New Homes - February, 2004

Colindale, London

Bellway Homes is building a varied development of homes on the site of the former RAF Hendon airfield and aircraft factory. There will be one- and two-bedroom apartments and two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses. Phase two was launched last month and current prices for houses start at £222,995. The sales centre is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Call 020 8205 3093.

Chertsey, Surrey

At KingsOak’s Church View development building works have come to an end. The homes are within a gated setting which features an atmospheric cobblestone courtyard. The tranquillity of village living and Chertsey’s good transport connections combine to make Church View both relaxed and convenient. Only two apartments remain for sale; prices start at £249,995. Call 01932 567844.


Brentford, Middlesex

Investment buyers at Crest Nicholson’s new Watermark development are being offered a new scheme which guarantees a rental yield of four per cent for the first year. Watermark features a choice of three-bedroom, three-storey town houses priced from £379,950 – excellent investment properties with or without incentives. The offer is for a limited period. Call 020 8569 9474 for more information.

Twickenham, Middlesex

Turning Point is Laing Homes’ collection of 13 one- and two-bedroom apartments in the Strawberry Hill area, just over half a mile from Kingston’s excellent shopping. Each property is individually styled and finished to a high specification. Prices start at £249,950 for one-bedroom properties, while two-bedroom homes are priced from £299,950. Call the sales centre Thursdays to Mondays on 020 8755 0438.

Witham, Essex

The Laurels is Barratt’s latest development, consisting of two-, three- and four-bedroom family homes. Spacious living rooms, fully fitted kitchens and family bathrooms, double glazing and energy-efficient gas central heating and either garages or private parking are just a few of the attractions. Prices start at £166,995 for a two-bedroom home, £214,995 for a three-bedroom home and £242,995 for four bedrooms. Call 01376 503919.

Blackheath, London

Laing Homes has acquired a site in Meadowcourt Road where it will build Blackheath Gate, a selection of 20 reasonably priced homes. There will be four levels to the development, incorporating six apartments each on the ground, first and second floors and two penthouses on the third floor. Launch is scheduled for March and prices are expected to be between £250,000 and £350,000. Call 0800 622 298.

Netherne-on-the-Hill, Surrey

Gleeson Homes’ Village Square Apartments are proving popular with buyers, not surprising considering the quality of these individually designed homes. The sensitive blend of traditional and modern to be found here makes for a combination of attractiveness and convenience. Each apartment has a designated parking area near the front entrance. These luxurious homes start at £395,000. Call 01737 553444.

Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire

Poppyfields is Twigden Homes’ third development in Bishops Stortford. The development, located to the south of the town, offers 32 new homes including three-bedroom houses from £215,000, four-bedroom houses from £285,000 and five-bedroom detached houses priced from £389,995. Excellent nearby schools, entertainment and green space make this a very liveable location. Call 01279 652432 or visit twigdenhomes.co.uk to find out more.


The name Twigden Homes is synonymous with quality, style and craftsmanship and many people from the local area have already chosen to live in a Twigden home. Not surprisingly really when you consider the care and attention to detail that goes in to building each and every development, properties that blend sympathetically with the local surroundings whilst offering all the advantages of modern building materials and techniques.

Standing on the river Stort, the market town of Bishop's Stortford lies in rural Hertfordshire just over the border from the county of Essex. Offering superb access via the M11 motorway, main line railway station and the local international airport of Stansted, Bishop's Stortford has established it's importance not only as a market town in it's own right but also as a favoured commuter area for the city of London.

Within the town you will find all the shops and facilities associated with a thriving community and the many restaurants, bars, cafes and pubs offer a seemingly endless choice of venue for the more socially orientated person. If you prefer your leisure time to be more relaxing then you can take advantage of the abundance of local amenities - 4 cinemas, 5 ten pin bowling alleys, 7 swimming pools, 2 ice rinks, 3 go-karting tracks, 2 roller skating rinks and even banger racing and greyhound racing are all available within easy reach.

Local schooling is also excellent with the choice of either independant education or the many secondary and primary schools, for those with young children there are some 14 nursery and toddler groups to choose from.

Despite the growth of the town, the retention of over 90 acres of parks and open spaces as 'green wedges' into the centre of town from the Metropolitan Green Belt that surrounds it, has prevented excessive urbanisation

Waterside living is perennially popular for a host of reasons. Anna Bowden picks out the cream of the newly built homes along the Thames.

Waterside living has long been a desirable option – the gentle sound of lapping water is always soothing and to look out of the window onto a broad, open expanse of blue creates an amazing sense of space. The good news is that no longer is this type of living the sole preserve of the wealthy. With a fine attention to the needs of today’s home buyer, new homes developers are building a vast array of reasonably priced properties along or very close to the Thames, perfect for all types of purchaser.
Laing Homes is now offering its Feathers Place development in Greenwich, a superb collection of luxury town houses in a quiet mews just seconds from the river and adjacent to the beautiful Maritime Museum in Greenwich Park. The exclusive collection of just eight four-bedroom town houses and one duplex two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment has been designed to blend in perfectly with the surrounding architecture, with Georgian style brick work, window frames and high ceilings, while remaining highly contemporary on the inside.

The homes at Feathers Place are an excellent specification and an excellent size. Corridors and staircases are wide and the design maximises natural light, so buyers will certainly feel that they are getting a fantastic deal. One of the most impressive aspects of the development, however, is its technology. All homes boast Laing’s pre-wiring system, which is so advanced that owners can dial into it from their mobile phone and request the heating to come on and the kettle to boil!
Homes at Feathers Place start from £445,000 for the apartment and from £795,000 for the town houses. Call 020 8269 2709 for details.

Bellway Homes has now launched Baltic Wharf, a development of 100 two-bedroom apartments in three five-storey buildings in Gravesend, Kent, boasting spectacular views of the river. Water-facing apartments have balconies, offering residents the opportunity to dine outside overlooking the water; and all purchasers will benefit from the development’s proximity to the town centre and its shopping and leisure facilities.

There is a riverside walkway running past Baltic Wharf for those who like to appreciate the outdoors, and for day trips there are regular ferries to Tilbury from the nearby jetty.
Lyn Neale, sales director for Bellway, says, ‘Baltic Wharf is a great development set in a thriving area. Gravesend is the only town centre in Kent located on the Thames and you could say it has been regarded by those in the know as Kent’s best-kept secret.’
For prices call 01474 536050.

St George is seeing success with the first phase of release at its Battersea Reach development in London, where over 70 per cent of the homes have already been sold. Among the few remaining properties are a number of one- and two-bedroom apartments which would be ideal for those looking for a pied à terre out of central London but within easy striking distance of it.
Specification at Battersea Reach is high, with extensive floor-to-ceiling glazing allowing maximum natural light into the building; apartments benefit from private balconies, terraces over river promenades, stunning views and landscaped grounds.

Prices for remaining homes at the development, which all boast 999-year leases, start from £239,950. For further details contact the marketing suite, open Mondays to Fridays from 10am to 8pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 6pm, on 020 7978 4141.

Couples who are just starting out need a well-built, reasonably priced home that has good connections for work and play. And there are quite a few attractive options on the market these days, finds Johnny Turner.

Young couples tend to look for homes that simplify a busy work life and leave space for enjoyment. These buyers don’t want a high-maintenance home; there aren’t enough hours in the day. Younger buyers who are settled down but don’t have children want the flexibility to enjoy the freedom they have and to put in the hours at the office. They also tend to favour unfussy, modern design. The current crop of new homes on the market provide a variety of takes on the committed-but-carefree lifestyle of the young couple.

At David Wilson Homes’ Lysander Place, location and price are key attractions to younger buyers. Situated in Thamesmead, one of the South East’s most impressive regeneration areas, Lysander Place offers a mixture of two- and three-bedroom houses and three-bedroom town houses that are both affordable and well-connected.
The homes here are well placed for those who commute into the City or West End for work or play – the development has an underground station nearby and is situated within easy access to the A206, M11, M25 and A102, the local commuter routes to London and the airports. Woolwich ferry also provides commuter links to City Airport for those travelling further afield. Trains from local stations run to a choice of London stations, including London Bridge, Charing Cross, Waterloo and Cannon Street, with a journey time of approximately 20 minutes.
While further stages of apartments are to be released later this year, Lysander Place currently has three-bedroom town houses at prices from £259,995, two-bedroom houses from £205,995 and three-bedroom houses starting at £229,995. For further information call the sales advisor, available daily between 10.30am and 5.30pm, on 020 8316 6047, or visit davidwilsonhomes.co.uk.

CDC2020 has only two town houses left at Groveside, its development in desirable East Dulwich. This area has it all – leafy beauty, an upmarket, village-style feel and great connections to the rest of London. The area appeals to a broad range of Londoners, including families, singles and young couples. The latter will truly appreciate the space, spec and value that these new town houses represent.
Located in an elegant crescent in Hayes Grove off Copleston Road, these homes are just a few minutes’ walk from East Dulwich railway station, which means easy access to London Bridge (approximately a 15-minute journey). There are elegant shops and fantastic places to meet for dinner or a drink nearby, as well as lush parkland and good leisure opportunities. Those young couples who do a lot of socialising will especially appreciate the singular feel of this area.
Prices start at £386,950 and CC2020 offers, as an incentive for early purchase, to pay the stamp duty, which means a massive saving. The developer’s part-exchange scheme may also be available to facilitate the sales process. Find out more about Groveside by calling the marketing suite on 020 8693 9594.

Another CDC2020 development that would suit a young couple is The Cape. If you’re looking for cool, both in location and specification, these homes, situated on the white cliffs at Rottingdean just four miles outside Brighton, certainly fit the bill. These two- and three-bedroom apartments and town houses have constantly changing, panoramic views of the sea from full-height windows in the main rooms. The architecture of the development is influenced by art deco, the perfect style for seaside property. Some homes feature galleries overlooking living or dining areas, reached by spiral stairs – and two apartments have circular dining rooms dramatically lit by full-height windows.

The location offers easy access to both the beach and the Sussex Downs, and Brighton is virtually on the doorstep, giving you a choice of literally hundreds of shopping, dining and going-out opportunities.
The Cape is a secure gated development with on-site parking and a video entry system. It will appeal to both owner-occupiers and investment buyers. Apartments are priced from £325,000. The on-site marketing suite is off Nevill Road, Marine Drive, Rottingdean, and is open Thursdays to Mondays from 10am to 5pm. Call 01273 3900020. You can also contact the selling agent, Wyatts, on 01273 304453.
Charles Church is selling a new development of 18 town houses called Victoria Mews. These homes are located in the centre of town in a secluded cul-de-sac, which means you get easy access to shops, restaurants, pubs and bars but can also lead a quiet life when it suits.

Victoria Mews has two-, three- and four-bedroom town houses which boast an excellent combination of style and utility. Each home has at least one en suite bathroom, and some include studies and family rooms. The stylish kitchens feature integrated appliances and a stainless steel sink. Bathrooms have classic Ideal Standard Studio white sanitaryware enhanced by Victorian-style taps; both the bathroom and master en suite have ladder-style heated towel rails.
The discerning buyer will want to take advantage of Charles Church’s Select service, offering purchasers a distinctive range of options from granite worktops in the kitchens to wood laminate flooring, allowing each new owner to transform their house into their dream home.
Commuters will love Victoria Mews, with its ease of access to London and Brighton, as well as its proximity to Gatwick Airport. The location is ideal for the young professional who hasn’t time to waste on a long, difficult journey to work. Besides excellent rail connections, Crawley is well located for the motorway network via the M23.
Prices for these properties start at £275,000. For more information call selling agents Connells on 01293 515444.

Gateway Gardens is a new development by Weston Homes, located in Vicarage Lane in East Ham, a particularly convenient part of east London that is undergoing an amazing regeneration programme. Both apartments and houses are on offer here, and smart use of space, beautiful design and abundant natural light make these homes a real find.
The homes are positioned in a private cul-de-sac with landscaped grounds, close enough to the centre of East Ham to have everything at your fingertips but far enough to get a real feeling of peace and tranquillity. Apartments and houses alike are very generously proportioned and show a real feeling for what today’s buyer wants. First-time buyers will be particularly attracted to these homes, both in terms of price and specification. Commuters will find any number of ways into the City, Canary Wharf and the West End via the several tube, DLR, bus and road possibilities.
Current availability for apartments includes seven one-bedrooms, priced between £147,000 and £165,000, and just one two-bedroom, with en suite and balcony, priced at £185,000. Houses are also selling quickly; only one three-bedroom remains in this phase, priced at £245,000, while two four-bedrooms are still for sale, each priced at £274,000.

Visit the show house and show apartment to see for yourself this very successful approach to home building. Call the sales office and information centre on 020 8548 1616.
George Wimpey has two attractive propositions for today’s young couple – stunning apartments in up-and-coming Hackney and urban chic with a lower price tag in revitalised Chadwell Heath.
Junction 67 is the developer’s very contemporary apartment complex in Marcon Place, Hackney, just off Mare Street in east London’s latest hotspot for new bars, ethnic restaurants and colourful markets. Two mainline stations, Hackney Downs and Hackney Central, are nearby, and there is a bus service to Stratford tube and mainline station.
On offer at Junction 67 are one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with (depending on plot) large patio doors, balconies and terraces, en suite bathrooms and other refinements. Fully fitted designer kitchens in pearwood and stainless steel, laminate and Amtico flooring are among the style options. Prices range from £221,000 for the last available one-bedroom apartment, a second-floor home measuring 631 sq ft, to £290,000 for a choice of three-bedroom ground-floor apartments up to 811 sq ft. Current incentives include stamp duty paid and discounts on selected plots. Call 020 7249 8058.

Richmond Place, also by George Wimpey, offers the advantage of a short journey to Liverpool Street from nearby Chadwell Heath or Goodmayes station (or via the Central Line from Newbury Park) as well as easy access to Romford’s new entertainment, shopping and dining complex on the former Ind Coope brewery site. This development is ideally located if you want to be near the action, but in a calm residential area with amenities that could become important should you start a family.
Prices at Richmond Place are from £159,000 for one-bedroom apartments and from £188,000 for two bedrooms. Key features include Conway Pear kitchens, walk-on balconies and/or en suites to some properties and allocated car parking spaces. The first completions are due in April and the remaining apartments will be released over the summer months. Secure your property now and you can choose finishing touches such as ceramic tiles. You will also be able to enjoy choosing £2,500 worth of options, which include kitchen upgrades, appliances and flooring treatments. Call the sales office on 020 8586 4219 for details of incentives such as five per cent deposit paid.

For those who want to get away from it all, there are a number of excellent new build buys currently on the property market, finds Johnny Turner.

The South East of England offers some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside, with rolling green hills, woodland, farmland and gorgeous coastal areas. Those who choose to live outside the noisy, bustling world of work and commerce that exists in and around the capital are finding they get the benefit of both environments; they can dip in and out of workday strife while enjoying a peaceful, nature-filled environment as their home turf. This choice makes the countryside all the more blissful. After all, half of the enjoyment of nature is knowing you have chosen to be in it.

When it comes to selecting a home, today’s buyer has the choice of a number of sites throughout the South East that are not only surrounded by plenty of space outside but also offer excellent design and specification inside.
One amazing example of a development with space galore is Fairfield Park, on the Bedfordshire-Hertfordshire border, where a number of developers are converting a Victorian former hospital building and surrounding it with new build sections into a wide variety of home types, from one to six bedrooms.

PJ Livesey, the company currently refurbishing the hospital building, has already taken 14 reservations for apartments, even though work has only just begun on the project. Livesey is converting the building into a range of exclusive apartments and penthouses. Stamford Homes and Twigden are two of the developers working on the new build; they are now well advanced with their infrastructure and building work and both hope to open sales offices on site in April. The other house builders – David Wilson, Westbury, Persimmon and Bovis – plan to be on site by the summer or early autumn.
Located just two miles from junction 10 of the A1(M), Fairfield Park will provide 930 homes. The area around Fairfield Park will benefit from over £4 million in additional investment, including the building of a new lower school. Other facilities will include a community centre, provision for a shop and play facilities. Prices currently start at around £170,000. To find out more about this impressive development call the information line on 0845 120 6460 or visit fairfield-park.co.uk.

Appledore has recently launched its exclusive Oast Place development in Wadhurst, East Sussex. The specialist house builder has converted an original oast into an impressive village home – and has also created four new mews cottages, built in a sympathetic style.
According to Yvette Brotherton, sales and marketing director for Appledore, the launch of the mews cottages was a resounding success. ‘Many visitors registered serious interest and we have even had the first reservation,’ she says. ‘I would not expect the homes to be available for very long.’
The oast house itself has not yet been officially launched; however, there has been much interest in it already, Brotherton comments. All of the homes feature Appledore’s trademark quality of build and high level of specification, including fully fitted kitchens complete with designer appliances and fittings.
The location is also ideal. Situated just off Wadhurst High Street, the development will offer residents plenty of local amenities – but the stunning views over the surrounding countryside are the real draw. An excellent example of best-of-both-worlds country living.
For further information contact selling agent Humberts on 01892 782424 or Appledore Developments on 01732 469888.

KingsOak has unveiled the long-awaited Shaftsbury show home at Haddington Manor, its popular new Wendover development. The four/five-bedroom detached home, the first show home at the development, has already commanded a high level of viewer interest.
Haddington Manor is the skilful redevelopment of a former Ministry of Defence homes site and features a choice of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes grouped around a central grassed area. Wendover enjoys an attractive Chiltern Hills setting in the Buckinghamshire countryside but is also close to the major town of Aylesbury. The rural credentials of Haddington Manor are faultless, with its 33 miles of footpaths and bridleways providing the perfect setting for horse riding, cycling and exploring.
For those who need convenient access to London, easy rail links to Marylebone station and convenient road access (to the new A41 bypass, the B4009 and junction 18 of the M25) do the trick. Prices currently start from £199,995 for a two-bedroom apartment and from £284,995 for a three-bedroom mid-terrace town house. Phone the sales office, open Thursdays to Mondays from 10am to 5pm, on 01296 625736 or visit kingsoakhomes.com.

The recent recipient of the Hotproperty Regeneration Award for Houses is Bundish Hall Barns, City & Country’s excellent reinvention of a pair of 17th-century barns and a granary. These historic buildings, located in Fyfield, Essex, have been given a new lease of life as three beautiful residences – Appleby, Beaumaris and Carisbrooke. The conversion of these historic buildings has been achieved with utmost care, and specification is very high. Simple, lovely Shaker design informs the kitchens, while the latest in technology, including provision for a home computer network and satellite television, is included.
One of the barns comprises a stunning garden room with views over the moat, while the two other homes include flexible accommodation. One barn offers space that could be used as a games room or a nanny’s private suite, while the other provides a ‘leisure suite’ that offers a number of rooms and areas that could be transformed into guest accommodation with its own private bathroom, a games room or even a steam room.

The location of both these sites is ideal for residents who want a peaceful living location as well as access to the urban entertainments and business possibilities of London. Two miles away is the designated conservation area of Chipping Ongar, while Chelmsford and Brentwood are only 13 and eight miles away respectively. The homes are surrounded by acres of traditional arable farmland; indeed the site of Bundish Hall Barns, with its moat surrounding the entire development, is included in the Schedule of Ancient Monuments of National Importance.
The homes at Bundish Hall Barns are now available for sale, with a guide price of £875,000 to £1.49 million. For sales enquiries contact City & Country Group on 01279 817882. Also visit website cityandcountry.co.uk.

Charles Church is selling Pipers Gate, a select development of just three individually designed homes situated in the charming village of Great Kingshill in the heart of Buckinghamshire. Only one home remains for sale, a Missenden style home which includes full carpeting and is priced at £714,995.
Each home at Pipers Gate features the trademark knapped flint detail for which Charles Church has become well known, and has been designed to offer an impressive amount of family accommodation. There is the bonus of a large hobbies room on the second floor which is ideal for a host of uses, from work to enjoyment.
On the ground floor there is a variety of reception rooms, including drawing room, study and family room, as well as the kitchen/breakfast room and the dining area with rear-facing conservatory. On the first floor you’ll find three of the bedrooms, which have been designed as self-contained suites; the fourth bedroom is served by a separate family bathroom.
To get more information or make an appointment to view call the selling agent on 01494 863134 or visit the website at charles-church.co.uk.

Crest Nicholson offers its select Montague Park development in Shinfield, which is located close to some of the finest countryside in Berkshire – the perfect setting to allow residents both the quiet of the rural life and good connections to surrounding towns. For those who want to touch base with the ‘real world’ it is less than four miles from Reading and less than a mile and a half from junction 11 of the M4. And Earley station is only three and a half miles away.
Montague Park features a selection of individually designed two-, three- and four-bedroom homes in this peaceful residential area just off Church Lane. Prices start at £199,950 for a two-bedroom home. Find out more by calling the sales office on 0118 988 5704.

Millwood Designer Homes announces its forthcoming development Copperfields in Tunbridge Wells, a collection of six detached houses in three-, four- and five/seven-bedroom detached configurations. These include Millwood’s renowned Yeoman styles based on farmhouses from the 15th and 16th centuries. There is also a collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as three- and four-bedroom townhouses.

All of the homes will benefit from the contrast of highly specified contemporary interiors and traditional exteriors. Located on Bayham Road at the southern end of Tunbridge Wells, Copperfields benefits from a prime setting, with some of the homes even backing onto farmland.
For further information on Copperfields contact Millwood Designer Homes on 01732 770991. Alternatively, visit the company’s website at mdh.uk.com.

Home buyers in Greater London think of the northern half of the city as a first-choice destination. And those considering moving to the area will find plenty of good-quality homes, finds Johnny Turner.

London north of the Thames moves easily from hip urban enclaves to suburbia to leafy villages. Whether you’re a young professional looking for a first-time purchase or a more established home owner who now needs either more space or less, there is bound to be a development on the market that suits your needs.

Following the success of its recent developments in Station Road, Hendon and Victoria Road, Mill Hill, Michael Shanly Homes has just opened its show home at Christopher Court. This block of 14 stylish two-bed apartments is situated on the Great North Way, adjacent to Ashley Lane in NW4 – conveniently situated for shops and leisure facilities as well as transport and trunk roads.
Mark Turner, sales manager of Michael Shanly Homes, said, ‘Five of these homes are already sold and interest is running high on the rest. With this specification and these prices, we expect sales to continue at this pace.’

Each apartment features a spacious fully fitted kitchen with integrated appliances and ceramic flooring. Main bedrooms have en suites as well as built in wardrobes. This distinctive block has a lift to all floors as well as gated parking for residents. Prices start from just £255,000 with numerous styles to choose from. The show home is open Thursdays to Mondays from 10am to 5pm. Alternatively contact Philip Philips on 020 8202 3535 – the selling agent will also shortly be launching a further Michael Shanly Homes luxury apartment development in nearby Holders Hill Road.
Camden is a true property hotspot, and it is here that Crest Nicholson is transforming the famous Jewish Free School site in Camden Road into Northpoint, a mixed scheme of over 100 homes. Northpoint offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, including duplexes and penthouses, as well as four-bedroom town houses and three-bedroom mews properties. The architecture is a skilful blend of traditional and contemporary and the development is designed around a central tree-lined boulevard, with leafy avenues and courtyards. The buildings range from four to six storeys and are set behind elegant entrance gates.

The location couldn’t be more convenient, as some of London’s finest restaurants, bars and entertainment venues are just minutes away. Public transport is nearby, with Silverlink north London connections to all points east and west accessible from Camden Road station. And Camden Town tube is a short bus ride away, making the City and West End very accessible within just a few minutes.
Prices start from £389,950 for an 865 sq ft two bedroom, two-bathroom apartment and £430,000 for a 943 sq ft three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment. Prices for a four-bedroom town house measuring 1,937 sq ft start from £855,000. For more information contact the Northpoint marketing suite, open 10am to 5pm daily, on 020 7428 0598 or visit northpoint-camden.co.uk.
For those who prefer a more out-of-town setting, Bellway offers an excellent chance to buy a four- or five-bedroom home in the Stanmore Park development in Stanmore. The development is in its final phase, with prices starting at £484,995 for four-bedroom houses. The attention to detail and the luxury fittings, including the comprehensively fitted kitchens, will be very attractive to prospective buyers, as will the garage included with each house and the fact that some homes include conservatories and balconies.

The location is a definite winner, as transport is extremely convenient. The Jubilee Line tube from Stanmore station gets you into the West End in just half an hour and goes on to Canary Wharf in an additional quarter of an hour, while tube trains from Harrow-on-the-Hill will get you to Moorgate station in approximately 35 minutes. For those commuting to central London there is truly no more successful combination of out-of-town living and ease of in-town working. According to Ian Sloan, Bellway North London’s sales director, ‘These houses are ideal for second- and third-time buyers with young children and the area is geared towards a family environment. However, the location is such that access into central London is quick and easy. This development really offers the best of both worlds to families who want it all.’ To find out more about Stanmore Park call 020 8416 0571 or visit the sales centre, which is located in Goodhall Close off Uxbridge Road.

KingsOak is selling an imaginative development of just 14 apartments at Hornsey, which offers superb value for money. Known as Paragon N8, these apartments are attracting discerning buyers who seek both stylish urban living and true individuality. Both one- and two-bedroom contemporary-style apartments are available at Paragon, which enjoys a very advantageous position on Wightman Road.
Those who work in central London will find the situation especially convenient, with Turnpike Lane tube offering Piccadilly Line services within walking distance. There is also a very simple and direct overland train service from Hornsey station, which connects easily with King’s Cross and also offers a direct 20-minute journey into Moorgate. For those who prefer to drive, central London is easily accessed via the nearby A10 and A41. The North Circular is less than two miles away. And speaking of cars, the very sought-after selling point of secure underground parking is also offered – a benefit that is a rare plus in Hornsey.

‘The fact that there is a choice of transport links, secure underground parking and the closeness of all the town’s amenities makes it particularly good value for money,’ says Mike Moss, managing director of KingsOak North London. And don’t forget the diversity of homes on offer, from one-bedroom apartments to massive duplex homes. Prices at Paragon N8 start at just £249,995. For further information call 020 8347 8251 or visit kingsoakhomes.com.
The new homes department at Jeremy Leaf & Co is expanding, making for plenty of choice in the north London area. For instance there is Rouge Court, an interesting block a quarter of a mile from Woodside Park tube station in Woodside Grove N12. Only three of five well-designed one- and two-bedroom apartments remain, each of which offers many of the features usually found in much more expensive properties. And at prices starting from a reasonable £189,950, this is a great chance to buy in a very desirable area.

The same could be said of another example from Jeremy Leaf. Five terraced houses, situated in Derby Avenue N12 near Tally-Ho corner, are available priced from £340,000. Two of these have already been snapped up; the homes, which are almost ready for occupation, are proving popular with both first-time buyers and investors.
Fewer than half of the original 18 apartments remain at Victoria Heights, opposite Victoria Park in Etchingham Park Road, Finchley N3. Built by Ward Homes, which is part of the David Wilson group, the homes in this last release of two- and three-bedroom apartments start from only £299,995. The beautifully finished show flat is open from Thursdays to Mondays 10.00am to 5.00pm.
For further information on any of the developments offered by Jeremy Leaf & Co contact 020 8446 4295.

New home builders really are spoiling us at the moment with their magnificent selection of apartments on the market. Anna Bowden looks at a few of the must-haves.

Apartments are the bread and butter of new homes, and there are so many different styles, designs and specifications out there that choosing which will suit your needs best can be difficult. We pick a few of the most alluring.

In Woolwich, south-east London, Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward has just launched the much-awaited Alta Vista, the second and final release of apartments, duplexes and penthouses. Alta Vista follows the stunning success of the contemporary Vista Building, where over 150 apartments were sold within just three days of the development’s launch. The new scheme is a landmark ten-storey building which is being converted and refurbished from a commercial office by Kerrington Developments. Located in central Woolwich, the development comprises 224 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments which offer stunning views across the River Thames towards the Millennium Dome and Canary Wharf.
Woolwich is very convenient for Canary Wharf, London City Airport and the rest of Docklands, making it a natural choice for those involved in the ever-growing London business sector. An extension to the Docklands Light Railway will be finished by 2008, providing even better access that includes a quick jump to the Jubilee Line.

The apartments at Alta Vista will have the benefit of parking that is accessible via a sixth-floor walkway, making it unnecessary to go outside to get to the car. There is also a daytime concierge, 24-hour CCTV and lifts serving all floors. The interior design and specification emphasise convenience and luxury. Apartments on the eighth, ninth and tenth floors are now available for sale, priced from £155,000. Contact Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward on 020 8855 8188 or visit altavista-london.com.
Bryant Homes’ The Ambassador is a unique development in Sunningdale, Berkshire, offering luxurious and modern living for the over 50s. A collection of 32 apartments set within the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, The Ambassador is a desirable development boasting high-specification apartments set in beautiful landscaped grounds and offering a host of residents’ facilities. The apartments all benefit from secluded gardens and sun terraces set within tree-lined borders.
Life at The Ambassador is made easy for residents by a number of facilities, including twin lifts, on-site concierge, CCTV security system, gated entrance, underground parking and a 24-hour emergency careline facility.

Sunningdale itself is located right on the doorstep of historic Windsor, Eton and Ascot, home to the famous Championship Golf Club and perfect for fun, culture and relaxation. Within easy reach of the M4, M3 and M25, it is also convenient for Heathrow Airport for those who want to spend their retirement travelling.
Currently remaining apartments include four two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments on the top floor at The Ambassador, priced from £340,000, plus one one-bedroom apartment on the first floor, priced at £199,950. The penthouse suite is also available. For further details call the show home on 01344 756834.

Linden Homes Chiltern is celebrating early success at its Suede development in Hillingdon Heath near Hayes, a collection of 36 one- and two-bedroom contemporary designed apartments. The developer has already had four reservations, shortly after launch. Helen Todd, sales and marketing director for Linden, says, ‘We are delighted with this early success, having taken a host of enquiries before the recent launch. The contemporary design, with a mixture of glass, steel, rendering and different shades of bricks, will add to the surrounding architecture, making the development one of the most desirable new addresses in the area.’
Prices at Suede start from £164,500. Call 01895 827400 for more information.

CALA Homes is inviting prospective buyers to visit the show home at Cavendish Court, its collection of 12 apartments in Weybridge, and check out the quality for themselves. The show home, a two-bedroom apartment featuring en suite shower room to the master bedroom plus a fully fitted kitchen, perfectly demonstrates the high-specification, luxury living accommodation that CALA is known for.
Phil Brown, sales and marketing director, commented, ‘The apartments will form the benchmark for luxury and high specification within the area and once people view the show home, with its space and attention to detail, they really will view this as the perfect location.’
Prices at Cavendish Court, which is a ten-minute walk from Weybridge mainline station, start from £340,000. Call 01932 850966.

Also by CALA Homes is luxury Chislehurst development Kemnal Park, where the developer has just launched its second show home, designed by acclaimed interior designer Anna-Maria Douglas of ZI Interiors. Having designed the initial show home with a striking, classical look, in contrast the new show home is bright and contemporary, with a vibrant feel for the spring season.
The two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment boasts a kitchen with granite worktops, a utility room, a steam sauna, en suite bathroom and a main bathroom. According to Douglas, ‘The new show home’s design concept is all about fusion of colour. It is also a very tactile experience with many textured surfaces.’
Kemnal Park is conveniently located close to local amenities, including four private health clubs and ten golf courses. The mainline station is just over a mile away, from where London Bridge can be reached within 22 minutes. Prices at Kemnal Park start from £540,000. Call 020 8295 0922 to find out more.

Conversion and restoration specialist City & Country Group has now started work on the conversion of former flour mill Standon Mill into 18 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in the picturesque Hertfordshire village of Standon. The apartments will be open-plan and contemporary, in a variety of designs, and many will retain original features such as cast iron columns, curved walls, exposed brickwork and floorboards.

Chief executive Tim Sargeant comments, ‘The conversion of Standon Mill is an exciting project for us. Incorporating a highly contemporary design, the new homes will be created in a distinctive ‘London loft’ style, blending an historic structure with modern interiors. Offering flexible living space, curved and glass interior walls, roof top terraces and original features, these new homes will provide purchasers with an unusual converted home in a conservation area.’
Homes at the development are expected to start from around £185,000. Call 01279 817882 to register interest.

Today’s home buyer is looking for modern, spacious and flexible accommodation, and new home builders are meeting this demand with highly desirable town houses, says Anna Bowden.

Today’s home buyers are overwhelmingly demanding space and flexible living when looking for a home, and newly built town houses are just the answer. Built to a traditional Georgian style, with features including three storeys, but also boasting a host of modern conveniences, these homes are all the rage at the moment with buyers looking for that little bit extra.

Banner Homes is currently offering an exclusive collection of just 22 three- and four-bedroom town houses at its Eastbury Park development in Watford, Hertfordshire. The homes are situated in a private gated enclave opposite the beautiful green space of Oxhey Park and have all been designed with space and flexibility in mind. Dee Hawkis, Banner Homes’ interior designer, comments, ‘In the show home I will take into account today’s modern lifestyle and provide creative solutions spread over three floors. The second floor, for example, will be dedicated to the children, giving them their own space, freedom and flexibility and allowing the adults to have the first floor to themselves.’
Kitchens are open-plan so that while one person cooks they can still socialise with friends or family sitting in the adjacent family room; the lounge is on the first floor with, in most cases, a balcony and bedroom; and the second floor offers a range of rooms that can be used for many purposes.
Prices at Eastbury Park range from £399,950 to £535,000. Call 01923 213075 for further information.

Fairview New Homes has a superb selection of three-storey houses available at its Meadow Park development in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, where the four-bedroom Broughton show home perfectly displays the quality and specification of the homes. Offering approximately 1,500 sq ft of living space, the Broughton has been created to provide contemporary, open-plan design in keeping with the modern lifestyle. The ground floor boasts a spacious kitchen/breakfast room looking out onto the rear garden, as well as an integral garage and cloakroom. The first floor houses the master bedroom, with en suite bathroom, plus a guest bathroom; and the second floor offers three further bedrooms, one of which also boasts an en suite bathroom.

David Reed, marketing manager at Fairview, says, ‘The new show home has been created in one of our latest designs of houses, the Broughton. As one of the highest specifications we have created, this four-bedroom home offers a contemporary kitchen with maple units and stainless steel Smeg appliances.’
Prices at Meadow Park start from £319,950 for the Broughton house type. Call 01707 332638 for more details.

Bellway has just released one of its most popular house types at its Newbury Central development on the site of the former King George hospital in Newbury Park, Essex. The four-bedroom Hertford complements existing houses and apartments and ensures that the development offers an excellent range of accommodation for all types of buyer.

The Hertford has been designed with the main living areas on the first floor, including a spacious living room, separate dining room, a bedroom and a cloakroom. The second floor offers the master bedroom plus en suite shower room as well as dressing room, two further bedrooms and a bathroom.
Bellway sales and marketing director Karen Coulson says, ‘The Hertford is one of our most popular properties. When we have released them on other developments, they have been reserved very quickly and we are expecting a similarly enthusiastic response at Newbury Central.’
The Hertford is priced from £350,000. Call the sales office, open daily from 10am to 5.30pm, on 020 8554 9978.

Laing Homes is offering two spectacular town house developments, Quarles Park and Langdon Park in Romford, Essex and Teddington, Middlesex respectively. The former is a beautifully designed collection of new homes set on Grove Road at the heart of Chadwell Heath, all boasting a high specification. Kitchens are fully fitted with integrated appliances, bathrooms feature classic sanitaryware and all homes are fitted with home entertainment facilities, including pre-wiring for security cameras at the front doors.
Quarles Park is perfectly placed for commuters, with direct links into London Liverpool Street station and Newbury park tube station, just over a mile away, allowing access to the Central Line.
Prices at Quarles Park start at £217,000. Laing is also offering a range of incentives for buyers, including five per cent deposit paid plus stamp duty and legal fees (of up to £500). Fully fitted carpets are also included within the price and home exchange is available on four plots. All offers are subject to terms and conditions – to find out more call Laing on 020 8586 4091.

Laing Homes is also currently marketing Langdon Park, set within the 32-acre grounds of a Grade II listed Victorian hospital. The hospital and its accompanying theatre have been retained – while the newly created homes have been inspired externally by that architectural period, the interiors are highly modernised and feature every convenience imaginable, including underfloor heating and underground storage spaces.
The development boasts a number of facilities available only to residents, including a spa and a gym, and the surrounding area offers leisure, retail and sporting opportunities as well as excellent local schools and colleges. Prices for town houses at Langdon Park start from £650,000 for the four-bedroom York house type. Call 020 8973 0848 to find out more.

Antler Homes’ Pavilion Square development has been granted permission by the Royal Mail to retain its name as the official postal address, making it London’s newest garden square. The development, located near Wandsworth Common, comprises a central communal courtyard along with elegant Georgian architecture, to give it authenticity. Stephen Allan, managing director for Antler, says ‘Recognised as areas of tranquillity and greenery within a city, London’s garden squares offer a sought-after and prestigious place to own a home. In a highly unusual move, the elegant square we have developed has been allowed to retain its marketing name as its permanent postal address. As such, not only will residents benefit from the exclusivity of living in this desirable city environment but will also profit from the prestige of a London square address.’
The three-storey town houses benefit from high-specification kitchens plus a number of technological features, including cabling for computer networking and broadband and pre-wiring for an entertainment system which could include plasma screens.

Prices start from £595,000. For further details call the sales office on 020 8769 2503 or visit antlerhomes.co.uk.

Sussex combines natural beauty with modern convenience - and developers and buyers alike have fallen for its charms. Johnny Turner finds out what makes Sussex special.

Sussex is popular with home buyers for many reasons – the sea is nearby, the towns and cities are varied and vibrant, and the choice of home types is vast. There are currently many excellent developments to tempt today’s buyer.

We start in popular Horsham, where Antler Homes is selling six detached five-bedroom houses a short distance from the town centre. One particularly appealing aspect of this development is the fact that it is within the catchment area of the highly prestigious Millais Girls’ School. Prices for these homes start at £435,000. Obtain more information by calling the Antler Homes sales office on 01959 547100.
Also in Horsham, Sunley Homes has revealed its plans to convert the Grade II listed former headquarters of the RSPCA into The Manor, an elegant development of 14 stylish family town houses and 19 two- and three-bedroom apartments. Of the apartments, 11 will be new build and eight will be converted from part of the original building.

The show apartment is a very light and spacious three-bedroom, two-bathroom conversion on the ground floor of the listed building. It has an extensive 2,000 sq ft of space, which allows for large reception areas. The town houses have been designed to reflect the local vernacular, which includes Victorian buildings. They sit around a romantic sunken garden and water feature and are positioned behind the Manor House in a transitional area between it and a new commercial piazza. The skilful placement of the landscaped communal gardens allows a sight line through to the piazza.
The Manor represents a one-off opportunity to live in an unbeatable location within what is surely the town’s most desirable area. Prices for the apartments start at £305,000, while the town houses are priced from £395,000 for three bedrooms and from £430,000 for four bedrooms. The marketing suite and show home are open daily from 10am to 5pm. Call 01403211466 or visit sunley.co.uk.

In Worthing, CDC2020 has something special for those who love a sea view. Just one luxurious top-floor apartment remains at the Nautilus development. The apartment is ready to move into and features two double bedrooms and two large terraces to maximise the views to the sea and the Downs. Other features include fully fitted carpets throughout, secure underground car parking, a video entry system and lift access to all floors. This apartment is priced for an early move-in at £375,000 – and CDC2020 may also be able to make available its advantageous part exchange scheme to make the moving process that much easier. Make an appointment to view by contacting the marketing suite Thursdays to Saturdays between 10am and 5pm, on 01903 232287. At other times contact the selling agent Michael Jones & Company on 01903 213281.

In Brighton and Hove, Gleeson Classic Homes is launching Salisbury Court, its brand new collection of just 14 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in the ‘Little London’ area in the heart of Hove. This will take place over the Valentine’s Day weekend, 14 and 15 February, at the offices of selling agent Mishon Mackay at 170 Church Road, Hove between 11am and 2pm. The homes at Salisbury Court are aesthetically pleasing both inside and out, with Juliet balconies, high-spec interiors and gardens to the ground floor apartments.
Alan Day, sales and marketing director for Gleeson Classic Homes says, ‘Just about everything is within easy walking distance of these apartments. They’re just two blocks away from the seafront and shops, restaurants, sports and leisure facilities and the railway station are all within easy reach.’ Call Mishon Mackay on 01273 829300 for more information or just turn up at Valentine’s weekend to see what Salisbury Court has to offer.

The Cape in Rottingdean is located on the white cliffs just four miles outside Brighton. Offering two- and three-bedroom apartments and town houses, The Cape is yet another seaside success from CDC2020. The homes offer easy access to both the beach and the Sussex Downs, and Brighton is virtually on the doorstep. These apartments and town houses have constantly changing, panoramic views of the sea from full-height windows in the main rooms. The architecture of the development is influenced by art deco, the perfect style for seaside property. Some homes feature galleries overlooking living or dining areas, reached by spiral stairs – and two apartments have circular dining rooms dramatically lit by full-height windows.

The Cape is a secure gated development with on-site parking and a video entry system. It will appeal to both owner-occupiers and investment buyers. Apartments are priced from £325,000. The on-site marketing suite is off Nevill Road, Marine Drive, Rottingdean and is open Thursdays to Mondays from 10am to 5pm. Call 01273 3900020. You can also contact the selling agent, Wyatts, on 01273 304453.
From KingsOak comes Worth Park in Crawley, where phase two of this highly successful development has been launched ahead of schedule. Eighty-five per cent of the first release of superb apartments has already been reserved. The second phase will feature a selection of luxuriously appointed one- and two-bedroom apartments, all of which are set to appeal to commuters. The development’s superb position, within 300 yards of Three Bridges railway station, means those who work in London or Brighton or from Gatwick Airport will be assured of a convenient journey each day. London workers can easily reach Victoria, London Bridge and Blackfriars stations.

Crawley is known for its varied and convenient shopping as well as its entertainment and leisure prospects. The County Mall is nearby, with many high street names. There is also an ABC cinema and a Hollywood Bowl. For sporty types, the Crawley Leisure Centre is very convenient. Prices at this new phase at Worth Park currently start at just £187,995 for a two-bedroom apartment. The sales office is open Thursdays to Mondays from 10am to 5pm. For further information contact 01293 523572 or visit kingsoakhomes.com.
KingsOak also offers Ashdown Court in East Grinstead, a superb development of one- and two-bedroom apartments. The two-bedroom homes are particularly spacious, with up to 999 sq ft of well-planned accommodation. ‘This development has become one of our best sellers,’ says David Caught, sales director of KingsOak Southern Counties. ‘The spacious two-bedroom homes available here have been attracting widespread attention, in particular from those wishing to downsize from larger family homes once their offspring have “flown the nest”.’
East Grinstead is not only set within the beauty of the Sussex countryside, on the border of Sussex and Kent, but is also within reach of the motorway network. Gatwick Airport is only 15 miles away. Prices at Ashdown Court currently start at £164,995 for a two-bedroom apartment with en suite facilities. Call the sales office on 01342 300669 for more information.

Another development currently available in East Grinstead is Try Homes’ Tollgate Place, which is beginning to take shape. This development will comprise 14 one- and two-bedroom apartments within an attractive building which has been designed to fit in with the historic environment of East Grinstead. Dormer windows, balconies and a corner turret combine to give a sculptural feel to the building, with brick, stone and timber detailing picking up the style of neighbouring buildings. Each apartment at Tollgate Place has been individually designed. Many benefit from en suite facilities, kitchen/breakfast rooms with integrated appliances, balconies and secure parking. The first apartments are expected to be ready for occupation in the summer. Prices range from £215,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to £425,000 for a penthouse. Call the sales information centre on 01342 410972 or visit tryhomes.co.uk.

Thamesmead, London

Fairclough Homes is seeing success at its development The Gateway in Miles Drive, from where London Waterloo is only a 30-minute journey. In the current phase of release there are 11 one- and two-bedroom apartments available as well as 14 four-bedroom town houses, all grouped in a contemporary mews layout near the river. Homes are available in a variety of room designs. Prices at the development start from £159,950 for the apartments and £254,950 for the town houses. Call 020 8317 9555 for further details.

Haywards Heath, Sussex

David Wilson Homes is meeting the trend for three-storey living with a range of three-storey accommodation at its Bolnore Village development, a new village which combines coastal living with commuter access to London. The town houses’ extra storey adds a new dimension to living and can provide the solution for households which expand and contract as familial circumstances change (children are staying within the family home for longer as buying for the first time becomes harder). Prices start from £290,000. Call 01444 474450.

Sunbury, Middlesex

Less than 25 apartments now remain for sale at Barratt’s Windmill Gate development, where almost all of the 252 homes have been sold out months ahead of the construction programme. Barratt Southern Counties director Trevor Sawyer says, ‘Windmill Gate offers tremendous value for the London area and is already proving immensely popular with first-time buyers. These are incredibly attractive homes in a very convenient and desirable location.’ Prices start from £149,995 for a one-bedroom apartment. Call 01932 787283.

Croydon, Surrey

Try Homes is offering a guaranteed rental yield of seven per cent for two years for buyers at its new Innova development, a collection of 33 one- and two-bedroom apartments in a convenient location less than one kilometre from busy East Croydon station. The apartments benefit from modern appliances, private balconies, access to a communal roof terrace and secure allocated parking. Prices start from £199,950. Call 020 8663 8923.

East Dulwich, London

An exciting new show home has been opened at CDC2020’s Groveside development, where only five properties now remain. Remaining homes boast an integral garage and a private garden. Prices range from £379,950 to £386,950 with a number of part exchange and other deals available. Call 020 8693 9594 for further information.

Barking, London

Copthorn Homes has now started work on 37 one- and two-bedroom apartments in two new buildings which form part of the Gascoigne Estate refurbishment, a joint venture with sister company Countryside Properties. The development, called St Ann’s, will comprise a total of 125 homes for private sale, rental and shared ownership. Prices are anticipated to start from £130,000. To register interest call 01277 697118.

Langley, Berkshire

KingsOak has announced its intention to build a selection of 30 two- and three-bedroom houses at Oaklands, located in Ditton Park Road. It will represent the perfect opportunity to airline employees needing to be near Heathrow as well as those looking to commute to the capital. For prices call 01628 629111.

Edmonton, London

Laing Homes is currently offering Angel Square, a development of homes ideal for first-time buyers due to their affordability. The collection of 106 two-bedroom apartments, five town houses and one two- and one three-bedroom house is set in a cosmopolitan neighbourhood with easily accessible transport links plus leisure and shopping facilities. Prices start from a very reasonable £159,500. For details call 020 8887 9011.

This week Hotproperty looks in depth at Higgins Homes’ Elements development, a striking and high-specification collection of apartments in Romford, Essex.

Higgins Homes is currently offering Elements in Romford, Essex, a striking new landmark collection of 42 apartments which is playing a leading role in the local area’s urban regeneration project. When complete the building, constructed to Higgins Homes’ usual high standards, will boast an elegantly curved profile with a perspective of descending tiers, complemented by soft landscaped surroundings. Gleaming metal juxtaposed with polished stone create a highly unusual and classy look, which combine with Elements’ position right on the town’s ring road to make it a real eye-catcher.

Internally, the development offers purchasers the best of 21st-century living, offering energy-efficient apartments fully fitted with all the conveniences necessary for a modern, busy lifestyle. Kitchens, designed by Symphony, come in a variety of styles and are fitted with quality appliances from AEG and Hotpoint, including stainless steel electric oven and gas hob with extractor fan plus integrated fridge/freezer and washer/dryer. Bathrooms feature crisp white sanitaryware and chrome fittings by Ideal Standard. On the entertainment side, television and radio outlet points are provided in the reception room and bedrooms, as are telephone points, and pre-wiring is set up for satellite TV. Windows are PVC double glazed sealed units.

Security at Elements is taken very seriously, and all apartments are pre-wired for audio entry phone systems and alarm systems; mains-operated smoke alarms are also fitted as standard, and parking areas are secured by electronic gates.
Romford is just 14 miles from central London yet minutes from open countryside, offering ideal living for those looking for an easy commute alongside a fun, urban lifestyle. It is an unpretentious modern town but with roots steeped in history; the famous Romford street market began life here in 1247 and there exists even today a Royal Charter that no other market can be set up within six miles. And The Brewery, another important local claim to historic fame, has undergone major redevelopment and transformation and has spearheaded an intensive programme of environmental improvements in the area.

Shopping is one of Romford’s key attractions, ranked among the top five shopping centres of greater London outside the West End. A wide selection of top name retailers competes with smaller outlets and market stalls and an excellent range of coffee shops, bars, pubs and restaurants leads to a great social life, both day and night.

For those commuting to the City, Romford offers incredibly convenient access. The mainline station is literally a few minutes’ walk away, from where London Liverpool Street station can be reached within 18 minutes. Similarly, Brentwood, Chelmsford and Colchester are also within striking distance (but in the opposite direction). For those with cars the A12 is just over a mile away, offering links to the M25.
Apartments at Elements all boast two bedrooms and start in price from £172,500 for a ground-floor flat. For further details about Elements call the marketing suite on 01708 767670. To find out about other Higgins Homes developments, call 020 8508 5555 or visit website higginshomes.co.uk.

Slough, Berkshire

Copthorn Homes is now working in partnership with sister company Countryside as well as Parkside Housing Group and Slough Borough Council on the £31.6 million redevelopment of the Common Road Estate in Langley, now renamed Longwood Park. The developer has already started work on the first phase of release, which will comprise 16 traditional one- and two-bedroom apartments and five three-bedroom terraced houses, with a further phase of 19 homes to follow. For further details or to register interest call 01277 697115.

Netherne-on-the-Hill, Surrey

David Wilson Homes is offering potential purchasers a mix of the urban and the rural with its Parkwood Heights development, a new village with stunning views of the North Downs yet within easy reach of London. Regular rail services run into London Victoria and London Bridge, while facilities provided at the site itself include a village hall, tennis courts, a health and fitness centre and a cricket pitch. Prices start from £560,000 for a five-bedroom detached property. Call 01737 559995.

Walton-on-Thames, Surrey

Antler Homes is currently building Ashley Place, a traditionally designed development of 12 two-bedroom apartments in an area of north-west Surrey that is currently undergoing massive regeneration. The regeneration project, worth £50 million, will ultimately provide room for 300 new homes, over 30 new shops and numerous leisure facilities including a cinema. Prices at Ashley Place start from £299,950. Call 020 8391 6670.

Buckhurst Hill, Essex

Laing has now opened the new two-bedroom show apartment at its Iceni development, to showcase its luxurious and high-specification qualities. The apartment is built in the popular Elan design, which features spacious and flexible living accommodation. Both dual aspect lounge and kitchen/diner lead onto balconies, and the master bedroom offers fitted wardrobes and an en suite bathroom. Prices start from £279,995. Call 020 8506 1116 for details.

Reading, Berkshire

KingsOak has seen an excellent response to its Blake’s Quay development in the heart of Reading town centre since the opening of its long-awaited show apartment. Over 100 buyers attended the launch and many homes were reserved on the day. The scheme offers a choice of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments as well as duplexes and penthouses. Prices from £194,995 for a one-bedroom property. Call 0118 959 1514.

Knebworth, Hertfordshire

Bellwinch Homes is soon to launch Knebworth Gate, a collection of 22 homes on the south side of Stevenage. Properties available at this traditional yet contemporary development include 20 two- and three-bedroom houses and two apartments. For price information call 01438 317222.

Wood Green, London

Sales have rocketed at George Wimpey’s Minerva development in Lordship Lane, where over two-thirds of the executive apartments have now been snapped up. Released last May, first-time buyers and investors alike have shown interest in the properties, which are built to a high specification. Prices start from £145,995. Call the sales office on 020 8888 3193.

Barnes, London

Laing has already sold, off-plan, three of the stunning apartments at The Enclave, an elegant new landmark building designed to complement the Victorian and Edwardian architecture of the area. Accessed by a private bridge over the Beverley Brook, The Enclave is set in landscaped grounds and offers privacy, security and off-street parking. Prices at The Enclave start from £295,950. Call 020 8392 8696.

Anna Bowden explains why a new home in the county of Buckinghamshire can offer ideal living for all purchasers.

Banner Homes is currently offering several new developments in Buckinghamshire, including Ledborough Court in Beaconsfield, Links Green Place in Flackwell Heath and Greenacres in Chesham. The former is a small but exclusive development of three spacious two-bedroom apartments and two larger split-level apartments, benefiting from mature landscaped grounds to the rear and located within walking distance of Beaconsfield New Town.
Since initial release three properties have already been sold off-plan; remaining plots include a two-bedroom apartment priced at £395,000 and the stunning two-bedroom show apartment, priced at £410,000, which includes carpets, curtains, blinds, fire, fire surround and light fittings. The show apartment is open Thursdays to Mondays between 10am and 5pm. For further information call Banner Homes on 01628 536200 or visit website banner-homes.co.uk.
Also by Banner Homes, Links Green Place is a gated development of eight contemporary apartments a short, leisurely stroll from the centre of the village, and set on a tree-lined private road with attractive views over the prestigious local golf course. Each individual apartment offers exceptional attention to detail and high-quality specification. Remaining properties include plot seven, a three-bedroom duplex with garage priced at £499,000, and plot eight, a two-bedroom apartment priced at £325,000. Both remaining apartments are sold with fully fitted carpets.

For further details concerning Links Green Place call the Banner Homes sales adviser on 01628 529212.
Greenacres, an exclusive collection of seven four- and five-bedroom detached and semi-detached homes, is set in a highly sought-after residential area off Lye Green Road and provides the ideal base for family living with its nearby shopping facilities and excellent local schools. It is also the ideal place of abode for commuters, with its access to the Metropolitan Line, taking residents right into the heart of the capital.
There is just one five-bedroom home remaining at Greenacres; priced at £645,000 it comes with carpets, light fittings and turf to the rear garden, which is approximately 78 ft long. The house exchange scheme is also available at this development. Call the sales adviser on 01494 782675 for more details or to register interest. Alternatively, just drop into the show home, open Fridays to Mondays between 10am and 5pm.

Charles Church has now opened its marketing suite at Hazeley Fields, its first development in Milton Keynes. Visitors will now have the opportunity to view plans for the initial phase of release. The completed development will boast 21 three- and four-bedroom family homes, built using a carefully-considered mix of original Charles Church designs in differing elevational techniques including knapped flint and decorative tile hanging.
At Hazeley Fields the developer is offering its Select service, to give purchasers a distinctive range of options from granite worktops in the kitchens to landscaping schemes for the gardens, allowing each new resident to tailor-make their dream home.
Milton Keynes itself is a vibrant, modern city, boasting excellent transport links to both Birmingham and London as well as a wealth of shopping and leisure options. For further information or to register interest for Hazeley Fields call Charles Church North London on 01727 828800 or visit website charles-church.co.uk.

KingsOak North London is offering a great opportunity to buy in comfort and with the benefit of expert advice by hosting a Buyers’ Weekend on 7 and 8 February at Haddington Manor, Wendover, the redevelopment of a former MOD homes site that will eventually comprise a selection of 40 two-, three- and four-bedroom family homes.
Potential buyers are invited to come along and ask any questions they may have about the development itself or the process of buying a new home.
‘Whether a buyer is interested in the potential savings available to them by opting for a Part Exchange, simply wants to know how to set foot on the housing ladder for the first time, or even wants to discover why it’s a fantastic time to buy a brand home, our Buyers’ Weekend is for them,’ advised Mike Moss, managing director for KingsOak North London.
‘There are some really excellent offers available; all they have to do is turn up and discover more.’ Among the deals on offer is the chance to have your mortgage paid until 2005, subject to terms and conditions.
Wendover is close to the major towns of Amersham, Chesham and Hemel Hempstead (the latter just in Hertfordshire) and is perfect for commuters with its swift rail access into London Marylebone (the journey, which is direct, takes under an hour). The development is also within easy reach of the A41, the B4009 and junction 18 of the M25; and Heathrow and Gatwick airports are also within striking range.
‘We look forward to welcoming buyers during the first weekend in February,’ said Mike Moss. ‘They will have free access to a variety of property experts, including financial advisers, so there is much to be gained.’

Prices at Haddington Manor start at £196,995 for a two-bedroom apartment and from £239,995 for a three-bedroom house. For further information call the sales office, open Thursdays to Mondays from 10am to 5pm, on 01296 625736.

London property is much sought-after. And the current crop of homes by George Wimpey illustrates why. Johnny Turner explores two remarkable sites.

London is a work-in-progress, a centre of business and social activity, a magnet – and it has been for over 2,000 years. The personality, like the physical structure, is constantly mutating, serving the needs of those who live here and visit, work and relax here. And one constant in all this change is the need for new housing.

What is important to London buyers has remained fairly constant – a convenient location, good design and space. All of these are in evidence in three of George Wimpey’s latest portfolio; although located in different areas of London, each is desirable both inside and out – and each is surprisingly affordable.
Starting in Borough, one of the capital’s most happening quarters, George Wimpey brings us Fiftyfour Lant Street. Located just moments from Borough Market, one of London’s most popular food markets and a weekend destination in itself, the 72 apartments at Lant Street are all individually designed and built around one-of-a-kind floor plans. These designs are big on space and light and focus on contemporary attention to detail. Functionality and simple style are reflected in the use of stainless steel and porcelain tiling, as well as in the 2.25-metre ceiling heights.

The homes at Fiftyfour Lant Street are aimed at those with a busy work and social life, offering convenience to both office environment and nightlife. Besides  being a matter of minutes from Borough tube, from where commuters can reach the City in only two stops (or even walk across), the immediate area is thriving in terms of entertainment. And with London Bridge station just half a mile away, the Jubilee Line offers a quick and easy ride into both Canary Wharf and the West End.
Half of the first phase of 50 homes has already sold out, so it’s best to hurry. Prices for the remaining plots range from to £245,000 to £430,000. Visit the show apartment or call 020 7407 8569.
Another George Wimpey scheme located just south-west of the River Thames is Candlemakers, an exciting development in the old Price’s Candles building in Battersea. Like Borough, the Battersea area is extremely popular due to its wealth of nightlife and entertainment, along with its useful commuter links from Clapham Junction station.

Located on York Road, Candlemakers offers a variety of apartment sizes and layouts, set around a private central courtyard and designed to update the original 1850s warehouse architecture. Many of the homes offer a patio and some also have a conservatory. Specification is high, with kitchens by Nicholas Anthony Contracts and bathrooms offering elegant, minimalist design.
Homes range from one-bedroom apartments measuring 525 sq ft to the extremely spacious 1,900 sq ft penthouse arranged over the top three floors of the breathtaking tower. The majority are large two-bedroom apartments with two bathrooms. Each apartment offers an abundance of space and light; living spaces are flexible, reflecting the needs of today’s buyers.

Prices for the current release at Candlemakers range from £340,000 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom first floor apartment to £595,000 for a three-bedroom duplex property measuring a stunning 1,843 square feet. To get more information about these very desirable homes call the marketing suite on 020 7924 7657 or go online to candlemakers.tv.