New Homes - March, 2004

With more of us enjoying the flexibility that working from home offers, the demand among home buyers for work-friendly property is rising. Anna Bowden looks at some of the latest homes that let you take care of business.

These days the time it takes to travel to work can be mere seconds. Thanks to advances in technology, a day’s work needn’t necessarily be done in an office – a telephone, along with a computer with a modem or broadband connection, and you’re away. Once you have learnt the crucial lesson of not trading old office distractions (talking about TV) for new ones (watching people talk on TV) you’ll find that your home can be the perfect place to get things done.

Over two million Britons now work from home at least one day a week, a fact that is not lost on today’s developers; they are aware of the trend towards living and working under one roof and are providing increasingly creative ways to have the perfect the home office. Whether by providing space that is conducive to meeting deadlines; by offering extra rooms – for example allowing those purchasing a two-bedroom flat to have two bedrooms as well as a study for home working; or by furnishing access to the technology the modern home worker needs, today’s builders are proving that they are wise to their customers’ need for domestic workspace – and willing to provide for that requirement.

On top of this, many developers now Cobstar Developments has now released The Space Works, a collection of live/work homes at Aldgate East, on the City's eastern fringe. Those whose work is important but feel that a long, painful commute is too much to ask will be very interested indeed in these stunning homes, each of which offers the flexibility to work from home. Each space feels truly contemporary, with up-to-the-minute design throughout as well as the latest technology. All homes boast TV, telephone and FM points in main bedrooms and living and work areas, as well as internal networking in all work areas.
Most of the apartments have private terraces – and the penthouses are nothing short of breathtaking. The main rooms to each living space are huge. There are custom-designed, engineered white oiled oak floors, floor-to-ceiling doors throughout, a luxury bathroom with walnut veneer wash stands and tabletop basins, stylish kitchens in which the theme of walnut detail continues. Even the radiators, vertical designer models, speak of cool, high-tech luxury. Low-voltage downlighters complete the look.
Prices start from £315,000 for a first-floor flat with terrace; and penthouses are to be released shortly. To find out more contact selling agents Bridge Estates on 020 7749 1400 or Hurford Salvi Carr on 020 7791 7071.

Asprey Homes is now offering Ickham Court Farm, a development of luxury homes near Canterbury, Kent where three of the four individually designed properties benefit from space above the garage.
Chief executive Bruce Walker says, ‘With the cost of transport rising and the standards of service leaving much to be desired, more and more people are considering working from home. This incentive to leave the rat race is often beset by the question of where to base your office, with many homes not providing a dedicated study.

‘At Ickham Court Farm, the accommodation above the garages to the majority of the homes provides the ultimate in flexibility, allowing home buyers to distance their work from their family life. For those who prefer not to step outside the house to go to work, three of the homes have a generous study to the ground floor, with far reaching views of fields, while two properties have a fifth bedroom on the second floor, ideal for those who wish to cut themselves off and concentrate.’
At Ickham Court Farm Asprey Homes has managed to retain the charm and individuality of the village in the design of the homes. Traditional mansion style properties sit alongside homes created to look like barn conversions with ship-lap boarding and large windows that allow natural light to flood inside.
Prices for remaining properties start from £699,950. Call selling agents Strutt & Parker on 01227 451123 or Cluttons on 01227 457441 to arrange a viewing.

Belgravia Homes’ The Enclave, a stylish new development of four smart four-bedroom town houses in Forest Hill, comprises another example of a great home-working opportunity. Set behind a private gated entrance, the contemporary homes feature up-to-date modern technology which includes a video entry phone system and wiring for a centrally controlled speaker system.
One of the most interesting features of the homes is the snug area, built in the eaves on the second floor. Accessed through a low entrance (measuring approximately one metre in height), this bonus room opens up into an area with standing space which could also be used as an office.
The Enclave is ideally situated for access to Forest Hill mainline station, allowing travel into London Bridge station within 20 minutes. The nearby A205 also offers links to the M25.
Four-bedroom houses at The Enclave are available for sale, priced from £375,000. For sales information call selling agent Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward on 020 8699 1596 or email sfh@kfh.co.uk.

Bovis Homes has a large selection of four- and five-bedroom homes at its Littlefield Park development in Titchfield, Kent. These homes include some particularly spacious room-in-the-roof properties, offering flexible living over three floors.
‘The selection of homes available in Titchfield provides a choice in character and layout, enabling purchasers to select the perfect property to suit their needs,’ says marketing manager Gareth Goodridge. The final bedroom in the four-bedroom Melville type property is located on the top floor, along with a large private office/studio, allowing purchasers to be flexible in their use of space.
Other features to be admired include the opportunity to purchase Bovis’ all-inclusive specification package, offering a range of modern integrated kitchen appliances, a feature fireplace in the sitting room, attractive tiling in both bathrooms and en suites and wood-effect flooring in the hall, all  included in the purchase price of the home.
The four-bedroom Melville is priced from £379,950. Call the show home on 01489 564644.

Swan Hill has now introduced Nightingale Place, a select collection of just eight two-, three- and four-bedroom family homes in the village of Haslemere, Surrey. The development sits perfectly within the Surrey landscape; built around a central courtyard, the homes have been designed to reflect local architecture, with traditional red brick and plain tiles.
The eight homes offer three different designs between them and each has its own decorative features, including attractive lead covered roofs over both the bay window and porch. Internally, specification is high; the three-storey homes boast flexible living accommodation including an extra room to use as a study as well as a spacious master suite, high-quality designer kitchens (fully fitted with stylish stainless steel integrated appliances) and classically decorated bathrooms and en suites.
While offering this high-specification living, the homes at Nightingale Place also have all the comfort and character of living in a country cottage. Each home boasts a low-maintenance garden and an attractive Victorian style conservatory, and the development itself has been constructed within a range of mature trees and shrubs.

Haslemere is a highly desirable area in which to live, being both beautiful and accessible. Purchasers will benefit from the village atmosphere and facilities, including boutiques, restaurants, pubs, high street shops and gift shops; and the proximity of Guildford and its even wider range of amenities. For those who need to access the capital once in a while, a direct service from Haslemere into London takes a mere 50 minutes.
Current prices at Nightingale Place start from £345,000. For further information call selling agent Hamptons on 01428 642307 or visit website swanhill.co.uk.

Silver Homes has now released two spectacular new homes in Cheam, Surrey, providing exceptionally spacious rooms on three storeys to allow for maximum flexibility of space. Specification is high, with state-of-the-art pre-wiring for an integral sound and vision system in the lounge/dining room as well as satellite points throughout and wiring for the internet in the main rooms. And to make life even easier for home-workers there is CAT 5 cabling for an internal network system, including the provision for a multi-room sound system.

Other features of the two homes include real wood laminate flooring in the kitchen/breakfast room, stylish fully fitted kitchens with granite work surfaces, attractive stainless steel integrated appliances (cooker hood with curved glass canopy, fan-assisted oven, gas hob and fridge/freezer) and bathrooms with ladder style towel rails and ceramic/porcelain tiling.
One of the homes comes complete with luxury fitted carpets throughout, plus light fittings and curtains. Prices start from £695,000. For more details call selling agent Burn & Warne on 020 8642 1234 or visit silver-homes.co.uk.

Slough, Berkshire

KingsOak Thames Valley has seen fantastic success so far at its latest development in the area, Hurworth Court, where seven of the eight homes, all two-bedroom apartments, have already been sold only weeks after launch. The remaining home is a fully carpeted first-floor apartment with en suite bathroom, priced at £209,995. Slough itself is within easy reach of three junctions of the M4 as well as boasting a quick connection to the M25. For further details call 01753 824119.

Sutton, Surrey

Early buyers at Crest Nicholson’s newly released Woodside Road development will benefit from the chance to personalise their new home and make it their dream property, with a choice of fixtures and fittings. The development is a select collection of just 13 town houses arranged over three floors, boasting flexible and spacious living accommodation. Prices are expected to start from £295,000. To register interest ahead of schedule, call 020 8642 2295.

Putney, London

St George has now announced the launch of Castle Court, the final phase of release at its Putney Wharf development. Located conveniently between Putney High Street and the Thames, the development is surrounded by a large variety of riverfront bars and restaurants and also boasts a riverside continental style piazza. Apartments at Castle Court boast an impressive specification, including custom designed kitchens with integrated appliances. Prices start from £249,950. Call 020 8788 0212.

Buckhurst Hill, Essex

Home buyers can enjoy the best of both city and country living at Laing Homes’ Iceni development, a scheme of 24 luxury two-bedroom apartments located just one mile from Buckhurst Hill tube station. The homes boast a top-notch specification, with fully integrated Bosch appliances in the kitchens and Villeroy & Boch sanitary ware in the bathrooms. Prices start from £280,000. For details call 020 8506 1116.

East Grinstead, West Sussex

Forty per cent of the 14 luxury apartments at Try Homes’ Tollgate Place development have now been sold off-plan, leaving nine two-bedroom apartments and penthouse apartments remaining. Prices for the former start from £285,000 and for the latter from £425,000. To find out more call 01342 410972.

Colchester, Essex

Bovis Homes is now offering home seekers the chance to purchase the show home at its Woodland Vale development, a collection of homes ranging from two-bedroom traditional cottages to five-bedroom ‘room in the roof’ properties. The show home is the three-bedroom Barham house type, up for sale with most of its fittings and fixtures for £199,950. For details call 01206 752668.

Guildford, Surrey

Laing Homes is now offering The Lanes, a development of three- and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached homes featuring stunning ‘garden rooms’, which have been designed to allow as much light as possible inside. Prices at The Lanes start from £295,995. Call 01483 511013.

Tring, Buckinghamshire

KingsOak North London has unveiled its latest scheme, a collection of 21 spacious two-bedroom apartments known as Queens Court. Homes at the development all feature fully fitted designer kitchens, boasting fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine, and energy efficient electric heating; and the development offers proximity to Tring mainline station. Prices start from £212,995. Call 01442 824229 to find out more.

Convenient for commuters and blessed with excellent amenities, Middlesex is popular with the discerning home buyer. Johnny Turner looks what’s available.

Those in the market for a new home will consider many factors – location, design, space and of course price spring immediately to mind. And the current crop of homes in the county of Middlesex provide a range of types, sizes, locations and costs. Even the most demanding buyer will be charmed by what’s on offer.

Starting in Wembley, Nicholas King Homes presents Essence, a stylish new development which is to be released very soon. In each of the 26 two-bedroom duplex or penthouse apartments the interiors reflect the many and varied influences of the neighbourhood. The homes are both fun and functional, with a cool, chic style and high specification.
There is warm oak laminated flooring in the hallways and living rooms, with distinctive ceramic floor tiling providing a contrast in the kitchen and bathroom. Kitchens boast a range of stylish designer appliances including a stainless steel oven and hob, chimney-style hood, microwave, integrated fridge/freezer and washer/dryer.
The location is also excellent. Wembley is a vibrant, multi-cultural area that offers the twin bonuses of having its own identity and easy access to London. The West End and City are both well within reach via the Bakerloo and Metropolitan Lines, and Essence is within walking distance of Wembley Park tube station.
Register your interest by calling Nicholas King Homes on 01494 811800 or visiting nkhomes.com.

Also in Wembley is George Wimpey’s new Wembley Park development. Well situated for tube connections, supermarkets and superstores, not to mention Wembley Arena, this collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses is truly convenient.
The homes feature open plan kitchen/living rooms giving maximum space and light. There are fitted kitchens, white bathrooms and bedrooms featuring fitted wardrobes. Outside space is provided by balconies or terraces, as well as by residents-only communal gardens.
Call George Wimpey on 020 8908 1767 to find out more about these impressive new homes.
A new development in well-located Heston has now been launched by Bellway Homes. Known as St Giles’ Courtyard, the collection of apartments on Vicarage Farm Road has already generated high levels of interest. Fenton Court, the first phase of the development, comprises 21 apartments with occupation expected this summer. Prices for this phase start at £162,995 for the one-bedroom apartments and £191,995 for the two-bedroom apartments.

Heston enjoys good transport connections to London, with a direct car journey via the M4 as well as quick train journeys from Hounslow mainline station to London Waterloo. Hounslow West Piccadilly Line station is also within easy reach.
To find out more about St Giles’ Courtyard contact selling agent Barnard Marcus on 020 8890 4037 or visit the website bellway.co.uk.

A striking marketing suite and two contrasting show apartments have now been opened at The Island at Brentford Lock. This collaboration between builders Crest Nicholson and Charles Church offers high-specification homes in a vibrant new waterside community.
The show apartments have been designed to reflect the varying styles that are achievable with these beautifully designed apartments. The two-bedroom show apartment is elegant and sophisticated, with a feeling of urban living away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The one-bedroom show apartment, meanwhile, features younger, more funky décor. Both show apartments are located within the Brunel building, which is topped by two two-bedroom duplex penthouses, each featuring extensive glazing, spiral staircases and outdoor terraces which make great use of views.
Ease of living is the prime consideration at The Island. Each of the apartments has an unobtrusive thermostatic underfloor heating system and heat recovery system; selected apartments also boast comfort cooling. Bathrooms and en suites are extremely well appointed and boast cool, understated design, including contemporary white Villeroy & Boch sanitaryware, thermostatic showers and chrome-finish fittings.
Once completed, The Island will provide 193 homes, including one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom town houses. A selection of two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses is currently available at prices ranging from £340,000 to £725,000. For further information visit the marketing suite, open daily from 10am to 5pm, or call 0870 758 1010. Online information is available at island-life.co.uk.

Two current Middlesex developments by Laing Homes are Langdon Park in Teddington and Turning Point in Twickenham. Langdon Park, set within 32 acres of parkland, offers wonderful apartments and houses close to the River Thames, Hampton Court Palace and the county town of Kingston.
Langdon Park also offers proximity to important amenities such as schools and railway stations (both just over half a mile away) and shopping (only a tenth of a mile away). There is plenty of scope for relaxation and exercise as well, with a fantastic choice of golf clubs as well as rugby, tennis and cricket clubs. Rowing, sailing and canoeing are also convenient on the nearby Thames.
One- and two-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom town houses are currently available at Langdon Park, with prices ranging from £245,950 to £799,950. To get more information call 020 8973 0848.

Turning Point is located in Grange Avenue in the Strawberry Hill area of Twickenham. It boasts an excellent location – it is in a quiet residential no-through road yet literally on the doorstep of Twickenham High Street. Shopping, transport and education are all of excellent quality and very nearby.
This development of just 13 individually styled two-bedroom apartments is notable for its attention to detail. There are 12 different internal layouts, with contemporary design and quality finishes such as granite worktops in the kitchens. Ground floor apartments have private patio areas while those on other floors offer attractive balconies.
One-bedroom apartments are priced from £249,950, while one two-bedroom apartment remains for sale, priced at £299,950. Get more information on 020 8973 0848.

Looking to the future, Fairclough Homes is soon to unveil Viceroy Court, a development of 16 spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and eight four-bedroom houses in Carew Road, Northwood. Very well located near vast green space and convenient for Northwood tube station, these homes are sure to go quickly. Call the Fairclough sales hotline on 0845 676 0164 to register your interest.

Upminster, Essex

Hallmark is to create five homes at The Mews in Branfill Road, where City professionals will be attracted to the generous space and high specification as well as the convenient journey into the heart of the capital. Work has now started on the two- and three-bedroom apartments, which will be finished to the highest standard and which will all, when complete, boast laminate flooring throughout, top quality domestic appliances, minimalist décor and designer fixtures and fittings. Prices start from £270,000. For details call 01245 490790.

Watford, Hertfordshire

Linden Homes has now released its Watford Portfolio, a collection of three developments currently being showcased at Linden’s other Watford development, Cassio Metro. Benskin Mews, in Chester Road, is a scheme of just six three-bedroom town houses and eight two-bedroom apartments; the Liberty Apartments is a contemporary collection of 13 two-bedroom apartments within easy access of shops in the centre of town; and Linden Mews is a stunning development of 12 two-bedroom apartments and four spacious town houses in Garston. For prices contact the Cassio Metro marketing suite on 01923 229229.

Witham, Essex

Bovis Homes is now offering to pay the stamp duty on all three-bedroom Barrie style family homes at Maltings Court. This traditional two-storey home is ideal for purchasers from first-time buyers to professional couples and families. Sales manger Christine Lucken explains, ‘On the Barrie properties we will offer to pay the stamp duty, saving purchasers nearly £2,000 off the price of a new home on all sales completed on or before 31 March.’ Prices start at £191,950. Call 01376 520418.

Chelmsford, Essex

Telford Homes is now set to unveil its latest project, Aquarius Riverside, a joint venture with James Smith Estates. Located just off the town centre, this four-storey development offers one- and two-bedroom apartments overlooking the River Chelmer, as well as commercial space to the ground floor. Prices at Aquarius Riverside start from £150,000 for a one-bedroom property. For more details call Telford on 0870 872 0987.

Chadwell Heath, Essex

Bellway has now opened its sales and information centre at The Grange, a development to be constructed on the site of the former Chadwell Heath Hospital. The first phase of release will comprise a selection of one- and two-bedroom apartments, with prices starting from approximately £155,000 for the former and £180,000 for the latter. For details call 01245 357520.

New Malden, Surrey

CDC2020 has just released The Lime Apartments, a collection of 14 high-specification two- and three-bedroom homes close to the town centre. The developer has already seen a great deal of interest and demand is expected to be high. For prices call 0845 850 2020.

East Grinstead, West Sussex

A new show home is now open at Coombe Hall Park, Try Homes’ exclusive development of just seven homes and eight luxury apartments set within seven acres of mature grounds. Prices at this stunning development start from £295,000 for the apartments and £575,000 for the houses. Call 01342 302522.

Chelmsford, Essex

Barratt’s new Cuton Place development has been a huge success with buyers, with six of the ten homes on offer already reserved weeks ahead of construction. The remaining properties at Cuton Place are spacious family homes with individual gardens, built in a variety of designs and set within landscaped grounds. Prices start from £479,995. Call 01245 466203 to find out more.

Today’s buyers have a wealth of homes to choose from – and canny developers are offering that bit extra – in the homes and the deals – to capture their attention. Johnny Turner looks at some unique selling points.

What makes a home stand out? There is no definitive ‘something’ that persuades a buyer to take the plunge but there are many attributes that tend to spell success. Today’s crop of newly built homes has many impressive and special features that take the ‘wow’ factor to a whole new level.
One undeniable advantage is a location in an exciting part of London that is reinventing itself before our eyes. King’s Cross is undergoing an amazing renaissance, linked to the new international rail terminal – and canny buyers are already snapping up homes at Regent Quarter, a £150 million mixed-use scheme being created by P&O Developments. Investors and owner occupiers alike have jumped at the chance to reserve one of the 142 homes on offer at London’s most important conservation and regeneration scheme – in fact, over two-thirds of the homes have been snapped up. All of the apartments at Regent Quarter are architect designed and feature high-quality interior décor. Many of the stylish homes reflect the area’s industrial past, retaining original features such as cast iron columns, arched windows, exposed brickwork and beams.

This is an excellent chance to get an early foothold in what promises to be a new living, working and leisure epicentre for London. Prices currently range from £295,000 for a one-bedroom apartment at Albion Buildings to £550,000 for a two-bedroom, split-level apartment at The Ironworks. Some of these will be ready to move into this spring. The marketing suite is located at 36–40 York Way and is open Mondays to Saturdays 11am to 7pm. Call selling agent FPDSavills on 0870 240 4227 or visit regentquarter.com to find out more.

Another deal-clincher for those in the London property market is a view of the Thames. And Riverside Quarter, a joint development by LCR Developments and FairBriar, has more than just a view; it faces one of the most unspoilt and beautiful stretches of this great river.
Riverside Quarter is a £180 million development in Wandsworth, where apartments are designed to make the most of the views of the prestigious Hurlingham Country Club across the Thames. The generous living spaces in some of the homes offer retractable floor-to-ceiling windows – perfect for relaxing and entertaining.
Luxury two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments are priced from £345,000, while three-bedroom river-facing apartments start at £865,000. Call selling agent FPDSavills on 020 8877 2000 or visit riversidequarter.com.

Another London development in which location plus regeneration equals a uniquely desirable home is Greenwich Millennium Village (GMV). The ‘wow’ factor is very present here – in fact, more than 91 per cent of purchasers here have cited the special features that set these homes apart from other developments as the most important reasons for choosing to buy at GMV. The unique selling points referred to in this survey of buyers include design, location and eco-friendliness.
Many residents commented on the sense of tranquillity created by the on-site ecology park and the landscaped open spaces, created by English Partnerships, and the relatively car-free environment.
The apartments at GMV are also impressive, with stylish open plan living spaces and large windows or full-height glazed doors which allow natural light to flood the space. Balconies, high-level terraces and decked areas adjoin landscaped squares, creating a bridge between interior and exterior space and making for fantastic views.
Parkside is the new phase at GMV, where one-bedroom apartments are currently priced from £199,995. Find out more about the many ‘wow’-inspiring features at this development by contacting the visitor centre on 020 8293 6900 or visiting parkside-gmv.co.uk.

One thing that is guaranteed to have buyers buzzing around is the inclusion of high-tech gizmos that allow for an easier and more fun lifestyle. And that is precisely what Regime Property Development has done with its excellent development The Pulse in Finchley Road NW3.
The niche developer has a policy of providing the best of smart home technology in its homes and The Pulse is awash – discreetly so – with fantastic techno-treats. These include ISDN- and ADSL-enabled cabling as standard, alongside a CAT5 data loop in all apartments. In the upgraded Pulse Collection apartments there is also a multi-room audio system which can be controlled from any area of the home via a keypad, remote control or even a mobile phone. Security features include a video entryphone system, as well as a Smart Home central locking option which links the front door lock to all the other Smart features so that when you enter or exit the apartment the lighting, heating, audio and alarm can all be activated or deactivated to your settings.
Prices for the remaining apartments at The Pulse are available from £470,000, while three of the original nine Pulse Collection homes are for sale from £1.25 million. The show apartment is open daily from 10am to 5pm; call The Pulse on 020 7794 0421. You may also call the selling agents Hamptons International on 020 7244 4700 or Goldschmidt and Howland on 020 7435 4404.

Wonderful high-tech options are also available at Lyndhurst Gate, a gated development in Weybridge by Antler Homes. Each of the six five-bedroom homes will have the capability for a personalised home entertainment system, including a built-in plasma screen, ‘hidden’ integrated speakers and digital jukebox – all controllable from a central cabling platform.
Antler Homes brought in hometech, the UK leader in integrated home technology solutions, to implement the up-to-the-minute technology to suit these luxury three-storey homes. Karen Lee-Brindle, sales and marketing director of Antler Homes Southern, comments: ‘Each house will be fitted with a small, subtly positioned control box, which will enable residents to watch satellite television in different rooms of the house and will also mean that either the same or different music can be listened to in each room.’ Broadband can also be accessed in every room of the house.
The homes incorporate Georgian style architecture and each house includes an individual garage. Double French doors from the kitchen lead out onto a rear garden, which is surrounded by woodlands. Lyndhurst Gate is located in a highly regarded area of Weybridge, a short distance from prestigious St George’s Hill. The location is excellent for golfers, commuters and those who enjoy the finer things in life.
The houses are now available, priced from £840,000. The show house is open daily from 11am to 5pm. Call Antler Homes on 020 8391 6670 or the selling agents on 01932 830581.

Some very important selling points are to do with the deal rather than the home, and KingsOak’s leaseback scheme is a very attractive incentive for investment purchasers. At its Slough development SL1 KingsOak Thames Valley is offering the show homes for sale with the extra benefit of the scheme, which introduces new investors to the property game while minimising the risk to the buyer.
‘Shrewd buyers have been opting to purchase show homes on a sale and leaseback basis as a great, risk-free way to jump on board the investment bandwagon,’ says Bob Rutherford. ‘The scheme is a particularly attractive way to make money work for those buyers who do not need to live in their chosen home at legal completion.’
SL1 is a central, highly commutable development consisting of 50 two-bedroom apartments, each with the benefit of en suite facilities in addition to the main bathroom. These homes are very well suited to sharers and are therefore ideal investment properties.
The leaseback scheme is simple. Buyers opt to purchase a show home – either completed or off-plan – and KingsOak agrees to lease it back from them at two per cent above the current base internet rate in order to make use of it for the duration of the development. The scheme has been so successful that KingsOak will now sell every show home it creates on this basis.
Prices at SL1 currently start at £197,995. For more information about the development – and the leaseback scheme – call the sales office on 01628 667126.

Another excellent incentive scheme is currently on offer from Banner Homes for its Victoria Square development in Reading. The developer has created three packages to suit different purchasers of these ten spacious two-bedroom apartments.
Banner’s range of incentives will appeal to those who are drawn to new build homes but unsure whether to take the plunge and buy one. One package, which is aimed at first-time buyers, removes much of the daunting expense that getting started in a new home can incur; Banner will pay stamp duty up to two per cent, legal costs up to £1,000 and all removal costs.
A second incentive package, for the buy-to-let market, is designed to take all the stress out of buying a new home. Banner will provide and fit the carpets, curtains, a security alarm and even a fridge/freezer – all essential yet expensive items for a buy-to-let property. Victoria Square is very well located for the Royal Berkshire Hospital and Reading University; parents of students and nurses may find this package very helpful, as a home at the development would be an ideal combination of investment for them and lodgings for their offspring.
The third incentive package is for investors who are not planning to have family occupy the property. It supplies a guaranteed income in the form of a contribution towards the mortgage of £800 per month for the first year of purchase.

Each property at Victoria Square has private parking and the latest CAT5 cabling. Prices range from £174,950 to £265,000. A show home is open Thursdays to Mondays 10am to 5pm. Call the sales office on 0118 966 2947 or selling agent Romans on 0118 936 6611.

Upminster, Essex

Hallmark is to create five homes at The Mews in Branfill Road, where City professionals will be attracted to the generous space and high specification as well as the convenient journey into the heart of the capital. Work has now started on the two- and three-bedroom apartments, which will be finished to the highest standard and which will all, when complete, boast laminate flooring throughout, top quality domestic appliances, minimalist décor and designer fixtures and fittings. Prices start from £270,000. For details call 01245 490790.

Watford, Hertfordshire

Linden Homes has now released its Watford Portfolio, a collection of three developments currently being showcased at Linden’s other Watford development, Cassio Metro. Benskin Mews, in Chester Road, is a scheme of just six three-bedroom town houses and eight two-bedroom apartments; the Liberty Apartments is a contemporary collection of 13 two-bedroom apartments within easy access of shops in the centre of town; and Linden Mews is a stunning development of 12 two-bedroom apartments and four spacious town houses in Garston. For prices contact the Cassio Metro marketing suite on 01923 229229.

Witham, Essex

Bovis Homes is now offering to pay the stamp duty on all three-bedroom Barrie style family homes at Maltings Court. This traditional two-storey home is ideal for purchasers from first-time buyers to professional couples and families. Sales manger Christine Lucken explains, ‘On the Barrie properties we will offer to pay the stamp duty, saving purchasers nearly £2,000 off the price of a new home on all sales completed on or before 31 March.’ Prices start at £191,950. Call 01376 520418.

Chelmsford, Essex

Telford Homes is now set to unveil its latest project, Aquarius Riverside, a joint venture with James Smith Estates. Located just off the town centre, this four-storey development offers one- and two-bedroom apartments overlooking the River Chelmer, as well as commercial space to the ground floor. Prices at Aquarius Riverside start from £150,000 for a one-bedroom property. For more details call Telford on 0870 872 0987.

Chadwell Heath, Essex

Bellway has now opened its sales and information centre at The Grange, a development to be constructed on the site of the former Chadwell Heath Hospital. The first phase of release will comprise a selection of one- and two-bedroom apartments, with prices starting from approximately £155,000 for the former and £180,000 for the latter. For details call 01245 357520.

New Malden, Surrey

CDC2020 has just released The Lime Apartments, a collection of 14 high-specification two- and three-bedroom homes close to the town centre. The developer has already seen a great deal of interest and demand is expected to be high. For prices call 0845 850 2020.

East Grinstead, West Sussex

A new show home is now open at Coombe Hall Park, Try Homes’ exclusive development of just seven homes and eight luxury apartments set within seven acres of mature grounds. Prices at this stunning development start from £295,000 for the apartments and £575,000 for the houses. Call 01342 302522.

Chelmsford, Essex

Barratt’s new Cuton Place development has been a huge success with buyers, with six of the ten homes on offer already reserved weeks ahead of construction. The remaining properties at Cuton Place are spacious family homes with individual gardens, built in a variety of designs and set within landscaped grounds. Prices start from £479,995. Call 01245 466203 to find out more.

Those who are lucky enough to live near the sea enjoy its thrilling combination of natural beauty, drama and solitude. Anna Bowden examines some attractive seaside options for home buyers.

Homes beside the seaside are going at premium rates these days, with buyers attracted by their stunning surroundings, the views they offer and the peace and tranquillity afforded by a home on the edge of the world. Here we take a look at some new home developments that offer all of these fantastic options as well as a great specification.

Merlion Housing currently has five homes remaining for sale at Richmond Terrace, part of the stunning Victorian conversion of Brighton’s former technical college, as part of its Assisted Purchase Scheme, a shared equity plan which enables home owners on a small budget to purchase an apartment within this stunning development. Available homes include three one-bedroom properties priced from £99,950 and two two-bedroom properties starting from £149,950. In both cases the purchaser has a 75 per cent share of equity; unlike many schemes, however, Merlion does not require rent to be paid on the remaining 25 per cent.
Richmond Terrace is ideally placed, overlooking a central park which connects it with the sea front, within easy reach of the Royal Pavilion, the West Pier and the famous Lanes, a collection of historic cobbled streets boasting an eclectic mix of antique shops, cafés and restaurants. For a quieter time, the development is also within easy reach of the park.
Specification at Richmond Terrace is high, both internally and externally, with large windows remaining from the original 1897 design creating a bright and airy environment. All properties boast gas central heating, fully fitted kitchen with oven, hob and extractor hood, flooring throughout and ceramic bathroom tiles.
For further information call selling agent Halifax on 01273 558661.

Gleeson Classic Homes is now offering two prestigious developments near Hove’s famous coastline – Palmeira Grande and Salisbury Court. The latter, which is newly launched, will, when complete, provide just 14 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments; all will boast high specification interiors and some will offer Juliet balconies. Ground floor flats will offer gardens.
The former, Palmeira Grande, also offers 14 apartments – including a luxury four-bedroom four-bathroom penthouse with restricted access via the main lift. The development has a restored Grade II listed façade as well as high ceilings, arched French doors that open onto the lounge to expose the period balustrade, and all apartments benefit from en suite bathrooms with twin sinks and separate bath and shower. Some apartments also boast a walk-in wardrobe to the master bedroom, plus master en suite.
Both developments are located a short stroll from the promenade at Kingsway. Alan Day, sales and marketing director for Gleeson Classic Homes, comments, ‘Just about everything is within easy walking distance of both developments. It is just one block away from the sea front, and shops, restaurants, sports and leisure facilities and even the railway station at Hove are all within easy reach. The apartments in both developments are of the highest specification, with crisp white bathroom suites and superb kitchens with all mod cons. There is even underfloor heating in both developments, and the penthouse at Palmeira Grande has its own air management system to maintain a constant temperature.’
Guide prices for Salisbury Court start from £175,000, while remaining apartments at Palmeira Grande currently start from £279,950. For further details or to register interest call selling agents Mishon Mackay on 01273 829300.

Redrow Homes has now introduced a selection of 22 desirable one- and two-bedroom apartments to St Mary’s Park in Bexhill-on-Sea, following on from the success of the development’s detached family homes. Paul Moran, sales director, says, ‘St Mary’s Park has already attracted large numbers of customers with its spacious family-sized three-, four- and five-bedroom detached homes. The introduction of apartments will bring the development within easy reach of first-timer buyers and young professionals, whilst also appealing to the investor market. We’ve already taken the first reservations and there is a lot of interest in the remaining properties, which are due to be ready to move into in the early summer.’
The apartments are being built in two attractive Georgian style blocks, using a mix of red brick and stone-effect masonry and including decorative quoins and sills plus sash-effect double glazed windows.
The interior specification is high, with contemporary open plan living rooms and kitchens, including stainless steel oven, hob and cooker hood, plus washer/dryer. Ground floor apartments feature Georgian style French doors opening onto the communal garden area, and the main bedroom of each property includes fitted wardrobes. Bathrooms boast contemporary white suites and chrome finish fittings, and the apartments benefit from electric heating throughout.

St Mary’s Park is situated off Gunters Lane; built on land formerly owned by Bexhill Sixth Form College, the development will eventually comprise approximately 200 new homes. Close to shops and only one mile from the town centre, the development is less than two hours from London and just 20 minutes from the popular new Eastbourne Marina.
Currently available homes include one- and two-bedroom apartments plus four- and five-bedroom detached homes. For more information call the marketing suite on 01424 215632.

Millwood Designer Homes is currently offering remarkable incentives at its exclusive Henley Park development at Sovereign Harbour North in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Home buyers who reserve and exchange an apartment before 31 March will have their stamp duty paid as well as receiving £6,500 towards the interior design of their new home.
Tony Lynn, sales and marketing manager for Millwood Designer Homes explains, ‘Discerning purchasers really can't afford to miss out on the current incentives at Henley Park, which allow them to escape a lot of the extra costs associated with buying a new home. All home buyers will literally have to worry about is what colour and style to have in their new home!’
The Henley Apartments benefit from a prime location within the harbour, with the hustle and bustle of the marina’s many bars and restaurants as well as the waterside gardens and boulevards just a few minutes away. Prices for the apartments start from £228,000. For further information call the marketing suite and show apartment, open daily from 10am to 5pm, on 01323 472882.

Gillcrest Homes is currently finalising plans for the construction of a magnificent collection of one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments on the beachfront in Sandgate, Kent. Development director Martin Wood says, ‘This is a prime site adjacent to the famous Sandgate Castle, which boasts uninterrupted views across the English Channel. We are pursuing a planning application lodged with Shepway Council and have worked extensively with them to ensure we can create a flagship development for Shepway.
‘The homes benefit from a high specification, including lifts, balconies and secure car parking, and being in such a unique setting will command a great deal of interest.’
The apartments are within easy walking distance of the thriving centre of Sandgate, with the town of Folkestone just a short drive away. The area boasts an excellent infrastructure, with the A20 connecting to the seaport of Dover and the M20 with Ashford and theM25.
For further details about this development, call Gillcrest Homes on 0845 130 0070.

Dragon Properties has just released its latest phase of two- and three-bedroom houses at Roundhill Mews on Belton Close, Brighton. Located in the Roundhill conservation area, these attractive homes offer the latest in contemporary living. The Shaker style home boasts a luxury fully fitted kitchen with integrated appliances including Neff electric oven, gas hob, extractor hood, fridge, freezer, washer/dryer and concealed dishwasher.
The homes also offer quality laminate flooring to the ground floors, with carpets and wardrobes fitted in the bedrooms as standard. Security alarms keep the homes safe, and with a private garden, off street parking and design by local architect Turner Associates, this development really is excellent value for money.
Tracy di Paola, new homes sales co-ordinator for selling agent Brand New Homes UK, says, ‘These are exceptional homes as they afford a superb high specification. The real wood flooring, luxury bathroom suites and the clever use of space with plenty of built-in cupboards and wardrobes all add to their appeal.
‘Most unusual is the fire sprinkler system, fitted to every room, in addition to the alarm system. Each home also boasts its own private garden to the rear and off-road parking, bordered by mature trees to the front.’
Dragon Properties is also offering purchasers who can complete by 31 March the opportunity to benefit from stamp duty paid. Prices at Roundhill Mews start from £249,950. For further information or viewing details call di Paola at Brand New Homes on 01903 787351 or visit website brandnewhomes.co.uk.

Finally, Hillreed Homes offers Durrington Mews, an exciting development of apartments and mews style homes currently under construction near Worthing, West Sussex. Each of the homes features attractive elevations and either personal garages or car ports.

Durrington Hill is an established residential area in High Salvington which is quiet but well connected, within easy reach of the Arundel Road, with its links to Chichester and Lewes, as well as easy access to the wonderful coastal resorts of Brighton, Worthing, Littlehampton and Bognor Regis.
The stylish homes are energy-efficient and feature built-in wardrobes and Aqualisa showers. Those who reserve early have the opportunity to personalise their home with a choice of quality tiles, kitchen units and paint colours.
Interested parties can get a full-colour brochure by calling Hillreed Homes on 01403 264210. Also visit hillreed.co.uk.

The east-west artery of the London Underground, the Central Line, is a quick and easy way into the City or West End. Johnny Turner views some new homes that are well placed for this popular tube line.

Commuters zip into and out of London with the help of the various roads and tracks, ensconced in carriages and coaches, cars and cabs. And although those whose livelihoods are conducted within the capital like to grumble about their commute, the fact is a system that scoots us hither and thither at the rate London’s does is a wonder. And cutting a direct east-west axis through it all is the Central Line.
On either end the ‘red line’ gathers folks from the suburbs and sprawling countryside and pushes them towards the hot centre of the weekday: the law courts at Chancery Lane, the financial megaliths of Liverpool Street and Bank, the shops at Bond Street and the BBC at White City. And when evening descends it gets us out for the evening – to Notting Hill’s trendy bars and restaurants, Soho’s cinemas and theatres, Brick Lane and Spitalfields’ hipper-than-thou hangouts. Or it gets us back home for tea and telly.

Those who are buying a home know that location is everything – and location basically translates into how quickly you can go from your front door to your workplace each day. Homes near Central Line stations have the advantage of easy access to the finest that the capital has to offer, whether you’re working or playing. Among the current crop of new homes, many have this and much more to offer.
One of the fastest-rising areas on the Central Line is Bethnal Green, long known as the epicentre of the East End but more recently seen by buyers as the next big thing. Its proximity to the City of London makes it a natural for those who want their commute cut to the absolute minimum. It is also well placed for a wealth of nightlife options and good green space.
Higgins Homes has just unveiled a new highly contemporary mixed-use scheme in E2, called The Zone. Located on Bethnal Green Road, just a four-minute walk from the Central Line, this scheme is perfect for quick access to the City and West End, as well as overland trains out of London via Liverpool Street. Eager buyers are already snapping up these cool flats, so prospective buyers are advised to hurry.

The Zone consists of 14 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging in size from 419 to 767 sq ft, with two retail spaces on the ground floor. The building boasts a symmetrical grid appearance, with a stylish blend of terracotta tiling, smooth cream pilasters and extensive double-height glazed surfaces. Some second- and third-floor apartments have outdoor terracing, ideal for entertaining in the warmer months.
Interiors are sleek and modern. Designer kitchens by Urban Myth offer a range of integrated appliances by Smeg, including fridge/freezer and washer/dryer, while bathrooms are contemporary with Ideal Standard sanitaryware. Audio entry systems in each apartment provide security.
Prices for the remaining homes at The Zone start at £249,950 for a two-bedroom apartment. Contact Higgins Homes on 020 8508 5555.

On the eastern reaches of the Central Line are two current developments by Bellway Homes. Newbury Central offers not only a very convenient location right next to Newbury Park tube station but also keen prices and good buyer incentives.
The apartments at Newbury Central come in a wide choice of designs; Bellway has just released Regent’s Court, a new phase, to complement the existing King’s Court. Specification includes fitted kitchens with built-in brushed steel oven, hob and chimney hood and integrated washer/dryer, as well as fitted carpets, vinyl flooring to the kitchen and bathroom and electric heating.
Besides the apartments, Newbury Central also offers a selection of three- and four-bedroom houses. Prices for the apartments start at just £165,000 and Bellway is offering to pay purchasers’ five per cent deposit, making these homes the ideal first-time purchase.
The sales office is open daily. Call 020 8554 9978 for more information.

Also from Bellway is Chartwell Gardens in Woodford Green, where just one house and one apartment remain. The development is located in Salway Close, approximately a ten-minute walk from both South Woodford and Woodford Bridge Central Line tube stations.
The house is the four-bedroom, three-storey Harlech, priced at £375,000. This home has a superb landscaped garden with decking and a handy storage area under the garage. The ground floor has a fitted kitchen, cloakroom, living room and dining room. There are two en suite shower rooms and one family bathroom. The remaining one-bedroom apartment is priced at £190,000. Find out more by calling the sales office, open Thursdays to Mondays, on 020 8505 4959.

Six Station Road is an exclusive development of just 11 two-bedroom apartments and one one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Epping. The Michael Shanly development is located just a few hundred yards from Epping Central Line station and is also well placed for the motorway network.
Sales manager Mark Turner comments: ‘A majority of people visiting the development have been greatly impressed with both our external elevations and our high standard of internal finishes. And the development offers great walking access to both the High Street and the Central Line tube station.’
Both first-time buyers and investors are taking an interest in Six Station Road, according to on-site sales negotiator Paul Bowhill. ‘We are seeing both of these in great number,’ he says. ‘We are the only new development of apartments currently in the Epping area.’
Prices start from £189,950. The show home and sales office is open Thursdays to Mondays between 10am and 5pm. Call 01992 572304 to arrange a viewing or get further details.

Barratt has seen strong sales ahead of the construction programme for a new scheme in extremely well connected Stratford. Barratt is playing a leading role in the rejuvenation of Stratford, which will have its own Eurostar terminal within two years, adding to the already very convenient connections the area enjoys.
The Mill is a £17 million development now being built on ex-industrial land in Windmill Lane, within strolling distance of Stratford station. It comprises a total of 100 one- and two-bedroom apartments in custom-designed buildings with private parking. The current release is priced from £281,995 for two-bedroom apartments. The Mill is open seven days a week. Call 020 8534 1280.
An upcoming development by Barratt Homes in Stratford is Stratford Square in Romford Road. This stunning development of brand new one- and two-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom town houses will be built to an excellent specification, to include designer fitted kitchens and spacious living/dining rooms. Many homes at Stratford Square will also feature an en suite bathroom to the master bedroom.
Call 020 8522 5555 to find out more about this or any other Barratt development.

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Greenhithe, Kent
Crest Nicholson has launched a new show house at Ingress Park near Bluewater, a riverside development of 950 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and two-, three- and four-bedroom houses. The homes at Ingress Park are set within 72 acres of woodland and parkland and arranged in a series of distinct residential communities, and have been designed to reflect the architecture of local Kentish villages. Homes at the development start at £225,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and £285,000 for a three-bedroom house. For information call 01322 385050.

Brockham, Surrey
Redrow is currently selling the four-bedroom detached Norbury style house type at its Brockham Park development, stunningly located within 32 acres of landscaped parkland and mature woodlands and boasting private tennis courts. The Norbury design has been inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, offering spacious living accommodation and a luxury specification as well as plenty of character. Priced from £820,000, the Norbury has a sloping roof to the front, settling the building well within the local vernacular. Call 01737 841623.

Crawley, Surrey
Charles Church has now opened an exceptional and unique barn-style show home at Millfields in Charlwood village, coinciding with the first release of the development’s eagerly awaited two-bedroom properties as well as the three-bedroom Findon type properties. The show home boasts timber shiplap boarding to harmonise with the local rural environment, while the interior is welcoming and luxurious. Prices at Millfields start from £260,000. Call 01293 862937 for details.

Coulsdon, Surrey
Bellwinch Homes now has three show homes open at The Avenue, its development of two-, three- and four-bedroom houses set in 180 acres of countryside in the new community of Netherne-on-the-Hill. Facilities available to purchasers include tennis courts, a cricket pitch and a bowling green (already open), with proposals in place to convert the old chapel within the grounds into a swimming pool. All homes have private front and rear gardens. Prices start from £234,995. Call 01737 559934.

Thamesmead, London
A new show home is being opened at Fairclough’s The Gateway development in Miles Drive, a superb collection of one-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom town houses. The former start from £159,950 and the developer is offering a range of discounts to make the price even more reasonable, including five per cent deposit and stamp duty paid. The four-bedroom, four-bathroom town houses are priced from £266,950. Call 0845 676 0162.

Stanmore, Middlesex

Linden Homes has recently acquired and started work on Amber House, an exclusive collection of 14 luxury two-bedroom apartments on the site of the former Green Man pub on Honeypot Lane. Guide prices range from £260,000 to £375,000. Call 01895 827445 to register interest.

Bromley-by-Bow, London

Construction is now well underway at Urban Island by Copthorn Homes, a collection of just 47 contemporary and spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments on Three Mills Island just five minutes from Canary Wharf and within easy reach of the City and central London. Prices start from £200,000. Call 020 8215 3377.

Ilford, Essex

Barratt is currently marketing a series of contemporary one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in Ilford town centre, only minutes away from the Exchange Shopping Centre, ranging in price from £186,995 to £224,995. Located only a short walk from Ilford railway station (from where London Liverpool Street can be reached in 16 minutes) and just minutes from the A406 North Circular, Centreway offers convenient access to Docklands, the City and the M11 and M25 motorways. For further information call 020 8514 7125.

Buying a home with an inspiring view is extremely important for both prospective onwards sales and for your own enjoyment of your home, says Anna Bowden.

There can be nothing more dispiriting than opening the curtains on a fine spring morning and looking out onto a building site, a brick wall or a mud flat, but the view from your home is something that prospective buyers very often forget to take into account when seeking a property. People tend to think of price first, location second and functionality of the interior space last and often don’t even consider the impact of the way the surrounding area looks. But picking the right external view can be vital, not only to your quality and enjoyment of life but also to your prospects of selling the property on.

In this feature we take a look at some quality new homes built by developers offering not just high specification at excellent prices, but also a standard of living made all the more attractive by the views they command.
Antler Homes is currently developing Taplow Quay near Maidenhead, Berkshire, where eight two- and three-bedroom apartments and a three-bedroom house are for sale. The development is expected to be complete in autumn this year. Properties at Taplow Quay will be high specification and are to include a range of decorative features including ornamental balconies and Romanesque columns. Some will also include large patios or terraces, boasting stunning views over the Thames – the ultimate in luxurious living.

Internally, the homes will be well appointed, comprising a contemporary kitchen and breakfast room with fully integrated appliances, two spacious reception rooms, two or three double bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of which is en suite.
Prices at Taplow Quay are anticipated to start from £400,000. For sales information call Antler Homes on 020 8391 6670.

St James Homes is now offering Grosvenor Waterside, a mixed-use Thameside scheme in Chelsea’s historic Grosvenor Dock which, when complete, will comprise a new city community of over 600 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, including stylish duplexes and single and two-storey penthouses. Located on the north side of the Thames in the heart of one of London’s most desirable addresses, the development will provide a range of lifestyle and security features, including plans for a health and leisure suite, business centre, juice bar, concierge, underground parking and CCTV. In addition, the construction of the development will also bring about regeneration of the local area, including the restoration of the lock gates behind which the development is hidden.
Robin Dixon, sales director of St James Homes, says, ‘Grosvenor Waterside brings the magic of waterside canal and dockside living, normally associated with Docklands and Paddington Basin, to a new quarter for Chelsea, creating one of the most fashionable and sought-after addresses in central London.’

The development will comprise a series of stylish glass-fronted apartment buildings, rising in height from four to 11 storeys and offering sleek façades, graceful curves and contemporary finishes. A spectacular tree-lined boulevard will allow access to the buildings, which each encompass expanses of architectural glazing, cantilevered balconies and duplex and penthouse roof gardens.
Currently available apartments feature hardwood laminate flooring, video entryphone system, underfloor heating and air cooling to the principal reception room and bedrooms. Kitchens are fully fitted with integrated Miele appliances and master bedrooms have built-in wardrobes and en suite bathrooms. For prices call St James Homes on 020 7828 6326.

River Oaks Homes has seen fantastic success so far at its Beauport Cove development in St Leonards, East Sussex, which is set for completion by this coming summer. ‘Word has got out that this is the place to live,’ says marketing manager Jennie Stiles. ‘In three weeks we have had record sales of eight luxury homes; there are only seven houses and two apartments left at Beauport Cove.’
The landscaped garden in front of the apartments gives the final touch to this elegant street, surrounded by beautiful, traditional style Sussex architecture and overlooking stunning countryside all the way to Beachy Head.

Homes at Beauport Cove have been designed to provide comfortable modern living for today’s purchaser and feature high specification open-plan living. The kitchen/living area boasts French patio doors opening onto a decked outdoor area as well as offering a fantastic feeling of space, light and flexibility. The development also includes secure parking, alarm systems, low maintenance, low heating costs and an ideal location, being a five-minute drive from the historic town of Battle and its train station as well as within striking distance of good shopping and entertainment facilities and the sea!
For prices at Beauport Cove call the marketing suite on 01424 855078, or visit website riveroakshomes.co.uk.

Just 17 homes now remain at KingsOak Thames Valley’s Blake’s Quay development in Reading, Berkshire, a collection of 64 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes located right in the heart of the town. Sales manager Silvana Nicholls comments: ‘We are delighted with the impact that Blake’s Quay has made upon the local property market. We already have a vast amount of experience in the local property market and we understand what buyers in this area really want. Blake’s Quay addresses all their demands – location, quality, riverside views and easy access to the heart of all the many facilities the town has to offer.’
Homes at this exceptional development have an aura of exclusivity, something very much in demand in central Reading. Not only has the area undergone huge regeneration, with the construction of many new leisure and entertainment facilities, but the development itself boasts fantastic views over the river Kennet from two sides of the building. And the specification, as expected, is magnificent – all apartments benefit from one main family bathroom plus further en suite facilities, and nearly every home offers a balcony or terrace, accessed through a door from the master bedroom and living room. Residents at Blake’s Quay will also benefit from a variety of communal areas, including a meeting room, a games room, residents’ lounge and a fully equipped fitness room.
Blake’s Quay is fantastically located close to the many amenities of Reading town centre, making it ideal for commuters with a journey time to London Paddington of approximately 30 minutes and its proximity to the M4 motorway.
Prices at Blake’s Quay currently start from £209,995 for a one-bedroom third floor apartment. For further details contact the sales office on 0118 959 1514 or visit website kingsoakhomes.com.

Eager purchasers have already snapped up several of the new apartments at Galliard Homes’ new development 548–550 Chiswick High Road. Surrounded by first class shops, cafés and restaurants, this superb scheme of 31 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments is set in a prime location right on Chiswick High Road and boasts such facilities as underground parking (at £25,000 extra per space), residents’ lift serving all floors, video-entryphone system and balconies or terraces to the majority of apartments, some of which overlook Chiswick Park.

Madeleine Flower at Galliard Homes commented: ‘This is an exclusive development in an area that is convenient for travelling into the heart of the capital. The apartments offer a high standard of living at realistic prices, perfect for home owners or the investor buyer.’
The apartments are leasehold (999 years) and start in price from £260,000, with completion estimated for spring 2005. For more information or to register interest call the sales office on 020 8956 2486.
Beechcroft is now offering Cobham Park, a prestigious, exclusive and luxurious collection of just 21 cottages and apartments in 12 acres of parkland in Cobham, Surrey, sensitively converted from a Grade II listed Victorian mansion and its outbuildings. The estate wall and its impressive gates provide residents with privacy and security, and the facilities within offer a host of modern conveniences, including seating areas, a clubhouse with gym and sauna and an all-weather tennis court and croquet lawn. Homes at Cobham Park also benefit from outstanding views of the lake, located within the grounds.
There are currently only a few homes remaining for sale at Cobham Park, including mews cottages and apartments in the west wing and the mansion itself, ranging in price from £450,000 for a two-bedroom lodge cottage with a terrace and garden to £640,000 for a cottage or apartment. For more information call 0870 240 3128 or visit cobhampark.com.

David Wilson Homes’ Parkwood Heights development has so far been a great success with buyers, and first residents are now moving into their new homes. The development, which is a collection of spacious family homes just minutes from the M25 at Netherne-on-the-Hill in Surrey, is set in a picturesque hilltop location reached by a lane bordered with mature woodland and is constructed on the site of a former hospital. Comprising 40 executive five-bedroom detached homes boasting stunning views over the North Downs, Parkwood Heights offers a unique opportunity to own a large family home while living within 20 miles of London.
Prices at the development start from £560,000. Call 01737 559995 for more information.

The city lifestyle can take many shapes and take place in many locations, from London’s financial district to a stretch of seafront, to leafy villages-within-cities. Johnny Turner considers some very desirable city addresses currently for sale.

The city lifestyle has a lot to recommend it: convenience for transport, shopping and going out, as well as a more indefinable something, a certain buzz. Choosing to live in a city environment is more popular than ever; even when many are retreating to the suburbs and rural locations, still more are homing in on the hip, happening city.

For those who are buying a home, a more cosmopolitan atmosphere can be a fantastic choice, partly because the city will always be the place to be and is therefore a good investment. So for both the present and the future, the centre of it all makes sense when shopping for property, as the current crop of new homes demonstrates. But what makes a city? There are many definitions based on actual placement, lifestyle and mindset. However you define ‘city’, there are many excellent new developments to choose from in a wonderful selection of areas.

Starting in the centre of Britain’s premier city, London, Cobstar Developments is set to release The Space Works, a collection of live/work homes at Aldgate East, on the City's eastern fringe. Those whose work is important but feel that a long, painful commute is too much to ask will be very interested indeed in these stunning homes, each of which offers the flexibility to work from home. And even those who work in an office in the City will find The Space Works only a short walk from Liverpool Street. Transport to all corners of London is very easily accessed, with three tube stations within 1,000m giving residents a choice of Circle, Metropolitan, Central, Hammersmith & City and District Lines. A thriving after-hours life is also very nearby, with the excellent bars and restaurants of the Brick Lane area just moments from your door.

Each space will feel truly contemporary, with up-to-the-minute design throughout. Most of these apartments have private terraces – and the penthouses will be nothing short of breathtaking. The main rooms to each living space are huge. There are custom-designed, engineered white oiled oak floors, floor-to-ceiling doors throughout, a luxury bathroom with walnut veneer wash stands and tabletop basins, stylish kitchens in which the theme of walnut detail continues. Even the radiators, vertical designer models, speak of cool, high-tech luxury. Low-voltage downlighters complete the look.
The official release date for The Space Works is 18 March. Register your interest by contacting selling agents Bridge Estates on 020 7749 1400 or Hurford Salvi Carr on 020 7791 7071.

Buyers are flocking to one of Britain’s newest cities, Brighton and Hove, to take advantage of the laid-back lifestyle, the proximity to the sea and a choice of fantastic homes. From CDC2020 comes Horizon in Hove, a seafront building located between Carlisle Road and Walsingham Road that is sure to be a hit with buyers. Hove Apartments will be released this spring. Call 0845 850 2020 for more information.

Of course, city living is more than simply a case of geography. As smart apartments in cities such as London become more and more popular, their design is being emulated elsewhere with fantastic results. A case in point is Delph Property Group’s new scheme, Bonhomie Court in Hurst, Berkshire.
Bonhomie Court consists of two- and three-bedroom apartments with all the cutting-edge style of city schemes – and as it is within easy reach of London, you can still enjoy the cosmopolitan lifestyle that the capital offers. The scheme is surrounded by over 3.5 acres of beautifully landscaped, ‘maintenance-free’ garden and has imposing electric gates with a sweeping block-paved driveway. The 22 apartments have a traditional appearance but also incorporate interesting features such as large Elizabethan-style chimneys. Every principal reception room opens on to a patio or balcony with glazed double doors to emphasise space. In the kitchens, granite work surfaces and integrated appliances combine to make a style statement. Security-wise, each apartment features a video entryphone and individual alarm.

Hurst is a charming, picturesque medieval village in the heart of Royal Berkshire with a duck pond and cricket club. It is surrounded by extensive countryside. So if you fancy the city life indoors but prefer a more rustic environment outside, Bonhomie Court will be just right for you.
Only six apartments still remain for sale, priced between £325,000 and £425,000. Find out more by calling the sales office on 0118 934 1058 or visiting the website at bonhomie-court.co.uk.

Hampstead is one of London’s most perennially popular locations, offering the best of every aspect of city life – shopping, dining, green space, transport and much more. Homes in this area are extremely sought-after, so when new homes are being built it is front page news. And with the design and spec on offer in five classically contemporary four-bedroom homes under construction in Oak Hill Park, the competition will be fierce.

Expected to be completed this spring by Regime Property Development, these homes are sumptuous and in keeping with the beautifully designed Ted Levy houses in the area. The leafy surroundings are complemented by the use of timber and interiors offer unusually flexible space. Purchasers will be able to decide for themselves whether a three- or four-bedroom configuration is preferable; the second bedroom in houses one through four could be used instead as a very spacious en suite dressing room.
The large open plan family rooms on the ground floor incorporate Leicht kitchens, individually designed for informal entertaining and family life. More formal living and dining space stretches across the first floor, creating a wide range of exciting opportunities for entertaining at home. Three of the houses offer galleried living and dining areas, with glass balustrades and double-height glass windows which enable the maximum light into the area. Sheets of glass incorporating sliding doors lead on to deck areas.
Smart technology will be incorporated, including under-floor heating throughout, remote controlled mood lighting and fireplaces, as well as audio and suitable wiring for a monitored alarm system.
Prices at Oak Hill Park range from £1.8 million to £2.1 million. For further information contact Regime on 020 7431 0555. Alternatively call selling agents FPDSavills on 020 7472 5000 or Goldschmidt & Howland on 020 7435 4404.

In south London, Nicholas King Homes has launched a new development in Wandsworth of just five luxury four-bedroom town houses. Located in Barmouth Road in this highly regarded residential area, these homes will offer traditional architecture to blend seamlessly with the existing Victorian properties already established in the area. Interiors, by contrast, will be contemporary. Flexible and stylish, these will include well-appointed kitchens with granite work surfaces and a wide range of fully integrated appliances, as well as superb master suites and luxury bathrooms. En suites and family bathrooms will feature Hansgrohe showers and stone shower trays complemented by shower screens in glass and chrome. And those who buy off-plan will have extra options for internal specification that let them have the home of their dreams.
Homes at Wandsworth are expected to start from around £750,000. Find out more or register your interest by calling 01494 811800.

Another type of city life can be found in Britain’s garden cities, the new towns whose ideals and design took root in the early 20th century. In particular, Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire is a very popular new town, and price rises here have shown the area to be a sound investment property-wise as well as a pleasant place to live.
Fairview New Homes now offers Meadow Park, a new development of 42 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 117 three- and four-bedroom houses located just one mile from the centre of Welwyn Garden City. These homes have already shown themselves to be popular with young professionals as well as families. A choice of train services to Moorgate or Cambridge taking less than an hour means buyers at Meadow Park can have experience of two different types of city life in one day. Nearby shopping and leisure activities are very convenient and of high quality, and beautiful open countryside is just minutes away.

Currently there are three- and four-bedroom homes for sale at Meadow Park, priced from approximately £272,450. Call the marketing suite on 01707 332638 for more information.
Also from Fairview, Rose Place is a stylish upcoming development of 47 one- and two-bedroom apartments. With prices starting at just £150,000 for one bedroom, these homes give first-time buyers an ideal opportunity to own a property in the big city without breaking the bank.
Besides the attractive prices, Fairview is also offering purchasers an incentive of up to £5,000 which can be taken as either cashback or as part of their deposit – even more reason for first-time buyers to look towards Deptford. Two-bedroom apartments are priced from £180,000.

Those who enjoy the city lifestyle will be very pleased at the location of Rose Place, as transport connections to the City, Canary Wharf and the West End are extremely convenient. Nearby Greenwich offers a wealth of restaurants, bars, green space and culture – ideal places that cover every leisure pursuit imaginable.
For sales enquiries contact 020 8694 8093. Find out more about any of Fairview’s current developments by visiting fairview.co.uk.