New Homes - January, 2003

In these days of high house prices, the first step onto the property ladder may seem an impossible dream. Do not despair, however, for it can be done. Jennifer Sutton goes in search of house builders who give first-time buyers a helping hand

Purchasers can take advantage of some stylish homes at affordable prices in Maidstone, Kent at Wilson Connolly’s Fountain Crescent development. Both of the three-bedroom house designs, the Rockley and the Thornton, offer spacious accommodation and a high specification with prices starting from just £149,995. The Rockley provides open plan living/dining space and good sized accommodation throughout, while the Thornton town houses offer flexible living for those with young children or those who like entertaining. Maidstone offers an abundance of shopping, sport and leisure facilities as well as easy access to the M20. There are regular train services into London Victoria and Charing Cross, and Gatwick airport is also easily reached. For further information, call 01622 765649 or visit www.wilsonconnolly.co.uk.

Wilson Connolly is also offering purchasers at its Cavendish Place development in Guildford, Surrey a fantastic opportunity to cut down on the stress of moving home. It is offering buyers the ultimate accessories and furniture package, allowing them to add that all important personal touch to their new home without having to spend time shopping around. The Homeware package, subject to stage of construction, is available in a choice of three colours, with the kitchen package including everything from a breakfast table and chairs to glassware. Set among landscaped grounds, the exclusive two-bedroom apartments are priced from £185,000. Call 01483 449880 for further details.
Set on the London/Kent border, Barratt’s Greenacre development offers two-bedroom apartments from £155,995, two-bedroom houses from £180,995 and three-bedroom houses from £191,995. All homes feature fully-fitted kitchens with oven, hob and cooker hood, fully fitted bathrooms, central heating and double glazing. Either a garage or private parking is also included. For further information telephone 020 8312 4956.

If you like to be in the centre of things but also like to take a stroll in the country air, then KingsOak Southern Counties’ new development of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments could be for you. Set in the centre of the thriving town of East Grinstead, Ashdown Court is also well placed for those who wish to take advantage of the Sussex countryside. Residents will be close to a wide range of shopping facilities both in East Grinstead itself and the nearby towns of Horsham, Crawley, Reigate and Redhill as well as being within easy reach of the motorway network. Prices start at £138,995. Find out more by phoning 01932 349740 or visiting www.kingsoakhomes.com.

The Picture House, CDC2020’s delightfully named new landmark development of 46 one- and two-bedroom apartments, is currently under construction in the heart of Reading town centre. The development offers affordable, high-specification homes priced from £154,950. Each features stainless steel kitchen appliances including washer/dryer, dishwasher and microwave plus up-to-the-minute video entry systems, while parking is available at an extra cost. Reading has a wealth of entertainment, leisure and shopping facilities and commuters can enjoy fast and regular services into Paddington. For further details call 0118 951 3171 or 0118 953 8700.

The Northern Line offers excellent access to both the City and West End. And savvy home buyers know that proximity to this Tube line means convenience to both work and leisure. Jennifer Sutton explores some new homes with Northern exposure

Just a few minutes stroll from Angel tube lies ICE, an exciting new development of contemporary apartments in Goswell Road EC1. The homes by Delph Property Group feature 14 one-, two- and three-bedroom properties including apartments, duplexes and a glass-fronted three-bedroom house. Internal features include open plan wet rooms to master bedrooms, glass block walls, a contemporary specification and either a ground floor garden or expansive terrace/balcony. Each apartment is individually designed and in excess of 1,000 sq ft, featuring spacious open plan living areas boasting floor-to-ceiling windows – and many offer views over central London. Commuters are also within walking distance of Kings Cross St Pancreas mainline and Underground station. Currently available are two-bedroom apartments at prices from £575,000, two- and three-bedroom duplexes from £595,000, as well as one penthouse at £920,000.  Contact the marketing suite on 020 7833 4619 for more information.

Another development boasting close proximity to the tube is Wilson Connolly’s popular Century Plaza in Edgware, north London. This stunning collection of 38 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses has an ideal location opposite the station, placing you within easy reach of central London and the City. They offer spectacular London views with some boasting a private balcony or terrace. Each benefits from a video entry phone and a secure designated parking space behind electronic gates. The development is part of a mixed use scheme that also features a state-of-the-art fitness centre, dance studio and swimming pool. Prices start from £310,950. Call 020 7823 5906 to find out more.

Mature buyers looking for a peaceful location that also offers easy access to local facilities should take a look at Fairview’s Doulton Place, a collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments designed exclusively for those 60 and over in south-west London, set on the edge of Tooting Graveney Common. Residents can take advantage of a range of facilities including a new medical centre and a community centre within an elegant piazza. Homes include emergency pull cords in the bedrooms and a video entry system with remote entry control. Many benefit from a balcony or terrace boasting views over the Common. A house manager is on hand to handle any emergency and to organise the maintenance of the communal and external facilities. One- and two-bedroom apartments are available from £160,000. Telephone Fairview’s marketing suite on 020 8682 0561 or visit www.fairview.co.uk.

Islington Green is now home to an ambitious major new development by FairBriar Homes. Comprising 70 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, a state-of-the-art penthouse, two three-bedroom houses and a 600-seat theatre, Nirvana offers an array of stylish lifestyle packages ranging from hi-tech to classic styling, allowing purchasers to opt for either modern simplicity or a more traditional touch. Apartments are highly specified and include treats such as under-floor electric heating, elegant balconies and all the latest hi-tech wiring. The first release of 20 apartments has been snapped up by eager buyers but a new release takes place on 25 January, as ten more one- and two-bedroom apartments go on the market. Prices for this new phase have yet to be confirmed. Contact 020 7704 8889 for further details.

Bow, London

An exciting development by Telford Homes is now ready for occupation. The Courtyard consists of three apartment buildings set within a gated courtyard, complete with landscaping and parking facilities. There are 24 one- and two-bedroom apartments for private sale, including eight stunning ‘atrium penthouses’ with glass roofs. Sizes start at 624 sq ft for the one-bedroom apartments, 753 sq ft for the two-bedrooms and 1,044 for the penthouses. The buildings boast contemporary-style façades with glass entrance foyers, Juliet balconies and oriel windows. Inside, there are fully fitted kitchens from Urban Myth, a bright and airy reception room with French doors to make the most of the light, and en suite bathrooms. One-bedroom apartments are priced from £180,000 and two-bedrooms start at £290,000. Contact Carrington on 020 7247 4002 or Felicity J Lord on 020 8981 3666.

Braintree, Essex

At its Highfield Path development in Great Notley Garden Village, Bellway is offering a number of different house designs. And value for money will also be an important incentive for prospective purchasers; the four-bedroom Hertford design here is priced £30,000 less than the same house sold recently at Bellway’s Willow Court development in Chelmsford, only 15 miles away. So for those who work in Chelmsford, whose popularity has led to price rises, the commuter is given an attractive choice, particularly with the new bypass which has made travelling into Chelmsford much quicker and easier. The three-, four- and five-bedroom houses at Highfield Path start at £192,000. The sales office is open seven days a week. Call 01376 325792 for further information.

Notting Hill, London

Delph Property Group present a new residential development in the heart of this vibrant, desirable area, known as the Portobello Collection. Situated off Dunworth Mews, just off the famous Portobello Road, it features eight houses, three duplexes and one apartment within a traditional mews setting. The façade is of a contemporary design and the specification is modern, reflecting the trendiness of the surrounding area. Each property has a highly prized secure parking space within integral stacking system garages. Prices for the homes, which range in size from 917 to 1,155 sq ft, start at £475,000 and run to approximately £675,000. Call 020 7243 8246.

Harrow, Middlesex

At the Kings development, Wilson Connolly have responded to recent research suggesting that home buyers want larger rooms. Kings offers spacious and flexible accommodation, with open plan living space for comfortable, easy entertaining. The collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom houses are also ideal for those who want to incorporate work space into their home. Location-wise, Harrow is blessed with peaceful woodlands and good amenities, and is just a few minutes from the London Underground. Prices for two-bedroom apartments start at £217,950. Call 020 8427 9280.

Colchester, Essex

Barratt has launched two new developments near High Woods Country Park, both near excellent local shools and shopping. At Beechwood Gardens, four-bedroom town houses are priced from £190,000 and five-bedroom detached houses from £350,000. Call 01206 853559. At The Ridings, two-bedroom apartments are priced from £130,000 and three-bedroom apartments start at £145,000. Call 01206 852738.

Chigwell, Essex

Weston Homes have unveiled further show apartments at their prestigious Parklands development. These superb apartments and duplexes are in a variety of styles and sizes, with prices from £295,000 including secure underground parking. Call the marketing suite on 020 8500 5657 or Porter Glenny New Homes on 020 8591 1200.

Cobham, Surrey

At The Galleries, Laing Homes South West Thames’ development of just 24 homes, there is a choice of three- and four-bedroom detached homes, priced from £635,000, as well as executive homes from £730,000. All include top specification and high-tech cabling systems for computer links and home entertainment. Call 01932 869689 for more information.
 
Camberley, Surrey

Barratt’s new range of stunning crescent town houses form the centrepiece of Dettingen Park, their new project on the disused Alma-Dettingen Barracks site, and they’re selling quickly. All but a dozen have been snapped up in advance of the building programme. The remaining four- and five-bedroom homes have now been released at prices starting at around £460,000. These three-storey luxury homes include high-spec fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms, plus gardens and garages. Phone 01252 838514.

Harrold, Hertfordshire

Twigden Homes offer The Poplars as an affordable alternative to today’s market. If you thought buying a house was far too expensive, think again. Twigden are offering to pay the five per cent deposit, giving purchasers substantial savings on their new home. But you had better act quickly, as only two two-bedroom houses, priced at £155,000, are still available. The homes benefit from a garage and the designs blend harmoniously with the existing architecture and landscaping within the beautiful historic village. Harrold lies on the banks of the river Great Ouse and features a number of eleventh-century river bridges, as well as a twelfth-century church. The area also features a country park, a conservation area perfect for birdwatching or a leisurely walk or picnic. For more details call Twigden on 01234 721974.

Borough, London

Eagerly awaited Sebo, a cosmopolitan development of 14 two and three bedroom apartments from Acorn New Homes, is now available to reserve. Situated in Leroy Street, the apartments are conveniently located for the hubbub of Borough’s shops, bars and eateries. Transport is extremely convenient, with tubes, trains and buses just moments away. Sebo fuses space, security and style. Each apartment boasts a streamlined, integrated applianced kitchen, stylish white bathrooms and private parking behind electronically operated security gates. Launched in November, the development has generated a lot of interest. Five of the homes from the current release remain, with the final four to be released shortly. Prices range from £265,000 to £350,000. To arrange a viewing appointment, contact Acorn New Homes on 020 8663 4466

East Dulwich, London

Groveside, the new development by CDC2020, consists of 24 three-storey townhouses set out in small, distinctive groups with an elegant crescent in the middle. The show home interior’s soft modern style emphasises the generously spaced rooms. Stylish contrasts include maroons and lime colours next to dark woods and velvety fabrics. The practical, carefully considered includes double doors to the garden from the main living area, a fully equipped kitchen and three large double bedrooms. Set within a neighbourhood of traditional Victorian streets, Groveside is convenient for a wealth of local amenities and entertainment facilities. Prices start at £370,000. Call 020 8693 9594.

Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

KingsOak North London adds Tudor Square to its Aylesbury developments, following the success of the homes at Fairford Leys. Consisting of just 44 units, these one- and two-bedroom apartments will be beautifully designed, stylish and set in an exclusive area.  KingsOak anticipate great interest from young professional first-time buyers as well as investors. The combination of a convenient location plus the developer’s renowned design flair make Tudor Square a sure winner. Prices have yet to be released. For further information contact the head office on 01442 840100 or visit ww.kingsoakhomes.com.

Hindhead, Surrey

Fairview New Homes’ affordable development Tyndall’s Pine is comprised of 24 four-bedroom town houses, 16 three-bedroom houses and 18 two-bedroom apartments. These homes are set in a naturally beautiful area and all houses come with rear garden, modern fitted kitchen and spacious living area. Priced from £225,000. Call 01428 608183 for further information.

Reading, Berkshire

Mortimer Place by Westbury Homes is made up of 32 two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes, in an ideal location near the centre of Reading. The diverse range of homes has been skilfully designed and includes benefits of town and country. Prices from £177,950. Call 0118 9885236.

Hertford, Hertfordshire

Barratt’s latest and final release of their luxury two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments is fast approaching sell-out. Coleridge Park is set in landscaped grounds less than a mile from the town centre. A central tree-lined boulevard with raised terraces and a focal water feature surround the whole development. Prices are from £205,000. Call 01992 589267.
 
Staines, Middlesex

Wilson Connolly is developing 65 beautifully designed apartments in a riverside setting. Currently available is a selection of one-, two- and three-bedroom designs with prices ranging from £240,000 to £495,000. Most apartments have spacious rooms, balconies, a private courtyard and access to the basement car park. These properties provide the ultimate in modern day living, combining a great specification in a prestigious location with good amenities and commuter links close at hand. Call 01784 458409.