New Homes - April, 2006

Buckinghamshire’s bustling towns and charming hamlets are a favourite for home buyers. Johnny Turner sees what’s currently available.

With its rolling hills, cosy villages, well-connected commuter towns and its friendly pace, Buckinghamshire has lured a variety of buyer types from London and beyond. New developments offer a range of homes, from starter apartments to large family homes.
Starting in Milton Keynes, Bellway Homes offers a scheme that is ideal for water sports enthusiasts – or for anyone who appreciates the beauty of a canalside location. Broughton MK, situated just off Chaffron Way, is a collection of 234 new homes, including one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-, four- and five-bedroom houses.

With Willen Lake only a three-minute car drive or ten-minute bicycle ride away, water sports-loving residents at Broughton MK will be able to indulge in windsurfing, sailing and water skiing. A tributary of the Grand Union Canal runs by the scheme and Milton Keynes village, with its 12th-century All Saints Church, is only a few minutes away.

The Redway, a network of pedestrian and cycle paths, encircles the development, allowing residents to walk or cycle safely to Willen Lake or the centre of Milton Keynes. To meet the need for cycle storage, garages have been extended to include bicycle racks, while apartment buildings will have cycle areas. Local schools are plentiful and the Kingston Centre is accessible for its Tesco hypermarket, Marks & Spencer, restaurants and leisure facilities.
For rail commuters, regular trains run from Milton Keynes station to London Euston in around 50 minutes. Motorists can reach links to the M1 and A5 within minutes.

Broughton MK is still in the construction stage, and buyers can currently choose from a range of incentives, including five per cent deposit paid, cashback, or stamp duty and legal fees paid. Conditions apply. Call the marketing suite, open daily from 10am to 5pm and until 8pm on Thursday, on 01908 395463.

Also in Milton Keynes, Miller Homes offers Oakhill View, which has a range of homes that will appeal to a variety of buyers, from first-timers to large families. An example is The Chantrey, a three-story town house with four bedrooms, priced from £274,950. It has a large kitchen and breakfast room, separate dining room, living room and separate family room, as well as a utility room. This home is ideal for the growing family in need of increased space. With the Chantrey, too, Miller is offering its very popular part-exchange scheme to qualifying buyers, making it easy to trade up to a new home with lots more room. With this scheme, Miller buys your old home, giving you a guaranteed buyer at a guaranteed price and no estate agents’ fees to pay on completion.

For those in search of lateral living you want, Miller also has a range of two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments at Oakhill View, built to a similar high level of specification as the rest of the development and priced from £164,950. These homes are ideal for first-time buyers – and to give them a money-saving start on the property ladder Miller will also pay the five per cent deposit. These offers are subject to terms and conditions.
Apartments are planned to suit informal, modern lifestyles, with a well-equipped kitchen opening into a dining area and living room. The master bedroom has an en suite shower room as well as fitted wardrobes. Like all the homes at Oakhill View, they have Roca bathrooms, and kitchens with AEG appliances, and are carpeted throughout.
The sales centre at Oakhill View is off Tattenhoe Street to the west of the city and open daily from 10am to 5pm. Call 0845 676 0166.

Redrow’s sought-after development The Cedars, located in Hazlemere near High Wycombe, is finding favour with a range of buyers, including empty-nesters.
Just a short distance from High Wycombe town centre, Redrow is creating a stunning range of one- and two-bedroom apartments – perfect bases from which to enjoy new-found freedom.
Paul Moran, sales director for Redrow Homes (Southern) said: ‘Many people who have purchased a property at The Cedars are older buyers, looking for a home that fits in with their busy lifestyle. They no longer need lots of bedrooms but instead want a low-maintenance home, without compromising on style or quality.’
The Cedars is ideally situated in an established residential area, which provides its residents with all the necessary amenities such as shops, pubs and restaurants, making it ideal for downsizers. With High Wycombe surrounded by beautiful countryside and areas of outstanding natural beauty, The Cedars is also perfect for quiet country walks or bike rides, while London is also within easy commuting distance.

The homes at the Cedars score well on both the security side and with regard to energy efficiency. Each apartment comes with a single parking space included in the price. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment start at £193,950, while two-bedroom apartments are priced from £212,950. Cal the sales consultant on 01494 718347.

In Burnham town centre, another good bet for downsizers is Penn House, a modern development of stylish one- and two-bedroom apartments designed by Bryant Homes exclusively for over-55s. All homes are carpeted and have a fully fitted kitchen with high-quality appliances including oven, microwave, and washer/dryer. Many apartments benefit from an en suite bathroom and some have balconies.

The residents' communal lounge offers a fantastic place in which to relax and entertain friends and family, and the professionally maintained landscaped garden allows residents to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine without the worry of its upkeep. A video entry system offers discreet additional security and a concierge service is also available to welcome guests and deal with residents’ queries. Over half of the apartments have now been sold.
The development offers good access to the M40, M25 and M4, while nearby Beaconsfield train station provides direct train services to London Marylebone.
Prices for a one-bedroom apartment start at £204,950. Call 01628 663958.

At Linden Homes’ Cranwells Meadow development in Farnham Common, 14 homes have already been sold off-plan. With the newly completed show home ready for viewing, the remaining properties should sell just as quickly.
The Cranwells Meadow development benefits from a sought-after village location and is within easy reach of the village centre for local amenities. For commuters, the development has easy access to the A355 and the M4 and M40 motorways.

Helen Todd, sales and marketing director of Linden Homes Chiltern, says, ‘It really is a superb village location, which is why we have had such a fantastic response with homes being reserved even prior to the official launch. Customers are recognising that superior homes in such a sought-after and established residential location are not going to take long to sell and are taking advantage of buying off-plan in order to personalise their new home. The newly opened show home demonstrates the kind of lifestyle available.’
The homes have designer fitted kitchens with natural granite worktops and fully integrated stainless steel appliances by De Dietrich. A choice of floor and wall tiles are also available in the bathrooms, where purchasers will find luxury pristine white sanitaryware and underfloor heating.
Prices for the two-bedroom apartments start at £299,950 while houses are priced from £550,000. Call the sales and marketing suite, open daily from 10am to 5pm, on 01753 646192. Visit lindenhomes.co.uk.

Ashwell Gardens, the KingsOak Thames Valley development in Penn village, is cruising nearing sell-out. Only one two-bedroom apartment remains in the new Alnwick House building, priced at £304,995, while two apartments are left in the refurbished Grade II listed manor house – a one-bedroom at £234,995 and a two-bedroom apartment with a study, available at £404,995. There are also two semi-detached homes remaining, each offering just under 2,000 sq ft of space and priced at £550,995. KingsOak is extending its part-exchange facility on the semi-detached homes and will pay full market value for your present home, subject to certain conditions.

The delightful village is popular with London commuters for its easy access by road and rail. Beaconsfield is the nearest mainline station, while there is also a London Underground link at Amersham. For motorists, Junction 3 of the M40 is nearby at Loudwater. High Wycombe is also just three miles away. For more information please telephone the sales office on 01494 818909.
Work has begun at George Wimpey South Midlands’ brand new lakeside development in the attractive town of Woburn Sands on the border of Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Ideally situated just a mile from the centre of the beautiful Woburn Sands, Parklands will feature a range of two-bedroom apartments and three-, four- and five-bedroom homes.
These new high-quality homes will benefit from a high standard of specification, including gas central heating, double glazing and a fitted kitchen with built-in oven, hob and hood. The development has already attracted a high level of interest from house hunters who have been excited by the prospect of moving to this exciting location in one of the most desirable parts of the county.

Jason Colmer, Sales & Marketing Director for George Wimpey South Midlands, says, ‘Parklands is set to become the flagship development for the region, with a wide range of homes to suit every need, striking architectural features and a stunning setting with an established lake at its heart.’ Buyer interest was obvious, he says, from months before the first of the homes were released for sale. George Wimpey’s easymover programme will offer a range of special incentives on selected properties, including support for first- time buyers as well as those with a house to sell.
Woburn Sands enjoys a unique charm and character and offers a wide variety of everyday amenities, including a large selection of shops, a Post Office, banks, restaurants and traditional village inns. The village also features a medical centre, a dentists’ surgery, a primary and middle school, and a recreation ground.

Woburn Sands is surrounded by attractive woodland and countryside, providing the perfect retreat for those who enjoy the great outdoors, while the fast growing city of Milton Keynes is only six miles away with its wide choice of shopping and leisure facilities. Rail commuters will find the town’s rail station a short walk away, offering regular services to London and the North, while drivers will find the M1 and A5 within easy reach.

The sales centre at Parklands is due to open in the near future. In the meantime, further information on this and other George Wimpey developments is available on 01908 544800.
Banners Homes is selling Willow Court in Gerrards Cross, an exclusive collection of four three-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom penthouse. All of the apartments are built to the highest standards, with spacious living areas, beautifully designed interiors, spacious fitted wardrobes and a lift servicing the upper floors. Ground floor apartments have their own private gardens, while those on the upper levels benefit from landscaped communal gardens, maintained by Banner Homes.

The apartments contain kitchens with black granite work surfaces, under-unit lighting and downlighters and stainless steel integrated appliances. Bedrooms have sizeable fitted wardrobes and bathrooms feature stylish white sanitaryware, heated towel rails, chrome-effect fixtures and recessed down lights. The development has vehicular and pedestrian gates with a telephone entry system, 24-hour access code and remote opening.
Gerrards Cross offers wonderful shopping, leisure and entertainment options. There is a nearby supermarket, as well as a continental food hall, a variety of quality boutiques and other retail shops, not to mention plenty of restaurants and country inns. The town has its own cinema and library, and there are a number of fitness centres and tennis and golf clubs in the surrounding area.

The mainline station runs regular services into London Marylebone in around 30 minutes. The M25, M40 and M4 motorways are also easily accessible. Heathrow airport is approximately 15 miles away, Gatwick approximately 44 miles and Luton approximately 33 miles.
Prices at Willlow Court range from £525,000 to £575,000. For further information contact the sales advisers on 01753 890907.

Also from Banner, the exclusive new Gardener Walk development in Holmer Green has recently been launched. Located in the heart of the Chilterns, Gardener Walk offers the very latest in contemporary living. New homes in such a private location are rare, so prospective buyers are advised to act quickly.

Gardener Walk comprises a collection of just 13 carefully designed two- and four-bedroom homes. Benefiting from rolling chalk hills, lush beech woods and quiet valleys, this is the prefect location for those wishing to take advantage of outdoor life.
The houses at Gardener Walk feature spacious lounges, large kitchens and beautifully designed interiors. The four-bedroom homes feature kitchens with dark granite work surfaces, under-unit lighting and downlighters as well as stainless steel and integrated appliances. Bedrooms one and two have fitted wardrobes, and bathrooms are fitted with stylish white sanitaryware, heated towel rails, chrome fixtures and recessed downlights.

Holmer Green has a good range of shops to cater for everyday needs, while just a short distance away, Amersham, Chesham and Beaconsfield offer a wider range of shopping facilities.
Prices at Gardener Walk currently start at £485,000. Call the selling agents on 01494 715544.
Following on from the success of Bryant Homes' Fairford Leys development in the area, the developer unveils The Square at Grand Central, situated close to Aylesbury railway station. The development will have 90 one- and two bedroom apartments. The emphasis here is on quality and affordability, combined with proximity to local amenities and transport links.
All apartments come with a fully fitted kitchen including an integrated fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washer/dryer. Most apartments have an en suite bathroom and either a patio or balcony.

Bryant Homes' regional sales manager, Donna Beange, said: ‘We expect The Square at Grand Central to attract a great deal of attention from house hunters as Bryant is well known in the area. These apartments will be ideal for first-time buyers or young professionals, as they will be reasonably priced with a view to enabling people to make the first step onto the property ladder. We will also have a first-time buyer package in place to help make the step even easier.
Beange predicts the combination of convenient location and high spec will attract a great deal of buyer interest. ‘We are recommending that buyers register their interest sooner rather than later to make sure they are amongst the first to find out price and build information,’ she says.
For further information on the homes available at The Square at Grand Central call 01296 488111.

The first homes go on sale over the weekend of 22 and 23 April at Kennet Island, St James Homes’ new £200 million urban village in south-west Reading. Proof that this development is set to cause ripples in the local property market can be found in the pre-interest would-be buyers have shown: there have been over 1,000 general enquiries, and more than 100 people have made pre-launch viewing appointments. Also, several have expressed the intention of camping out the night before the launch to ensure they get the pick of the plots. Kennet Island is Reading’s largest ever single-site development and will feature 850 high-quality residential dwellings set around a central piazza, along with commercial properties and leisure facilities. Work is now underway and prices will start at just £130,000. The first 26 homes will be available during launch weekend on a first-come-first-served basis. Call 0845 603 4043 or see kennetisland.co.uk.

Reigate, Surrey

The very last home is available at Barratt’s The Coppice & The Gables, located just minutes from the town centre. The three-bedroom cottage, located in The Coppice, has a large kitchen/dining room, ideal for entertaining. Transport-wise, the home has allocated parking – but with the station just minutes away (Victoria 38 minutes) you have the choice of commutes. Priced at £389,995. Call 01737 246311 for further information. 

Coxheath, Kent

The weekend of 22 and 23 April sees the launch of the exclusive Orchard Place. There are just 14 three- and four-bedroom houses and a single two-bedroom apartment – all in a delightful village setting. The M20 is nearby and Maidstone East station offers trains to Victoria taking less than an hour. Call Fernham Homes on 01622 755388 or selling agents RPC on 01622 691911 or Page & Wells on 01622 625129.

Englefield Green, Surrey

Fircroft in Bagshot Road is an exclusive gated development of 14 luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments and nine desirable three- and four-bedroom homes. The development provides privacy and security and the location has good access to the M25 and M3, as well as Egham station.  Prices range from £239,950 for a two bedroom-apartment to £419,950 for a four-bedroom Thaxted home. Call 01784 435862 for more information.

Camberley, Surrey

Premier Properties launched the Grasmere development last month and already sell-out looms. The ten luxury apartments have American white oak doors, soft carpeting throughout, solid granite kitchen worktops and private landscaped grounds. Prices range from £265,000 for a two-bedroom ground floor apartment to £350,000 for a top-floor apartment with over 1,000 sq ft of living space. Call sole agents Carson & Company on 01276 20804.

Purley, Surrey

Charnleigh Gate is a unique collection of just four luxury five-bedroom detached homes situated in a private gated cul-de-sac just off Russell Hill. Set in spacious landscaped gardens, the high spec includes wiring for home cinema entertainment. Purley is well placed for fast travel into central London or for a quick getaway to the country via the nearby M25 and M23. Prices from £725,000. Call 020 8668 1211.

Chelmsford, Essex

Brookglade Court Homes has created a collection of 12 individual homes specially for over-55s at Little Orchards. Situated in the grounds of an elegant old town house only a mile and a half from the town centre, these homes have been constructed to the highest standard and provide plenty of space. Most of the houses are on two floors, with large living rooms and dining rooms, as well as fitted kitchens with a range of appliances. Each property has an allocated pergola covered car parking space, while in the communal gardens there is a pavilion and a cycle store. An assisted move package is being offered, which means selling agents Savills will appoint an agent for your present home, provide advice on offers, liaise with the solicitors and manage the whole process on your behalf – and, subject to approval, Brookglade Court Homes Ltd will meet the costs. A manager is on-site to help with such tasks as booking flights and taxis, ordering and taking in supermarket deliveries and keeping an eye out when a property’s owners are away. Contact Savills on 01245 293233.

 

Developers are currently offering a range of attractive incentives. Johnny Turner looks at homes for sale with special offers attached.

In the current market, buyers are showing caution, a natural consequence of last year’s somewhat stalled price rises. Although prices are once again seeing healthy upward movement, prospective purchasers are thinking long-term,

The East Village. Dagenham

Prices: from £139,995 for a one bedroom apartment and from £169,995 for a two bedroom apartment – both less a 5% assisted deposit
Contact Higgins Homes: 020 8517 7887 or visit www.higginshomes.co.uk
 
The East Village is a modern development of 179 one and two bedroom apartments.
 
The development is close to Dagenham Heathway tube station (District line). Monument tube station is 15 stops away, providing easy access to central London and the City, and West Ham tube station and its Jubilee Line tube connection is only 7 stops away.
 
The surrounding area includes local shops and a selection of restaurants as well as several primary schools and a doctor’s surgery. Open green space is nearby, with Pondfield Park just metres away.
 
The one bedroom apartments at The East Village are situated on the top floor, providing views of the surrounding area, and many feature balconies at the front and the back of the property. The apartments include designer kitchens featuring stainless steel appliances and include an integrated fridge/freezer and a washer/dryer. A number of the two bedroom apartments also benefit from a balcony and they all include an allocated parking space.
 
Aspex, Finsbury Park, London N4

Prices from: £285,000 for a two bedroom apartment and from £425,000 for a two bedroom penthouse
Contact Higgins Homes: 020 8802 8620 or visit www.higginshomes.co.uk.
 
Aspex is a new Higgins Homes development in Finsbury Park, N4, which comprises 25 two and three bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses. The modern four storey development is set within landscaped communal gardens and leads onto the West Reservoir.
 
The apartments offer contemporary interiors with a range of layouts which have been designed to optimise its space. Each features a patio or balcony and the penthouses have fantastic balconies which ‘wrap-around’ the entire living room.
 
The apartments also feature designer kitchens by Urban Myth, with Smeg appliances including stainless steel oven and gas hob. A fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and dishwasher are also included.
 
Aspex is situated in an ideal location, within walking distance of Manor House tube station (zone two, Piccadilly Line), just five stops from King’s Cross station.
 
Finsbury Park is an ideal location with excellent sporting facilities and within walking distance of Stoke Newington, a unique urban village offering a fantastic selection of shops, restaurants, bars and pubs and the world famous Vortex jazz club. The West Reservoir, which many of the apartments overlook, features a modern aquatics club which offers a range of water sports including canoeing, kayaking and sailing. Also nearby is The Castle, one of London’s premier indoor climbing clubs, which is housed in a former Victorian Gothic-style pumping station.
 
Completion is expected to be in summer 2006.

SHINFIELD PARK

New Leaseback Scheme makes investing a pleasure not a pain

Investing in property is a great idea, as everyone knows, but, for a first-time investor, it can be a little daunting. Thankfully, KingsOak Thames Valley has come up with an ingenious solution which will allow you to invest with confidence.

Buy a showhome at Shinfield Park, KingsOak Thames Valley’s exceptional Reading development, on the special *Leaseback Scheme and you will be able to enjoy all the pleasures of investing with none of the ‘pain’:

‘The *Leaseback Scheme means that we sell a showhome and then rent it back from you for the duration of its life as a showhome’, explained Bob Rutherford, Sales Director for KingsOak Thames Valley. ‘This means that you will get a guaranteed income without having to find a tenant: literally a hassle-free investment. Later, when you take it over, you could rent it out, sell it on, or even live in it yourself.’

Shinfield Park features an exclusive choice of 310 homes, including two-bedroom apartments, on an exciting new development that is already proving popular with young professionals, investors and families, meaning that there is likely to be a rich pool of potential tenants for future rental possibilities or every opportunity to sell the home on again for a healthy price. The Reading area offers easy access to the M3 and M4 motorways, making the town ideal for those who either work in central Reading or in London and other parts of the South East.
The town itself also features a wealth of shopping, entertainment and leisure options, including the famous Oracle shopping centre. As a result of this great location and the KingsOak reputation for excellence in house building, homes at Shinfield Park are likely to become very sought-after.
Prices at Shinfield Park are currently starting at just £219,995 for a two-bedroom apartment. Why not come along now and ask about the *Leaseback Scheme?
For further information, please telephone 01189 751247.
Also from KingsOak, A great opportunity for new investors as KingsOak offers a guaranteed income for a full two years

Would be investors thinking of opting for a superb new home at KingsOak Thames Valley’s exclusive new Roebuck Gardens scheme in Purley can now do so with confidence thanks to a fantastic *7.5% Rental Guarantee which will take the heat of finding a tenant for a full two years.

Thanks to the new *7.5% Rental Guarantee, investor buyers need not worry about finding a tenant, the letting and management costs, void periods or even having to furnish a home to attract a tenant, because this deal covers it all!

‘We are offering investor buyers a special deal which helps them plan for the future and even begin to amass a property portfolio,’ explained Bob Rutherford, Sales Director for KingsOak Thames Valley,  ‘As soon as you complete, we will give you a cheque for *7.5% of the purchase price and then, after the first year, you will get a monthly cheque for the remaining 12 months which equates to another *7.5% of the rental value. After two years you can move in if you wish, or sell the property or find tenants; it’s up to you.’

Roebuck Gardens in Purley on Thames features 10, two-bedroom apartments, and a selection of three and four-bedroom, three-storey townhouses plus four-bedroom detached homes.

The development is within easy reach of the M4 motorway and is also a great option for those who work at the heart of Reading but who wish to return home to a more suburban environment.
For further details, including information on the *7.5% Rental Guarantee please contact the sales office on 01189 415 807. The development is open daily from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
At Village Central in Shepperton, Linden Homes is offering Do you need help with your deposit?

For a limited period and on selected plots only we will pay 5% deposit and stamp duty.

If you want to know more plase give us a call on 01932 229326, alternatively come and see for yourself why 60% are already sold.

George Wimpey South Midlands is offering prospective purchasers a special garden makeover when they buy any brand new home at its Mathison Grange development in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire.

For new reservations, the leading housebuilder will professionally landscape the rear garden and include a top-of-the-range barbeque and stylish patio furniture – worth a fantastic £5,000.

New homes currently available at Mathison Grange comprise the four-bedroom ‘Ashcroft’ and ‘Kent’ starting from £259,995, a five-bedroom ‘Lavenham’ priced at £360,000 and a three-bedroom ‘Quainton’ showhome on the market for £241,995 which comes complete with all contents.

The ‘Ashcroft’, for example, is characterised by a large living room with French doors to the rear garden. The thoughtfully-designed combined kitchen/dining area - with adjoining utility area – also benefits from French doors to the rear garden. A separate dining room, a guest cloakroom, a spacious entrance hallway, and an understairs storage cupboard complete the ground floor accommodation.

Upstairs, the landing leads to four bedrooms, one with en-suite facilities, a family bathroom, an airing cupboard and a second storage cupboard.

In common with all new homes at Mathison Grange, the ‘Ashcroft’ enjoys a high standard specification including central heating, double glazing, and a fitted kitchen with built-in oven, hob and hood.

As an alternative to the garden offer, George Wimpey’s easymover programme offers a range of special incentives on selected properties.

These include support for first time buyers, while customers with a house to sell can reserve their new home and then sit back and relax while the housebuilder finds a buyer for their current property and contributes to the estate agents' fees.

Alternatively, customers can take advantage of the House 2 Home bespoke moving package comprising free UK removal regardless of distance or size of property, full packing and unpacking service and insurance cover.

Incentives can be tailored to homebuyers’ circumstances and are subject to availability. Further details are available from the Sales Executive.

Mathison Grange is located in one of Bletchley’s most prestigious areas, just over half a mile from the town centre which is home to a wide variety of local amenities including high street and independent stores, banks, supermarkets, a wide choice of take-away outlets and a Post Office.

Leisure opportunities are many and varied, including a library, a leisure centre with swimming pool, public houses and restaurants.

Health services and schools for children of all ages are also nearby.

The famous Bletchley Park - where top secret German codes were broken during World War II - is just a stroll from Mathison Grange, while the same distance in the opposite direction are a bar and grill.

Commuters will appreciate that Milton Keynes and the M1 are within easy reach of the development, and that Bletchley rail station, within walking distance of the development, offers regular services to London and the north.

Further information is available by visiting the Sales Centre, located off Church Green Road in Bletchley, and open every day from 11am to 5pm. The Sales Executive can be contacted by calling 01908 643466.

Easy Home Moves & £10,000 To Spend At Superb Selection Centre For Barratt Buyers In Kenley!

Moving home can be one of life’s most stressful experiences but at Highwood@Kenley Park development in Kenley, Barratt is making the move easy by offering home exchange.* Taking all the hassle out of selling and buying a new home, part exchange enables home buyers to ‘trade up’ to a larger, more expensive home without having to arrange their own estate agents, cope with endless viewings or worry about the sale falling through with all the associated fees still to pay.

Part-exchange often proves a relief for those on the property market ‘roller-coaster’; one of Barratt’s Surrey homebuyers, Tina Sexton, experienced ‘the downs’ of the property market when she lost the buyer of her own home, not once but twice!  It wasn’t until Barratt stepped in and offered her part-exchange, that she began to enjoy the ‘ups’ of moving house!

With a beautiful elevated setting and a wide range of fabulous, three, four and five-bedroom homes, Highwood@Kenley Park is attracting visitors from all over Surrey and Kent, particularly those looking to move from Croydon and South East London in search of a better lifestyle.  With the parkland and ancient woodland of Coulsdon Common within easy reach, Highwood@Kenley Park is a ‘country location’ that still enjoys excellent road links with London, the M25 and Gatwick.

For buyers wishing to personalise their new homes, now is the time to buy at Highwood@Kenley Park, not only because properties are at an early stage of construction but because Barratt, celebrating the opening of its superb Choices Centre, is giving buyers a £10,000 voucher to spend on extras and upgrades in the centre.

Recognising that for many buyers, the ability to personalise their new property is one of the most important factors in buying a brand new home, Barratt’s established its new Kenley Choices Centre to enable Barratt buyers from across Southern England to really enjoy making selections and choosing upgrades for their new homes.
With a dazzling array of items on offer, the Choices Centre includes everything a buyer might want: from kitchen cabinets and worksurfaces, to bathroom vanity units, bathroom fittings, floor coverings, wardrobes, fireplaces, curtains and blinds.  A further range of upgrades, including chrome switch and socket plates, security alarms and light fittings can be viewed on a plasma screen.  A dedicated Choices Advisor, based at the Choices Centre, is also on hand to help guide homebuyers through the selection process.

Whilst the specification at Highwood@Kenley Park is of a high standard, including luxury designer kitchens with oven, hob, hood, dishwasher and washer-dryer, many purchasers have appreciated the opportunity to select curtains and carpets to add the finishing touches to their new homes.  As with any new development, choices are available at an early stage of construction so homebuyers are advised to visit Highwood as soon as possible; there’s certainly plenty to view.

For further information on the three, four and five bedroom homes, priced from £329,995, on part-exchange or on the Kenley Choices Centre, please contact the Barratt sales team on 020 8668 9277. Information on all Barratt developments is available on the website at www.barratthomes.co.uk.

LINDEN HOMES TAKES THE STRESS OUT OF PROPERTY CHAINS FOR BUYERS AT DEEPDENE SQUARE

Buyers at Deepdene Square in Dorking who need to sell their existing property before they can purchase a new home, can now hand the responsibility over to Linden Homes with the launch of the new Freeway Plan.

Aimed at taking the stress out of buying a new home, the Freeway Plan is designed to assist with the sale of an existing property in four simple stages.
Having chosen a new property, Linden Homes will inspect the customer’s existing home
Two independent valuations will be arranged before a realistic price is suggested
Once agreed, the customer can go ahead and reserve their new home
An estate agent will be instructed on their behalf to sell the property within a specified timeframe, and should the property remain unsold during that period, Linden will refund the deposit or agree to extend the selling period.

Linden Homes will also cover the cost of the estate agent’s fees if the property is sold within twelve weeks.

Joan Bevan made the most of the scheme when she decided to downsize from her bungalow in Epsom to a two-bedroom apartment at Deepdene Square. She said, ‘I was looking forward to downsizing into a more compact home which would be easier to manage. With the Freeway Plan I was able to simply choose my new home and leave Linden to do all the hard work selling my old one, resulting in a stress-free move. The sale of my bungalow is now well underway and I am looking forward to settling into Deepdene Square very soon.’

Ian Randall, Managing Director of Linden Homes South East adds:
‘Buying a new home should be an enjoyable experience. By offering many great deals on our new build properties we can eliminate the hassle normally associated with moving and relieve the pressures that goes with being in a chain.’
Occupying a convenient location in the sought-after market town of Dorking, Deepdene Square offers a range of contemporary one and two-bedroom apartments contained inside several smart, low-rise apartment buildings. The development is set on broad, tree-lined roads in landscaped surroundings with private parking. Offering a real sense of space, yet within walking distance of the town centre and excellent commuter rail links, Deepdene Square is the ideal spot to enjoy the best of town and country living.
Prices for two-bedroom apartments start at £249,995. For further information call the marketing suite on 01306 887722.

Linden Homes has recognised that many homebuyers who are currently renting may not be able to make such a financial commitment and so is offering a range of subsidised mortgage deals across the Chiltern region.

At its Cassio Mansions development of 2 bedroom apartments in Watford, Fusion development of 1 & 2 bedroom apartments in Enfield, as well as on the 3 bedroom houses available at its Fernleigh and Mode developments in Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire and Isleworth, Middlesex, the company has a range of deals available to make moving easier.

Helen Todd, Sales & Marketing Director for Linden Homes Chiltern, comments: ‘At Cassio Mansions, customers can take advantage of living in this exclusive development with on-site concierge service and leisure facilities from as little as £595 a month for two years with their Management fees paid.* This compares to local rental figures in excess of £900 a month, so it is an exceptional offer for first time buyers in particular.’

She continues: ‘At Fusion in Enfield, buyers can live in a 2 bedroom apartment from just £550 a month for 2 years*, whilst at Fernleigh, a 3 bedroom home is available from £695 a month for 2 years*, and a 3 bedroom home at Mode could be yours for just £795 a month for 2 years.*’

Cassio Mansions is the latest phase at the popular Cassio Metro scheme in Watford and prices for the 2 bedroom apartments are from £249,950. Call the Sales & Marketing Suite open seven days a week from 10am till 5pm to view the Show Apartment on 01923 229229.

Fusion is an exciting scheme of 1 & 2 bedroom apartments on Southbury Road, Enfield, situated close to local amenities and offering excellent transport links. Prices are from £185.000 and for further information call Linden Homes on 01895 827447.

Mode on Spring Grove Road in Isleworth comprises 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom homes with prices for the houses from £384,950 and Part Exchange* also available. For further information or to view the new show home, call Linden on 020 88471297.

Fernleigh on Oxford Road, Stokenchurch is set within easy reach of the M40 and local shops and has three bedroom homes priced from £299,950 with Part Exchange* also available. Call 01494 484801 for further information.

MOVE INTO THE QUADRANT FOR £99

KingsOak Southern Counties offers unbeatable deal allowing buyers to plan ahead with confidence.

Buying a new home in Surrey has just been made more accessible to those who thought that renting was the only option. Now, prospective new homebuyers can make a move to The Quadrant, KingsOak Southern Counties’ superb new scheme of apartments at Addlestone, near Weybridge, for just £99.

For a limited period, selected homes at The Quadrant will be ready to reserve for under £100, meaning that you can stake your claim to the home of your choice and reserve with KingsOak’s assistance with deposit, legal fees and Stamp Duty.
The development features a selection of just 24 very modern, high quality one and two-bedroom apartments and KingsOak Southern Counties believes this fantastic scheme is a definite bonus for buyers enabling buyers to commit themselves to a new home for £99 and plan ahead with confidence.

The Quadrant is ideally located within easy reach of a 24 hour Tesco supermarket, Marks & Spencer and is also close to scenic countryside walks and the canal side. The scheme is also perfect for commuters and is well situated for easy access to the M25, Heathrow Airport and nearby railway stations at Weybridge and West Byfleet connecting with Waterloo in around 40 minutes. With the advantages of secure parking, low maintenance and low running costs the first residents have already moved in at The Quadrant.
Addlestone is a small, attractive Surrey town close to the larger towns of Chertsey, Egham and Weybridge. Nearby Woking also offers convenient shopping, top quality entertainment and sporting action.

For further information on homes at The Quadrant and to view the show apartment, please telephone 01932 842046. Prices start at just £249,995 to £274,995 and the development is open daily, 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.

HOW YOU CAN BUY YOUR DREAM HOME NOW

Springtime is when many people start dreaming of their ideal new home, but sadly for some it remains just a pipedream. That is until now, as Banner Homes has just extended its 80:20 purchase scheme from three years to ten.

Under the scheme, a purchaser pays 80% of the full asking price of their new Banner home now and the balance in up to 10 years’ time. No interest is charged on the loan during this period, offering the potential for significant savings, and enabling the buyer to purchase today what they would otherwise have to wait for years to afford.

Piers Banfield, Group Sales and Marketing Director at Banner Homes explains; ‘Extending the 80:20 scheme to 10 years is fantastic news for potential purchasers. The scheme has already proved hugely popular, but under the extended terms, our customers can make savings on interest for up to 10 years instead of just three.

‘Our research shows that more than 50% of buyers are moving simply to get more space as their family grows. The average family will move at least twice during this period of their lives, paying large sums to the Chancellor each time with stamp duty up to 4% and rising. The beauty of the 80:20 scheme is that buyers can trade up for the space now that they will inevitable need as their family grows in the years to come. The scheme allows buyers to pay only 80% of the price now and still take 100% of the ownership of their new home.

‘The scheme is not however exclusively available to families, it is on offer to all buyers subject to them meeting the basic criteria. The 80:20 scheme has exceptional appeal to investors who can take 100% of the rental income having only paid 80% of the purchase price, completely transforming rental yields.
80:20 is available on selected plots at many Banner Homes’ developments across central and southern England.

The 80:20 scheme is currently available at selected plots at Hermitage Green in Hermitage. A selection of two, three, four and five bedroom homes, Hermitage Green is set back from a tree-lined road and surrounded by open countryside in rural Berkshire. The development has been planned to include a variety of contemporary house styles, from detached five bedroom homes to apartments, in order to suit most ages and lifestyles. 

For full details of the 80:20 scheme, please call Banner Homes on 01628 536200.

Rustington, West Sussex

MJH Executive Homes is selling the second phase at Oceanique in Harsfold Road, a collection of 46 two-bedroom apartments. This phase includes a small selection in Pacific House and Atlantic House, and first completions are due in September. Prices range from £279,995 for a two-bedroom apartment. Contact the sales office, open Thursday to Monday, on 01903 775333 or call MJH Executive Homes on 01798 874612. visit mjh-homes.co.uk.

Leatherhead, Surrey

Beechwood Court is a recently launched Antler Homes development of just ten two-bedroom apartments located on Garlands Road near the town centre. The setting is quiet and mature, yet the M25 is just minutes away. Prices start at £320,000; the development includes two penthouse apartments which are priced at £365,000. The show home at Beechwood Court is now open. Call 01372 450255 for more information.

Binfield, Berkshire

Beech Court, situated in Beehive Road, comprises six impressive two-bedroom apartments ideal for young professionals and first-time buyers. Each kitchens feature bespoke luxury storage units and integrated appliances, including dishwasher, double fridge/freezer and washing machine. The M4 and M3 are nearby and Heathrow is approximately 25 minutes away. Also nearby is Reading’s great shopping and entertainment. A show home is now open. Contact 0118 979 7775 or visit prospect.co.uk.

Crouch End, London

Exclusive apartments have just been launched at The Village, where selling agents Castles are now taking enquiries on all phases. The 18 exclusive two-bedroom apartments and penthouses will suit investors, first-time buyers, north London locals and upgraders. The homes have first-class contemporary features, not to mention an enviable village-y location. Prices start at £305,000. Early enquiries are advised. Call 020 8348 5515 or visit castles-estateagents.co.uk.

Epsom, Surrey

At Park Heights in South Street, Premier Properties is building 12 luxury two-bedroom apartments set in landscaped gardens in an elevated position opposite Rosebery Park. The station is within walking distance, making commuting very straightforward. Each home has an allocated parking space. Prices start at £299,950; the first homes are expected to be ready for completion in June. Call Jackson-Stops & Staff on 0870 780 2377.

Matfield, Kent

Appledore Developments opens the doors to its stunning new Webb’s Orchard development of seven luxury houses and five apartments during the weekend of 22 and 23 April, between 10am and 5pm. Have a look around the stunning show apartment and see for yourself the quality and comfort on offer. Tunbridge Wells is only six miles away. Prices start at £195,000. Call Savills New Homes on 01732 789700 or see appledoredevelopments.co.uk.

There is some impressive regeneration taking place in the towns near Heathrow Airport – and buyers will be impressed at Barratt West London’s contribution

With the development of Heathrow’s Terminal 5 and the massive regeneration in the surrounding towns of Hounslow, Feltham, Brentford and Bedfont, both investment buyers and home movers are looking at west London with a new eye.
New residential, commercial, retail, leisure and community provision are making the area a great proposition in terms of investment; with potential for capital growth. Indeed, the level of interest has been such that the area has been given a new name: London’s Heathrow Quarter. Providing a new collective identity for the towns around Heathrow Airport, London’s Heathrow Quarter is set to become as instantly recognisable as London Docklands or the Thames Gateway.

The benefits of living in London’s Heathrow Quarter are immense; not least outstanding transport links. The M25, M3 and M4 all serve the area and it’s easy to reach Heathrow Airport by public transport: bus, rail, underground or coach service.
Building outstanding new developments and making a vital contribution to the regeneration of town centres in the area, Barratt West London is playing a crucial role in the creation of the new LHQ, working within complex partnerships to bring the vision to reality through large mixed-use schemes like those currently under way in Hounslow, Feltham and Bedfont.
At Reflexion in Hounslow, Barratt West London is creating 334 private apartments as part of the rejuvenation of Hounslow town centre, incorporating 150 affordable homes as well as approximately 150,000 square feet of retail and leisure space to include an Asda supermarket, fitness centre, restaurant and bar facilities.
Featuring striking architecture, the iconic development dominates the skyline. There are plans to create a new pedestrian link to Hounslow Central tube station. Prices for the stunning apartments start from just £213,995 and information is available from the Barratt marketing suite on 020 8572 3668

Scheduled for completion in 2008, Axiom is transforming Feltham town centre with over 800 apartments for private sale and shared ownership, together with new and refurbished retail spaces that will double the current provision, attracting key retailers to the town. A new library is scheduled to open in June and a health centre and hotel are also planned, along with new landscaped plazas and improvements to the High Street parade. Prices at Axiom start at just £199,995. Further information can be obtained by calling the marketing suite on 020 8867 0382.
At Bedfont Lakes, where town meets country, Barratt West London has launched its new Azure development, comprising contemporary one- and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses, many with balconies or terraces and all offering underground parking. The homes are set around a landscaped central courtyard.
Located within easy reach of the thriving commercial centre that is home to some of the world’s leading businesses and the workplace of more than 4,500 people, Azure is proving a popular choice with young professionals. There’s also an award-winning country park with over 200 acres of natural parkland, extensive lakes and woodland and an orienteering course, trim trail, bridle path, children’s playground and a nature trail. Apartments at Azure are priced from £199,995. Get more information from the Barratt marketing suite on 020 8890 1255.

A wide range of prospective buyers, from London commuters to local workers, first-timers to investors, will be interested in an upcoming release in the very well-connected town of Slough. Those keen to tap into what is set to become one of the most exciting new developments in the Thames Valley should make a note to visit Aspects by KingsOak Homes.
This well-located development of high-spec apartments is set to open on 22 April, with the first release of one- and two-bedroom apartments priced from £159,995 and £186,995 respectively.
The central Slough location of Aspects will allow residents access to the excellent shopping, transport and nightlife facilities of the town. For those in need of a bit of nature, Burnham Beeches, an area that is ideal for a quiet stroll, is nearby.
Also, wonderful Windsor is right on your doorstep, offering excellent shopping, historic locations such as Windsor Castle, the lovely Windsor Great Park and further transport connection.
Commuters can drive from Aspects to the heart of London via the M4 – let the train take the strain, as Slough station provides a direct connection to London Paddington in less than half an hour.

Call 01628 629111 or visit kingsoakhomes.co.uk for further information regarding Aspects.
 

What a show home can show you

Increasingly, new developments are sold off-plan, with developers providing show apartments and houses in order to give prospective buyers an idea of the space, specification and style that is on offer. These show homes make it easy to imagine what it would be like to live in a particular environment, and with the following tips from KingsOak Homes buyers will get the most out of their show home visit.

Be prepared

Before you even walk through the show home door, know exactly what it is you’re looking for in a new home. What are the essential features you require, such as number of bedrooms, separate dining room or garage space. It sounds obvious but it’s helpful to have these details clear in your mind before you even contemplate looking at a new property.

Have the facts

Make sure you know what’s included and what is not. Ask the house builder for a specification list to help you identify the elements that your new home will have. Certain items within the show home such as fireplaces and some appliances may be optional extras. A reputable house builder will make you aware of these things from the outset.

Make the most of the negotiator

As well as taking a tour by yourself, ask the sales negotiator to show you around. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure you get the answers you need. They’re there to help you so make the most of their knowledge about this particular development and the house builder generally.

Evaluate the space

Look at the size of the furniture. Check out how many chairs are seated around the dining room table, for instance: would it accommodate your family? Try hard to imagine your own possessions in place of those in the show home – even take a tape measure and write down sizes so that you can compare them with your own furniture when you get home.

The bricks and mortar

Try to look beyond the gloss and ask questions about the more basic aspects of the home, such as how expensive it will be to heat. Ask the negotiator about the SAP rating, a standard by which a home’s energy efficiency is judged. Are the windows double glazed? Does the house have energy-efficient central heating? Are the items included, such as appliances, of a good-quality brand? Are the pipes sufficiently insulated? Also, what will the garden look like? And what scope is there to choose finishes such as tiles and work surfaces?

Above all, make sure you ask questions. A home is the largest single purchase most of us will ever make, so you owe it to yourself to make your show home visit as fruitful as possible.

KingsOak Homes has a wide range of high-quality properties throughout southern England. Visit kingsoakhomes.co.uk to find out more.

The current crop of newly built homes in Hertfordshire are well worth a look, finds Johnny Turner

Hertfordshire is a county with a lot to offer – pleasant countryside, well-connected market towns, good schools and fine property. There are currently a number of winning developments that are convincing both Herts natives and incomers that this region is on the up.
Barratt is showing its green credentials at its newly released mixed-use development on the former site of the British Aerospace factory in Hatfield. Equinox will generate its own heat and electricity and is set to play a major part in the regeneration of Hatfield.
The residential element at Equinox comprises 267 homes, both private and affordable, with an Eco-rating of ‘Good’. There will also be a medical centre, a 115 place nursery, a Sanctuary Housing Association nursing home, 35,500 square feet of bar, restaurant and retail space, a 120 bed hotel, a public house and a purpose-built bus interchange.
What makes Equinox stand head and shoulders above other mixed-use schemes of this size is that in delivering a sustainable community, it has also addressed important environmental issues, such as carbon savings, with an innovative on-site centralised heat and electricity network.

The technology used will be Combined Heat and Power (CHP) provided by Utilicom, whereby an engine is installed to produce the majority of the electricity for the development, with the waste heat from this unit fed into the heating/hot water network. This approach overcomes the enormous wastage normally associated with large, inefficient power stations and the huge losses that occur in the National Grid. The CHP unit is backed up by conventional boilers and the grid, to give a high security of supply, and will provide more than 65% of the energy required by the Equinox development.
Glyn Hopping, managing director at Barratt North London says: ‘Equinox is not only addressing the high demand for one and two bedroom apartments in Hatfield, it also includes a lifestyle element, with the retail and leisure areas providing the infrastructure to support a vibrant and popular place to live. Sales of the new apartments have been going well since their recent launch; prospective buyers seem to appreciate we are building such an innovative, environmentally friendly development.’

Equinox offers a choice of contemporary apartment styles, many of which have balconies. Smart designer kitchens sport integrated stainless steel appliances and modern technology requirements have been catered for in all bedrooms and living rooms, with these fitted with digital satellite TV connections. All master bedrooms include their own shower room. Every apartment has a video/audio entry-phone system and allocated private parking.
The development is located conveniently near to the University of Hertfordshire and to the famous Galleria Outlet Centre, which has more than 60 stores and a cinema complex. For sports enthusiasts, the Next Generation Health and Fitness Club, one of largest gyms in Europe, is housed in the listed Hatfield Aerodrome Hanger, next door to Equinox; Barratt is offering each buyer a year’s free membership.

Prices for one-bedroom apartments at Equinox start from £165,000 and two bedroom apartments start at £190,000. For further details, telephone the sales and marketing suite on 01707 267153, which is open between 10am and 6pm from Thursday to Sunday and between 2pm and 6pm on Mondays.

Adam and Tricia Tonkin, their two sons Luke and Toby and their daughter Sophie recently moved home to the award-winning four-bedroom detached gatehouse at Twigden’s Homes’ impressive Victorian-style Fairfield Park development. Set in 168 acres of parkland in Stotfold, just across the Bedfordshire border, a consortium of developers are together providing over 900 new homes here. As Tricia says: ‘We fell in love with the gatehouse as soon as we saw it. It is very, very special and I still can’t quite believe we are now living here!’
Initially the Tonkin family had had no intention of moving home! As Tricia explains: ‘We had tried to sell our house, but the sale kept falling through, which was extremely stressful. We therefore decided to stay where we were and had just spent quite a lot of money on landscaping and new furniture – but then we saw an ad for ‘Fairfield Park’ and decided to take a look at it. What initially attracted us is the fact that the homes here are all very individual with lots of character. It would be easy to believe that some of them here have been here for quite a long time.’

Having seen the development once, they decided to go back for a second look. This time they visited the gatehouse show house, which was for sale. Tricia says: ‘As soon as we saw it we knew that this was where we wanted to live.’ However, this time round they weren’t taking any chances on the sale of their house falling through. Instead they took advantage of Twigden’s part-exchange scheme, which gave them a guaranteed buyer and they were able to plan their moving in date. ‘It was wonderful not to have all that pressure and worry’, explained Tricia. About a month later they were in their new home.
At Fairfield Park, there really is something for everyone. Whether you choose to buy a two-bedroom or a five-bedroom house, you can rest assured that all of Twigden’s homes at ‘Fairfield Park’ benefit from the same level of care and attention to detail. Whilst the development itself has been designed to replicate an urban Victorian landscape, Twigden are offering a choice of Victorian or contemporary interiors according to the house design. This gives purchasers the best of both worlds depending on their individual taste.
While Victorian features dominate at Fairfield Park, modern facilities have been carefully integrated into the scheme and will include a community centre, a convenience store, tennis courts, trim trails and play areas in addition to the existing cricket and bowls amenities which have club membership facilities.

Purchasers can currently choose from two-bedroom houses at £229,995, three-bedroom houses from £289,995, and five-bedroom houses from £544,995. A choice of four-bedroom houses will be available when the next phase of development is launched.
Twigden have won many awards for the new homes at ‘Fairfield Park’, the most recent being the prestigious gold award for ‘Best Development’ at The Daily Telegraph What House? Magazine awards 2005. At the same awards the imposing gatehouse show house, now home of the Tonkin family, won the silver award for Best House.
Three fully-furnished show homes at Fairfield Park are open seven days a week from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 pm whilst a detailed scale model enables purchasers to envisage how this attractive development will look on completion. For further information please contact the site sales team on 01462 684687.

For details of all Twigden’s developments visit twigdenhomes.co.uk
In Harpenden, Bryant at Hatching Green, the greatly anticipated collection of two bedroom apartments and three, four, and five bedroom luxury homes in Harpenden, is due to launch in May.
The exclusive development from leading house builder Bryant Homes is set within the grounds of Rothamsted Manor, on the edge of Rothamsted Park. It will provide homebuyers with unique and luxurious 'barn' style homes in fantastic surroundings, close to local amenities and transport links.
Bryant Homes' Regional Sales Manager, Heather Holl, said, ‘Bryant at Hatching Green is a development of exceptional quality and is ideally suited for couples, families or those looking for a home in a secluded setting. The prestigious area, coupled with the picturesque scenery and varied selection of properties, will make Hatching Green highly desirable.
 ‘We've already had a great deal of interest from prospective purchasers eagerly awaiting the first release of properties, so with this in mind I'd recommend that buyers act now and register their interest to make sure they are among the first to receive an invitation to our exclusive launch where price and build information will be released.’
Ideal for commuters, Bryant at Hatching Green is situated just one mile from the local station that provides transport to central London in around 25 minutes. There is also good access to regional motorway networks, and a fine selection of local schools and amenities in the area.
For more information on the Bryant at Hatching Green development call 01206 578492 alternatively log on to bryant.co.uk.

Higgins Homes’ new development, Rivière, in Hertford, Hertfordshire boasts nearly every one of these attributes on its doorstep, and as a result has attracted many property investors and private purchasers. Rivière is located on the banks of the River Lea and comprises 78 luxury one and two bedroom apartments and penthouses.
Tony Yianni, who owns a north-London based brickwork company called Winchmore Brickwork Ltd, has recently added two apartments at Rivière to his existing property portfolio of more than ten properties within the Hertfordshire area. He explains: ‘Hertford has a lot to offer in terms of location and lifestyle and it’s an obvious choice for people looking to move out of London but who want to be within easy commuting distance. I chose to invest in Rivière largely due to its proximity to the station and the town, and also for its spectacular riverside position which is unrivalled by other developments in the area.’

Most of the Rivière apartments feature a private balcony or roof terrace offering stunning views of the river, and an electronically accessed underground car park provides secure, allocated parking for each apartment. There is a range of floor layouts and the apartments feature modern, designer inspired interiors including fully-fitted Urban Myth kitchens, complete with Smeg integrated appliances and fitted wardrobes to the master bedroom.
The development is set within landscaped communal grounds and boasts spectacular views of the River Lea and surrounding countryside. The charming town of Hertford is approximately one mile from Rivière along the river’s leafy tow path, offering a wide selection of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. Two major supermarkets are also close by as well as a large fitness club with swimming pool, tennis courts and a bowling green.
Hertford East, a charming listed station, is less than 200 metres from the development and offers a regular service to London Liverpool Street station in just 48 minutes.
First completions are expected June 2006. The show apartment is launching Saturday 22 April. Prices start from £245,000 for a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment. For sales enquiries, contact Higgins Homes 01992 503600.

Set in over 72 acres of listed woodland on the outskirts of St Albans, The Arboretum consists of 545 homes, comprising new and refurbished one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and three-, four- and five-bedroom town houses. All of the properties boast the high quality of design that is synonymous with Crest Nicholson homes.                                   
The homes and apartments at The Arboretum offer well proportioned, light filled interiors that provide all of the comforts of modern living. The attention to detail that is apparent in the refurbished and new-build external features have been replicated throughout the interiors of the houses and apartments.
Crest Nicholson has ensured that each property at The Arboretum benefits from private space, and the homes are interspersed among acres of mature woodland and leafy courtyards offering peaceful settings for romantic strolls.

The Arboretum is well placed for both City and country, surrounded by beautiful countryside and yet only 20 minutes from the City of London by train. The M25 is a short drive away which is great for getting into or away from the capital.
Just under 4 miles away from St Albans train station, peak time Thameslink trains take around 20 minutes to travel direct into Kings Cross. As well as providing connections to the London Underground, the Thameslink service also offers direct trains to Moorgate, London Bridge and Luton and Gatwick airports – ideal for work and leisure.

The homes at The Arboretum feature fully fitted kitchens with a comprehensive range of Bosch appliances in stainless steel, including an oven and stainless steel hood/extractor or canopy. The bathrooms include fully fitted Villeroy & Boch sanitary ware in white, complemented by Hansgrohe taps and fittings, together with a choice of stylish ceramic wall tiles.
Currently at The Arboretum, prices for two-bedroom refurbished apartments start at £369,950 and the two, three and four bedroom houses are priced from £274,950. For further information please contact the sales and marketing suite which is open seven days a week from 10am-5pm, or Tel: 01727 820730 or visit the-arboretum.com

Today’s developers are creating a modern version of the classic town house design. Johnny Turner sees what’s available.

Today’s home buyer is looking for modern, spacious and flexible accommodation, and town houses are the answer to many a prospective buyer’s prayers. From its roots in the still-popular Georgian architecture, the town house is characterised by elegance in layout and generosity of space. And the town houses that are now being built take these principles and give them a useful 21st-century spin.
At Castle Mews in popular Weybridge, Antler Homes provides ten Georgian-style town houses in a private cul-de-sac within the leafy Oatlands area. Castle Mews comprises just six four-bedroom homes and four three-bedroom homes. The properties are designed in an appealing traditional style, with all of the elegant elements of Georgian architecture, such as white render and traditional brick work. Some also have integral garages.

Inside, the homes are equally impressive, with modern clean lines and attention to detail. There are luxury fitted kitchens with granite worktops, integrated fridge-freezers, microwaves and dishwashers. For flexibility and convenience, each home also offers a cabling infrastructure that allows for computer and telephone networking, as well as the ultimate in entertainment systems.
Prices at Castle Mews start from £439,950 for a three-bedroom home. For further information call Antler Homes on 01932 857857.

In the Harmans Water district of Bracknell, the new four-bedroom town houses in are exceptional on every level. Built by Phoenix Homes & Development Ltd, Broad Terrace is an individual development of four superb homes built to an exacting standard. The luxurious properties are within easy reach of Bracknell’s local amenities and transport links.

Designed specifically to take full advantage of the three-storey layout, each property boasts a generous 21ft kitchen/dining/family room, which opens out onto an open-plan conservatory. Flexible and practical, this room forms the heart of the home. The kitchen area is fitted with a comprehensive range of storage units as well as a built-in oven with hob, while the conservatory provides an ideal entertaining space. A study, cloakroom and integral garage complete the ground floor.         
Each house benefits from a first floor living room with feature fireplace, French doors and Juliet balcony. The main bathroom is also located on this level and features a contemporary three-piece suite, heated towel rails and tiled flooring. The bedrooms are situated across the upper two floors, while the master and second bedrooms enjoy en-suite facilities and built-in wardrobes.

For those who purchase early, there is the added opportunity to customise the interior to your own personal taste using Phoenix Homes’ bespoke service. Depending on the stage of construction, buyers are offered their choice of everything from the colour of walls to more integral options such as a kitchen or bathroom suite. Each property is fitted with a security alarm system and mains-wired smoke alarms to all floors.
Situated a mile to the east of the town centre, Broad Terrace is in walking distance of Bracknell’s mainline train station and within easy reach of the M4 and M3 motorways. Leisure facilities in the area include a cinema, swimming pool, bowling alley and retail park. For an even wider choice of shops and entertainment, Windsor and Reading are also nearby.     
The homes at Broad Terrace are priced at £325,000. Contact Prospect’s New Homes department on 0118 979 7775.

Bovis Homes has re-designed its popular three storey town house to reflect the changing lifestyles of its customers. Research conducted by Bovis revealed that today’s customers demand flexibility of living space and practicality of design. The Portman, an innovative three-bedroom property with open-plan features, has been developed as a result.
Keith Pye, group architectural director at Bovis Homes, says, ‘In my experience, the layout of traditional three-storey town house properties can often be impractical and rigid, with little flexibility in usage of living space. The new Portman design aims to address this via the concept of open-plan living, comprising large interlinking kitchen, dining area and family area with patio doors leading out into the garden.’

The new design is popular with families with young children, as parents can keep a close eye on their children from any space on the ground floor, as well as prepare and eat meals together in the same area. The new design also makes the downstairs space ideal for guests. On the first floor, the accommodation is perfect for parents, with a sitting room and master bedroom with en suite and fitted wardrobes, while on the second floor there are two further bedrooms, one with fitted wardrobes, and a separate family bathroom. This layout allows each member of the family to have their own space.
Other practical changes in the town house design include a conveniently located ground floor cloakroom, providing toilet facilities on each level, which is unusual in traditional town houses. The Portman also encompasses a new straight staircase, which facilitates easy access for furniture to the first floor.
Bovis Homes offers a range of home designs throughout the South East. For further information call 01474 876200 or visit bovishomes.co.uk.

The four-bedroom Kent design available at George Wimpey South Midlands’ Mathison Grange development in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, presents buyers with the perfect town house property.
The Kent offers flexible and attractive accommodation over three storeys and features a thoughtfully designed kitchen and spacious combined family room/dining area, which offers a contemporary open plan living space with French doors to the rear garden. A separate entrance hallway, a guest cloakroom and a useful storage cupboard complete the ground floor accommodation.

Upstairs, the landing leads to a large lounge and the master bedroom with en-suite facilities. On the top floor there are three further bedrooms, one with en-suite, a family bathroom and an airing cupboard.
Like all new homes at Mathison Grange, the Kent benefits from a high standard specification including central heating, double glazing, and a fitted kitchen with built-in oven, hob and hood.
Mathison Grange is located in one of Bletchley’s most prestigious areas, just over half a mile from the town centre which is home to a wide variety of local amenities including high street and independent stores, banks, supermarkets, a Post Office, and a library.

The Kent design is currently available priced from £259,995. Visit the sales centre, which is located off Church Green Road in Bletchley and open daily from 11am to 5pm. Call  01908 643466.

Barratt Homes has seen an increasing number of home buyers moving out of London in search of better value and an improved lifestyle. That Kent is their destination of choice is no surprise, as it offers a wonderful combination of rolling countryside, dramatic coastline, historic houses and thriving town centres. Barratt Kent is currently offering a wide range of properties, designed to appeal to an equally wide range of purchasers.
Spectrum, located in Tovil near Maidstone, has proved such a success that only four three- and four-bedroom town houses remain available. The houses, which feature cottage-style elevations and incorporate traditional materials, are set around a landscaped square off Farley Hill, within easy reach of Maidstone town centre, the 450-acre Mote Park and the motorway network. The town houses are priced from just £244,995.
Maidstone is also the home of Barratt’s fabulous new Riverside Plaza, a development of contemporary apartments and houses, many of which provide views of the River Medway. The development, just a short distance from the town centre, will have its own exclusive fitness suite. Prices for the two-bedroom apartments range from £209,995 to £288,995. Barratt Kent is also registering interest in the forthcoming one-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom houses.
At Connaught Park in Tunbridge Wells, a development combining traditional-style houses and apartments have been created in a beautiful wooded setting approximately a mile from the town centre. A stream meanders through Connnaught Park, which has been designed to make the most of the green open space. The development is crossed by a network of cycleways and footpaths. The rail journey from nearby High Brooms Station to London takes approximately 50 minutes. Currently a range of apartments is available. Prices start at £177,500 for a one-bedroom apartment and £229,995 for a two-bedroom apartment. Guide prices for the houses are expected to start at £269,995 for a three-bedroom house and £364,995 for a four-bedroom house.
Green open space is a feature of Heron Fields, a development of one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom houses located in a popular residential area in Gravesend. One-bedroom apartments are priced from just £140,000, while two-bedroom apartments are priced from £170,000 and three-bedroom apartments start at £185,000. Three-bedroom town houses start at £249,995.

Work is now underway at one of Barratt’s latest developments, The Orchard@Eden Village, near Sittingbourne. Eden Village is being developed by Barratt in conjunction with other major house builders and the 62 new Barratt homes will include two-bedroom apartments and three-, four- and five-bedroom houses. The development, which is ideally situated for a number of excellent local schools, is already attracting interest from families and first-time buyers.
Sittingbourne has good rail links, with the journey time to London Victoria of approximately one hour. Prices at The Orchard@Eden Village range from £153,995 for a one-bedroom apartment to £415,995 for a five-bedroom house.

For information on any of these developments by Barratt Kent call 01959 568400 or visit barratthomes.co.uk.

Buyers with an eye to the coastline will want to have a look at these.

Meanwhile, as buyers snap up the last of Chapel Place, a new phase at The Garrison, called The Greens, is set to launch imminently. Further information on Chapel Place, The Greens and all available homes within The Garrison is available by contacting 01702 290232 or visiting gladedale.co.uk.
The vibrant community of Wivenhoe is set to welcome Cook's Shipyard, a Bryant Homes development which is due to launch at the end of this month. The regeneration of the former shipyard will result in a collection of 44 apartments and 34 three-, four- and five-bedroom homes.

Waterfront properties will have views of the River Colne and across to the hamlet in Fingringhoe, while other properties will enjoy views over freshwater marshes and countryside.
Natural materials will be carefully selected from a palette of local options to complement the bustling village of Wivenhoe and the architecture has been sympathetically designed to enhance the surrounding conservation area. A wet dock and commercial units, including shops and galleries, are also planned.
Sara Stanhope, regional sales manager for Bryant Homes, said: ‘We are regenerating and transforming what has been a derelict shipyard for many years into a fantastic development in keeping with the typical style and tradition of properties in the area. This development will give house hunters the opportunity to purchase a range of properties in a highly desirable location.’
The development is ideal for commuters, being only a short walk from the local train station, which provides regular services to central London in around one hour. There is good access to the region’s motorway networks, and for those travelling further a field Stansted airport is under an hour away by car.

There is a good selection of local amenities available in Wivenhoe, while nearby Colchester provides an even wider choice of activities with a host of shopping centres, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. The development is surrounded by some of the county's best schools, and Essex University is only a short drive away.
For more information about Cook's Shipyard call Bryant Homes Anglia on 0 1638 665036.

Valley Park, Bovis Homes’ stunning new development of 38 four- and five-bedroom homes at Dovercourt, Harwich, has been built close to public open space just minutes from majestic cliffs and a Blue Flag sandy beach.
Valley Park is a development of executive homes incorporating 11 different house types featuring good sized gardens close to landscaped public open space. The houses contain fully fitted kitchens, with range cookers to larger homes, ceramic flooring, fitted wardrobes to the bedrooms and extensive use of downlighters. Some properties have a bonus room in the roof, and all purchasers who buy early can chose their own kitchens units and bathroom tiling from the extensive Bovis Homes range.
Valley Park is located in Dovercourt, Harwich, just 30 minutes by rail to Colchester and Ipswich and an hour and a half to London via Manningtree. The development is close to the A120 and A12. Harwich has good shopping and leisure facilities and numerous historic maritime buildings.

Prices at Valley Park start from £219,950. For further information please contact the sales manager on 0845 2605189 or visit the website bovishomes.co.uk.

Developers are getting wise to the green message as they present homes that help the local area.

Planning and following through the creation of a new development is a complex business. And these days more is expected than a perfunctory nod to the wellbeing of the locale in which the homes are going up. Indeed, there are a number of very environmentally friendly schemes currently on the market.
With Aspex, located in Finsbury Park, London, Higgins Homes has demonstrated the benefits that new homes can bring to an area, aesthetically and culturally. Aspex is a contemporary collection of 25 two and three bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses. The development comprises two buildings, one of which houses a former run-down synagogue which was demolished and re-built as part of the development. It has now been transformed into a modern venue which is an integral part of the area.
Previously, the site contained the former synagogue and an old storage block covered in graffiti, and a large tarmac area which was overgrown with weeds. Bespoke developer Higgins Homes has completely transformed the entire site into two highly modern four-storey apartment buildings which are set within landscaped communal gardens adjacent to the West Reservoir.

‘There was huge potential to create something really special on the site, and the location of Aspex was deliberately chosen for its views and central location,’ comments Jeremy Marcus, sales and marketing director of Higgins Homes. ‘The area has been earmarked for regeneration and we believe that Aspex is at the forefront of this transformation.’

The apartments offer contemporary interiors with a range of layouts which have been designed to optimise its space. Completion is expected this summer.
All apartments feature a patio or balcony and the penthouses have fantastic balconies which wrap around the entire living room. Each apartment features designer kitchens by Urban Myth, with Smeg appliances including stainless steel oven and gas hob. A fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and dishwasher are also included.
Finsbury Park is an ideal location with excellent sporting, entertainment and transport facilities. And Stoke Newington, a unique urban village with a fantastic selection of shops, restaurants, bars and pubs, is within walking distance. The West Reservoir, which many of the apartments overlook, features a modern aquatics club which offers a range of watersports including canoeing, kayaking and sailing. Also nearby is The Castle, one of London’s premier indoor climbing clubs, which is housed in a former Victorian Gothic-style pumping station.

Manor House tube station is within walking distance, putting commuters within just five stops of King’s Cross. Prices start from £285,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and £425,000 for a two-bedroom penthouse – less a five per cent assisted deposit. Contact Higgins Homes on telephone: 020 8802 8620 or visit higginshomes.co.uk.

One area that is seeing the benefit of a well-thought-out environmental policy is the Medway Towns. And it is in Maidstone that Gillcrest Homes is showing that a scheme with good green credentials can be sexy!
At 10, located in the heart of this vibrant town, buyers will find a smart, stylish and technologically advanced set of just ten two-bedroom apartments. The show home will give prospective buyers a good idea of what forward-thinking design and high spec can do to create an enviable lifestyle. The fact that the homes are also extremely energy-efficient adds an attractive extra dimension.

10 was designed by the renowned practice ctmarchitects, who received a top award at the prestigious Kent Design Awards for their commitment to innovative and sustainable design practices.
The development features an innovative under floor heating and cooling system that is approximately 25 per cent more efficient than a conventional heating system. Homes offer the very latest in terms of internal design layout, quality fitted kitchens, and sparkling, contemporary bathrooms.
Each apartment has a secure car parking space and benefits from the use of the spectacular communal rooftop garden, which allows residents panoramic views over the surrounding area as well as a valuable external space to enjoy. Some flats also boast a private balcony.

The development is situated within walking distance of Maidstone’s town centre with its variety of shops, bars, restaurants, sports facilities and nightlife, not to mention its convenient – and very green – ease of access to trains to London and elsewhere.
Prices for two-bedroom apartments start at £179,995, while penthouses start from £189,995. For more information and a chance to visit the show apartment contact Ward and Partners on 01622 683737 or Regal Estates on 01622 755558.

Fairview New Homes offers a wonderful collection of homes that demonstrate the lasting improvement that can be effected by the clever reuse of a historic structure. Its Ovaltine Apartments at Grand Union Gardens in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire will be distinguished by the art deco façade of the former Ovaltine factory on the banks of the Grand Union Canal. Here a truly impressive green project is taking place, in which a wonderful 1913 structure is saved and desperately needed new homes are provided – the essence of the green ethos.

The latest phase to be released comprises one- and two-bedroom apartments, including a third-floor apartment and a fourth-floor apartment that will provide extensive terraces overlooking the canal to the weSt The latter apartment is very spacious and will benefit from a wrap-around terrace on three sides, accessible from the main bedroom via French windows from the main bedroom and the open-plan kitchen/living/dining area. A stunning, light and airy home for a lucky buyer.
Commuters are very well served by the Ovaltine Apartments, as Kings Langley station is only a few minutes’ walk away, providing regular services to London Euston that take less than half an hour. This means residents will be able to move at will between the fresh air of the countryside and the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.
One-bedroom apartments start at £184,995, while two-bedroom apartments are priced from £229,995. Four- and five-bedroom town houses are also available at the adjacent Grand Union Gardens, priced from £334,995. Call 01923 268921 or see fairview.co.uk.

Persimmon Homes Essex is designing its Bloomsbury Mews development in Colchester as an environmentally friendly blueprint for future developments in the region. From purchase, the development has been carefully designed. The location was chosen for its proximity to Colchester railway station, which Persimmon is hoping will encourage its residents to opt for public transport and cycling instead of the car. In addition, the installation of bike sheds and cycleways similarly encourage eco-friendly transport.
The landscape at the development reflects a wealth of expertise, nurtured by a team of landscape architects, arboriculturists and ecologists. Residents will benefit from wide belts of woodland, several mature oak trees and quintessential English hedges, ensuring that the public space at the development is a breath of fresh air, while each quarter of the development will be linked through landscaped walks and paths.

A grassland area is to be established as a wildlife reserve and country walk area, and Persimmon is also proud to announce existing birds and wildlife on the land are to be protected while the landscape has been designed to encourage ecological diversity.
Adrian Garrood, sales manager for Persimmon Homes Essex, comments: ‘Our strapline for this development is ‘More than just an address’ – simply because of the amount of thought, planning and care that has gone into the design.

‘At Persimmon we realise we need to act now to save our planet for future generations, and we hope to implement the developments made on-site at Bloomsbury Mews, at further schemes in the future.’
Persimmon Homes Essex has been lauded for its green credentials before; it was the winner of the Gold Environmental/Wildlife Garden award at the New Homes Garden Awards 2005 for its Grove Park development in Tiptree.
Bloomsbury Mews is the first of four phases at New Braiswick Park, each of which will boast its own unique identity and character, drawing on ensuring styles from the past, reinterpreted with flair and attention to 21st-century living. Each phase will be themed in accordance with the environment, and varying styles of build will feature in each phase, with plants, trees and even lampposts fitting the theme. All properties at the development are bespoke designs by architects Melville Dunbar.
New Braiswick Park will eventually comprise over 700 units to suit buyers from across the spectrum, from one- and two-bedroom apartments to three-, four- and five-bedroom detached houses.
Prices currently start from £151,950. Contact the marketing suite, open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm, on 01206 845903.

St James Homes is an award-winning, design conscious, creative and sustainable developer with a record of culturally successful and diverse projects. The developer transforms former Thames Water sites and other land into sustainable and attractive developments.
Its latest development, Kennet Island, is currently underway in Reading. The scheme, which involves the complete regeneration of Manor Farm adjacent to the A33, will be the largest new private sector residential community ever built in this major town.
A number of environmentally friendly devices and ideas are now making their way into the property sector, and St James are keen to incorporate these features into real homes rather than just creating a one-off showcase.

St James Homes is creating a 'demonstration unit' at the 850-unit Kennet Island site, which will show buyers a range of possibilities. The development, which will be the largest new private sector residential community ever built in the town, will incorporate a number of energy-saving features in the Enviro-home, including some which are believed to be the first to ever be in use in the UK. These include waste pipe heat-exchanger ‘Powerpipe’ and the latest technology roof tiles, which are used to generate electricity.

 Eco-planting, grey water systems and solar heating are also being included in the Enviro-home. These will provide an interactive visitor experience to illustrate the effects of global warming and natural resource usage, as well as ways that our homes can be designed to generate lower carbon emissions.
St James will be using the Enviro home at Kennet Island to evaluate the features for future use across their developments. Find out more about Kennet Island by calling 0845 603 4043.

Greenwich, London

The Selection is a new development that includes one- and two-bedroom apartments plus two-bedroom duplexes and three-bedroom houses. All incorporate luxurious, spacious living with stylish interiors in neutral colours and are very low-maintenance. Features include electric under-floor heating, balconies or private patios gardens/ terraces to selected apartments and interior designed communal areas with contemporary fittings. The interior features such as chrome ironmongery and a built-in wardrobe to the master bedroom ensure space is maximised and the Tilo Hobo hardwood veneer flooring in the hallway and living area create a modern and clean cut environment. The kitchens, designed by Lemon Grass, include an integrated Neff stainless steel single electric oven, ceramic hob, extractor hood, stainless steel sink with mixer taps and Norplan flooring. Security is top-of-the-range with security locks on entrance doors and windows, video door entry system, CCTV system and mains-operated smoke detector with battery back-up. Guide prices range from £180,000 to £350,000. Contact Knight Frank on 020 7473 6820 or Felicity J Lord on 020 8293 8555.

Romford, Essex

Moody Homes has beautiful traditionally built three-bedroom detached and semi-detached homes in good sized plots. Each home has a garage and uPVC windows. Fitted kitchens include oven and hob, and the master bedroom has an en suite. The show home is open daily from 10am to 4.30pm. Prices start at £249 950. Call 01708 733268 or 01277 354222 for further details and an appointment to view.

Maidstone, Kent

Off-plan reservations are being taken at Bermac Properties’ forthcoming Iconica scheme, situated on Knightrider Street. The 24 contemporary-style two-bedroom apartments offer generous living accommodation in a variety of designs, and allocated parking is included with each home. Completion is expected in September. To register your interest contact the selling agents RPC Land & New Homes 01622 691911 or Page & Wells on 01622 756703. Visit bermacproperties.co.uk.

Walthamstow, London

The final two homes at Furlong Homes’ The Edge development are now available. With views over Walthamstow Reservoirs and layouts that are fresh, spacious and practical, these homes have been a hit with buyers. Blackhorse Road station offers quick transport into central London, and the North Circular and M11 are also nearby. Prices for the three-bedroom homes start from £299,950. Call 01992 782201 for more information.

Matfield, Kent

Appledore Developments offers its prestigious new Webb’s Orchard scheme of seven luxury cottages and five apartments in the village of Matfield, six miles from Tunbridge Wells. The highly specified, spacious homes are already attracting a range of buyers ahead of the official launch, including families, downsizers, young professionals and first-time buyers. Contact Savills New Homes on 01732 789700 or see appledoredevelopments.co.uk to register your interest.

Isleworth, Middlesex

To help speed up the process of moving house, Linden Homes is offering part-exchange at its Mode development in Isleworth, Middlesex. Mode has stylish, low-maintenance two-bedroom apartments priced from £292,500 and three-bedroom homes starting at £424,950. The scheme is subject to conditions. Find out more about the homes at Mode and the part-exchange plan b