New Homes - May, 2006

It’s an exciting time for this Kent-based developer – and for those in the market for a new home

The last year has been extremely successful for South East Living. Having sold out at MVS in Beckenham, the company is selling the final three apartments at Roma Court in Sevenoaks and the final two houses at Russell Mews, Paddock Wood, as well as preparing to bring a number of new developments to the market.

Shortlisted for a Community Award in this year’s Hot Property Awards, Russell Mews comprises just seven houses and two apartments, set around a private gated landscaped courtyard, close to the station and within a few minutes’ walk of the town centre. Two of the available three-bedroom houses provide over 900 square feet of living space on three floors including a separate, well-equipped kitchen and a living/dining room with double doors opening onto a private garden.

Two double bedrooms and a bathroom are located on the first floor, while on the uppermost floor the master bedroom suite includes a landing/dressing area with fitted wardrobes and an en suite shower room. The homes at Russell Mews are priced from just £235,995, including carpets, curtains, window dressings and designer light fittings. Get more information from selling agents Lambert & Foster on 01892 832325 or RPC Land & New Homes on 01732 363633.

At Roma Court on Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks, South East Living is selling two fabulous penthouse apartments and the current show apartment. Interested home buyers need to move swiftly, though; the last show apartment was snapped up just three days before it was due to be launched and another show scheme had to be designed and fitted without delay!
The show apartment, with an open plan living room, two double bedrooms, an en-suite shower room and a family bathroom, is priced at just £249,995 including floor coverings, curtains, light fittings, a fully fitted kitchen with a range of integrated appliances and parking.

The two t open-plan-floor penthouses provide exceptional open-plan living space with a definite ‘wow’ factor. Double doors lead on to a private terrace and the spacious hall opens onto a large study area. While one penthouse provides fitted wardrobes and an en suite shower room to the master bedroom, the other has a walk-in wardrobe and en suite shower room. The penthouses are priced at £379,995 and £399,995 including carpets, curtains and light fittings and secure covered parking. Information is available from selling agents Kings on 01732 464658.
 
The South East Living Group has also announced the introduction of Stylish Living, a new brand of contemporary urban living spaces incorporating cutting-edge architecture and design, innovative construction methods and the latest materials. The first development to be created under the Stylish Living banner will be 3-SE in Sherman Road, Bromley where one- and two-bedroom apartments will be constructed over an office designed for use by the South East Living Group. Centrally located in the heart of Bromley, within easy reach of public transport and The Glades shopping centre, apartments at 3-SE are being offered for sale off-plan at prices from just £205,750.

For further information contact Acorn New Homes on 020 8663 4466. Information on the South East Living Group is available on the newly designed website at seliving.co.uk or by contacting the company on 020 8851 3938.

Wandsworth, London

At Riverside Quarter, Frasers Property Group is launching a groundbreaking contemporary exhibition space, called FEHUART. The gallery will be located above the sales pavilion at the new development of apartments and penthouses overlooking the River Thames. The cocktail party launch will take place on 31 May from 6pm to 9pm and is open to the public. Riverside Quarter is located just t en minutes’ walk from Wandsworth town centre and is also close to Putney and Wandsworth train stations and East Putney tube. The development also provides residents with a private shuttle bus during peak commuter times. There will also be an on-site convenience store as well as a residents-only health and fitness centre. All apartments have generous open-plan living spaces, stylish fully fitted kitchens and contemporary bathrooms. Prices start at £472,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and £560,000 for a three-bedroom apartment. Contact the marketing suite on 020 8877 2000 or see riversidequarter.com.

Kestrel Court by Belstone Homes is an elegant new gated development offering a mix of exclusive two- and three-bedroom apartments near the town centre. (Pic is of similar block adjacent.) The bedrooms have built-in wardrobes and three-bedroom apartments offer en suites to all bedrooms. All apartments have secure private parking. The apartments are priced from £472,500. Contact Preston Bennett New Homes on 020 8954 8626.

Colchester, Essex

Only one Willow detached house type remains at Persimmon’s Riverside Nursery development. The home has 3,045 sq ft of space with five bedrooms, three bathrooms and four storeys, this is the ideal family home. The basement has a games room, laundry room, shower room and study. Two balconies give wonderful views. The A12 ans A120 are nearby. The remaining Willow home is priced at £477,750. Call 01206 793676.

Whitstable, Kent
 
The show home has only just been finished and reservations have already reached 33%, so you’d better be quick if you are looking for a property in this popular coastal town. The Old Printworks is superbly located just outside the Whitstable conservation area and just a short stroll from the town centre, fine restaurants and beach. With mainline services to London and easy access to the motorway network, it’s no surprise to see so many reservations at such an early stage of the development. The attractive development consists of 22 new homes including two-bedroom apartments, two- and three-bedroom houses and four-bedroom town houses. With prices starting at just £147,500 these are a good bet for both owner-occupiers and investors. The properties will be ready from September onwards and reservations are being taken now. For further details visit the space2group.com or call the Space2 sales line on 01227 282726.

Buyers exploring the county of Kent are finding a wide variet y of newly built homes, says Johnny Turner

The Garden of England has never gone out of style, particularly in terms of its attractiveness to buyers. From the Medway towns to peaceful villages, commuter hubs to exclusive stockbroker-belt communities, Kent has something for everyone in terms of spec, space and location.

Beginning in Maidstone, Bermac Properties Plc follows some very well-received developments in Essex with a foray into Kent for its Iconica scheme. Work is well underway on this collection of 24 contemporary-style two-bedroom apartments, located on Knightrider Street and due for completion in September.
Iconica provides lifestyle appeal for a wealth of today’s discerning purchasers, with the properties offering generous living accommodation in a variety of designs. Off-plan reservations are currently being taken.

The first properties offer first-class specification, ideally suited for the requirements of today’s aspirational lifestyles. The apartments are good for first-time buyers, commuters and professionals, as well as investors and the more mature buyer, whether as a second property or for downsizing. Apartments range in size from 533 square feet to 1,018 square feet, with flexible open-plan designs and a range of luxury features.

All apartments come with allocated parking included in the selling price, as well as smart features such as first-class kitchens with integrated appliances, modern bathrooms and pre-wiring for data networking, home entertainment and security alarm.
There is even a hot tub/spa located in a secluded area of the garden, an ideal way to forget about a stressful work day. There are also private terraces and landscaped communal gardens for those wanting outdoor space.

Commuting by rail or road is simple, and for leisure time the area is blessed with a wide choice of restaurants, bars, sports facilities – and even lovely coastal town such as Sheerness, Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs, which come into their own this time of year.
Interest in these apartments is high so early enquiries are advised. To register your interest contact selling agents RPC Land & New Homes on 01622 691911 and Page & Wells 01622 756703. Visit bermacproperties.co.uk

Bryant Homes currently has two separate developments in Sittingbourne. The Keycol and Kemsley Fields schemes have already proven to be hugely popular, due to the excellent locations and wide choice of designs on offer. Bryant is selling a varied selection of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes.

For those looking to take that first step onto the property ladder, the two-bedroom Arden apartment is the ideal starter home. Priced from £130,000, it features a spacious lounge with doorway through to the fitted kitchen, master bedroom with double fitted wardrobes, a bathroom and generous second bedroom.

For those who need more space, whether for a family or for home working, Kemsley Fields has a variety of three-bedroom designs. For instance, the Charleston, priced from £180,000, has a spacious kitchen/diner and lounge with bay window and French doors to the rear garden. The Aston and Delamere designs offer spacious and imaginatively designed accommodation over three floors. Priced from £195,000 and £200,000 respectively, they each feature a fully fitted kitchen, lounge, family bathroom and three bedrooms with fitted wardrobes and en suite facilities to the master bedroom.

Four-bedroom homes, meanwhile, include the elegant three-storey Kerscott, priced from £239,950. One attractive attribute of this house type is the additional reception room, located on the third floor along with the fourth bedroom, which would make an ideal study or playroom. Spacious five-bedroom homes are priced from £450,000.

Sittingbourne has lots of shops, restaurants and bars, along with a theatre and a museum. It is popular with young families, as it has some of the region's most respected schools. Ideal for commuters, Sittingbourne offers excellent road, rail and air links, with the A2 trunk road providing access to the M2 and M25. Call Kemsley Fields on 07816 514175 or Bryant at Keycol on 01795 843496.

Bancroft Wood is an Antler Homes development in Kings Hill, West Malling. It consists of only seven detached four- and five-bedroom family homes located adjacent to a lovely conservation area. Each property has a double garage and includes a fully fitted kitchen with granite work surfaces and a range of Siemens stainless steel appliances. Master and second bedrooms include en suite bathrooms and fitted wardrobes.

Kings Hill, the site of a former World War II airfield, now offers extensive sports and leisure amenities, such as an impressive 200-acre 18-hole PGA golf course and a David Lloyd sports centre. There are also comprehensive retail outlets as well as a wide choice of local education facilities, with day nurseries and primary schools in the village and additional schools at nearby Aylesford East and West Malling.

At the heart of the new Kings Hill village you'll also find a medical centre, shops and cafes, as well as a lively pub, plus popular restaurant and bistro.
Kings Hill is well placed for immediate access to the M20/M26, leading westwards to the M25 and Greater London and eastwards to continental routes from Folkestone and Dover. The railway station at nearby West Malling gives residents direct connections to central London.
 range from £450,000 for a four-bedroom detached home. Call 01732 875542 to find out more.
In Bromley, Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward is selling The Westmoreland, which includes Norfolk House on Westmoreland Road and Suffolk House on South Hill Road. The homes have been beautifully finished with wide plank wooden flooring in the principal rooms and wooden doors. All of the homes feature individually designed kitchens with granite work surfaces, integrated NEFF appliances and limestone effect ceramic flooring. Each home has a video entry system.

Norfolk House is a contemporary development comprising one one-bedroom apartment, five two-bedroom apartments and three three-bedroom apartments. There is parking available with the two- and three-bedroom properties. The one-bedroom apartment priced at £250,000, two-bedroom apartments are priced from £299,950 and three-bedroom apartments start at £350,000.

For sales enquiries contact Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward’s Land and New Homes department on 020 7491 2055.

Fe rnham Homes has recently launched Orchard Place in Coxheath, which offers 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.

Also in a village environment is Clenches Farm, Laing Homes’ collection of 13 luxury properties in the prestigious location of Kippington, Sevenoaks. The development is set within a beautiful conservation area just moments away from the National Trust’s Knowle Park, with its rolling acres of deer land, as well as Whitley Forest, Mill Bank Wood and Sevenoaks Common.
There is a wide choice of traditional pubs, restaurants and amenities in Sevenoaks, and it is convenient for travel both by road and rail. The A225 and A21 are within close proximity, connecting to the M25 for onward travel to London, Maidstone or the Channel Tunnel. Sevenoaks station provides direct services to London taking approximately half an hour.

When complete, Clenches Farm will have one two-bedroom house, seven three- and four-bedroom semi-detached properties, two large detached houses, two existing redeveloped cottages and a two-home barn conversion. Each of the properties has been designed to reflect the local area vernacular and offers a very high interior specification.
Guide prices start at £335,000. For further information please contact Savills on 01732 789700 or visit laing-homes.co.uk.

Only one three-bedroom home remains at Pilgrim’s Place, Fernham Homes’ development in the delightful village of Harrietsham. Here a restored pond is the focal point of the whole site, adding the finishing touch to this truly picturesque development.
David Masters, managing director of Fernham Homes Ltd, says, ‘The one remaining cottage overlooking the pond has received a lot of interest. I would therefore advise those discerning home buyers who are interested to contact us as soon as possible so they don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity.’

Pilgrim’s Place is perfect for commuters, being within close proximity to the M20 and Harrietsham train station, with its frequent services to Maidstone, Ashford and London.
The price for the remaining home is £275,000. Call 01622 853530 or see fernham-homes.co.uk.
Those in search of a smart apartment in one of Kent’s most desirable areas will want to see Elan, a collection of three two-bedroom apartments and one three-bedroom apartment overlooking the picturesque village green in Ide Hill. Elan House dates back to 1730, and the building has been beautifully converted with very high-specification finishes and all that a comfortable modern life requires.

These fabulous apartments include beech/oak kitchens with granite worktops and de Deitrich appliances, luxury fitted bath/shower room, Amtico or slate-style flooring, beige berber wool carpets, high-spec heat and sound insulation, burglar and fire alarms, video entry system and off-street parking.

This is a truly unique opportunity to live in one of Kent’s most desirable locations. Ide Hill has an active village life, with two local shops, a church and an excellent primary school. Villagers will enjoy the lovely local walks and stunning views over Bough Beech reservoir with its nature reserve. Sevenoaks station is only five miles away and offers a quick half-hour commute into London.

The two-bedroom apartments range in size from 749 to 1,000 sq ft and have guide prices from £285,000 to £395,000; the three-bedroom offers an amazing 1,697 sq ft of space and has a guide price of £595,000. Contact Alastair Hancock at Jackson-Stops & Staff on 01732 740600.
The penthouse is truly the pinnacle of apartment  living, and at Molyneux Place in Tunbridge Wells, Rydon Homes offers a highly individual and stunning penthouse that provides the ultimate in luxury and style for the 21st century.

Located on Mount Ephraim, The Lancaster Suite has a large contemporary living space, which is surrounded on three sides by a private decked terrace that offers outstanding views. Triple-aspect floor-to-ceiling windows and three pairs of French doors open out to the terrace.
The Stoneham ergonomic kitchen offers both practicality and contemporary simplicity and style; it  boasts a full range of state-of-the-art appliances as well as sleek granite work surfaces. The individually designed master bedroom has an en suite featuring a luxurious whirlpool bath and multi-jet shower. Other state-of-the-art appliances and gadgets include a comfort cooling system, mood lighting, audio/visual home entertainment system and a central vacuum system. The apartment also has a study or third bedroom and luxurious walnut flooring to most rooms.

The private lift, from the secure undercover parking, opens out into a lobby area which leads into a central hallway, offering direct access to each room. The magnificent terrace offers panoramic views surrounding the living area – ideal for entertaining guests or spending a romantic evening under the stars.

Molyneux Place is near the town centre and station, from where you can get to London Bridge in under 45 minutes. The Lancaster Suite is priced at £974,950. Contact the marketing suite, open weekdays, on 01892 616186 or Hamptons International on 01892 515533.

North London has it all – good transport, leafy neighbourhoods and fine homes. Johnny Turner has a look around

North London is rich in high-quality amenities, good transport, green space and leisure possibilities. The area offers something for every type of buyer, from first-time buyers to those in search of a large family home. With the level of choice currently provided by developers, you’re sure to find just the right property for your lifestyle and needs.

In sought-after Harrow, Barratt Homes offers one- and two-bedroom apartments at The Grange. This exclusive collection of homes includes one- and two-bedroom apartments as well as three- and four-bedroom town houses – all set in mature landscaped gardens.
The apartments have been converted from existing buildings that formerly housed a hospital, while the town houses are newly built. With all of the homes, specification is high and the design is contemporary.

The Grange offers a gated entrance and uniformed concierge, ideal for security. The homes themselves have contemporary fitted kitchens with stainless steel ovens, hob, chimneys and granite worktops. The stylish living rooms are perfect for relaxing or entertaining. And the stunning bathrooms and en suites have fitted vanity units and heated towel rails. In some of the homes, master bedroom suites boast a dressing room as well as an en suite. All of the homes are pre-wired for satellite TV.
Harrow is 16 miles from the heart of London and offers a number of excellent commuter routes. From South Harrow Piccadilly Line station, tubes run to Leicester Square in around 46 minutes, while trains from North Park station reach London Marylebone in around 21 minutes. For drivers, the A40/M40 is also readily accessible.

Harrow is well placed for entertainment and leisure pursuits. For shopping, well-known high street names mix with good-quality specialist stores, and there are also a number of stylish coffee bars and cafés. Harrow is also known for its excellent schools.
The latest availability includes one-bedroom apartments ranging in price from £250,000 to £335,000, as well as two-bedroom apartments priced from £342,500 to £369,000. Call 020 8423 8047 to find out more.

Another Barratt development that has seen a lot of interest is the dramatic, beautifully designed Visage in Swiss Cottage. This development brings penthouse living to a sought-after section of north London, mere moment s from some of the capital’s best shopping, good transport options and wonderful amenities.

Soaring above Swiss Cottage, Visage has been an outstanding success for Barratt; of the 124 apartments and penthouses at the development, just 16 properties remain available including four amazing penthouses in The Cube. Each of the penthouses offers huge floor areas, fantastic views and a sumptuous specification.

Stylish apartments at Nexus One are available, priced from £499,950, while the four remaining penthouses at The Cube are priced from £2.5 million. Contact Visage on 020 7586 7577.
In Edmonton, Intro Homes presents Victoria Green, where the sell-out success of the first two phases means phase three is now on the market. This striking new development of 174 one- and two-bedroom apartments cater for the buyer who wants high style in a great location.
From Edmonton Green station, the train journey into Liverpool Street takes only 25 minutes. Each apartment has allocated parking. Call 08700 552 075 for more information.

Banner Homes has launched its exclusive Grace Court development in Totteridge, offering just eight stunning homes in a truly exceptional location. Set in five acres of private landscaped grounds, this stunning collection properties includes deluxe refurbished and newly built two- and three-bedroom homes - a rare find in this affluent area traditionally associated with larger family homes.

The impressive Grade II listed Crossways building forms the centrepiece of the development. The building was originally designed by 19th-century architect Thomas Edward Collcutt, renowned for his work on the Savoy hotel and Wigmore Hall. Two new adjacent buildings are also being developed to complement the character of the original house. The result is eight stylish homes built to exceptional standards. Each is uniquely designed, creating individual character, worthy of their superb location, outstanding views and beautiful grounds.
The homes are backed by green belt land and have stunning views towards Totteridge Green. The countryside location, with the added benefit of a local tube station, makes Grace Court appealing to all types of home buyers. The properties are ideal for young professionals as well as families and downsizers.

Located just a mile south of Barnet and nine miles from central London, the development is handy for the M25, A5109, North Circular and the M1. Direct tube travel from Totteridge & Whetstone station takes 13 minutes to Euston, while trains from Oakleigh Park and New Southgate both reach Kings Cross in 15 to 20 minutes.

Grace Court is located opposite the Totteridge Cricket Club, half a mile from the South Herts Golf Course and within easy reach of the famous Orange Tree Pub and the shops in Whetstone High Road. Properties at Grace Court are surprisingly affordable, ranging from just £695,000 to £1.85 million. For further information call Statons in Totteridge on 020 8445 3694.

Following on from nearby Crouch End's popularity, Hornsey is tipped to be London’s next property hot spot. New bars and restaurants are starting to open on the High Street and developers such as St James Homes are creating desirable new communities such. New River Village is a fine example, providing urban suites, along with one- and two-bedroom apartments with extensive landscaping, a concierge service, a fully equipped gymnasium, Royal Academy Art Gallery, Pumphouse Dining Bar and communal roof terraces.

The development is just a couple of minutes from Hornsey mainline station, which offers journeys into Moorgate in 18 minutes. Turnpike Lane tube, on the Piccadilly line, is a ten-minute walk away.

Michelle Harris, sales and marketing director of St James Homes (North Thames), says, ‘There is no doubt that Hornsey is currently undergoing a considerable transformation. The regeneration is being driven by an influx of young professional buyers who are priced out of the more established neighbouring areas such as Crouch End and Muswell Hill. These buyers have created a real demand for high-specification apartments in the area. However, until the launch of New River Village there were no new-build homes available in Hornsey to satisfy their requirements.’
All the apartments in the most recently launched Hudson Building benefit from a sense of light and space, while the high specification brings quality and luxury to the living areas. The kitchens are exclusively designed by leading consultant Asselle and are available light oak, dark oak and high gloss in white and grey.

Each kitchen will include integrated stainless steel fan oven, ceramic hob, fully integrated fridge freezer and dishwasher, stainless steel sink with chrome effect mixer, white ceramic floor tiles and a washer dryer located in a concealed cupboard in the entrance hall. The bathrooms will consist of contemporary white sanitaryware and there will be en suite shower rooms to selected two-bedroom apartments.
Prices in the Hudson Building start at £156,000 for a studio apartment. For further sales information contact 020 8347 4139 or visit newrivervillage.co.uk.

Milliners Court, a select development of new apartments from Tower Development, is turning heads in Mill Hill, and two properties have already been reserved off-plan. Situated in Millway, Milliners Court comprises of four impressive two-bedroom apartments and one three-bedroom penthouse conveniently located close to the local shopping centre at Mill Hill Broadway.
Finished to a high standard with secure allocated parking, fully fitted kitchens and en suite facilities to the master bedrooms, this development offers high-quality, low-maintenance homes within easy reach of central London.

Providing well-proportioned accommodation with a choice of layouts, the development exudes style and convenience in terms of its location and internal specification. Each apartment benefits from a spacious lounge and fully-fitted kitchen with granite worktops and ceramic floor tiling. The kitchens have everything a modern chef could need with a comprehensive range of integrated appliances, including dishwasher and washing machine.

The fully tiled bathrooms have classic white suites from Ideal Standard and Sottini chinaware, while the en suites boast a thermostatic shower with a fully tiled glass enclosure. There is also a video entry system to all apartments for extra security.
The location is superb. Milliners Court is close to Mill Hill Broadway station with its frequent services into King’s Cross. The M1, A1M and M25 are also all within easy reach. Alternatively, excellent local shops, sport and recreational facilities are well catered for in the area. And Brent Cross shopping centre is only three miles away.  
The properties are priced from £345,000. Call Preston Bennett New Homes on 020 8954 8626 or visit prestonbennett.co.uk.

In the popular Finsbury Park area, Higgins Homes offers Aspex, a collection of apartments offering a high specification and good location. These apartments are wonderfully placed for the green expanses of Finsbury Park and the building is adjacent to the West Reservoir.
Aspex 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 one features a patio or balcony and the penthouses have fantastic balconies which 'wrap-around' the entire living room.

There are 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 within walking distance of Manor House tube station (Zone two, Piccadilly Line) just five stops from King's Cross, which gives excellent access to the City and West End.
Prices range from £285,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and from £425,000 for a two-bedroom penthouse, less the five per cent assisted deposit. Completion is expected this summer. Contact Higgins Homes 020 8802 8620.

The Dormers is a stunning new development consisting of eleven one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, located in the heart of Muswell Hill on one of the Royal Avenues. The development is built in period style and finished to a very high specification, offering fully fitted kitchens with Smeg appliances and granite work surfaces, natural hardwood flooring, spacious interiors with high ceilings, wiring for audio systems and Cat 5 cabling. Colour video entry phones offer additional security. The apartments are available for sale priced from £265,000. Contact Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward’s Land and New Homes department on 020 7491 2055.

Telford Homes offers a mix of apartments and penthouses with contemporary cool at its Cosmopolitan scheme near the heart of Enfield. Within walking distance of both Enfield Town and Bush Hill Park railway station, commuting is straightforward – and the benefits of a London-style living environment outside of the capital is not to be underestimated.
Spec is high, with designer kitchens by Urban Myth featuring stainless steel sink and appliances by Smeg, along with pure white bathroom suites with polished chrome taps and fittings by Roca. There is also good security, with a concierge, CCTV and gated
covered parking. And alongside the standard ten-year NHBC warranty, Telford gives
further protection to buyers with its two-year 24/7 emergency cover.
Current availability is priced from £185,000. This development is selling extremely quickly, so fast action is advised. Contact selling agents Lanes on 020 8342 3795. Visit telfordhomes.plc.uk.

Wickham Bishops, Essex

Savills is currently marketing Benton Manor, a contemporary manor house in this sought-after village. Recently constructed by renowned local developers, this home offers 21st-century features, space, seclusion and flexible living, while maintaining traditional build quality and standards. The considerable accommodation includes a large reception hall with vaulted library, drawing room, dining room, study, conservatory, comprehensively fitted kitchen with built-in appliances and walk-in pantry, and a separate utility room. On the first floor are five bedrooms, each with en-suite facilities. In addition there is a superb leisure wing with swimming pool, spa, sauna as well as changing facilities. There is an air conditioned home cinema/games room as well as a four-car garage with additional annexe or office space over. Up-to-date features include air conditioning to the master bedroom and the home cinema, plus an integrated sound system and telephone system with data points in all the main rooms. Entry is by remote-control electric gates with external security cameras. There is a range of automatic and programmable exterior lights and an automatic irrigation system which makes use of surface rainwater to ensure that the two acres of grounds are kept in tip-top condition. Each of the four garages has its own electric up-and-over door and is designed to accommodate the largest cars. For further details, a full colour brochure or an appointment to view please phone sole agents Savills on 01245 293233.

Nethern-on-the-Hill, Surrey

Gleeson Homes has recently launched the final phase of its decade-long housing scheme at Netherne-on-the-Hill with its best properties yet. Netherne Villas is a collection of 18 two- and three- bedroom apartments. The former hospital buildings, built in 1905, have retained all the characteristics you would expect from a building of that era: high ceilings, large living space, tall windows and other original features. The development is in a prime location overlooking the traditional cricket green, which has become an essential part of this thriving community. The forthcoming swimming pool and leisure facility will increase its already impressive community feel. Young professionals and families alike have found its proximity to London and the M25 makes it highly desirable. Coulsdon station, just a few miles away, offers links to Victoria and London Bridge. Contact the sales team on 01737 553444.

Hatfield

Barratt has recently released a mixed-use development on the former site of the British Aerospace factory in Hatfield. Equinox comprises 267 homes, both private and affordable. 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, 120 bed hotel, pub and purpose-built bus interchange. There is a choice of contemporary apartment styles, many with balconies. Designer kitchens sport integrated stainless steel appliances, while all bedrooms and living rooms are fitted with digital satellite TV connections. All master bedrooms include an en suite shower room. Every apartment has a video/audio entryphone system and allocated private parking. The development is convenient for the University of Hertfordshire and the famous Galleria Outlet Centre, with more than 60 stores and a cinema complex. 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.


Colchester, Essex

Work is nearing completion at Gladstone Homes’ prestigious new development, The Copse, near Bullock Wood on the northern fringes of Colchester. The exclusive development will comprise just five select family homes, with high-spec detached and link detached designs, offering outstanding lifestyle features and excellent nearby commuter links. Watch for a view home near the end of June. Contact Spicer McColl on 01206 398093 or see gladstonehomes.co.uk.

Reading, Berkshire

Millgate Homes launches a magnificent new show home at Wellington Court on Saturday 20 May. The development of six four-bedroom detached homes is only three miles from Reading. The area offers good local schools and excellent access to the A33 and M4. Spacious and modern, the homes offer individual garages and a choice of interior layouts. Contact selling agent Richard Worth on 0118 979 6796.

Saturday 20th May will see the launch of a magnificent new show home at Wellington Court, Millgate Homes’ development of six 4 bedroom detached homes just three miles from Reading. Visitors will get the chance to see how suited these spacious homes are to modern living, with each property offering layouts to cater for individual needs as well as individual garages.
For example, one of the six properties benefits from a study, ideal for working from home, while all properties feature generous, fully equipped designer kitchens. Separate living and dining rooms provide the perfect space for entertaining, while two of the homes offer kitchen/breakfast rooms that run the whole width of the house, ideal for busy family life.
Upstairs, each of the properties offer four well-proportioned bedrooms, with ample built-in wardrobe space to most bedrooms. Master bedrooms are all en-suite, and, like the family bathrooms feature crisp white sanitary ware with chrome fittings and towel ladder radiators. In three of the homes, the second bedroom is also en-suite, perfect for overnight guests or teenagers who need their own space.

Externally, the homes have been carefully designed to reflect the traditional architecture of the area, and gardens feature established turf lawns and mature planting.
Three Mile Cross and its surrounding villages provide plenty of rural charm, as well as local shops and cosy pubs for dining, while nearby Reading offers excellent shopping and a cosmopolitan nightlife. Commuting is also straightforward, with excellent access to the A33 and M4, and there are a number of good schools, both state and independent in the surrounding area.
The Show Home will be open from 10am on Saturday, 20th May and thereafter 7 days a week from 10am – 4pm. For further information, contact selling agent Richard Worth on 0118 979 6796

East Grinstead, West Sussex

Only two homes remain for sale at Try Homes’ Wealden Gardens, a collection of nine new detached and semi-detached houses on the outskirts of town. The two detached houses each offer spacious ground floor accommodation and generous conservatories. The homes will be ready for occupation this summer. The development is open Thursday to Monday. Call Try Homes on 01342 410452 or visit tryhomes.co.uk.

Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

Crest Nicholson launches its Abode@Riverside development on 20 May. The 70 contemporary one - and two-bedroom apartments are situated within a landmark eight-storey building adjacent to the dynamic new Riverside retail development. Hemel Hempstead station is only a short walk away, giving frequent peak-time journeys to Euston of only half an hour. The nearby M1 and A41 provide good links to the M25 Call 0870 755 1641.

Addlestone, Surrey

The Quadrant by KingsOak is an impressive development of new apartments that definitely have the ‘wow’ factor. The 24 very modern high-quality apartments are ideally placed for shopping and commuting. For a limited period new buyers can move into an apartment at The Quadrant for just £99 (subject to conditions), with KingsOak’s assistance with deposit, legal fees and stamp duty. Prices start at just £249,995. Call 01932 842046.

Rainham, Kent

Millwood Designer Homes’ new Edwin Place development is a new addition to the Thames Gateway, comprising just eight four-, five- and seven-bedroom detached houses in a range of styles. The well-loved ‘Yeoman’ design, a signature of Millwood’s, will be among them. Impressive spec will include Porcelanosa tiling, luxury kitchens and bathrooms, and the use of reclaimed materials for an authentic feel. Prices from £465,000. Call 01732 770991.

With the 2012 Olympics heading east London’s way, there is a new energy in the local investment market. Johnny Turner has a look around.

Apartment 226 is a two-bedroom property located on the seventh floor of the Tasman building, part of the hugely successful Capital East dockside development.
The stunning apartment has full-height windows, a Nolte fitted kitchen, 24-hour concierge, allocated parking and with excellent road links and the Royal Victoria DLR on your doorstep, this apartment makes an ideal pied-a-terre.
Apartment 226 is priced at £389,995 and includes carpets. As an extra incentive Barratt East London is also offering stamp duty and legal fees thrown in.
Contact the sales team on 020 7476 7163 daily between 10am and 6pm. And you’d best get your skates on.

Since last July’s surprise announcement that the Olympics are to descend on London in the summer of 2012, a scramble for east London has ensued. Buyers who had been waiting for the IOC’s decision suddenly sprung into action, causing a bit of a frenzy.
In fact, the Olympics is only the latest in a series of catalysts that have put areas such as Stratford, Hackney, Bow and Bethnal Green well and truly on the property map. With proximity to both the City and Canary Wharf, as well as a general tendency towards regeneration that predated the bid campaign, these areas were always going to find an influx of buyers, both those looking for a new place to live and those eyeing a sound investment.
So now that the countdown to 2012’s big event is in full swing, what will the investment buyer find on a trip to the E-postcodes?

One good bet is Millfields, a new development of 70 apartments on the edge of the Millfields Recreation Ground in Clapton, three miles from Stratford, offers an excellent opportunity to purchase a property in an area that is sure to benefit from the planned regeneration for the 2012 Olympic Games. Additionally the development offers views over the park to 92% of apartments and makes the rare claim that those views are protected from future development.
Millfields takes its name from the park it overlooks, called Millfields Recreation Ground, and is located a short walk from Clapton station, within three miles of the Stratford Olympic site. With the planned regeneration of the area in the next six years sure to boost the local property market in Clapton, Millfields offers a perfect opportunity to purchase a new home with excellent prospects for price appreciation.

A further attraction to purchasers is that the views over the recreation ground are protected from future growth. Intro Homes is advised that to build on the Millfields recreation ground, a developer would have to win wide support from local people to the loss of playing fields. They would have to show that the playing fields were surplus to requirements or could be replaced by new land that is more accessible and better quality.
‘You can buy a home for its views over open countryside and find yourself looking out at a new housing development ten years down the line,’ explains Jon Denny, sales and marketing director of Intro Homes. ‘Not even the Green Belt is immune to new development. But the likeliness of development on the playing field is extremely low, so Millfields is a great opportunity to purchase a property with a permanent green view.’  
    
Designed by Pollard Thomas Edwards architects, Millfields offers a selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments and provides a quality range of interior specification without sacrificing price. With prices starting from £183,995 for a one-bedroom apartment, each of the 70 apartments benefits from its own balcony or garden/terrace.
The four largest two-bedroom apartments offer spacious, loft-style interiors over an impressive 81.6m² (878 sq ft). All apartments have gas central heating and video entry phones. Kitchens offer a choice of contemporary units from Symphony, and are fully integrated with dishwasher, washer-dryer, oven, hob and extractor. The master bedrooms to 25 of the two- and three-bedroom apartments will have en suite shower rooms.

The location of Millfields will attract those who enjoy team sports and other outdoor pursuits. Football, cricket, hockey and rugby are all played on Hackney Marshes. Kingfishers, teals, tufted ducks and other migratory birds can be seen in the wildlife and conservation area of the Marshes. Pleasant walks can be taken along the River Lee, with its rare black poplar trees. Residents will also be able to take full advantage of the events during the 2012 Olympic Games.
The location is as convenient for work as for play, especially for City commuters. Clapton station is at the end of Southwold Road, the same road as the new development. The journey time into London Liverpool Street station is as little as 12 minutes. The new development also includes 20 parking spaces for those who would prefer to rely on their own car.

Prices at the Millfields apartments start from £183,995 for a one-bedroom apartment. For further information and to look around the recently opened show home contact the sales centre located off Southwold Road on 0870 445 0870 or visit introhomes.co.uk.

Savvy first-time buyers are seeking higher returns from their money and many are investing in emerging parts of the country. One such area is the Thames Gateway, which is attracting a large number of property purchasers and investors who anticipate significant capital gains on their properties as the surrounding infrastructure matures. Mario Thomas, a 32 year old electrical engineer from East London, has decided to purchase his first property in the same area for this very reason.

Despite his five older siblings having relocated to other parts of England and America, Mario has decided to stay in East London, and has bought a one bedroom apartment at The East Village, a Higgins Homes development of one and two bedroom apartments in Dagenham. ‘I wanted to buy in an area which is up and coming’, comments first time buyer Mario. ‘I have been renting for years and after deciding I finally wanted to buy a place, I moved back to my parents’ house in Dagenham three years ago in order to save up for a deposit.’
Mario continues: ‘Dagenham is still relatively undeveloped and I can get a lot more for my money. I looked at new developments and re-sale properties throughout East London and when I saw The East Village I knew I wanted to buy there.’ Mario works in Canary Wharf, and location and transport links were an important consideration in his decision to buy at The East Village which is situated near to Dagenham Heathway tube station (District Line). Monument tube station is 15 stops away, providing easy access to central London and the City, and only seven stops from West Ham tube station and its Jubilee Line tube connection.

Jeremy Marcus, sales and marketing director of Higgins Homes, comments: ‘First-time buyers are becoming more astute and demanding properties which are a good investment as well as a home. With the property market becoming more competitive, we’re finding that selecting a good area for a development is increasingly important.’
The Thames Gateway is the largest regeneration zone in Western Europe and has so far received £446 million of investment for new schools, sports facilities, business opportunities, nature parks, theatres, and sustainable transport links.
 
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.
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.

Prices start from £139,995 for a one bedroom apartment and from £164,995 for a two bedroom apartment – both less 5% assisted deposit. For sales enquiries, contact Higgins Homes on telephone: 020 8517 7887
Rydon Homes is offering a very enviable lifestyle at The Nordic Apartments, a high-finish development of one- and two-bedroom apartments with great Olympic appeal, not to mention super commutability.

The homes at this development would suit either owner-occupiers or buy-to-let purchasers, given their high quality of specification and finish. Many of the apartments have spacious open-plan layouts and there are some exclusive two-bedroom penthouses with private balconies or terraces available. Located just 400 metres from the River Thames and just ten minutes from Canary Wharf, the development is in a highly convenient location.
Each apartment features a contemporary style kitchen designed with a full range of appliances such as oven, hob, hood, combi microwave, fridge freezer, dishwasher, washer dryer and waste disposal. The bathrooms have pure white sanitary ware and the luxury of heated towel rails, and there is wooden flooring to the kitchen, living area and hallways.
Shadwell’s DLR and tube stations are just 800 metres along Cable Street, putting the rest of London within easy reach. The West End is a 17-minute journey and Bank is just four minutes away. Canary Wharf is just four stops away on the DLR, and less than 20 minutes on foot via the Thames riverside walk.

The marketing suite and show home at the Nordic Apartments is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and at other times strictly by appointment only. Prices start at £264,950 for two-bedroom apartments. Call 020 7780 1580 or visit rydon.co.uk for information on prices and availability.

Equinox, Telford Homes’ very investor-friendly development in Island Gardens E14, is an exceptional six-storey tower and four-storey main building offering 63 private sale one - and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses.

Sheena Ellwood, sales and marketing director of Telford Homes, says: ‘Equinox provides purchasers with the opportunity to live in a highly desirable location near to both local amenities and the world-famous historic landmarks of Greenwich. The Greenwich Foot Tunnel means that residents are just a short walk away from all this cultural area has to offer, as it leads under the Thames and exits just in front of the famous tea clipper the Cutty Sark. Alternatively, for all business executives, London's business hubs of Canary Wharf and The City are very easily accessible. The development itself includes three new commercial units to add to the existing convenience shops and smaller local businesses.’

Situated at the very tip of the Isle of Dogs, the development is within easy reach of the business districts of Canary Wharf and The City of London - served by the Docklands Light Railway system, with the Island Gardens station being located directly opposite the scheme and offering direct connections to Canary Wharf (within ten minutes) and The City (within 18 minutes).

With some of the properties facing towards the historical riverfront of Greenwich, Equinox provides an attractive opportunity for all those who want to buy in a unique setting close to the River Thames.

The scheme is built to an impeccable standard typical, of Telford Homes with its high quality specification and excellent attention to detail. Some apartments benefit from open plan kitchen/living areas that extend out to spacious balconies or terraces, whilst a select few also include terraces accessible from the main bedroom.
The contemporary kitchens come complete with German Systemat units from London designer, Urban Myth and feature integrated Smeg and Siemens appliances including oven, hob, extractor hood, washer/dryer, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. All bathrooms and en suites have pure white bathroom suites by Villeroy & Boch finished with polished chrome fittings by Grohe, towel rail radiators, large tiled-in mirrors and contemporary ceramic wall and floor tiling.
Prices at Equinox start from £250,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £340,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. For further sales information call the sales centre on 020 7537 2302 or visit telfordhomes.plc.uk.

Barratt Homes offers several schemes with good proximity to the forthcoming Olympic events. In Ilford, the developer’s development of city-style apartments at Centreway is taking shape on the site of the old shopping precinct – and sales have just topped the halfway mark.
The project is a crucial element of Redbridge Council’s Progressive Ilford regeneration programme and offers 239 one- and two-bedroom apartments in a spectacular series of buildings rising to a maximum of 16 storeys.

Having already proved popular with first-time buyers and investors alike, the development’s final release, including four stunning penthouse apartments with glorious panoramic views, is anticipated next month.

Barratt East London managing director Alastair Baird says, ‘Ilford is an outstanding residential area, convenient for living and with great potential. Property pundits have identified Ilford as an area which is on the up.’

Centreway, located in bustling Ilford High Road, features handsome city-style towers of gleaming white and blue, with contrasting balconies and steelwork. Curving elevations with triangular balconies add to the distinctive look.
The apartments will offer designer fitted kitchens complete with integrated appliances, fitted family bathrooms (and en suite shower rooms where appropriate) plus central heating, double glazing, TV, satellite and telephone points and mains-wired smoke alarms. Rooftop penthouse apartments will have terraces giving panoramic views over eastern London and metropolitan Essex.

All apartments will be accessed via audio-entry system through smart common areas served by lift. There will be private parking under the building, accessed by a ramp protected by electronically operated gates. A daytime concierge will be on hand to help with the smooth running of the development.

Centreway will also include a fitness room for residents. A private day nursery and adjoining health centre/doctor's surgery are proposed. A total of 76 of the homes at Centreway will be allocated for shared ownership occupation by local key workers such as teachers, nurses and paramedics, in partnership with East Choice Housing Association.
The development is within strolling distance of The Mall shopping centre, with its wide range of high street names and specialist shops. The town of Ilford has good schools, health and leisure amenities, including a multi-screen cinema, leisure and fitness club, the Kenneth More Theatre and the famous Valentines Park.

Prices start at £174,995 for one-bedroom apartments and £242,995 for two-bedroom apartments. Call the sales office on 020 8514 7125.
Another Barratt project in the fast-changing East End is Capital East in Docklands, where the new dockside tower has now been launched. The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments at Sargasso Tower, right on the edge of Royal Victoria Dock, are now available off-plan.
Capital East is one of the largest single redevelopment projects in London Docklands and will eventually comprise over 700 new apartments in a series of ten ultra-modern glass-walled buildings rising to a maximum of 18 storeys. The development will eventually cover three acres of former dockside.

Homes at Capital East have fully fitted designer kitchens complete with integrated appliances, as well as fully fitted bathrooms. Many apartments have glass walls and balconies or roof terraces from which enjoy the stunning views.
The development is located adjacent to the ExCeL exhibition centre and benefits from the outstanding new transport infrastructure across Docklands. The development will eventually include restaurants, offices and retail units, as well as dockside walks and a new footbridge to Royal Victoria DLR station. Two new hotels, providing over 450 rooms, are also now completed on adjacent sites, joining several others in the area.

Currently for sale at Capital East are one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in Sargasso Tower; one-bedroom apartments start at £289,995, while two-bedrooms are priced from £403,995 and three-bedrooms start at £484,995. The floating marketing suite and a range of new show apartments are open daily from 10am to 6pm. Call 020 7476 7163.
Walthamstow is a solid east London neighbourhood which is very well placed for the Olympic action, and Barratt’s Forest Place is set to be the premier new homes development in the area.
Forest Place is a gated development of fabulous one- and two-bedroom apartments close to Wood Street station and within easy access to Walthamstow town centre. The homes are built to a high specification to include designer fitted kitchen with oven, hob and hood, spacious living/dining room (many with balconies), master bedroom with en suite facility to many designs, private gym, concierge and landscaped gardens.
First-time buyers and renters alike like Walthamstow for its excellent transport connections, affordability and exciting future – projects like the Olympics and the mooted CrossRail service have raised E17’s profile.

Prices at Forest Place currently range from £179,995 to £228,995. Call 020 8531 5127.
The 2012 Olympics have meant areas like Tower Hamlets and Bow are expected to see a huge boost to the housing market. New residential schemes like EastSide, developed by Widacre Homes and Circle 33 Lifespace, will be situated within walking distance to the new Olympic grounds. Being one of the pioneering developments in Bow, EastSide's location offers enormous opportunities for financial growth and offers residents the chance to be part of history.
Fraser Wells, managing director of Widacre Home, says, ‘London winning the bid is fantastic and it has really kick-started the regeneration that is planned for east London. The benefits to the area are untold and Widacre Homes is incredibly proud to be part of the biggest transformation that people have ever seen. We are confident that Bow will be one of the most vibrant and desirable places to live in east London and EastSide will contribute by offering quality housing for an affordable price combined with some of the best infrastructure in London.’
EastSide is a stunning new collection of 132 apartments incorporating a mix of studio, and one- and two-bed apartments set around a piazza style garden square. Prices are currently starting at an affordable £157,500 for a studio apartment and apartments on the top floor include a large south facing terrace and boast views of Canary Wharf.

The scheme is exceptionally well situated, being just a short walk from the future site of the Olympic village and the Olympic stadium where the opening and closing ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympic Games will be held.

EastSide offers excellent transport links to Canary Wharf, central London, City Airport and major London train stations, being close to underground stations Mile End and Bow Road, as well as the DLR stop Bow Church.

The transport options will be taken to new heights when the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) to the new Stratford International station will be completed, a new high-speed shuttle service that will take people from Central London to the Olympic Park in just seven minutes and on to continental Europe in just 45 minutes.

Other key benefits for the area from the London 2012 Olympic Games include access to new swimming, cycling and hockey facilities in Stratford (a four minute ride on the DLR from Bow Church) and the upgrading of Mile End Stadium as a practice venue for Olympic athletes.
Bow's economy is due to benefit immensely from the influx of people coming to watch the Games and thousands of new jobs, homes and businesses will be created.
The first phase at EastSide is now sold out, but the second phase has just been launched with apartments in the Soho building. Prices start from £179,950 for one-bedroom apartments and £222,000 for two-bedroom apartments. Call Strettons Residential on 020 7422 0989 or visit eastside-e3.com.

There is a lot to like in the current crop of new homes in Bedfordshire. Johnny Turner takes a look around.

Bedfordshire is a fine mix of the bucolic and the busy, offering both abundant natural beauty and plenty of big towns and easy connections to London. When buyers weigh up the size of property they can get for the price as compared to in the capital, it’s no wonder so many are flocking slightly north. There are currently a number of fantastic properties of many sizes and varieties in this very welcoming county.
KingsOak North London’s Eleanorfields development offers two-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom houses, along with three-and four-bedroom town houses with plenty of flexible living space. The homes have contemporary fitted kitchens, integrated appliances and separate utility rooms in some of the town houses. All apartments and town houses feature a master bedroom with en suite.

Eleanorfields is conveniently close to the M1, Dunstable town centre and a fast train service to London. Prices for the apartments start at £169,995 while family homes are priced from £239,995. For further information on current incentives and availability, please contact the sales centre, open daily from 10am to 6pm, on 01582 665850. Visit kingsoakhomes.co.uk.
George Wimpey South Midlands has just unveiled the luxury Lavenham show home at its Melford Park development in the picture-perfect village of Stone. The five-bedroom property is beautifully decorated and superbly styled by the house-builder’s team of interior designers and demonstrates perfectly just what can be achieved when using a brand new home as a blank canvas.

The Lavenham features a large lounge with French doors to the rear garden, a separate dining room and a thoughtfully designed kitchen with adjoining utility area. A guest cloakroom, an entrance hallway and a useful under-stairs storage cupboard can also be found on the ground floor. Upstairs, the master bedroom boasts a dressing area and en-suite facilities, and there is a second double bedroom and the family bathroom.
On the top floor, the landing leads to two further large bedrooms, one with en-suite facilities, and a fifth room which is suitable as a single bedroom or study.
Like all new homes at Melford Park, the Lavenham enjoys a high standard of specification, including gas central heating, double glazing and fitted kitchen with built-in oven, hob and hood.

Two Lavenham homes are currently available at the development. One, Plot 34, is on the market for £472,995 and comes with a range of valuable additional extras including carpets and flooring throughout as well as a stainless steel oven and hob, integrated dishwasher, fridge/freezer and washer/dryer in the kitchen. Outside, the rear garden is lawned. Other four and five-bedroom properties are on the market starting from £375,995.

The developer’s easymover programme offers a range of special incentives on selected properties, including 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 KingsOak 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.

Melford Park is ideally located on the edge of the attractive village of Stone and offers breathtaking views of the nearby Chiltern Hills. The village has a wide range of everyday facilities including two traditional inns, a sports and social club, a primary school and a large public park, along with a mini supermarket and post office located just over half a mile away.
A wider choice of shopping, leisure and health facilities can be found in Aylesbury, less than three miles away, along with secondary schools. For commuters, Melford Park is within easy reach of the region’s major transport routes, including the M40.
Further information is available by visiting the sales centre, located on St John’s Drive in Stone, just off the A418 Aylesbury to Oxford Road. It is open daily from 11am to 5pm. Call 01296 749904.

One of Bedfordshire’s big success stories is, of course, Fairfield Park, an imaginative project near Stotfold, Bedfordshire, breathing new life into a former Grade II Victorian mental asylum and its 173 acres of grounds. The hospital was closed down in 1999 and became derelict, and is now the centre of a multi-million-pound scheme in which a consortium of builders will provide over 900 new homes.

The village feel will strike a chord with those who are tired of the anonymity of the cities and keen to be part of a community. This ambitious development offers communal space and facilities for all residents, as well as proximity to excellent transport links so that those who work in the cities can have the best of both worlds.
The setting is fantastic; Fairfield Park is situated in mature parkland just a short drive from the towns of Letchworth and Hitchin, and is only two miles from junction 10 of the A1(M). There is easy access to London via railway stations at Hitchin, Letchworth and Arlesey – all of these stations run regular services to King’s Cross. And for frequent flyers, Luton Airport is just over ten miles away.

Fairfield Park is ideal for families. Educationally, the area is served well with pre-school, nursery, primary and secondary schools in Stotfold, Arlesey, Letchworth and Hitchin, as well as North Herts College, which offers further education opportunities. These nearby towns also offer a wealth of leisure, entertainment and shopping facilities, including cinemas, swimming pools, sports centres, golf courses, restaurants, bars and clubs.
Charles Church is currently selling a wide range of homes at Fairfield Park, including two-, three-, four-, five- and six-bedroom homes, each designed in keeping with the Victorian style of the development.

Each home features superb levels of specification, including a well-planned and imaginatively-designed kitchen fitted with a luxurious range of units including oven, hob, and hood, as well as integrated dishwasher and fridge/freezer. The spacious living area is ideal for the family to relax in together and boasts superb French doors which flood the room with natural light.

The lavish master bedroom comes with its own en suite shower room for added convenience. Further bedrooms will be served by the main family bathroom featuring sleek white sanitaryware and enhanced by chrome fittings.
Prices currently start at £184,995. The sales office is open 11am to 5pm. For further information call 01462 835407.

Other developers involved in the Fairfield Park scheme include P J Livesey, Miller Homes, Bellway Homes and Stamford Homes. Visit their respective websites to see what they currently have available in this wonderful location.
Also in Stotfold, house hunters who love modern, stylish homes are invited to the launch of Mill View, Bryant Homes' latest development in the area, to be held on Saturday 27 May.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a glass of wine and some nibbles as the homes consultants celebrate the launch of the first phase of properties.
When complete Mill View will offer a collection of 96 properties, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom detached homes. It will be a vibrant new development surrounded by picturesque countryside.

Heather Holl, Bryant Homes' regional sales manager said: ‘Bryant is very excited about this fantastic new development. Mill View is well placed for local amenities and schools and it will offer buyers the best of both worlds, a rural setting that is close to the A1(M).
‘We've already received a great deal of interest in this development and we urge anyone keen on moving to Mill View to come along to the launch to see for themselves the selection of properties we have on offer.’

For more information on the homes coming soon to Mill View in Stotfold visit the marketing suite on Queen Street from 27 May from 9.30am to 5pm. Call 0800 028 8888.
KingsOak is selling Admiral Gardens, set in the village of Oakley, one of the most desirable locations in the Bedfordshire countryside. Located on Pavenham Road, this select development of high-specification homes caters for a variety of purchasers and offers the chance to become part of a thriving village community in beautiful rural surroundings.
Construction has now begun on-site, and KingsOak plans to build 37 new homes in all. The sales centre is now open to the public, and visitors can see plans for the 2.75-acre site as well as individual house types and floorplans. A range of two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments and houses are available at Admiral Gardens, with several reservations already taken and first completions scheduled for May.

Jan Ruston, sales director of KingsOak Milton Keynes, says, ‘Oakley is a highly regarded area and offers an aspirational lifestyle to its residents. The development is small and discreet, which will appeal to those purchasers who are put off by the idea of large housing estates.’
Purchasers will benefit from the amenities of the village itself while the A6 is within easy reach, providing quick access to Bedford and neighbouring towns. The M1 is also nearby, ideal for those commuting to work. Two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom homes are currently available to purchase, priced from ££175,995 to £256,995.
The sales centre at Admiral Gardens is open from Thursday to Monday, 10.30am to 5.30pm. For further information call 01234 825925.

Also from KingsOak is Bedford Central, which caters to busy commuters by providing well placed apartments within walking distance of a quick route into central London. The wide range of homes available includes one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom properties.
With Bedford town centre and train station only a five-minute walk away, prospective buyers will be bowled over by the development’s convenience. Midland Mainline trains from Bedford station get into King’s Cross in as little as 37 minutes, while Thameslink services are also available, serving Luton Airport, London, Gatwick and Brighton. Bedford also has a thriving centre with a wide array of retail options.
Two show homes are currently open for viewing, and currently availability includes one-bedroom apartments from £135,995, two-bedroom apartments from £152,995 and three-bedroom houses starting at £233,995. A good range of buyer incentives is currently available on selected plots. For more information call 01234 272032. For information about KingsOak’s full range of homes in Bedfordshire and beyond visit kingsoakhomes.co.uk.
In Leighton Buzzard, George Wimpey South Midlands presents the award-winning Pages Priory, an impressive collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom properties, high on style and surprisingly low in price.

Pages Priory is conveniently located just over a mile from Leighton Buzzard town centre, which puts residents within close proximity of a thousand choices, from transport to leisure, entertainment to sporting activities, schools to workplaces – indeed all of life is very nearby.
The town centre combines the character of a traditional market town with the convenience of modern-day facilities. And for commuters, there is excellent proximity to the A5 and M1, making any destination, from London to Milton Keynes, Luton Airport to all points North, easily accessible. The capital is just 40 miles away by road.

Regular trains from Leighton Buzzard station into London Euston take just over half an hour. Euston is within walking distance of Bloomsbury and just a short tube ride from the City and West End. This makes for a quick, comfortable commute.
Current availability includes the Milan and Seville two-bedroom apartments, priced from £149,950 and £154,950 respectively, as well as three-bedroom terraced houses priced from £195,995. To find out more about the homes at Pages Priory call the sales centre, located off Johnson Drive and open daily, on 01525 850949.

Getting around quickly and easily is a must in these busy times. So why not choose a home that makes commuting a breeze, says Johnny Turner.

As we work longer and longer hours, the last thing we need is a stressful, time-consuming commute. Luckily, there is a wide selection of new homes on the market that help cut travel time and make room for more ‘you’ time.

In well-connected Bow, first-time buyers will have much to crow about with EastSide, a collection of 132 apartments, ranging from studios to two-bedrooms apartments, developed by Widacre Homes and Circle 33 Lifespace.
The Olympics will bring major regeneration to east London and people are already flocking to the area. Bow’s economy will benefit immensely from the influx of people
coming to watch the Games and thousands of new jobs, homes and businesses that will
be created.

Fraser Wells, managing director of Widacre Homes, says, ‘We are confident that Bow will be one of the most vibrant and desirable places to live in east London, and Widacre Homes and Circle Anglia Group will contribute to this development by offering
quality housing at affordable prices, combined with what will become some of the best infrastructure in London.’
EastSide’s first two phases sold out quickly. The third phase, The Washington Building, has only 14 apartments remaining for sale, with prices starting at £229,950 for the last remaining one-bedroom fifth-floor apartment. Two-bedrooms are priced between £264,950 and £369,950. Visit the sales and marketing suite, located on Morville Street E3. For further information call Strettons Residential on 020 7422 0989 or visit eastside-e3.com.

At Rydon Homes’ Nordic Apartments, property hunters will find an amazingly central location, cutting-edge design and, most importantly, a fantastically low price. This collection of high-style flats, located in Cable Street E1, is a must-see for anyone who thought metropolitan cool was out of their price range.

Apartments at the Arta Building have just been released, while those in the other two buildings, Stylus and Ikon, are now over 50 per cent sold.
The kitchens at Nordic Apartments mix practicality with contemporary simplicity and style. Elegant and versatile storage is combined with attractive details, including laminate work surfaces with glass up stands, integrated appliances to include oven, hob, hood, combi microwave, fridge freezer, dishwasher, washer dryer and waste disposal.
The master bedroom offers fitted wardrobes as well as an en-suite facility; the second bedroom, which is also a double room, has fitted wardrobes and access to a separate bathroom.

Located just 400 metres from the River Thames and just 20 minutes’ walk from Canary Wharf, this collection of 97 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments is also only 800m along Cable Street from Shadwell DLR station. From this convenient connection, City workers and West End revellers alike will find it very easy to get to their destination.
Prices at the just-released Arta Building start at £204,950 for one-bedroom apartments and £264,950 for two-bedroom apartments. Meanwhile, there are still a few two-bedroom apartments left at the Stylus Building, priced from £269,950.

The marketing suite and show apartment are open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and at other times strictly by appointment. To find out more about the homes or special incentives call 020 7780 1580 or see nordic-cool.co.uk.
From Oakdene Homes comes Collection 14, a development of stylish new homes in Willesborough, on the outskirts of Ashford, Kent. These three-bedroom houses offer the perfect blend of chic design and comfort – and their quick and easy access to London and Paris is a real plus.
Each of the eight styles of home comes with high-quality fitted kitchens as well as bathrooms furnished with Villeroy and Boch sanitaryware and decorated with ceramic tiles from Porcelanosa. Typically of Oakdene Homes, all of the properties are constructed with minute attention to detail, such as moulded coving and cornicing. The gardens are a ready-made entertaining and relaxation space just as thoughtfully designed as the home itself, with an outside tap, closeboard fencing for privcy and security and access to a parking space via a rear gate. A security system is included in the price.

Willesborough is a sought-after area on the outskirts of Ashford. It’s right by the M20, which provides easy assess to the Channel Tunnel, Dover and the M25. Ashford mainline station has direct links to London – a 30-minute journey once the high-speed rail link has been finished – and the international terminal serving the Eurostar to Paris, Lille and Brussels.
Oakdene Homes has a show home on the development in Silver Hill Road, open Saturday to Monday from 10am to 5pm. Prices start at £177,500. Visit oakdene-homes.co.uk for more information.

In Slough, KingsOak Thames Valley’s Centrika is an ideal choice for new buyers and investors, as commuters find this one of the South East’s most commutable locations.
Little wonder, then, that most of the apartments in this high-spec development have nearly sold out.

Centrika, located on the Bath Road in Slough, is well placed for shopping, as well as major roads and the train station. From here residents can speed to the heart of London via the M4 or, from the mainline BR station, get to London Paddington in less than half an hour.
The two-double-bedroom apartments at Centrika start at £243,995. KingsOak offers a ‘move in for £99’ deal, as well as a guaranteed rental income deal of eight per cent on selected plots for a full two years. These incentives are subject to conditions. Contact the marketing centre on 01753 574262.

Birch Grove, located in the highly sought-after Bolnore Village development near Haywards Heath, is a new collection of homes located in an attractive village setting. Ideally located within easy reach of the M23, Birch Grove is ideal for those working in Brighton. The development comprises an appealing mix of apartments, town houses and terraces ranging from two to four bedrooms.

Gareth Goodridge, marketing manager for Bovis Homes South East, says, ‘Haywards Heath and Crawley are obviously popular choices for those who commute to Gatwick Airport, Croydon or central London due to their excellent transport links. However, what also holds huge appeal for people is the fact that this area of Sussex is simply so beautiful. With its leafy lanes and rolling countryside it provides the perfect retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city.’
Birch Grove offers an excellent train service to Gatwick, Croydon and London to the north and Brighton to the south, and Bolnore Village itself is ideally located for the M23.
Homes at Birch Grove are highly specified, including fitted kitchens with integrated appliances and bathrooms with stylish white sanitaryware and a choice of tiles in the bathrooms. Other features include gas central heating, turfed front and back gardens and fully fitted mains-wired smoke detectors.

Prices start at £189,950 for a two-bedroom apartment and rise to £324,950 for a four-bedroom terraced house. Contact the sales manager from Thursday to Monday between 10am and 5pm on 0845 260 5194. Alternatively, visit bovishomes.co.uk.
In Fareham, Hampshire, Berkeley’s GreenQuarter at Knowle near Wickham has an attractive farmland setting and a wide choice of homes. Two new show homes are now open - one a four-bedroom detached family home with top floor bonus room, the other impressively dressed in modish 1970s-style colours.

Current prices range from £282,500 to £380,000. Call 01329 835135 or visit knowlehomes.co.uk.
Crest Nicholson has recently launched Q development in Reading, which will provide 82 contemporary one- and two-bedroom apartments within a landmark eight-storey building. The location couldn’t be more convenient for those whose sanity depends on a straightforward commute.

Kerry Jones, Sales Manager for Crest Nicholson (Chiltern) Ltd, comments, ‘We have already received a great deal of interest for Q and are urging people to register their details in order to avoid missing out. With a central location, great transport links and good investment prospects, these apartments are ideal for young professionals wanting to commute into London.’
Reading station is only a short walk away, providing frequent peak-time services to London Paddington taking only 22 minutes. The M4 is less than a mile away, giving good links to the M25 and the road network beyond. The development also has excellent international transport links, with Gatwick and Heathrow Airports within easy reach.

Reading is a well-known hub for IT professionals, home to household names such as Microsoft and Hewlett Packard. Its city centre offers a vibrant mix of shopping facilities, bars, bistros and cafes and Q is superbly placed to exploit these amenities.
Q will feature the highest interior and exterior design, including such thoughtful touches as dual roof terraces and unique exterior landscaping features.
Prices start at £159,950 for a one-bedroom apartment with terrace. Contact Crest Nicholson’s satellite sales centre at Romans Property Services, 33-34 Market Place, Reading RG1 2DE or call 0870 755 1645.

At the recent launch of the first phase of St James’ very well-connected Kennet Island development in Reading, one buyer drove in the evening before the opening to be sure of a place at the front of the queue – and then camped in her car overnight! the launch of the first phase of the St James Kennet Island development went really well on Saturday.
 
There were five prospective buyers who camped overnight to secure their place at the front of the queue for when the doors opened at 10am. First in that queue was student Emma Pengilly, who was the first to park her car outside the gates at 6pm the night before, keen to get her foot on the property ladder and buy her first one-bedroom flat at the bargain price of £130,000.

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. Call 0845 603 4043 or see kennetisland.co.uk to find out more.
Antler Homes’ Hawke Mews comprises six prestigious terraced homes just a quarter of a mile from the heart of Sunbury-on-Thames. Conveniently close to central London by both car and train, Sunbury is an excellent commuter location.

Four of the properties are three-storey, while the two end-terrace houses are two-storey. All have parking spaces to the front and gardens to the rear. Kitchens are fully fitted with top-quality appliances such as stainless steel hob and oven, fridge freezer and dishwasher as well as ceramic tiled flooring. Bathrooms feature pure white designer sanitaryware with chrome fittings, as well as white ladder heated towel rails and power showers.
Transport-wise, the M3 starts at Sunbury, providing immediate access to the nearby M25 and linking to rural Hampshire, Southampton and the New Forest. Heathrow and Gatwick airports are both easily accessible via the M25, and the delightful hills and valleys of the North Downs are only a few miles to the south. There are direct trains from Sunbury to London Waterloo which take approximately 50 minutes.
Prices start at £450,000 for a three-bedroom home and £550,000 for a four-bedroom home. Call Antler Homes on 01932 785164.

As Arsenal’s much-loved Highbury Stadium gives way to the forthcoming Emirates just 500 yards to the north, the property-buying scene is also changing. The new stadium development carries with it the provision of some exciting new apartments, and VizioN7 is a major part of this renewal.

The stretch of Holloway Road between Highbury Corner and one of the most buzzing and well-connected spots in north London. Not only do you have Highbury & Islington station, which offers quick Victoria Line access to the West End, but WAGN train services from the station call at Moorgate, putting the City within very easy reach. Nearby Holloway Road tube is on the Piccadilly Line, making a commute to King’s Cross – or a simple journey to Heathrow – very simple indeed.

Prices at VizioN7 currently start at £249,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. For more information on the apartments at VizioN7 and current incentive packages call the on-site sales and marketing suite on 020 7700 7555, or visit vizion7.co.uk.

A particularly well-connected development will launch on 20 May in Enfield. At Fusion, a collection of 24 one- and two-bedroom apartments, Linden Homes offers several introductory incentives for those who reserve off-plan. The developer is offering to pay buyers’ five per cent deposit, as well as legal and survey fees (subject to conditions).
Located in Southbury Road, Fusion benefits from a prime location and enjoys easy access to both the town centre and leisure amenities, where there is a wide choice of leisure and entertainment options. Enfield has a large cinema complex, various shops, bars and restaurants – and when it’s time to get to work, this location also comes up trumps. Enfield station is nearby, providing convenient links to central London. For motorists, there are also close connections to the M25 and the wider motorway network.

Helen Todd, sales and marketing director of Linden Homes Chiltern, says, ‘We have taken a number of reservations already at Fusion as interest has been high. A number of our developments have seen impressive sales success before the on-site sales office has even launched, such is the demand for highly specified homes. With the fantastic location of Fusion and the quality customers can expect from a Linden home, the apartments are likely to sell quickly.’
Prices for the homes at Fusion start from £227,950. For more information call Linden Homes Chiltern on 01895 827447 or visit lindenhomes.co.uk.

Also in Enfield, Telford Homes’ Cosmopolitan development is proving very popular. The location, near the heart of the town, makes commuting very straightforward. Cosmopolitan is within walking distance of both Enfield Town and Bush Hill Park railway station, bringing the employment and enjoyment benefits of a London within easy reach.
Spec is high, with designer kitchens by Urban Myth featuring stainless steel sink and appliances by Smeg, along with pure white bathroom suites with polished chrome taps and fittings by Roca. There is also good security, with a concierge, CCTV and gated
covered parking. And alongside the standard ten-year NHBC warranty, Telford gives
further protection to buyers with its two-year 24/7 emergency cover.
Current availability is priced from an amazing £137,500 for a studio and £180,000 for a one-bedroom apartment; two-bedrooms start at £239,950. This development is selling extremely quickly, so fast action is advised. Contact selling agents Lanes on 020 8342 3795 or visit telfordhomes.plc.uk.

Finally, Higgins Homes’ The East Village offers an excellent combination of convenience and affordability. The modern development of 179 one- and two-bedroom apartments is within walking distance of both Dagenham and Dagenham Heathway stations, from where the District Line will take you into the City and West End in just over half an hour. Those who work in Canary Wharf will also find an easy commute, as the Jubilee Line is seven stops away at West Ham station.

One-bedroom apartments are priced at £139,995 and two-bedrooms are priced at £169,995 – both less a five per cent assisted deposit. Contact Higgins Homes: 020 8517 7887 or visit higginshomes.co.uk.

Classic town houses in a fabulous setting near Colchester.

Waterside Marina, the superior new development by Hampstead Homes in Brightlingsea, has attracted considerable interest from people looking to embrace a whole new lifestyle.
This new marina, which overlooks Brightlingsea Creek and the River Colne estuary, offers a fresh combination of three-storey houses and apartments. The classic three-storey town houses allow a dual-aspect view over the marina to the west and across the water towards Cindery Island in the east. The apartments lie next to the new pedestrian walkway that acts as a viewing platform over the yacht moorings.

Brightlingsea is the only Essex town to be awarded Cinque Port status and it is naturally proud of its tradition and historic links with the sea. The town offers shops and restaurants but the larger town’s of Colchester and Clacton are within a ten-mile drive. London can be accessed in under one hour from Colchester’s mainline train station.

Waterside Marina forms part of the historic Brightlingsea yachting harbour, which plays host to a number of annual competitions. And in the summer months, the town comes alive thanks to an influx of visitors wishing to experience the carnival, beaches, flower festival, watersports and the local delicacy of fish and chips.

Phase two of the build, which is set around a private marina, comprises more than 175 apartments – many with up to three bedrooms – and a handful of three/four-bedroom town houses, as well as over 20 retail units. Prices start from £185,995.
The crisp lines of these contemporary homes blend seamlessly with the new marina, and the altering façades of white render and western red cedar stay true to the nautical theme in the stunning coastal location.

Internally, the properties benefit from hardwood flooring and fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms, providing sophistication and style. Secure underground parking is provided and there is also the option of leasing a private mooring (subject to availability).
For information about Waterside Marina visit the marketing suite, which is open Friday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Alternatively, call Bateman’s of Brightlingsea on 01206 302601 or Savills New Homes Ipswich on 01473 234800, or visit watersidemarina.co.uk.

Hornsey, London

St James Homes is seeing great success with its new mixed-use development New River Village, located in sought-after N8. Covering 400 metres of river frontage, the development provides 622 urban suites, one and two bedroom apartments with extensive landscaping, a fully equipped gymnasium, Royal Academy Art Gallery, Pumphouse Dining Bar and communal roof terraces. New River Village is approximately five minutes from Hornsey mainline station, from where trains to Moorgate take only 18 minutes. Also, Turnpike Lane tube is less than a ten-minute walk away. Prices in the Hudson Building start at £156,000 for an ‘urban suite’ studio apartment. Contact 020 8347 4139 or visit newrivervillage.co.uk.

Finchley, London

Linden Homes has just launched its exclusive new 96 Torrington Park development to customers registered on its innovative Connections database at Jeremy Leaf Estate Agents on Thursday 11 May. These luxury two bedroom, two bathroom apartments will appeal to young professional owner-occupiers and investors alike. Guide prices start at £325,000; off-plan incentives are available. Call selling agents Jeremy Leaf on 020 8446 4295.

Addlestone, Surrey

Barratt’s St George’s Gate development is a collection of just 22 apartments, located between Weybridge and Chertsey. The area is very convenient, with the M3 and M25 nearby. Prices at St George’s Gate start at £262,995. For further information on these stylish one- and two-bedroom apartments or details on the special incentives contact the Barratt sales team on 01932 846056 or visit barratthomes.co.uk.

Horsham, West Sussex

Hillreed Homes is currently marketing Kentwyns Place, a prestigious development of 18 top-of-the-range luxury apartments and penthouses. These exceptional properties boast the highest specification. Hillreed is offering a spring discount on two two-bedroom second-floor penthouses, for those who are able to exchange quickly; these are priced at £499,950 and £589,950. Other apartments are priced between £279,950 and £304,950. Call 01403 256866 for further information.

Notting Hill, London

No. 7 Pembridge Villas consists of a pair of modern four-bedroom semi-detached residences, tucked away behind where Pembridge Villas meets Pembridge Place in this ultra-desirable area. Designed by architects Barton Willmore, each property offers around 2,890 square feet of living space. Emphasis is very much on cutting edge design and luxury specification. Each home is priced at £2.8 million. Call Berkeley Homes on 020 7720 4000.

Docklands, London

Only a handful of spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments and duplexes remain for sale at Weston Homes’ 41 Millharbour, located moments from South Quay.  The apartments, located on the eight and ninth floors, range from 1,017 to 1,044 square feet. The remaining two-bedroom apartments and duplexes at 41 Millharbour start at £415,000, while three-bedroom duplexes start at £795,000.  Penthouses are priced from £710,000. Call 020 7517 0808.

Reigate, Surrey

A two-bedroom show apartment is now open at Warwick Place, Try Homes’ new development on Wray Common Road. The apartment has an en suite shower room, as well as a large living room with glazed double doors to a sleek modern kitchen with integrated appliances. French doors open out from the living room on to a patio. Prices start at £249,950. Call Try Homes on 01737 764652.

A waterside location never goes out of fashion – and with the current crop of new homes near water, the homes themselves are also stunning.

A location beside a river, canal, lake or seaside lends an aura of tranquillity that is invaluable in a home environment. It is also good for the capital growth, as this type of feelgood factor never goes out of style. There are quite a few newly built homes with a waterside aspect currently on the market.

Barratt Homes offers a number of high-quality Thames-side schemes, including Sargasso, the last waterside release of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments at the very successful Capital East development.

With the 18-storey height providing out-of-this-world water views and the Royal Docks location making for a quiet yet connected lifestyle, this development has won fans representing a wide range of buyer types. For busy career people, this development is the ultimate location; Royal Victoria DLR is only minutes’ away, from where you can reach Canary Wharf in seven minutes and Bank in 25. London City Airport is also very nearby.
Capital East is also well placed for Olympic action; the adjacent ExCel Centre will host four separate arenas for the 2012 Olympics hosting boxing, table tennis, judo, tae kwon do, wrestling and weightlifting.

Designer fitted kitchens have integrated stainless steel appliances, while many of the apartments have an en suite to the master bedroom. The spacious living/dining rooms are the ideal setting for relaxing or entertaining.

Visit the floating marketing suite, open daily from 10am to 6pm, or call 0845 600 3525.
Downriver in up-and-coming Thamesmead is Barratt’s The Crescent at Thames Walk, which has contemporary houses and apartments that are ideal for today’s lifestyle. This development is part of the exciting Thames Gateway expansion programme of residential, commercial, retail and leisure enterprise which is building a whole new community in this part of south-east London.
The apartments feature designer fitted kitchens with integrated oven, hob and hood, and spacious living/dining rooms. Some of the homes have balconies, and many have en suites. Allocated parking is included in the cost.

New public transport services have been introduced and many more are planned, including the new Thames Gateway Bridge from Thamesmead Central to the north bank. The go-ahead has also been given for an extension of the DLR from London City Airport to Woolwich Arsenal. These two initiatives alone will make commuting into Canary Wharf, the City and the West End even easier than at present – good news for investors as well as owner-occupiers.
Thamesmead itself has a good range of local shopping facilities including superstores, while there are extensive facilities in neighbouring Woolwich, Greenwich and the Peninsula Retail Park. Bluewater, Europe’s largest shopping complex, is only 12 miles away, just off the M25 at junction 2. Bus services operate from Merbury Road to Woolwich Arsenal.
Prices currently range from £235,995 to £272,995. Call 020 8316 5876.

Also at Woolwich is Berkeley Homes’ amazing Royal Arsenal development, which combines respectful restoration of the wonderful Victorian buildings of the former arsenal site with highly complementary new buildings. Throughout the large development, which is being rnovated and released to buyers gradually, the watchwords are extremely high specification and architectural quality.

Currently at Royal Arsenal there are several phases available to buyers. Reflection provides a particularly fresh take on waterside living. The group of interlinked apartment blocks is built around a shallow lagoon which forms a stunning central feature – and great care has been taken in choosing the colours and textures of the buildings in a way that augments the waterside location.

Spread over seven floors, the apartments and penthouses offer smart, contemporary living space with great views and top-of-the-range specification. Lush water plants and a central sculpture make the lagoon an attractive focal point for all the apartments. The ground floor apartments have either patio areas with timber jetties reaching over the water or open access to a large timber boardwalk overlooking the water.
Current availability at Reflection includes two- and three-bedroom apartments, priced between £2850,000 and £365,000. For more information call 020 8331 7272.

Expressions is a new Barratt development on Parrock Street in the centre of Gravesend. These homes, which include eight four-bedroom town houses and 12 two-bedroom, two bathroom apartments, are already proving exceptionally popular.

The three-storey town houses are exceptionally spacious and designed for flexible use. Each home has an integrated sound system, security system and two allocated parking spaces, a great boon for town-centre dwellers. The development also demonstrates Barratt’s commitment to environmental reponsibility: two of the town houses include solar panels in the roof, which provide energy for water heating, and a harvesting system pumps fresh rainwater directly into the house.

One of these ‘green’ homes also includes a fantastic range of cutting-edge technology, including LCD or plasma screens on every floor, a touch screen computer with broadband and a CCTV camera on the front door.
Apartments are also impressive, with an exceptionally roomy living/dining area, a balcony or terrace opening off both the living room and the main bedroom, and an extremely well equipped luxury fitted kitchen and two bathrooms. Each apartment has allocated parking.
Prices start at £224,995 for a two-bedroom apartment and £349,995 for a three-bedroom town house. Call Barratt on 01474 327864 or visit barratthomes.co.uk.

St James Homes, in partnership with the Chelsea College of Art and Design and gallery director Donald Smith, have launched a groundbreaking contemporary exhibition space, Chelsea Futurespace in Hepworth Court at Grosvenor Waterside, a new development of apartments and penthouses built around the historic Grosvenor Dock. The exhibition space is the first in the area for over a decade and the first ‘alumni’ space of its kind in London. The public will be able to see regular exhibitions of high-profile artworks by well-known artists who once studied or taught at the Chelsea College of Art and Design.

Grosvenor Waterside, on the banks of the Thames next to Chelsea Bridge, has transformed the historic Grosvenor Dock into a new residential quarter for Chelsea, providing over 850 apartments and penthouses as well as commercial, leisure and parking facilities.
The inaugural Chelsea Futurespace exhibition will feature a new series of works by leading British artist Stephen Farthing RA, entitled Painting The Atlantic, the central element of which is a 27-foot-long continuous painting of the Atlantic Ocean.
Curent availability at Grosvenor Waterside includes apartments in the Cubitt Building, priced from £450,000 for a studio to £875,000 for a three-bedroom apartment. Call 020 7828 6326 or visit grosvenorwaterside.com.

For those who aspire to the seaside life, Valley Park is Bovis Homes’ stunning new development of 38 four- and five-bedroom homes at Dovercourt, Harwich. The homes are close to public open space just minutes from majestic cliffs and a Blue Flag sandy beach.
These executive homes incorporate 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 homes have a bonus room in the roof, a Bovis specialty. Purchasers who buy early can chose their own kitchens units and bathroom tiling from the extensive Bovis Homes range.

Valley Park is just 30 minutes by rail to Colchester and Ipswich and one-and-a-half hour 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 at £219,950. Contact the sales manager on 0845 260 5189 or visit the website bovishomes.co.uk.

St Clements is an impressive collection of 16 apartments in Westgate-on-Sea, designed for those who have reached retirement age and want a well-designed, comfortable home that offers much and demands little.
Occupying a prominent position in St Mildreds Road, most of these apartments have spectacular sea views. Each includes luxury fitted kitchen with integrated appliances. The building has two lifts, while each home has a security entry system. Communal parking is an exclusive right to all of the residents living at St.Clements. The communal lounge and communal lounge and gardens are ideal.

Westgate-on-Sea offers good high street shopping, as well as easy links to such destina