money at its exclusive new Moorland Place development in Great Hivings. Here purchasers can take advantage of some fantastic pre-show home prices, starting at £170,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. As an added incentive, stamp duty will be paid on homes over £250,000 on selected plots. The development comprises a collection of just 24 two-bedroom apartments and two- and three-bedroom homes so whether you’re a first time buyer or a growing family, there’s something to please. If you buy off-plan at an early stage of construction, there’s also a chance to personalise your home, choosing anything from the style of tiles to optional extras such as white goods, landscaping and interior design packages. If you’re looking for Moor for your money, telephone Linden Homes Chiltern on 01494 776858.

Whilst you’re in Chesham, you could also take a look at Ward Homes’ prestigious development Lycrome Gate, which features one of the developer’s most popular homes, The Sandringham. Offering no less than 3,159 sq ft of space spread over three floors, this six-bedroom home forms the perfect accommodation for those who want room to breathe. Features include three en suites, a stunning central galleried stairwell, utility room and an integral double garage. And for increased flexibility, the use of double doors gives you the option of creating an intimate space or flinging them wide open for entertaining! As with all properties at Lycrome Gate, it comes fully pre-wired for the innovative OnQ Cabling System for your audio-visual entertainment or home office needs. Commuter links are excellent, as the development lies close to the A41, which in turn links to Junction 20 of the M25. Chesham Underground station on the Metropolitan Line offers quick access to Baker Street. Prices start at £495,000. Contact 01494 792401 for further details.

If you’re looking for a luxury rural retreat, you will want to visit Seymour Park, an exclusive development of just five unique country homes by Charles Church. Situated at the end of a private lane, the properties will benefit from delightful views across open countryside. Prices will start from around £1 million.  For further information contact Charles Church on 01276 808080.