New Homes - September, 2004

Those with demanding City jobs are finding a host of well-located and well-built homes to ensure a smooth commute and an easier life, finds Johnny Turner.
Those who gravitate towards the Square Mile on weekdays will be looking for a home that guarantees as stress-free a commute as possible. Whatever method of getting to work you prefer, the current crop of new homes offers something for everyone.

Walk this way

For many, the ideal commute would involve a pleasant stroll. This cuts out dependence on timetables and the transport infrastructure and allows you to ease into your day with a bit of light exercise. London is one of the world’s great walking cities – and the City of London is accessible on foot from a number of high-quality current developments.
Starting just off City Road, Goldcrest Homes is selling a very interesting project, Britannia Walk. This collection of 14 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 18 two-bedroom live/work duplexes is ideally suited to a part of London that is at once cool and connected. The apartments, located on the third and fourth floors of this beautifully designed building, range in size from 646 sq ft to 1,539 sq ft, giving prospective buyers plenty of choice.

One of the wonders of Britannia Walk is that you can quite easily mosey on into your office at your own speed – in fact, if your own speed is a moderate clip you can be in Moorgate in less than half an hour. No need to think about where to park the car, worry about the congestion charge or even whether your Oyster Card is current. This frees you up to concentrate on the workday to come. And it lets your mind wander after a hard day’s work as you stroll back to your superbly appointed apartment – or to one of the many nearby bars and restaurants.

The options for relaxation at Britannia Walk itself are very generous indeed. Not only is there a large communal roof terrace providing stunning views across the capital but there is also a spectacular high-tech movie suite, in which you and over a dozen friends can watch a DVD with the latest sound technology. And the communal residents-only gym helps you keep yourself mentally relaxed and physically fit.

Exploring the area is extremely rewarding. Britannia Walk is amazingly well located, with nearby Upper Street providing literally hundreds of dining and drinking options, funky Hoxton just next door, and the many delights of the Barbican Centre also just a short walk away.
Prices at Britannia Walk start at £350,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Find out more by calling the marketing suite on 020 7731 7679.

Another development in the same excellent area is to be launched very soon by Telford Homes. Estilo, in Wenlock Road N1, will feature high-specification apartments as well as commercial units. The location, on the edge of the Wenlock Basin, is fantastic for those who work in the Moorgate area; just a stroll down City Road and you’re there.
Estilo is expected to be completed in 2006, although it would be a good idea to register interest now, as this development will definitely get a lot of attention from owner-occupiers and investors alike. One-bedroom apartments will be available to investors this autumn. Call 0870 872 0987 or visit telfordhomes.plc.uk.
 
Tubing it

One of the great things about the Underground system is its reach; its tentacles put homes in several Home Counties within a very reasonable commute of the City. Buckhurst Hill in Essex is very popular with City commuters, who are attracted by the proliferation of golf courses, the relaxed atmosphere and the direct half-hour Central Line journey to Bank and Liverpool Street stations.
Laing Homes offers Iceni, a gated development of 24 two-bedroom apartments only a mile from Buckhurst Hill station. The homes boast a designer specification and feature attractive open-plan living areas. The prospective buyer has a wide choice of sizes, with the apartments ranging from 862 to 1,397 sq ft.
Prices at Iceni start at £300,000. For more information call the sales office on 020 8506 1116 or visit laing-homes.co.uk.

By DLR

The Docklands Light Railway is a quick and extremely convenient way to zip around the east side of London, from the ever-expanding Docklands to the financial centre, from the capital’s newest business hub, Canary Wharf, down to the more suburban reaches of Lewisham.
With the DLR constantly growing, both in terms of the number of people who use it and the variety of destinations it offers, those who are seeking a new home that allows for easy access to the City would be wise to look along its route.

An upcoming scheme, Tequila Wharf by Telford Homes, looks promising – and eminently affordable. With prices starting at approximately £190,000 these one- and two-bedroom apartments are sure to be a hit. And when you factor in a location that is equidistant between the City and Limehouse DLR station, you can imagine the response it will get from buyers when it launches on 15 October. Find out more about the apartments – and the launch – by calling 0870 872 0987.

Meanwhile, those whose budgets know no bounds will be interested in a stunning home in historic Greenwich, another very desirable point on the DLR route. The Tower is a landmark building which offers dynamic, creative living space with 360-degree views of the London horizon. The successful merger of a Victorian water tower with a contemporary steel and glass structure linked by a glass bridge, The Tower was designed by architects Loates-Taylor Shannon and built by the developer Chickenfeed.
There is completely open-plan living on the ground floor, with beautiful, modern interior design. The large kitchen has high-gloss white units by Nicholas Anthony with black glass splashbacks, while the soft natural tones of limestone and walnut floors on this level contrast with a deep pink staircase. The living space, accessed via steps from the reception hall, features glass on two sides and its simple, square proportions provide an excellent blank canvas; the courtyard garden beyond the glass provides a visual extension of the space.

The first-floor master bedroom suite is well proportioned and flooded with light, while an adjoining wet room has Philippe Starck white sanitary ware and chrome fittings. A second room offers the choice of providing an additional bedroom or study space. There is also a second slate-tiled bathroom and a laundry room which, with its further range of cupboards, acknowledges the need for storage in a way that open-plan homes don’t usually do, while keeping the untidy side of life out of the way.

Flexible space continues as you go upward, as a lift makes moving up and down easy. There are three further rooms which can be used as bedrooms, studies or hobby rooms. A bathroom with a central Odissi stand-alone white bath and a Starck tap is situated on the fourth floors, while an additional cloakroom and kitchenette are located on the sixth. The eighth floor is dedicated to a glass viewing observatory, situated in the space formerly occupied by the original 80-ton water tank. The views are breathtaking; both sunrise and sunset can be marvelled at and London and the surrounding Home Counties can be seen in all their glory. The lighting system is by Lutron, and allows 16 different lighting scenes to be remotely programmed to match mood and style.
Offers are being invited in excess of £1.2 million. Further information is available from John Payne Residential on 020 8318 1311; email blackheath@johnpayne.co.uk.

Rail life

Homes with a quick, reliable rail link into the City are very sought-after, as they give those who work in the centre of London access to all the excitement and business opportunities of the metropolis while also allowing for an escape into a more peaceful environment. A good example of this best-of-both-worlds situation can be found in Watford, where Linden Homes offers Cassio Metro, a collection of outstanding homes.

Watford is extremely convenient for City-bound commuters, with trains from Watford Junction station reaching Euston in less than half an hour. From there it’s only a few stops on the tube to the financial centre – and the entire commute takes less time than many spend crossing the capital during rush hour.
At the recently released Milan Quarter phase of Cassio Metro there are 24 two-bedroom apartments, following on from the apartments and town houses available at the previous phase, Paris Quarter. Many of the apartments in Milan Quarter have south-facing balconies overlooking the landscaped central square, perfect for a relaxing coffee-and-newspaper session to start the day. The apartments are highly specified and the development offers a number of excellent lifestyle bonuses, including on-site health and leisure amenities and a concierge service.
Prices at Cassio Metro range from £249,950 to £475,000. Find out more by calling 01929 229229 or visiting lindenhomes.co.uk.

Here in my car

Proximity to the motorway system is a must for many buyers. Those who drive into work would do well to have a look at a current collection of homes in the renowned ‘stockbroker belt’. Kingswood Place in Caterham, Surrey is a development by KingsOak consisting of one- and two-bedroom apartments. These homes are ideal for young professional buyers, as well as for downsizers or investors.
The location is excellent. Situated just half a mile from the town centre, Kingswood is very near the A22 and therefore well placed for access to Croydon and the M25, as well as central London. Public transport is also extremely well provided for. Shopping is particularly excellent, with a great mix of high street names and boutiques. Caterham is an established, mature residential town on the North Downs, which means that after a taxing day at the office you can relax and enjoy being in an environment that offers all the amenities you expect and at the same time a much less hectic feel than in London.
The one- and two-bedroom apartments are priced from £174,995 and £234,995 respectively. To register your interest call 01883 349858 or visit kingsoakhomes.com.

Ewell, Surrey

Laing Homes has now released Revere, a stunning development of two-bedroom apartments and three- and four-bedroom houses. Apartments feature floor-to-ceiling glazing, allowing light to sweep into the lounge, and the modern design utilises the best in contemporary architecture, with an open-plan layout offering maximum use of living space. Prices at Revere start from £250,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and £365,000 for a three-bedroom town house. Call 0845 071 2083 for details.

Brighton, Sussex

Berkeley Homes has started demolition work on a new development on Preston Park Avenue, a lovely residential street right by the green space of Preston Park. Formerly occupied by a single detached property, Preston Manor, the site will be redeveloped to comprise 50 two-bedroom apartments. The scheme will benefit from secure underground parking and the individual apartments will range in size from 883 to 1,280 sq ft. Prices will start from £330,000. Call 0845 676 0222.

Epsom, Surrey

Try Homes is constructing 61 homes at Livingstone Park, a development which is being built by a consortium of some of the country’s best-known house builders. These character homes are being created from one of four Victorian hospital buildings and boast the original soaring ceilings and high sash windows. Interiors have also, however, been brought well and truly into the 21st century with designer kitchens fully fitted with integrated appliances. Prices start from £184,950. Call 01372 742246.

Peckham, London

Countryside Properties’ Southquarter 2 development includes three-bedroom town houses and mews style houses with external designs and finishes to replicate the old Victorian terraces, as well as a choice of one- and two-bedroom apartments. The apartments all feature open-plan living and kitchen areas, en suites to the main bedroom in the two-bedroom apartments and Juliette balconies to some apartment types. Prices from £169,995. Call 020 7703 8693.

Thamesmead, London

Fairclough has now launched its riverside Gateway development, an outstanding new collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments boasting spacious, open-plan features and a contemporary look. Designer kitchens come fully fitted with stainless steel integrated appliances, including dishwasher, fridge/freezer and washer/dryer, and there are wardrobes and en suites to master bedrooms. Prices start from £223,950. Call 0845 676 0162 to find out more.

Colindale, London

Bellway is now offering prospective buyers a fantastic deal at its Adastral Village South development in north-west London: it is offering to pay the five per cent deposit, stamp duty and legal fees on the dozen or so remaining two- and three-bedroom houses. The development has been built on the former RAF Hendon airfield and aircraft factory, and comprises 320 homes as well as a community centre, shop and generous open space. Prices from £222,995. Call 020 8205 3093.

Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Construction is now underway at The Grange, Bellwinch’s development of new homes on the outskirts of this picturesque spa town. At the development purchasers will be able to choose from eight different home designs, including one- and two-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom maisonettes and three- and four-bedroom town houses, all set in extensively landscaped grounds. Each house will boast its own private garden and all homes will have garage or allocated parking. For prices call 020 8902 7838.

Bromley, Kent

At the end of September CDC2020 will launch One, a new landmark development of 24 one- and two-bedroom apartments at 1 Sherman Road in the town centre. These homes will appeal particularly to young professionals commuting into the capital; the centre of London is just 12 miles distant and the Bromley North and South stations are close. Those wishing to buy off-plan should attend an exclusive preview weekend over 24/25 September. Call 0845 676 0220 to find out more.

Today’s fast-paced life demands a quiet place to unwind – and a home in the countryside is the perfect antidote to the daily urban grind. Anna Bowden investigates.

As life gets busier and more hectic by the minute it is often hard to see past the grind of our working lives. Few of us are lucky enough to work rurally; most have to make that daily trek across town, whether by public transport or car, getting stuck in traffic and dealing with the hordes of others around us. What we need to remember, however, is that although our working lives are stressful our home lives don’t have to be as well. How much better would you feel if, once you left the office, you could head out of town into the country? To a peaceful, green environment?
Fortunately this dream is now possible. Loads of new homes developers are building high-quality developments in rural environments but with excellent transport links, where residents can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Westbury Homes has just opened a sales office at Greenfields, its delightful new collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom houses in Burghfield Common, Berkshire, just seven miles away from Reading.
Christine Keith, Westbury’s sales manager for Greenfields, says, ‘More and more people are looking to live in a rural setting but don’t want to be too far away from all the fun and excitement of a town. This is why Greenfields has everything going for it. As well as the excellent variety of house styles and sizes, the local shops serving everyday needs are just a short walk away; and if a big shopping trip or night on the town is on the cards, Reading is also only a quick journey away.’
One of the first show homes on the development, the Leicester house type, is a major reason for families to consider the development as the trend for increasing living space from two storeys to three storeys continues. The three-storey Leicester town house boasts flexible and versatile living accommodation including three- or four-bedrooms depending on your lifestyle.
Greenfields is conveniently located close to good local schools and public transport facilities. The development is just five miles from junction 11 of the M4 – for quick and easy access to London, Bristol or beyond; and Heathrow Airport is approximately a 40-minute drive away. The nearest mainline station is Theale, five miles down the road, from where residents can travel to London Paddington, the West, the Midlands and the North and South coasts.
For prices at Greenfields call 0118 958 9060.

Haddington Manor is KingsOak’s exceptional new scheme of 40 homes in Wendover, Buckinghamshire. In final remaining phase the developer is offering a superb selection of town houses that allow buyers to live their busy lives in spacious, flexible and adaptable town house layouts with all the benefits of country life on their doorstep.
‘Town houses offer so much in terms of space utilisation, and they also allow you to adapt their layouts to suit your family’s needs,’ confirmed sales manager for KingsOak North London Nina Fitzgerald.
Haddington Manor is the skilful redevelopment of a former MOD homes site and now features a selection of two-bedroom apartments and two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes located in an attractive Chilterns setting close to the major towns of Aylesbury, Amesham, Chesham and, on the borders with Hertfordshire, Hemel Hempstead.
With plenty of shopping facilities, sporting options and leisure prospects nearby, Haddington Manor is perfectly located for active families who want to enjoy their free time as well as good commuter links, thanks to rail services into London Marylebone station. The development is also within easy reach of the A41, the B4009 and junction 18 of the M25. Luton and Heathrow Airports are virtually equidistant, opening up further travelling possibilities.
Prices at Haddingtom Manor start from £341,995 for a three-bedroom town house and from £254,995 for a two-bedroom home. Call the sales office, open daily from 11am to 6pm, on 01296 625736.

City & Country Group is currently restoring an historic former mill in Standon, Hertfordshire, into Standon Mill, a scheme of apartments ranging in size from 571 to 1,534 sq ft housed within a five-storey brick building. Boasting period details including elegant arched windows, exposed brick walls and cast-iron radiators and columns, these contemporary homes have been designed to offer open-plan living in the style of London loft accommodation. Several of the apartments feature foldaway walls between the main living and entertaining area and the second and third bedroom, offering purchasers flexibility as to how they use the space. Some homes also offer additional storage space located behind concealed panels.
Standon Mill will particularly appeal to purchasers interested in golf, as there are seven 18-hole golf courses within a ten-mile radius. Tim Sargeant, chief executive of City & Country Group, comments, ‘We have recently noticed a rise in the number of purchasers who specifically choose a new home because of its proximity to a well-respected golf course. However, the appeal not only comes from avid golfers but also from purchasers who are attracted to the tranquil rural areas where golf courses are usually located.’
Surrounded by rolling countryside, Standon Mill is located in a conservation area beside the River Rib. Standon provides a pub and a village shop and is less than 30 miles from London, making commuting to the capital easy. It also offers easy access to the M25 via the M11 or A10 and direct train services from Bishops Stortford or Ware to London Liverpool Street.
Prices at Standon Mill start from £179,000 for one-bedroom apartments. Call 01279 817882 for details.

Antler Homes is now developing Eastwood View, nine traditionally designed four-bedroom houses in the picturesque village of Cuxton, near Rochester, Kent. Griff Marshalsay, managing director for Antler Homes South East, comments, ‘Improvements on some of Britain’s major motorways and the increase in the number of people working from home are just some of the factors which have led to a rising rural population. Home buyers are attracted to the countryside by a abundance of green open spaces, a more relaxed lifestyle and the prospect of an improved quality of life. A further attraction, also stated in the Countryside Agency’s report, is that people living in rural England are reported to have better health and longer life expectancies than those living in urban areas.
‘Cuxton is surrounded by scenic countryside and benefits from proximity to the Medway estate and, further inland, to the North Downs. In addition, this delightful village also offers convenient access to some of Kent’s major towns and cities.’
Each of the smart new homes at Eastwood View features a canopied porch supported by elegant Georgian style columns. The spacious entrance hall leads into a custom-built open-plan kitchen/family room featuring stainless steel integrated appliances, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. The sitting room includes a modern ivory fire surround and French doors leading out onto a rear garden. The master bedroom boasts en suite facilities and each home has a single or double garage, while some homes also benefit from a balcony.
Prices start from £319,950. Call 01634 714243 for details.

Cutting-edge bespoke design, quality workmanship and stylish interiors are making a strong impression on visitors to Gladedale Homes’ St Mary’s Ridge, which features a collection of desirable properties, including two- and three-bedroom homes in highly-sought after St Leonards-on-Sea in East Sussex. The development highlights the company’s commitment to environment-friendly living by combining the use of existing natural features with the latest modern insulation and sustainable materials.
The location is proving extremely popular with home owners, with nearby Hastings fast becoming one of the country’s up-and-coming property hotspots. Maggie Brodie of Gladedale Homes said: ‘This is the perfect time to buy a home in Hastings; the demand for property in the area is continually growing as people realise how much the town has to offer.
‘Prices are currently lower than other coastal locations, including Brighton and Eastbourne, and property in Hastings is an excellent investment.
‘St Mary’s Ridge is set in a stunning secluded location surrounded by both beautiful countryside and coastal scenery, but is still within commuting distance of London with direct rail services to London Cannon Street, Victoria and Charing Cross.’
Prices at St Mary’s Ridge start from £160,000. For further information call the sales team on 01424 756868.

Two of Redrow’s developments – Britannia Quay in Chatham and Sonora Fields in Sittingbourne – have won Greenleaf housing awards, which recognise the importance house builders place on the creation of a whole living environment. The judges consider aspects including the use of green space; retention of natural features including trees, hedges, ponds and streams; and efforts to create a new landscape. Schemes do not become eligible for an award until three years after they have been sold, to ensure that the developers’ initial efforts are not simply cosmetic.
Chris Roads, sales director of Redrow Homes (Eastern), says, ‘Redrow has an excellent track record in the Greenleaf initiative and this year’s awards bring our nationwide total to over 50 in five years. We are delighted that our commitment to providing quality environments in which people want to live has once again been recognised.’
Redrow Homes is currently working on a number of ventures including phase three of Britannia Quay, comprising 84 apartments. In Chatham it is also offering The Eye, a development of 68 one- and two-bedroom apartments. For prices and information about any of Redrow’s developments call 01268 886400.

Buyers demand quality, and many developers provide this. But builders are also finding little extra touches mean a lot. Anna Bowden looks at developments where special features can be found.

Buyers are becoming increasingly demanding. No longer content with just a roof over their heads, today’s buyers want quality, style, access to transport links, beautiful surrounding scenery, good local amenities, security, superb specification and a host of features that make life easier and more luxurious, including high-tech cabling systems, concierges, gyms, restaurants, NHBC guarantees and so on. For these buyers a new home is the ideal purchase. Not only are new homes developers doing their utmost to ensure most – if not all – of these features are present in each of their schemes, but they also generally offer stunning financial deals on mortgages, part-exchange, deposits and stamp duty. We take a look at some of the best options.

St George has announced the launch of an electric car club to residents at its spectacular St George Wharf development in Vauxhall, south London. Electric Green is a transport service offering the hire of electric cars on a daily or hourly basis. The cars are designed for short journey use in London and the service will encourage residents to be energy-efficient and environment-friendly.
Added benefits including free parking in central London boroughs and exemption from the congestion charge. And these compact cars fit into small spaces, making parking easy and more convenient.
St George has appointed Parking Partners to run the service from the St George Wharf car park reception. After initial enrolment bookings may be made by telephone, online or face-to-face. With an annual membership fee of only £30 and a charge of just £10 for each two-hour period, Electric Green is expected to be extremely popular with residents.

Stephen Embrey, managing director of St George South London, says, ‘Electric cars have proved themselves to be a very positive response to the problems of central London transport. Electric Green is a benchmark project supporting the St George commitment to creating sustainable communities. St George seeks to utilise natural resources that will respect the environment. Electric Green is an exciting new initiative for St George and we believe that it will be highly successful.’
St George Wharf comprises 618 private and 132 affordable homes built on brownfield land. Prices at the development start from £479,950 for apartments. For further information call the marketing suite, open Mondays to Fridays from 10am to 8pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 6pm, on 020 7627 8699. Alternatively, email stgeorgewharfsales@stgeorges1.com.

Orion is the latest offering from Redrow Homes (Eastern) at its successful Odyssey development in London’s Docklands. From its position on the Isle of Dogs, the cylindrical glass tower of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments is lighting up the residential housing industry.
Each apartment provides buyers with a slice of the circle, including curved floor-to-ceiling windows in several of the apartments and in the penthouses, which provide a panoramic vista of the London landscape.
Apartments are high specification; Commodore kitchens are fully fitted with quality integrated Neff appliances, including fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washer/dryer and oven, hob and extractor fan. Bathrooms feature modern white suites complemented by Hansgrohe taps, while Amtico flooring features in kitchens and bathrooms, all made to fit the curvature of the property perfectly.
Current prices for remaining homes at Orion start from £258,950. To find out more call the sales office on 020 7531 6265 or visit odyssey.redrow.co.uk.

To give potential home owners the confidence to buy now, at a time of rising interest rates, Laing Homes is introducing an exclusive mortgage plan across all five of its regions. The plan includes an attractive fixed rate interest of 2.99 per cent for two years on selected properties around the country. Sarah Bailey, managing director of Laing Homes Thames Valley, says, ‘At Laing Homes we are well aware that, despite rising interest rates and increased prices, people will always need to move home; but people will also need to have control over their finances. We hope that the deal will give people the confidence to buy the property which fits their circumstances at a time that’s appropriate for them, and not be dictated to by the market.’
Laing will be offering this competitive mortgage deal through Johnhugh independent financial advisors, funded by Abbey. The deal offers a variety of benefits, including allowing customers to take out a 90 per cent mortgage loan on a maximum loan size of £1 million, which allows house buyers plenty of choice in organising their finances.
Laing Homes has a broad portfolio of new homes available throughout the country, ranging from apartments to detached houses. The mortgage offer is available only through Johnhugh and is valid until 31 December 2004. For further details visit the Laing website at laing-homes.co.uk.
Barratt is offering a subsidy to home buyers on selected properties across London and the South East – by holding its mortgage rate at 3.99 per cent for three years. And buyers of apartments and houses at The Oaks, the company’s new development at Benton Park in Witham, Essex, could be the first to benefit. At Benton Park luxury properties start at £239,995, which means the offer could be worth £10,000 over the 36-month period.

‘Interest rates remain at an historically low figure, and the cost of borrowing is still relatively cheap,’ says Barratt Southern chairman Clive Fenton. ‘Of course we recognise that many of our customers will want certainty as well as measurable savings. We have introduced this incentive – which has been hugely successful in the past – to bring that certainty to individual purchasers.’
He adds, ‘As well as guaranteeing to hold the rate below four per cent for three years, it makes a real reduction to the cost of buying. Setting up or moving home can be hard on the pocket, so we know this is a saving worth having. What’s more, customers may still be eligible for other long-running Barratt incentives, such as financial help with stamp duty, legal fees and moving costs.’
The Oaks is helping to regenerate Witham with a stunning collection of apartments and houses. The homes, in an attractive, traditionally built East Anglian style with contrasting red brick, white render and black ironwork, are accessed from the road by impressive entrance gates.
Gary Patrick, sales director of Barratt East London, says, ‘The Oaks has caught the imagination of home buyers, particularly those from the locality. As well regenerating a very pleasant town, the development is bringing much-needed new housing opportunities at value-for-money prices in an area of strong demand.’
All homes at The Oaks feature spacious bedrooms, fitted bathrooms, designer kitchens fully fitted with integrated appliances, central heating and double glazing. Prices for one-bedroom apartments start from £144,995. Call 01376 502945.

Space and flexibility are the buzzwords at Crest Nicholson’s Carters Grove development in Kings Hill, Kent. The two- and three-bedroom houses have been designed to fully maximise the interior living space and potential purchasers can marvel at amount of clutter-free, open areas available in the homes. The scheme comprises 37 properties, including two-bedroom apartments and two-, three- and four-bedroom houses. Kings Hill itself is a modern community of homes, businesses and leisure facilities near West Malling.
The smaller houses at Carters Grove utilise innovative design characteristics, such as under-stair cupboards, loft spaces and garages. Helen Devy, sales and marketing director for Crest Nicholson South East, comments, ‘With the two- and three-bedroom houses at Carters Grove we wanted to highlight that it wasn’t necessary to compromise on the interior space within the homes. With this in mind we have utilised expert design plans to construct two- and three-bedroom houses that demonstrate unique thinking and clever layouts and can benefit from such features as reading rooms and relaxing areas. We are incredibly proud of the results, as not only do the houses provide more than enough available space, but with the innovative corner windows and French windows leading to the gardens natural light gives the properties an airy and open feel.’

All of the two-bedroom houses provide large living and dining areas and all houses enjoy separate kitchens. The living areas within the ground floors of these properties span the width of the houses and all benefit from French doors leading onto the rear gardens. Some of the houses also incorporate a relaxing area, a separate room that can either be open-plan or closed off from the entertaining/living areas and include floor-to-ceiling corner windows, which flood the rooms with a natural and airy atmosphere. All of the master bedrooms to the two-bedroom houses enjoy separate en suite facilities and dressing rooms.
Prices at Carters Grove start from £210,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Call 0870 755 9760 for further details.

Gleeson Homes’ customer service is one of the features which sets it apart from the rest. At its popular Knightwood Park development in Farnborough, Hampshire, a collection of 24 three-, four- and five-bedroom properties, the developer stepped in and bought a flat at the bottom of a chain when a buyer pulled out to enable a purchaser at Knightswood Park to complete on her purchase. Mandy Grundy explains, ‘When the first-time buyer fell out of my chain, Gleeson stepped in and bought the flat at the bottom of the chain – and they did this within a week of the problem occurring! I know that Gleeson is a business like any other but it really pulled out all the stops to ensure the sale went through and everyone in the chain purchased the homes they had planned to for months.’
Prices at Knightwood Park start from £270,000. Call 01252 377198.

Wickford, Essex

Bermac Properties has announced the launch of its new scheme Urban Pulse, a contemporary mix of 24 high-specification one- and two-bedroom apartments conveniently located on Wickford High Street. The show apartment is set to launch to the public on 25 September and will perfectly showcase the lifestyle benefits of the development. Prices start from £125,000. Call selling agent Quirks on 01268 560650.

Chichester, Sussex

Macellum Gate is Berkeley Homes’ striking new development in the heart of Chichester; a dramatic transformation of a former run-down garage site into a collection of two- and three-bedroom apartments and 12 four-bedroom town houses. The latter, of which seven remain, are built over three storeys and offer spacious and flexible living accommodation as well as single garage, allotted parking space and a courtyard garden. Prices start from £440,000 for town houses and £227,500 for apartments. Call 01243 778733.

Hythe, Kent

Gillcrest Homes has been granted planning permission for the construction of 14 one- and two-bedroom apartments at 85 Seabrook Road. Built to the developer’s high standards and with an emphasis on sustainability, these individual homes offer high specification and convenient living, being within easy access of Dover and Folkestone. For price information call 0845 130 0070.

New Malden, Surrey

Seven of the 14 contemporary two-bedroom apartments at CDC2020’s Lime Apartments have already been reserved, so buyers keen to benefit from one of these stunning high-specification homes should get down to New Malden quickly. Located just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre and station, the homes boast designer kitchens, stylish bathrooms and well-planned layouts and cost from £239,950. Call 020 8949 0821.

Eastbourne, East Sussex

Millwood Designer Homes has recently enjoyed success with its Incentives Weekend at The Henley Apartments, a waterside development of contemporary apartments boasting a luxury specification and modern features. Over the weekend Millwood offered buyers remarkable incentives including stamp duty, survey and legal fees paid, along with fitted carpets. Prices at The Henley Apartments start from £238,000. For further information call 01323 472882.

Reigate, Surrey

Londoners in pursuit of the Surrey lifestyle are heading for Laing Homes’ Priory Gate Mews development, attracted by its secure gates, proximity to excellent local schools and convenience for commuting to the capital. The development comprises 13 houses, designed like those at Laing’s award-winning development in Guildford, Queen Elizabeth Park, and ten apartments, priced from £295,000. Call 0800 085 8438.

Barkingside, Essex

George Wimpey East London will hold an investors’ launch for City Edge, a new gated development in Barkingside, on 23 September at Richmond Place, Chadwell Heath. Over champagne and canapés buy-to-let investors will find out about the business potential of this select development of just 36 two-bedroom apartments, located in Barkingside High Street . For an invitation call 01376 565944 or visit cityedgebarkingside.co.uk.

Weybridge, Surrey

Latchmere Properties has just three two-bedroom apartments remaining for sale in the first phase of 12 homes at its Whittet’s Ait development. Accessed via a road bridge off Jessamy Road, the eight-acre island is part of the triangle of land formed where the River Wey and Wey navigation join the Thames. Prices at The Mill, the first phase of release, start from £350,000. Call 01306 876006 for more information.

Finding the right home when you retire can be difficult. Some look to downsize, others look to lock up and flee abroad now the kids have gone; and others look for personal security. But there is something for everyone, says Anna Bowden.

Providing homes for ‘retirement’ is a hard task, as the above-55 age bracket spans around a 40-year age range. As people live longer they also live ‘younger’, with today’s 60-year-olds infinitely more active than those of our grandparents’ generation. The concept of retirement homes, therefore, has also had to change, and the facilities provided vary widely from development to development. For example, some of the developments for more recent retirees offer properties for those who want to downsize after the kids have left home and who want to get out and about more now that they have no responsibilities. So the homes available are smaller, low-maintenance and secured by gated access so that residents can take holidays in the knowledge that their home will be safe in their absence.
Other developments, for the slightly older market, offer homes with 24-hour porters, video entryphone systems and communal living areas to give residents a greater sense of security, comfort and companionship within the home. Here we take a look at some of the best examples for all ages of retirement.

Bourne Lodge is an elegant development of two-bedroom apartments by Antler Homes, located just a quarter of a mile from Caterham town centre in Surrey. The apartments are being built in a traditional style and offer the convenience, luxury and low maintenance of a newly built home, as well as the high specification and quality offered by Antler. Fully fitted kitchens comprise integrated appliances including gas hob, double electric oven, dishwasher and fridge/freezer. Master bedrooms offer fitted wardrobes and Porcelanosa tiled en suite bathrooms and some of the homes feature French windows opening out onto balconies or terraces.
A further benefit for residents is that the development is maintained by a management company responsible for the upkeep of all communal areas, including the landscaped gardens, the lobby area and the staircase, taking away the worry.
Prices at Bourne Lodge start from £334,950 for a two-bedroom apartment. Call 01883 347883 to find out more.

Laing Homes is currently offering a modern development of 20 elegant apartments for the active retired in Milford, Surrey. Surrounded by breathtaking countryside and set in a stylish yet secure environment, the development boasts easy access to Guildford and its shopping, leisure, cultural and historic amenities while also offering a traditional village atmosphere.
Prices start from £300,000. Call 01438 422337.

McCarthy & Stone specialises in the construction of purpose built properties for the over-60s, providing practicality and ease of maintenance with the older home buyer in mind. Security is hugely important to the older home owner so each apartment provides a TV entry system plus 24-hour emergency Careline in addition to sophisticated fire detection equipment and intruder alarms. As well as security, practicality and convenience play a huge role. For example, all plug sockets are positioned at waist height, taps use lever mechanisms making them easier to turn on and off, doorways are slightly larger than standard for ease of access and washing and drying machines are easy to access with waist-high door openings. Each development incorporates a lift servicing all floors.
All McCarthy & Stone developments are low maintenance -- one service charge covers all external maintenance of the building, including all communal areas, in addition to providing for the maintenance and upkeep of the gardens, meaning that residents can own a home without having to face many of the most draining responsibilities.
McCarthy & Stone developments include Albert Court in Braintree, Essex where one-bedroom flats start from £127,950 and two-bedroom flats start from £201,950 – call 01376 567720 for details; Heron Court in Ilford, Essex, where one-bedroom flats start from £153,950 and two-bedroom flats start from £194,950 – call 020 8553 3425 for details; Saxon Court in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, where one-bedroom flats start from £148,950 – call 020 8815 9167; and Bentley Court in Lewisham, south-east London, where one-bedroom flats start from £167,950 and two-bedroom flats start from £232,950 – call 020 8690 5578 for details.

The latest release of two-bedroom homes at Kennet Heath in Thatcham, Berkshire, has opened the development up to buyers looking for somewhere to retire. Redrow’s collection of homes has so far appealed to families, but its The Fern release, where two-bedroom apartments are priced from £179,950, offers something for everyone.
All homes at The Fern offer spacious living accommodation, including lounge and kitchen/dining room; kitchens also boast high-quality integrated appliances including stainless steel oven, hob and chimney style extractor. Bathrooms feature white suites with chrome finish fittings and all windows are double glazed (with PVCu frames for easy maintenance).
The development is within walking distance of Thatcham mainline station, and there are local bus services to Reading, Newbury and Basingstoke. The M4, M40 and M3 motorways and the A34 are also close by. Call 01635 863026 for more information.
Within two weeks of launch Millgate Homes has sold all six of its new three-bedroom homes at Willow Gardens in Twyford, Berkshire – and nearly all to downsizers. David Wrigley, Millgate’s head of sales and marketing, said, ‘Since the opening of the show home two weeks ago business has been very brisk, and we are surprised by the number of prospective purchasers who do not need a mortgage.’
There are now just three two-bedroom apartments remaining at Willow Gardens, priced from £289,950; all of them boast Pilkington-K glazed conservatory and a top-of-the-range fully fitted kitchen. The show home is open daily from 10am to 4pm – for further details call Millgate on 0118 932 0009 or selling agent Romans on 0118 936 6611.

Pegasus Retirement Homes is one of the UK's leading developers of purpose-built retirement properties exclusively for the active retired. Pegasus apartments are designed to make life easier, more comfortable and secure, free of all the worries of managing an older property and Pegasus Court, in the historic spa town of Tunbridge Wells, is an excellent example. The development offers a total of 15 apartments, including five one-bedroom apartments and ten two-bedroom apartments in ten different designs.
Features at Pegasus developments, designed to make life easier, include a communal lounge with library area and separate kitchen; a visitors’ suite with en suite shower room where guests can stay the night; lifts to all floors; security cameras to all main entrances; a 24-hour emergency call system; parking with electronic access gates; external recharging facility for battery cars; assisted living lifestyle options and landscaped gardens.
Tunbridge Wells itself boasts excellent shopping and cultural activity and more gardens and castles open to the public than in any other area of the UK.
Prices at Pegasus Court range from £268,950 to £322,950. To find out more call the show apartment, open daily between 10.30am and 4.30pm, on 01892 519936.

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 £245,950. For details call 020 8506 1116.

Rayleigh, Essex

The sales office is now open at Bellwinch’s The Mullberries development, a scheme of 81 new homes just off Downhall Park Way. The development offers a wide choice of two-bedroom apartments and two-, three- and four-bedroom houses in varying designs to suit a wide range of tastes and price ranges. All houses will benefit from en suite facilities and the majority will boast garages. The remainder will have allocated off-street parking. For prices call 01268 655003.

Mitcham, Surrey

Bewley Homes is to convert an old mill dating back to 1698 into a residential idyll as part of its Crown & Grove Mills development. The development is surrounded on three sides by National Trust land and a loop of the River Wandle and therefore offers residents a beautiful and tranquil location while also being within a few hundred metres of Mitcham’s mainline and Tramlink stations. Prices start from £185,000. Call 020 8640 8300.

Crouch End, London

Berkeley Homes is now selling The Exchange, a mixed-use scheme of 55 contemporary one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses offering a wealth of facilities for young professionals, including a Marks & Spencer food store and an all-female Fitness First gym on the ground floor. Apartment interiors are flexible, so that rooms can be used for a variety of purposes. Prices start from £290,000 for the remaining two-bedroom apartments. Call 020 7321 5195.

Sandhurst, Surrey

Fairclough Homes is going to offer potential buyers some unbeatable incentives throughout the month of September, including stamp duty and £500 towards legal fees paid; a part-exchange scheme where a buyer is guaranteed and no agency fees need to be paid; a mortgage subsidy; and £12,000 cashback. Homes at The Chase are high-specification and fully fitted with a range of quality integrated appliances. Prices start from £179,950. Call 0845 676 0163.

Sutton, Surrey

CDC2020 has opened a new show home at Quartz, a collection of 28 apartments in a lovely location ideal for those looking to downsize as well as first- or second-time buyers. Kitchens boast Alno designer units and built-in Neff appliances, while bathrooms and en suites feature Villeroy & Boch white sanitary ware. Other key features include allocated parking and secure video entry phone access. Prices start from £237,500. Call 0845 676 0220.

Peckham, London

Countryside Properties is offering buyers a fantastic investment opportunity at the final phase of its popular development Southquarter 2, where there are one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom town houses for sale. Peckham itself has become a vibrant and exciting place to live and offers a wide range of clubs, theatres, restaurants and shops. Prices at Southquarter 2 start from £149,995. Call 020 7703 8693.

Eastbourne, East Sussex

Redrow offers a stunning collection of apartments and penthouses at The Boardwalk, a new waterside development at Sovereign Harbour. Five of the 18 luxurious penthouses have already been snapped up by eager buyers who have tread the boards at Redrow's new waterside development in Eastbourne. One- and two-bedroom apartments are currently priced from £194,000. Visit the marketing suite at 20 The Waterfront or call 01323 472194.

From leafy residential areas to riverside chic, south-west London has it all. Johnny Turner sees what’s available in the local new homes market.

South-west London is a locale with a lot going for it – not only transport-wise and in its high-quality amenities, its wealth of parkland and its diversity. For those in the market for a home, developers currently offer a number of excellent schemes that allow access to the best that south-west London has to offer.
The new apartments at Rosebury Court, located just a short walk from Norbury station and its London Victoria service (which runs every 15 minutes at peak time), are proving very popular with local commuters. Already a number of people who have to drive to the station and find somewhere to park have visited the sales centre to see what the St Helen’s Road development has to offer.
Alan Taylor, Rushmon New Homes’ sales and marketing director, explained: ‘Rosebury Court offers the best of all worlds, with local shops, the station and allocated secure parking within the development’s gated community. There are other new home developments in the area but none of them are such a short walk from Norbury Station. We have also received considerable interest from investors who recognise the rental opportunities Rosebury Court offers.’

The development, which is to be set in landscaped gardens, will offer one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments with allocated parking, as well as TV and telecom points in the lounge, kitchen and bedrooms and access to a communal satellite TV system. The two-bedroom apartments will also have an en suite shower room and separate bathroom. All the homes will be equipped with a maple high-gloss fitted kitchen including stainless steel fittings and an integrated oven and electric hob in a stainless steel finish, a free-standing washer/dryer and an integrated fridge/freezer. Fuel bills will be kept to a minimum by extensive insulation, uPVC double glazed windows, electric underfloor heating and a pressurised hot water system. All apartments will have smoke alarms and an entryphone system.
Alan concluded: ‘We have even received interest from local people who want to buy two apartments – one to live in and one to rent. From the early interest in Rosebury Court we expect the apartments to be reserved very quickly. Buyers will have to move fast if they want to get a foot on this particular property ladder.’
The properties at Rosebury Court are priced from £199,950. For more information contact Sheri Discombe on 020 8764 6978 or Natalie Macleod on 01932 586700.

South-west London is home to some of the most desirable Thames-side spots and Riverside Quarter benefits from its location, which overlooks one of the most beautiful sections of London’s great river. Across the river is the famed Hurlingham Club and a green and gorgeous outlook, one that has not changed substantially in over a century.
Luxury apartments in Milliners House are now ready for occupancy; the second phase at Riverside Quarter, Chapelier House, is also due for completion within the month. The development is not only a collection of homes but a forward-looking ‘environment’ encompassing everything from restaurants to retail at the newly created Frenchman’s Square. These amenities offer increased convenience and add to the feeling of community.
Nearby is the new Southside centre, which has a 14-screen cinema, a health and fitness centre and an indoor golf venue where you can practise your swing – not to mention the full range of high-quality stores including Hennes and Waitrose.
Find out more about Riverside Quarter by calling 020 8877 2000 or visiting riversidequarter.com.

In vibrant Streatham, Barratt Homes is building Park View, a collection of 37 brand new apartments in landscaped grounds. The development is taking shape on former London Electricity Board land off Valley Road, overlooking a public park.
Most apartments will have spacious balconies from which residents can enjoy views of the park. All homes will have fully fitted kitchens complete with integrated appliances, as well as fitted bathrooms. Lifts will serve all floors and the two buildings will offer stylish common areas. Private parking will be available to residents at an additional coSt
Park View is within walking distance of Streatham Hill railway station, which offers commuter services into Victoria and London Bridge. Streatham Common, a large, lovely stretch of green space, is less than half a quarter of a mile away.
Prices start at £189,995 for a one-bedroom apartment and £238,995 for two bedrooms. The sales office is open from 10am to 6pm daily. For further information call 020 8769 9911.

At George Wimpey City’s Falcon Wharf development, buyers will have the opportunity to purchase an impeccably designed apartment of either one, two or three bedrooms in a landmark 17-storey complex. The location, off Lombard Road in Battersea, offers beautiful views of the river Thames as it bends towards Chelsea or west to Putney and Barnes.
One of the most breathtaking aspects of these homes is the provision of winter gardens to each property. Shielded in glass and designed for year-round use, these indoor/outdoor spaces allow you to take full advantage of the wondrous, light-filled aspect while retaining the solitude you require. The effect is that of having London at your feet – there is both a terrific view of one of the world’s great cities and the peace of being ‘above it all’.
Graeme Dodds, managing director of George Wimpey City, comments: ‘We’re very excited at the prospect of creating our most progressive and forward-thinking scheme to date. The sheer scale of Falcon Wharf will further accelerate Battersea’s prospect as one of London’s most sought-after residential addresses.’
For further information on Falcon Wharf contact Hamptons on 0870 990 7599.

St George has opened the gates to Imperial Crescent, a development of 12 beautiful town houses offering uninterrupted views over a ten-acre park and towards the River Thames in Fulham.
The familiar, much-desired town house style echoes the great historic squares and terraces of London, and this type of home is very much sought-after in the early 21st century. St George, with its new Imperial Crescent, has taken from classic architecture and blended it with contemporary interiors, using the latest technology as well as modern building methods and specifications. The result is a stunning riverside haven offering sophisticated relaxation alongside all the benefits that accompany town living. The Crescent also boasts a landscaped park and river walk, as well as individual walled gardens designed by Ali Ward.
Each town house has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a spacious family kitchen, family room and conservatory. The elegant interior is suffused with a style that reflects the best in classic and contemporary design. The finished interiors will include traditional stone fireplaces, with feature coving, skirting and architraves. There is also a completely self-contained studio at the end of each garden for that extra living or working space.
An individual parking space beneath the houses is also available for purchase. These homes, part of St George’s Platinum Collection, are priced from approximately £2.5 million. For further sales information contact the marketing suite at Imperial Wharf on 020 7610 9693 or visit imperialwharf.com.

Weston Homes presents its Anderson Heights development, a reinvention of the former headquarters of Wates Construction Company in Norbury. The luxurious new development will feature 91 new homes in the conversion of the original 1960s building.
Office block conversions are increasingly popular, as buyers become more tuned in to the benefits of the modernist style as it is applied to private homes. Weston’s high-tech conversion of this local landmark has been designed to provide sophisticated and spacious living accommodation for people from all walks of life in a safe and secure environment. The developer has retained many of the original features of the building, such as its stunning partially covered internal courtyard, and put these to good use in complementing the up-to—the-minute design of the selection of one- and two-bedroom apartments and duplexes.
The duplexes, which have been designed to occupy the two-level vertical extension to the original building, will have terraces which offer expansive views across southern London and towards Crystal Palace.

Interiors will feature the luxurious standard for which Weston Homes has become known. Kitchens are available in a variety of finishes and fitted with a full collection of integrated appliances. Many apartments benefit from en suite bathrooms and all are fitted with state-of-the-art fixtures and fittings, including chrome taps. Those buyers who purchase at an early stage of construction benefit from a high range of customisation options, including kitchen units, worktops, kitchen and bathroom tiling and some flooring.
Residents also get excellent facilities such as secured parking, which is included in the price of the apartments. And they will have access to the state-of-the-art gym, which is reserved for the exclusive use of residents of the development.
Anderson Heights is within easy walking distance of Norbury station, from where trains to Victoria or London Bridge take just 25 minutes. There are only seven duplexes still available, priced from £275,000. The marketing suite is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Call 020 8679 0666 to find out more.