New Homes - December, 2004

A lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere in south London has led to a surge in popularity and an increase in new property, says Anna Bowden.

Weston Homes offers chic London living at its Anderson Heights development, located in Norbury, south London. The five remaining apartments at this converted office block offer exceptional space and value.
The apartments are in excess of 1,200 sq ft, with some offering terraces that afford expansive views across south London and Crystal Palace. There are two basic choices of layout, which allows the buyer to decide whether to have the living, dining and kitchen area on the lower or the upper floor. The specification is excellent:­ more of the type you would expect in a much more expensive very central London apartment.
Anderson Heights has excellent transport links. A short walk to Norbury station will give you a connection to either London Bridge or Victoria that takes only 25 minutes. There is also a good selection of dining and drinking establishments in the local area, as well as sporting activities such as tennis and golf.
Homes start from just £240,000. Call the marketing suite, open daily from 10am to 5pm, on 020 8679 0666.

St George has made an agreement with the London Borough of Lambeth to purchase a 999-year lease for Vauxhall’s prestigious office building Sentinel Point, a deal which will continue the commercial success of its St George Wharf development. The developer has also confirmed the letting of a 5,000 sq ft retail space to Tesco, which expects to open an express store in 2005.

St George Wharf offers one million sq ft of living, retail and office space. When complete it will provide a variety of apartments and penthouses, a health and fitness centre, landscaped courtyards, a riverside promenade and a vibrant piazza lined with shops, cafés, bars and restaurants.
The development is also conveniently located directly opposite Vauxhall tube station, which offers easy access to the West End and a direct service to Clapham Junction and Waterloo stations for regional, national and Eurostar services. For prices at St George Wharf call 020 7471 4444.
Restoration of Building 36 is still underway at Berkeley Homes’ Royal Arsenal development in Woolwich: remedial work on timbers and general repairs will be finished this month, following which work will begin on the façade of the building.

Building 36 is a 19th-century Grade II listed former warehouse that will offer a range of contemporary one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes. In addition, the building retains many of its original features and forms the most prestigious part of the Grand Store complex.
For further information call the sales and marketing suite on 020 8331 7272.

Antler Homes is currently building Home Park, situated less than a quarter of a mile from Wimbledon Park Underground station (District Line). The development will comprise six three- and four-bedroom houses, each with an individual and secure parking space. The local area offers a number of reputable primary and secondary schools and transport-wise the area is convenient, being just over 15 minutes from London Waterloo mainline station. Prices start from £670,000. For information call 020 8391 6670.

Pinner, Middlesex

Banner is selling Marsh Point, a gated development of 18 two-bedroom apartments in a picturesque setting within established communal gardens. The homes feature balconies or patios to the living/dining areas, en suite bathrooms to the master bedrooms and plenty of essential storage space in the wardrobes and dressing areas. Prices start at £339,000, and there are also attractive incentives available. Call the sales office on 020 8966 9129.

Netherne-on-the-Hill, Surrey

David Wilson is seeing great success at Parkwood Heights, its superb collection of spacious family homes set in a picturesque hilltop location among beautiful mature woodland. Comprising 40 five-bedroom executive homes, Parkwood Heights is perfect for those seeking a taste of the outdoors, with open countryside nearby offering scenic walks and stunning views across the North Downs. For price information call 0800 234455.

Aldershot, Hampshire

CDC2020 has recently launched its latest offering: a range of highly specified two-, three- and four-bedroom homes at development The Cranmore Quarter. Set around a private cul-de-sac, homes at the scheme feature traditional looks coupled with modern practicality. Homes are well-proportioned, with architectural treatment characterised by mellow brickwork, dormers and rendered gables. All properties have garages or car barn spaces and turfed rear gardens. Prices start from £254,500. Call 01252 321101.

Worcester Park, Surrey

St James Homes is selling The Hamptons, a striking 60-acre development comprising 480 one- and two-bedroom apartments and four-, five- and six-bedroom houses set amid 30 acres of new open parkland. Ideal for families, The Hamptons combines strong New England influences with wide-open spaces and use of natural materials. The overall effect is a unique community environment. Prices at The Hamptons start from £249,950 for a two-bedroom apartment. Call 020 8337 3425 to find out more.

Larkfield, Kent

Berkeley Homes’ Leybourne Lakes development is a collection of three-, four- and five-bedroom apartments designed round a series of beautiful established lakes that form part of a 250-acre country park bordering the development. All homes at the scheme blend New England architecture with the traditional Kent vernacular to create striking homes with timber-hung elevations and features including vaulted roofs, covered porches and canopied entrances. Apartments start from £179,950. Call 01622 791723.

Thamesmead, London

Persimmon has just launched the third phase of release – The Pinnacle – at its Gallions Lock development, where 90 per cent of homes in phases one and two have already been sold. The area surrounding the development is currently undergoing major regeneration, making it an ideal location for investors. The next few years will see the introduction of a riverside walk, a sports and recreation area and a central landmark feature on Gallions Hill. Prices start from £175,000. Call 020 8316 4889.

Maidstone, Kent

Buyers will soon have the opportunity to purchase their very own stylish apartment with allocated parking, thanks to Halbren Homes’ new Manor Fields development on the outskirts of the town. The scheme is a collection of just 11 two-bedroom apartments, ideal for small families and promoting modern living. The homes feature fully fitted kitchens with integrated appliances, separate living room and bathroom – and most also boast en suite facilities to the main bedroom. Prices start from £134,950. Call 01622 691911.

Putney, London

St George is currently marketing Putney Wharf, a luxury development comprising 172 residential apartments on a three-acre brownfield site close to Putney train station. The mixed-use scheme will also, when complete, offer cafés, bars, restaurants and office and retail space, a managed underground car park, electronically operated gates, CCTV for security and a 24-hour concierge. Prices for homes at the 17-storey tower start from £299,950. Call 020 8788 1212.

As 2004 draws to a close, Hotproperty salutes the houses that have stood out in the past year as we announce the winners of the Hotproperty Awards.

Houses were hot in 2004, as developers of all sizes marketed homes that were roomy, flexible and technologically hip. Throughout the capital and the surrounding counties, buyers eagerly pounced on the latest houses as they realised that the market may have slowed somewhat, but people – particularly families – need their space.
The year’s houses were remarkable on a number of levels, and those that most impressed us at Hotproperty are lauded on these next few pages. We recall the best of 2004 as we present the fourth annual Hotproperty Awards for houses.

COMMUNITY   

CALA Homes
CALA Domus, Newhall, Harlow, Essex

CALA Domus makes its second appearance as a Hotproperty award-winner. And with its undeniable combination of ultra-modern city-style accommodation and idyllic countryside location, this collection of homes would never have been anything other than a hit with buyers.

The community aspect is woven into the very fabric of this development. It is apparent in the choice of home types as well as in the provision of shared outdoor space and amenities. The design of the development encourages interaction between residents, which in turn improves security and leads to a feeling of ‘at-homeness’. The care with which the homes are designed extends outside, helping to create a resident-friendly space; even the hidden bin stores show that thought has gone into the attractiveness of the community as a whole.

The homes comprise a collection of 74 apartments, maisonettes and linked and detached houses, as well as duplex and triplex flats in the magnificent Copper Tower. All properties are high-specification and feature contemporary glass façades, colourful rain screen panels, brick-clad frontages and bright interiors, and many also boast stunning views over the surrounding countryside. The natural beauty all around is a big influence on the feel of the scheme – again, this is a crucial aspect of the community spirit. The homes are built to blend in with existing local structures, making CALA Domus itself a respectful part of the wider community of Newhall.

CALA Domus is a unique development, one which welcomes a variety of buyers – and it redefines and reinforces the idea of what it means to be a neighbour. A recent visit to the site showed a development coming into its own, as the finish on the town houses and maisonettes exceeded the promised level of excellence. An unexpected amount of space, both within the homes and outside, is conducive to easy entertaining, informal visits and a quick wave to your neighbour as you go on your way – the cornerstones of community. The good light quality, even in rooms that in traditional homes aren’t known for it, make the everyday mood more friendly, more welcoming.
The development is approximately 70 per cent sold. To get further information on CALA Domus, including the latest prices and availability, contact the sales office on 0845 300 2490 or visit caladomus.co.uk.

DESIGN & INNOVATION

Countryside Maritime
Ventura, St Mary’s Island, Chatham, Kent

St Mary’s Island has become the hub of one of the South East’s most ambitious and outstanding regeneration projects, spearheaded by Countryside Maritime in a joint venture with the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). And this is no mere mega-development; it is a thoughtfully planned collection of homes of all types, with the common theme of simple, colourful design running throughout.

The highly contemporary Ventura joins The Fishing Village within this superb community, providing styles of home that are unique; both breathtaking and restrained, the design uses materials such as glass, steel and cedar wood and bold colours to take the concept of waterside architecture to the next level.
The unique one-, two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses are attracting buyers who appreciate not only sophisticated design but a luxurious allowance of space. With each phase to be released, eager buyers have come forward quickly – and with this level of contemporary chic it is easy to see why.

As with The fishing Village, homes at Ventura offer open-plan interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows. The kitchens are ultra-modern, with black granite worktops, fully integrated appliances and open-plan kitchen/breakfast rooms leading to conservatories (some double height). Galleried landings serve to open out the space inside to create a light and airy atmosphere.
Some of the master bedrooms have been created in vaulted roof spaces with terraces offering magnificent views of the surrounding island towards the River Medway and Upnor Castle. On completion the 150-acre island will contain amenities including a new school, doctor’s surgery and village hall, as well as expansive open spaces and a riverside walk. Approximately 20 per cent of St Mary’s Island is dedicated to open space, including a large belt of parkland with maturing woodland which will be conserved for wildlife.

Houses at Ventura have been designed to offer residents good communication links, including a comprehensive network of footpaths and cycleways and a nearby train station with regular trains to Victoria, both of which encourage alternatives to car use.
One-, two-, three- and four-bedroom properties are currently available, priced between £150,000 and £325,000. to find out more call 0845 071 2071 or visit ventura-chatham.co.uk.

Try Homes

Coombe Hall Park, East Grinstead, West Sussex

Although space is a definite requirement for a growing family, a family home is about far more than just space. With this award we honour the developer that has thought most carefully about the nuances of family life and so provides families with the facilities that they need both within the home and at the surrounding development. The winner of this year’s award goes to Try Homes for its superb Coombe Hall Park, a stunning collection of unique family houses (and apartments) set within seven acres of stunning grounds.

The houses at the development are all different in design but provide the same family-friendly features. Generous kitchens and family rooms reflect the informal lifestyle of modern families, while drawing and dining rooms offer more formal entertainment space for when the kids have gone to bed. Extra rooms, for use for example as a playroom or homework room, combine with the gardens and additional bathrooms (in the five-bedroom Osbourne style house there are four, including the en suites) to ensure that each member of the family can have their own space for work or enjoyment and that in the rushed mornings there won't be rows over who gets ready first!

Specification at Coombe Hall Park is exclusive. Kitchens are fully fitted with a range of high quality integrated stainless steel appliances, including fridge/freezer and dishwasher. Doors are solid wood and surfaces are either granite or timber edge and lit with pelmet lighting. Classic white bathrooms boast a contemporary feel, with vanity units built in to all en suites and main bathrooms. Stylish basins are manufactured by Villeroy & Boch.

Properties at Coombe Hall Park enjoy the benefits of a traditional home alongside all the conveniences needed for modern family life. Internet access is provided as standard, enabling harassed parents to shop online as well as allowing their offspring the necessary resources for studying. BT and TV points are fitted in all bedrooms as well as in the lounge, study, kitchen, family room and conservatory (where applicable).

East Grinstead itself is a pretty, historic Tudor town offering a variety of shopping and entertainment options, including a multi-screen cinema, a vintage steam railway and a range of museums. The main draw however is the surrounding countryside. Located on the fringe of the Sussex Weald, there are outdoor pursuits for all members of the family here, from walks among the flora and fauna of the landscape to bird sanctuaries, fishing, woodland and Lingfield Racecourse.

All houses at Coombe Hall Park are now sold but two apartments remain, priced from £249,950 for one bedroom. Call 01342 410972 for details.

Anna Bowden looks at some new homes developments in the beautiful county of Surrey that offer buyers the whole package.

Surrey is the county of choice for a vast number of reasons, not least because of its beautiful countryside and excellent commuting options. Here we highlight a few Surrey developments that have it all.

Laing Homes has many developments on offer in Surrey, including Queen Elizabeth Park, a village community set in 57 acres of mature parkland in Guildford. Designed to retain existing natural features as well as incorporate new ones, the development provides central village greens, orchards, green play areas for children and cycle paths which wind through the nearby countryside.
Homes are high-specification and come in a wide variety of property types, from apartments to family houses. Prices from £295,000. Call 01483 511013.

An exclusive group of just five bespoke family homes will soon be released by Latchmere Properties in Chobham. Backing onto Chobham Common and accessed via electronically controlled gates, the Shenton Gate development benefits from a tranquil, leafy setting within easy reach of some of Surrey and Berkshire’s finest schools. Homes are individually designed and each benefits from double or triple garage. Prices start from £1.6 million. Call 01306 876006 for details.
Try Homes’ new town houses at Austyns Place are now available using the part-exchange scheme, enabling keen purchasers to move in before Christmas! Features of the new homes include open fireplace in the kitchen, separate dining room and generously sized first floor drawing room.
Austyns Place comprises eight town houses, four refurbished semi-detached homes and two apartments. Prices start from £365,000. Call 020 8786 9218.

For a limited period only KingsOak is offering a £300 per month for three years cashback incentive at Aragon Place in Morden, a stylish collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments and town houses. The former boast views over the playing fields at the back of the development, while the town houses are situated along the tree-lined avenue of Aragon Road. Prices start from £179,995. Call 020 8330 9004 for details.
Barratt has unveiled a stunning new double development in Reigate: The Coppice and The Gables, adjoining projects in West Street occupying the ground on which previously stood three large old houses and their grounds. The Coppice comprises 23 town houses and apartments, while The Gables offers 12 apartments and four large houses which were snapped up on the launch day. For prices and availability visit barratthomes.co.uk.

Demand has been high at Asprey Homes’ 110 development in Esher, and now only three high-specification homes remain, including a luxury penthouse. The developer is currently offering stamp duty paid as well as fitted carpets.
Within walking distance of shops, restaurants and local bars, 110 is in a great cosmopolitan location as well as being within a 30-minute commute of the capital.
For prices call selling agent Knight Frank on 01372 464496.