New Homes - July, 2006

Some great new developments in fast-track locations

Northampton

Paul Newman New Homes welcomed Prince Charles to Upton One, their unique housing development on the outskirts of town. Upton One is one of the country’s first developments to be based upon a unique set of design codes devised by the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment, a charity established to combine the principles of traditional urban design and architecture with the needs of people and communities. The development has a mix of distinctive house designs which give the impression of a village which has grown over the years. From the traditional stone-built cottages through to the elegant lines of the Georgian period and the Arts and Crafts-inspired town houses, all the properties have been built with superb attention to detail. Of particular interest to the Prince was the environmentally friendly credentials of Upton One. Low-energy boilers and lightbulbs, lofts insulated with sheep’s wool and drainage channels to naturally manage rainwater, which are built into the landscape, are just some of the features which stand out.
Schools, shops, offices, parks, sports facilities and a health centre are planned. A bus service into Northampton already runs through Upton One, and for those needing to travel further afield Junction 15a of the M1 is just minutes’ drive away.
Homes range from two-bedroom apartments priced from £174,950 to a six-bedroom mews home at £349,500. A sales centre and show homes are open daily from 10am to 5pm. Call 01604 752180.

Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

Linden Homes has sold all of the apartments and two-bedroom houses off-plan at its Eastlands development in Adeyfield, and the remaining three-bedroom houses are unlikely to last long. These homes are perfect for families and young professionals. The area is close to local schools, parkland and local amenities, while the M1 and M25 motorways are close by. Three-bedroom homes start at £284,950. Call 01442 289083.


Little Dunmow, Essex

Persimmon Homes has unveiled the sumptuous show home at The Poppies on Canon Road. The three-bedroom, three-storey Leicester design has been professionally styled to showcase the latest in contemporary interior design. The entire second floor is devoted to the master suite, which has a good sized en suite. Six Leicester house types currently remain for sale. Prices start at £167,950 for a two-bedroom home. Call 01371 822096.

Dorking, Surrey

CALA Homes’ Longfield Grove appeals to young professionals, as well as families and couples. Situated in the cul-de-sac of Longfield Road, these 30 high-specification units, including two-bedroom apartments and maisonettes, three-bedroom semi-detached houses and four-bedroom detached houses. There are excellent transport links to Waterloo, Victoria and London Bridge, and the M25 is only seven and a half miles away. Call 01306 881822 to find out more.

Bromley, Kent

At Pembroke Mews, Asprey Homes offers a part-exchange scheme to buyers looking to climb the next rung of the property ladder. The ten two-bedroom apartments and 11 three- and four-bedroom houses feature high specification. The fantastic nearby transport links will suit young professionals and commuters alike. There is easy access to the A21 and A20 for links to London and the M25. Contact Acorn New Homes on 020 8663 4466.

Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Millwood Designer Homes’ Montacute Mews development is a select collection of nine two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and five one- and two-bedroom apartments in a premium location. The nearby railway station offers services to Cannon Street in 51 minutes, while the A21 gives links to the M25. Prices start at £220,000. For further information or to visit the show home contact the marketing suite on 01892 538534.

Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

At Bellway’s Broughton MK, the four-bedroom Idaho town house has 1,436 square foot of space, with two en suites, a garage and two parking spaces, priced from £294,950. The location is ideal for schools, shops, a medical centre, children’s play area and community centre; the Redway network of pedestrian and cycle paths lets residents walk or cycle safely to the town centre. Call 01908 395463.

If living together is a big step, buying together is a natural progression. Johnny Turner looks at properties with suitable space and price.
This is a tough market for younger buyers, with the average price continuing to rise. Young couples have a couple of advantages in this climate, however: they need more or less the same space as a single person would yet most couples have the benefit of two salaries, making affordability easier than for a single person.
So what’s out there in the current market that would appeal to younger couples? Quite a lot, it turns out.

A particularly attractive last-chance scenario comes from specialist developer Morgan Restoration, at its Little Heath development in central Swanley, Kent, only five minutes’ walk from Swanley station, has just four apartments remaining at this popular contemporary scheme. Additionally, if you reserve before the end of July, the developer will offer five per cent deposit paid and stamp duty paid on the apartment.

Little Heath comprises 16 one and two-bedroom apartments, with two second floor two-bedroom apartments and two top floor one-bedroom apartments available for sale. All apartments have comfortable and efficient under-floor heating, which is usually only found in expensive premium developments in central London. Secure gated parking is also available on the ground floor with a lift providing access to the apartments above.
Barry Morgan, Morgan Restoration’s chief executive says: ‘Little Heath brings superb quality, space and value to the heart of Swanley. Furthermore, the remaining apartments each have an outdoor space, perfect for summer living, with the two second floor apartments having at least one balcony and the top floor apartments each having access to a private screened roof garden, providing sweeping panoramic views, across Kent and towards Canary Wharf to the north.’
Quality specification and craftsmanship are evident throughout and includes American oak veneer doors and chrome designer handles, high-quality veneer hardwood flooring, bathrooms equipped with Phillipe Starck taps and Grohe ‘freehander’ double shower heads.
Bathrooms at Little Heath also benefit from a bath-shower with stylish Villeroy and Boch suites, Hansgrohe tap free bath fillers. Both the toilet and basins are wall hung.
The kitchens are equipped with German NEFF appliances including a five-burner gas hob, electric oven and chimney cooker hood. In addition each has an integrated microwave and fridge freezer.

The apartments are pre-wired for an optional intruder alarm and have a video entry system linked to the electrically operated remote controlled entrance gates. Low voltage halogen spot lighting brings a modern contemporary look to bathrooms, kitchens and hallways.     
Living rooms and bedrooms feature TV and telephone points, with a satellite TV point to the living room.

Little Heath is ideally located for commuting, shopping and leisure facilities and for national and international travel. From Swanley Station regular commuter services to central London take around 30 minutes. Adjacent to Swanley's town centre, Little Heath provides a wide choice of shops and leisure facilities just a short distance away. Further afield, a 10-mile journey around the M25 is Bluewater, one of the most modern and largest shopping centres in the south east of England.

Prices of the remaining apartments at Little Heath are from £170,000 to £200,000. For purchasers reserving by the end of July, Morgan Restoration is offering 5 % deposit paid and stamp duty paid, subject to terms and conditions. For further information, please contact Morgan Restoration on 01322 866800 or visit mortganrestoration.co.uk.
Berkeley Homes is pleased to announce the launch of Pavilion on 30th July 2006 - the newest residential phase to go on sale at the iconic Chelsea Bridge Wharf development in Battersea.  
Occupying a prime central London riverside location next to Battersea Park, Pavilion is a collection of 28 contemporary apartments, comprising one and two bedroom apartments, and two bedroom duplex apartments. This striking eight-storey apartment building offers spectacular views overlooking the central water garden piazza at Chelsea Bridge Wharf, with its tumbling water features and neatly kept grounds or a proposed piazza.
Fully furnished show apartments are available to view, presenting ‘ready to go’ homes for those too busy to shop for home furnishings or business people looking for a no-hassle pied a terre residence in the capital. Each fully furnished apartment is exclusively dressed by Vogue Interiors, and comes complete with soft furnishings, fittings, carpets and designer appliances.
Paul Vallone, Chairman of Berkeley Homes (Central London) Ltd, commented: ‘The apartments at Pavilion epitomise the quality of Berkeley Homes’ specification detail and design. We have taken time to create homes where buyers can return from work and unwind in a relaxing atmosphere, whilst enjoying a great London location. The specification and great attention to detail within each apartment makes Pavilion another exceptional element to Chelsea Bridge Wharf development.’

The apartments at Pavilion boast a superior specification, with individually designed layouts, open plan interiors and floor to ceiling windows.
All the apartments feature Italian Linea Quattro kitchen furniture. To complete this sophisticated style, there are low voltage ceiling down-lighters, limestone worktops and porcelain tile flooring. Entrance and internal doors are horizontal oak veneer, with an attractive banding design, and the oak is repeated for skirting and architraves. Concealed mood lighting is featured in the living room and master bedroom, with polished chrome light switches.
For peace of mind and added security at Pavilion, there is a 24-hour concierge service and a monitored CCTV network, which extends to the underground car park.

Pavilion is conveniently located close to the shopping and restaurants of King’s Road and Sloane Square, just a short walk across Chelsea Bridge, while the 200 acres of Battersea Park is just across the road from the development and easily reached by the foot bridge that connects Chelsea Bridge Wharf to the park. Sloane Square tube station is less that a mile away and can be easily accessed providing links to both the District and Circle lines. Residents commuting by over ground train are a short walk away from Battersea Park train station, which operates a regular service into London Victoria, as well as being close to Queenstown Road station, which runs into to London Waterloo.
Prices at Pavilion start at £352,500 for a one bedroom apartment, £515,000 for a two bedroom apartment, and £715,000 for a two bedroom duplex. For further information, contact the Sales and Marketing suite, which is open from 10am to 6pm daily, and until 8pm on Thursdays, by telephoning 020 7720 4000.

In Stowmarket, Suffolk, Persimmon Homes reports big sales at its Creetings developmentt, with 90 per cent per cent of the first release selling in just eight weeks.
Sales have soared since the launch in February, as delighted purchasers discover properties at pre-showhome prices and special incentives designed for first time buyers.
Gerry Pople, sales director for Persimmon Homes Essex, comments: ‘Stowmarket house hunters have just four weeks left to take advantage of our pre-showhome prices and incentives. These include stamp duty paid, five per cent deposit, along with special first time buyer packages to help youngsters onto the property ladder.’
A professionally designed showhome has also recently been unveiled at the development.
When complete, the development will comprise 153 units of contemporary designed two bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom houses, with selected plots boasting an integrated conservatory.

Situated within the popular Cedars Park development, Creetings offers excellent access to the A14 and A140 as well as Stowmarket railway station
Prices currently start from £134,950 for a two bedroom house, £172,950 for a three bedroom property and £262,750 for a four bedroom house. Prices for the apartments are to be released shortly. For further information on the properties available, contact the sales team on 01449 775285 or visit www.persimmonhomes.com.
Canary Wharf is London’s fastest-growing business destination and more people every month are coming to work on the Isle of Dogs. For those who work in the area’s banking and media centres, among other sectors, what would be more fantastic than a 20-minute Thames-side stroll to work?
Rydon Homes’ Nordic Apartments puts Canary Wharf less than 20 minutes away by foot via the Thames riverside walk.
For those who prefer to take public transport, the accessibility of Nordic Apartments is second to none. The 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.
Not only do residents get the perfect commute, but the style and specification available in these apartments is second to none. Both apartments and penthouses are available, giving buyers a good choice of stylish homes.

The marketing suite at the Nordic Apartments is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and at other times, strictly by appointment only.
Prices for the penthouses start at £330,000. For further information, contact the sales and marketing suite on 020 7780 1580 or visit nordic-cool.co.uk.
Widacre Homes is selling a new phase at EastSide, a collection of high-style apartments in booming Bow, east London. Both City workers and those who need a hassle-free journey to Canary Wharf will find that E3 is perfectly placed. Also, getting to the West End, whether for workdays or nights out, is a breeze via the nearby Central and District Lines.

A joint venture between Widacre Homes and Circle 33 Lifespace, EastSide consists of 132 stylish apartments in four buildings arranged around a central piazza-style garden square.
All apartments have been meticulously designed to maximise both light and space and boast a contemporary open-plan layout. Stylish kitchens extend into spacious living areas, while floor-to-ceiling windows flood the apartments with light.
Apartments all have outdoor spaces in the form of either good-sized balconies or terraces, ideal for al fresco dining and enjoying London during the summer months. The communal piazza-style garden square provides residents with a welcome outside space, a real. When complete it will comprise a selection of hard and soft landscaping along with a piece of communal art in the form of a bronze resin sculpture by a local artist.

Eastside currently has only ten two-bedroom apartments remaining of its third release, The Washington Building; where prices start at £264,450 for a two-bedroom apartment. Call Strettons Residential on 020 7422 0989 or see eastside-e3.com.
VizioN7, a joint venture scheme between Taylor Woodrow and George Wimpey in conjunction with Arsenal Football Club, is setting a new precedent.

Another tenant who will soon be making the transition from tenant to owner occupier is Bjorn Hauksson who, with girlfriend, Kirsten Viggosdottir, will also be buying a one-bedroom apartment at VizioN7:

”I was already considering buying at VizioN7 before I started renting an apartment there,” said Bjorn, an economist who works in the City.  “I had done plenty of research on the scheme and found it ideal for our purposes.  We both like the easy commuting it represents.  I can cycle to work from here in about 20 minutes and Kirsten commutes by train to Welwyn Garden City for her job as an occupational therapist.  Being able to live here first has made me really appreciate all the benefits and buying our first home has been very straightforward.”

VizioN7 is part of one of London’s biggest regeneration schemes, The Highbury Project.  The total redevelopment area encompasses 60 acres, which spans four residential projects in London N7 and N5 over a five year period and culminates in the building of the new Emirates Stadium for Arsenal Football Club. VizioN7 is the first of these four residential schemes to be developed and features 467 apartments, many of which have balconies or roof terraces.

The development comprises an exciting five-acre scheme, centred on landscaped gardens with lawns, water features and trees, and incorporates three separate buildings in an innovative stepped formation.  It also includes the conversion of a Victorian building, formerly the Mount Carmel School, and an additional residential building.  Offering a wealth of choice for potential investors and owner occupiers, completions at VizioN7 started in September 2005 and will continue through until Spring 2007 when the scheme is set to complete.

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

Persimmon Homes has saved the best for last at its Riverside Nursery development in Colchester where just one Willow housetype remains for sale.

Boasting 3,045 sq ft of sheer space, views overlooking the river, five bedrooms, three bathrooms and four storeys, this is the property many of us can only dream of.  However, only one lucky purchaser can secure this property that includes a games room, laundry room, shower room and study in the basement alone.  

The detached Willow comprises a balcony which showcases some of the best views of the local area, bordering the sylvan riverside walk.    

Gerry Pople, sales director for Persimmon Homes Essex, comments: “The Willow housetype is purely breathtaking.  The lounge spans the entire width of the house, while four of the five bedrooms comprise walk-in-wardrobes.  Just five of the luxurious housetypes were built, four of which were snapped up instantly.  The race is on to secure the final remaining design.”
 
Conveniently located for the nearby A12 and the A120, which provide easy access to London, Suffolk and the East Coast, Riverside Nursery is just a 25 minute walk to the mainline railway station, which links Colchester to Liverpool Street in less than one hour.  Residents are also within striking distance from Colchester town centre.

Prices for the Willow design start from £477,750.  For more information on the properties available at Riverside Nursery, telephone the marketing suite, open daily from 10am to 5pm, on 01206 793676.  Alternatively, visit Persimmon’s website at www.persimmonhomes.com.
Persimmon Homes’ exciting new development Century Park has opened its doors to the general public as a number of three/four bedroom properties have been released for sale.

The development, which will comprise 110 units when complete, offers a selection of two bedroom apartments and three bedroom houses with additional study/family room/bedroom four in the popular residential area of Barkingside.

And in an effort to get local youngsters on to the property ladder, the leading housebuilder is offering a range of incentives including part exchange or carpets and stamp duty paid on selected plots.

Nikki Cole, marketing manager for Persimmon Homes Essex, comments: “Century Park is a very exciting addition to Barkingside, and we are encouraging house hunters to pay us a visit before the launch of our two showhomes next month to benefit from our pre-showhome prices.”

Ideally situated less than a 20 minute walk from Fairlop tube station central line, Century Park is expected to prove popular with commuters, with journey times to central London also around the 20 minute mark.  

Century Park will comprise public open space to the back of the development while selected properties will overlook woodland.

Prices currently start from £342,750.  For further information on the properties available contact the marketing suite, open 10am-6pm Thursday-Monday, on 0208 550 2544 or visit www.persimmonhomes.com.

BEADIE GROUP & TELFORD HOMES JOIN FORCES FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL SCHEME AT MARKET PLACE, ROMFORD

Developer Beadie Group and East London house-builder Telford Homes have agreed a venture to fund and market the residential element of Market Place, the £40 million mixed-use scheme under construction in the heart of Romford.  The scheme will also place valuable new retail and leisure frontage onto one of the key sites in the town.

Telford Homes will market the 89 one and-two bedroom apartments for private sale in the heart-of-town scheme that is being developed by Beadie Group's Pickenham (Romford) division on a 3.5-acre site on the northern edge of the town's famous open-air market.

Comments Nigel Lewis, Managing Director of Pickenham Romford:

"Market Place is a dynamic mixed-use scheme that will bring considerable new focus to Romford.  This is a town that has been leapfrogging up the ladder of up-and-coming locations around London, particularly now in the wake of the 2012 Olympic activity nearby.   Telford Homes has unparalleled experience in developing and marketing contemporary accommodation around East London and the Market Place location is ideal for those looking to be in a heart of a town that is undergoing some dramatic regeneration."

Sheena Ellwood, Sales and Marketing Director of Telford Homes comments:

"People are recognizing that Romford is both affordable and vibrant, that it has good transport links to Central London and the City and yet has its own dynamic in terms of retail, leisure and lifestyle amenities and business opportunities.  Market Place will further enhance that dynamic and serve the community and we're looking forward to being part of this important project."

Market Place will also include 3,716 sq m (40,000 sq ft) of retail and leisure space, a 1,243 sq m (13,388 sq ft) standalone 'signature' building, a new facility for the Romford Market Hall, along with a 251-space car park.

Travelodge will operate the 80-bedroom hotel that is also under construction on the site.  Agreements for other elements of the scheme, including a medical centre, as well as retail and leisure units, are in negotiation.

Current construction works, which are being phased to minimize disruption, incorporate the first element of the residential scheme, adjacent to the hotel and due for completion at the end of 2006.  Work on the main private and affordable residential section and retail space, which form the final phase of the Market Place development, commences this month.  Carillion Regional Building is the main contractor.

Telford Homes can be contacted on 01992 809800 for information on private sale apartments, Neil Gilbert of Gilbert Bath (020 7636 2494), Nigel Evans of Stiles Harold Williams (020 7389 1500) and Simon Horner of Gooch Cunliffe Whale (0207 408 0030) are the joint letting agents for commercial space in the Market Place.
The buy-to-let market is buoyant, with increases in rents, property values and rental yields, as reported by Paragon Mortgages’ recent Buy-to-Let Index. One area popular with buy-to-let landlords is Chelmsford, Essex, which has huge appeal due to its vibrant town centre and close proximity to London.  As a result, The Hub, Higgins Homes’ new development of contemporary apartments and penthouses overlooking the River Chelmer, is attracting a large number of investors.

Jeremy Marcus, Sales and Marketing Director of Higgins Homes, comments: “A number of investors have already reserved off-plan since The Hub launched in June, and it’s easy to see why.  Architecturally striking, with fresh, modern interiors, it is in a superb location within metres of Chelmsford’s shops, bars and leisure facilities, just half a mile from the train station, so it’s ideal to let to young professionals who can commute to London in less than 30 minutes.  The combination of exceptional design and location make The Hub an extremely attractive investment.”

Michelle Reedie of letting agent, William H Brown, adds: “The lettings market is buoyant in Chelmsford and landlords can achieve excellent returns.  A lot of our customers are young professionals from the area, or people who want to move out of London and commute in for a better quality of life.  The Hub is likely to let quickly, it really is in an unrivalled location.”

The Hub comprises 54 luxurious one and two bedroom apartments and penthouses set within a collection of apartment buildings, each with its own distinct character, combining large expanses of glass with yellow or red buff brick.
Apartments feature spacious, open plan interiors with contemporary fixtures and fittings.  Designer kitchens are by Urban Myth and all come fully fitted with a high quality Smeg oven and hob, integrated fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and dishwasher.

The penthouses feature solid wood flooring, under floor heating and luxury kitchens including stone work surfaces and striking Macassar Ebony units. They also have glass external walls and wrap-around terraces providing spectacular panoramic views. Secure electronically accessed parking spaces will be available to purchase.

There will be several commercial units on the ground floors which are likely to become restaurants, cafés, bars and offices, making the most of the waterside setting and the piazza which is due to be a paved amphitheatre-style area. There will also be a decked boardwalk running between one of the development blocks and the river’s boat landing stage.

Chelmsford offers a wealth of amenities, with two modern under-cover shopping centres, café bars and restaurants, as well as an abundance of leisure facilities.  Chelmsford station is approximately half a mile away and provides a train service to London Liverpool Street station in less than 30 minutes.

Prices start from £185,000 for a one bedroom apartment and from £225,000 for a two bedroom apartment. Two bedroom apartments overlooking the water are from £299,950 and penthouses are from £499,500. The first completions are expected in autumn 2006. For sales enquiries, contact Higgins Homes on telephone: 01245 493 607 or visit www.higginshomes.co.uk
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There is a high demand for new homes in Brentwood. Located within the Metropolitan Green Belt, the Borough offers thousands of acres of woodland and beautiful country parks, just 18 miles from London, making it extremely popular with businesses and residents.  The Arden Building, a Higgins Homes development which launched in Brentwood last year, sold out at a phenomenal rate and Higgins is expecting the same at Hunters Walk, its brand new development of 14 apartments in the town centre.

Jeremy Marcus, Sales and Marketing Director of Higgins Homes, comments: “There is a shortage of high-quality new apartments in Brentwood.  The Arden Building was a great success, appealing to a diverse range of people.  We expect the same at Hunters Walk which is similar.  Everyone from young professionals to downsizers will appreciate its proximity to shops, restaurants and transport links.  The variety of apartments and crisp, clean interiors also means that there is something to suit every taste.”

Hunters Walk, on William Hunter Way, comprises 14 studios, and one and two bedroom apartments.  Lying parallel to Brentwood High Street, there is a walkway from William Hunter Way through to the town centre.

The development has a distinctive, staggered shape. Finished in a combination of cream rendering, red brick and red roof tiles, Hunters Walk sits comfortably amongst the existing housing in the surrounding area.  There are also a number of private car parking spaces for residents.
Inside, the apartments offer a variety of layouts, with unique dual aspect hexagonal shaped kitchen/reception rooms to some corner plots, creating a light and spacious feel.  All apartments have fully fitted, Urban Myth kitchens with integrated appliances by Smeg, including a stainless steel electric oven and gas hob, fridge/freezer and washer/dryer. Master bedrooms have fitted wardrobes, and bathrooms incorporate contemporary white sanitary ware with chrome fittings.

Brentwood national railway station is easily accessible from the development and provides journey times to London Liverpool Street of approximately 40 minutes. Brentwood offers easy access to the A12, A27 and M25.

The apartments are currently for sale off plan with prices starting from £134,950 for a studio apartment, from £159,950 for a one bedroom apartment and from £229,950 for a two bedroom duplex apartment. For sales enquiries, contact Higgins Homes on telephone: 020 8508 6000 or visit www.higginshomes.co.uk.
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Ryan Homes has already sold seven properties at Maritime Mews following the recent launch of the show apartment. These exquisite apartments and cottages were introduced in a recent open weekend, at which buyer interest was obvious. Indeed, all the cottages have been snapped up and only six two-bedroom apartments currently remain. The homes are located in a sought-after village centre setting near the riverside, offering picturesque views. There will be a new bar/bistro at the development, providing residents indoor and al fresco dining and refreshments. The high specification includes stainless steel electric ovens, hobs and extractors, integrated fridge/freezers, dishwashers and washer/dryers. Purchasers can also expect uPVC windows, chrome television and satellite outlet points and telephone points. There is allocated parking, as well as alarm systems and video door entry systems. Prices start at £189,000 for the remaining apartments. Prospective buyers should register their interest with Dedman New Homes on 01702 533700 or visit dedman.net.

Persimmon Homes has unveiled a regency show home at its Bloomsbury Mews development. The four-bedroom, three-storey Virginia design is based on the Regency style. Bloomsbury Mews is only 50 minutes from Liverpool Street by train. This is the first of four phases at New Braiswick Park, each of which will boast its own unique identity and character. The Virginia house type starts at £282,750. Call 01206 845903.

 
Nightingale Mews apartments now available to first-time buyers and key workers earning a minimum of £22,000
 
London, 11 July 2006 – Notting Hill Home Ownership has today launched a brand new residential development available to first-time buyers earning a minimum of just £22,000. A charming development of contemporary apartments in the highly desirable ‘Nightingale Triangle’ in Wandsworth, Nightingale Mews offers a limited number of one and two bedroom apartments available to buy through shared ownership.
 
Situated near the green-open spaces of Clapham Common and within easy reach of the vast array of restaurants, bars, pubs, cafes and shops of Balham and Clapham, Nightingale Mews is only a 10-12 minute walk from Clapham South tube station (on the Northern line).  The development is also only a 10-15 minute walk from Balham mainline station offering easy access into both Clapham Junction and Victoria. To be eligible for this scheme buyers will need to be either a key worker, a public sector tenant in Wandsworth or be on Wandsworth borough’s housing register. Applicants will then be prioritised based on current tenure, job and income.
 
The Temperley Road apartments boast a number of high spec features including a fully fitted contemporary kitchen with integrated cooker, hob and hood, integrated white goods including fridge-freezer and washing machine, phone entry system to all apartments, fitted wardrobes to master bedrooms and carpeting to living room, bedroom and hallway. In addition all of the apartments have the luxury of access to landscaped outdoor areas.
 
New Build HomeBuy (formally known as Shared Ownership) makes buying a home in London affordable to people on moderate incomes. A minimum income of £22,000 is required for an initial 25 per cent share of a one bedroom Nightingale Mews apartment valued at £220,000. First time buyers then pay a subsidised rent on the remainder with the option to purchase further shares after a year. Prices for a two-bedroom apartment start at £295,000.
 
Mark Vaughan, director of sales, Notting Hill Home Ownership, comments on the development; “Wandsworth Council are keen to revitalise the borough through re-development of the town centre and therefore Wandsworth presents itself as an attractive area for first time buyers to invest. The Nightingale Mews scheme provides first time buyers and key workers with the opportunity to take a stake in their future and purchase their own home in an area of London that would otherwise be out of financial reach. New Build HomeBuy schemes such as Nightingale Mews highlights our commitment to provide high quality, affordable housing in the heart of the Capital.”
 
To register interest in Nightingale Mews or to book a viewing please call 020 8357 4444 or email sales@nhhg.org.uk.
To enquire about getting your name on Wandsworth's housing register please call the Wandsworth Home Ownership Unit on 020 8871 6016.
For more information please visit: http://www.nottinghillhousing.org.uk/nightingalemews

Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex

At Pavilion Heights, the latest scheme by Ryan Homes, an exclusive address created specifically for the over-60s, a show apartment is to be launched on 14 and 15 July. Pavilion Heights is situated in a prime location opposite the Cliffs Pavilion on Station Road. The development comprises 30 one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments for the active mature purchaser, providing designer retirement living at its finest. Attractively located to provide uplifting views, Pavilion Heights overlooks the Thames Estuary, and provides exclusivity and superiority as well as excellent value for money. Already two properties have been sold off-plan. Prices at the impressive new landmark are expected to start from £199,950 for the smaller apartments at 430 square feet, and £450,000 for the larger penthouses of 917 square feet of luxurious living space. There is secure underground parking as well as two communal gardens. Westcliff on Sea mainline station is approximately five minutes’ walk and offers a journey of around an hour into London s Fenchurch Street. Call 0870 224 2535 to register your interest.

Banstead, Surrey

Millgate Homes launches a new show apartment at Churchlands on Saturday 22 July. The gated development is within a half-mile of Banstead station and High Street. The development features allocated parking, patios to selected plots and electric front gates. The first block of apartments now ready for occupation. Prices range from £262,500 to £350,000 for the 1,275sq ft penthouse. The show home is open daily. Call 01737 355492.

Watford, Hertfordshire

Woodgate Mews is an exclusive and ideally located development of just eight four-bedroom town houses and 14 two-bedroom apartments. Each apartment has allocated parking and town houses also have private garages. The development is less than five minutes from the station, with its 20-minute journey into Euston.  Prices range from £290,000 - £305,000. Call Banner Homes on 01923 250727 of visit bannerhomes.co.uk.

Colchester, Essex

Persimmon Homes has unveiled a Regency-style show home at Bloomsbury Mews at New Braiswick Park, where full-value part-exchange is offered on selected plots. The four-bedroom three-storey Virginia home has been professionally designed to reflect the latest in interior design and is perfect for families. Liverpool Street is just a 50-minute journey away, while a footpath leads directly to the station. The home is priced from £282,750. Call 01206 845903.

Barnet, Hertfordshire

Almost half of the homes are now sold at Osidge Park, an exclusive gated Barratt development in Russell Lane. A four-bedroom show house opens on 15 July, complementing the existing two show apartments. All properties will have private parking and the apartments will have video entry systems. Prices start at £220,500 for one-bedroom apartments, while town houses start at £440,000. Call 020 8368 4238.

Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

Abode@Riverside has proven popular with owner-occupiers and investors alike, with its central location and fantastic transport links. The 70 one- and two-bedroom apartments within a landmark eight-storey building will have a communal roof terrace and gated undercover parking. Prices start at £169,950 while two-bedroom apartments are priced from £194,950. Contact the sales office, based at selling agents Aitchisons 0870 755 1641 or visit crestnicholson.com.

Maidstone, Kent

Barratt’s fabulous new show apartment at Riverside Plaza reveals the style – and the lifestyle – on offer at this superb new development of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom houses. The waterside location, within easy reach of Maidstone’s shops, restaurants and bars, is also great for commuters. The range of apartments currently starts at £230,000. For further information call 01622 672412 or see barratthomes.co.uk.

This sought-after riverside location is attracting a new generation of buyers. And two new developments are ideal for first-time buyers and investors.

In a recent edition of Channel 4’s Selling Houses, Andrew Winter described the west London borough of Molesey, with its East and West villages, as up-and-coming and worthy of investment. With this desirability in mind, award winning George Wimpey West London has picked West Molesey for two of its most contemporary and stylish developments.
As this is an ideal location fro first-time buyers, George Wimpey is giving these purchasers at The Works a great opportunity to buy a new apartment with prices starting at £159,995. In addition, George Wimpey will pay the five per cent deposit too, giving first-time buyers a real helping hand.

The average property price with the KT8 1 postcode is £265,643 - and many of these are resale prices with the additional costs the secondhand market is likely to bring. Located in the heart of residential Molesey, The Works is a contemporary collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments perfect for first-time buyers who are looking to get on the property ladder in style. Contact the sales team daily from 11am to 5.30pm on 020 8941 7447.
West Molesey has the convenience of being a town in its own right, but the close proximity to London and the M3 means it is popular with young professionals who commute into the city and like trendy bars and restaurants as well as walks by the River, visits to Hampton Court Palace and shopping at traditional food markets. West Molesey really does offer the best of both worlds.

With property prices in the city increasing, many urbanites have decided to set up in Molesey, thus turning the area into a hub of activity for young professionals, with 24-hour supermarkets, trendy wine bars and fantastic transport links into the city.
Situated close to the Thames off Hurst Road, Avantgarde is another development by George Wimpey located in West Molesey. Perfect for young professionals and investors, this exclusive collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments boasts a riverside location and fantastic views, with some apartments even having balconies. The development offers lifts, while secure undercroft parking is an added bonus.

The apartments are large with a quality interior specification and floor-to-ceiling windows. Over 70 per cent sold, the stylish apartments at Avantgarde are being snapped up quickly. Prices start at £209,995. Call the sales team on 020 8979 8950 daily from 11.00am to 5.30pm.

Londoners like to be close to the action. And these homes in Zones 1 and 2 offer more than just a central location, says Johnny Turner

Savills to market bourdon house, Mayfair, W1

Savills is set to bring Bourdon House, 2 Davies Street, Mayfair, W1 to the market this week at a guide price of £15 million.
The long-leasehold property, offered on behalf of Mallett Antiques, occupies a site area of approximately 8,380 sq ft (778 sq m) and comprises a gross internal area of 15,225 sq ft (1,415 sq m).
Built in the early 18th century, Bourdon House, a grade II* listed building, was the residence of the second Duke of Westminster until his death in 1953.  Over the last fifty years it has been occupied by Mallett as an antiques showroom.  Held on a 95 year lease from the Grosvenor Estate, the property is being sold with vacant possession.
Liell Francklin of Savills’ west end agency says: “Bourdon House is an historic and exceptionally attractive Mayfair town house which offers potential for a variety of different uses.”
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The Stadium – Highbury Square, the redevelopment of Arsenal Football Club’s famous stadium, Highbury, into luxury apartments, has been given a top rating by independent property market analysts London Development Research.

London Development Research produced a matrix in order to weigh 14 major developments in London. Using a range of objective categories (e.g. price per sq foot, transport accessibility, amenities), the developments were assigned scores up to a combined maximum of 100 points. The Stadium obtained 76 points, coming in second only to the Pan Peninsula development (E14) which scored 79 points. The highly-regarded Highbury project was ahead of developments such as Chelsea Bridge Wharf, Paddington Walk and Grosvenor Waterside.

The report adds, “The best residential developments in London deliver top-of-class scores across a range of attributes that are important for owner-occupiers, investors and their tenants. The Stadium delivers these attributes not only at competitive prices, but also in an established residential area of London that will enjoy the significant regeneration benefits of committed and planned long-term investment. Across London, The Stadium is at the very top of its peer group.”

The project, which will cost an estimated £170 million, should  provide an outstanding return on investment: over the past year, Islington was the fastest growing London Borough in terms of average property price, with an annual increase of 21.5% to May 2006. In addition, the annual change to May 2006 of asking price trend by property type shows that flats/apartments are the fastest growing (compared to detached, semi-detached and terraced properties); up 7.4% [source: rightmove.co.uk].

For more information visit www.thestadium-highbury.com. Alternatively, contact joint agents:
Savills on tel: 020 7472 5000; or Anthony Green & Spencer on 020 7609 1111.
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Specialist developer, londonewcastle, has launched its first ICONIC branded development, 1 St John’s Place, St John’s Square, Clerkenwell, bringing nine loft - style apartments of exceptional design and quality right to the City of London’s doorstep.

ICONIC is a joint venture between londonewcastle and Rugby Estates Plc, and has been set up to deliver creative and distinctive mixed-use developments in key urban locations. 1 St John’s Place, overlooking the cobbled streets of St John’s Square, is based in the heart of Clerkenwell, an area that has pioneered loft living in the capital, but now with very rare opportunities for the creation of new or converted schemes.

When completed, the development will provide studios, one and two-bedroom apartments and a two-bedroom penthouse duplex in a converted office building, set on the third, fourth and fifth floors, while offices will remain on the lower floors.

Clerkenwell is ideally located between the City and the West End and is also a major hub for London’s creative businesses. The area is rich in character and history, and has become a very enviable place to live, with a wide variety of excellent pubs, restaurants and clubs offering a vibrant nightlife.

1 St John’s Place has cleverly integrated architectural elements of the former office building into its overall design, including the original large windows, which together with meticulous interior planning by Target Living has maximised both light and space for each apartment. Many of the apartments will also benefit from extensive glazed corner windows, providing continuous views from east to south.

Robert Soning, londonewcastle’s Sales and Marketing Director, says: “1 St John’s Place is located in one of London’s most desirable areas, fringing the City of London. Painstaking care has been made in delivering functional and comfortable accommodation with a style and quality that has a character of its own, perfect for urban living.”

Crowning the building will be the penthouse, which on three sides will cascade from the fifth floor, accommodating the master-bedroom, down to the living area and wrap-round terrace on the fourth floor. Its open-plan kitchen and living area will seamlessly integrate via an ingenious folding glass wall with the roof terrace, providing the perfect space for alfresco entertaining.  The master-bedroom’s en-suite will have a freestanding Starck bath, two basins and a shower. Air comfort cooling is also provided throughout.

Attention to detail at 1 St John’s Place includes sourcing of designs and materials from around the world to bring the best possible finish. The show apartment has  been designed by award wining company Target Living who have provided strong, vibrant and distinctive interiors with features such as black doors and bitter chocolate coloured floors. Additionally, the bathroom interiors reflect the development’s location, as walls surrounding the bath and shower have large black and white images of famous London landmarks.  

The kitchens of the apartments have been individually designed by specialist Elmer Sri, incorporating dark Nero Assoluto granite worktops and opaque white lacquered glass back panels. A stainless steel sink and oven will match a black glass hob and an integrated fridge-freezer and dishwasher will be provided.

Bathroom, shower rooms and en-suites feature high-quality fittings such as Kaldewai Classic Duo baths, Dombracht mixer taps and shower accessories. Each bathroom has under heated limestone floors, chrome towel rail and mirror fronted wall cabinet.

Typical of the development’s bespoke design is the specially commissioned wardrobes and infinitely variable lighting, including dimmable ceiling-recessed down lights.

 St John’ s Place is superbly served by public transport. Within walking distance are Chancery Lane, Farringdon, Barbican and St Paul’s Underground Station, while City Thameslink rail services are available at Farringdon and City Thameslink Stations.  Less than two-miles away is King’s Cross Station, which will provide high-speed rail services to continental Europe via a new International Eurostar terminal that is due to open in 2009.

At 1 St John’s, St John’s Square EC1, one-bedroom apartments are priced from £350,000, two-bedroom apartments start at £395,000 and the two-bedroom-duplex penthouse is available at £1,250,000.00.  

For further information contact on this development, please contact: Hurford Salvi Carr
Telephone: 020 7250 1012  

Highbury, London

The Stadium – Highbury Square, the redevelopment of Arsenal Football Club’s famous stadium, Highbury, into luxury apartments, has been given a top rating by independent property market analysts London Development Research.

London Development Research produced a matrix in order to weigh 14 major developments in London. Using a range of objective categories (e.g. price per sq foot, transport accessibility, amenities), the developments were assigned scores up to a combined maximum of 100 points. The Stadium obtained 76 points, coming in second only to the Pan Peninsula development (E14) which scored 79 points. The highly-regarded Highbury project was ahead of developments such as Chelsea Bridge Wharf, Paddington Walk and Grosvenor Waterside.

The report adds, “The best residential developments in London deliver top-of-class scores across a range of attributes that are important for owner-occupiers, investors and their tenants. The Stadium delivers these attributes not only at competitive prices, but also in an established residential area of London that will enjoy the significant regeneration benefits of committed and planned long-term investment. Across London, The Stadium is at the very top of its peer group.”

The project, which will cost an estimated £170 million, should  provide an outstanding return on investment: over the past year, Islington was the fastest growing London Borough in terms of average property price, with an annual increase of 21.5% to May 2006. In addition, the annual change to May 2006 of asking price trend by property type shows that flats/apartments are the fastest growing (compared to detached, semi-detached and terraced properties); up 7.4% [source: rightmove.co.uk].

For more information visit www.thestadium-highbury.com. Alternatively, contact joint agents:
Savills on tel: 020 7472 5000; or Anthony Green & Spencer on 020 7609 1111.

Linden Homes is breaking new ground with the cutting edge architecture of its new high-end apartments at Evolution in Leatherhead, one of the south east’s leading contemporary developments.

The apartments at Evolution have a chic appearance with a texture derived from a blend of rendering, brick and stone.  This, combined with the contemporary glass balconies and overhanging roofline detail, sets the development apart as Leatherhead’s premier address.  The larger top and ground floor corner apartments have the added benefit of being dual aspect, with the living area at the front opening out onto south-facing balconies and the bedrooms at the back facing north.
 
Contemporary apartment complexes outside London are something of a rarity in the south east and properties around Leatherhead command among the highest prices for couples migrating out of London.  With more and more buyers being priced out of the capital, Evolution offers young professionals the opportunity to live a ‘city’ penthouse lifestyle in a country setting.

Ian Randall, Managing Director of Linden Homes South east comments:

“Although the contemporary nature of Evolution distinguishes it from other developments, the architecture is not out of place as the building is designed to blend in and enhance the surrounding environment.
Apartments remain the most popular house type in many areas of the country, in demand from young professionals yet to start families, who remain keen to get a taste of contemporary living without having to tackle London prices.  Evolution makes this possible with its modern design, commuting convenience and value for money.”        

Top floor apartments are in particularly high demand, offering spectacular views across the Mole Valley from the vantage of personal south-facing balconies.  These are available for £274,995.  Larger apartments on the ground floor also offer occupants a taste of the high life with spacious living areas, en-suite master bedrooms and private terraced gardens.  These are available for £279,995 and have over 800 square feet of floor space.

Although Evolution offers something in the prestigious way of living, measures taken by Linden to assist those with smaller budgets, such as subsidising 5% deposits and stamp duty, has meant that a number of first time buyers have also been able to get onto the property ladder at the area’s leading contemporary development.

Evolution is a two minute walk from Leatherhead station, giving resident commuters the chance to reach London from their doorstep in less than 50 minutes.  Prices for two bedroom homes begin at £209,995.

Hemel Hempstead, Hertforshire

One of the most stunning views in Hemel Hempstead could be yours to enjoy every day if you purchase a home at a new development being built by thriving local house builder Leighton & Henley.
 
Park View, a collection of just eight luxury one and two bedroom apartments, is set on the brow of Gadebridge Park valley giving uninterrupted views of the River Gade meandering through parkland and, beyond it, the historic old town.  Also, to ensure that residents can enjoy their surroundings to the full, the majority of the homes have either a patio or two balconies.
 
“The homes at Park View have been designed to be low maintenance and include many features as standard which are often only available as “extras” on other new homes developments”, says Trevor Hill, Land and New Homes Director of selling agents Connells.  “For example they are carpeted throughout apart from the hall and kitchen which have oak finished laminate flooring instead.”   Designer beech fitted kitchens have polished granite worktops and include integrated stainless steel electric oven, hob and extractor hood, dishwasher, washer/dryer, fridge and freezer.  The pristine white bathrooms have polished Tavertine marble wall tiling and all the two bedroom apartments have en-suite facilities to the main bedroom.
 
Each property has at least one secure allocated parking space and there is also lockable cycle storage.  For added peace of mind an audio entry phone system is linked to electrically operated entrance gates.  Fully digital programmable heating, advanced pressurised hot water and shower systems and pre-wiring for NTL broadband and cable TV ensure that these homes are a pleasure to come home to at the end of the working day.
 Park View is a short distance from both the Old Town and Hemel’s new shopping centre.  It is also convenient for the railway station with its fast frequent service into Watford and London, together with excellent road links to the M1, M25 and A41.
 To make an appointment to view the stunning show home at the development, where prices start at £164,950 for a one bedroom apartment and £249,950 for a two bedroom, contact selling agents Connells on 01442 216633.
Arlesey, Beds
Homeowners considering moving to a brand new property at George Wimpey South Midlands’ Abbots Green development in Arlesey, Bedfordshire, are being invited to challenge the developer to sell their house in just four weeks.

Prospective purchasers with a home to sell are being invited to reserve their perfect property through George Wimpey’s easymover programme, and then to sit back and relax while the housebuilder works with its team of local estate agents and property experts to sell their existing home in less than a month.

New homes available under the easymover programme include selected three-storey three-bedroom ‘Gower’ designs, starting from £207,000.

The ‘Gower’ is characterised by a large living room with French doors to the rear garden and a generously-proportioned combined kitchen/dining area. A separate entrance hallway, a guest cloakroom and a useful understairs storage cupboard complete the ground floor accommodation.

Upstairs, the landing leads to two bedrooms, the family bathroom and a study. The master bedroom, benefiting from storage space and en-suite facilities, can be found on the top floor.

In common with all new homes at Abbots Green - which features many property designs unique to the development - the ‘Gower’
benefits from a high standard specification including gas central heating, double glazing and a fitted kitchen with built-in oven, hob and hood.

Also currently available is a three-bedroom ‘Somerset’ home, priced at £225,000.

George Wimpey enjoys an excellent reputation for customer satisfaction, having recently received a four star rating in an independent survey by the Home Builders Federation and the National House Building Council.

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

Abbots Green is ideally located within walking distance of Arlesey town centre, home to a selection of everyday amenities. A wider range of shopping and leisure facilities can be found in nearby Letchworth Garden City, some five miles from the development.

For commuters, the A1 and M1 are just a few minutes’ drive from Abbots Green and the town’s mainline rail station offers regular direct services to London.

Further information is available by visiting the Sales Centre, located off the A507 Stotfold by-pass, and open Saturday to Wednesday from 11am to 5pm. The Sales Executive can be contacted by calling 01462 735045.

Rochford, Essex

The Square in Rochford takes shape!

Signs are now very much in evidence of the transformation of Rochford town centre as Barratt’s new development, ‘The Square’, takes shape.

This beautifully designed development of over 100 new apartments, a supermarket, underground car park and brand new library is revitalising a rundown site, which was formerly occupied by old hospital buildings.

Word is spreading that The Square will be a great place to live. Even at this early stage of construction, Barratt has reported that enquiries are flooding in and the first homes have already been sold off-plan.

Richard Burrows, Managing Director of Barratt Eastern Counties, comments: “The Square is in a fantastic position next to the market square, close to all the amenities and the station. We’re pricing these apartments very competitively so that they will be ideal for people buying their first or second home. We’re delighted with the response from the public so far.”  

The one and two bedroom apartments at The Square are being built in two elements: some will be above the library and Somerfields supermarket and others will occupy a separate U-shaped building.

With over 30 different layouts on offer, there is an unusually wide choice of homes from which to choose. Fully fitted kitchens, roomy open plan living/dining/kitchen areas, fitted wardrobes in the master bedroom and even terraces and sun decks in some apartments make these homes highly appealing.

Prices at The Square start from £149,995 for a one-bedroom apartment and from £169,995 for a two-bedroom apartment. To help first time buyers take the plunge, Barratt is even offering to pay their 5% deposit on selected properties.

Barratt plans to open a marketing suite and show apartment at The Square in the autumn. Until then, homebuyers are invited to view a model, floor plans and a show apartment of The Square at Barratt’s nearby development – The Circle in Southend, open daily from 10am to 6pm. For further information telephone Barratt on 01702 615438 or visit the website: www.barratthomes.co.uk

Woking, Surrey

Award winning property developer Country and Metropolitan Homes is adding a touch of French style to its sophisticated new development - The Metro Apartments in Surrey.

Country & Metropolitan is offering everyone who reserves one of The Metro Apartments in Woking during the month of June the opportunity to get away for a fabulous weekend in Paris, the city famed for its cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Each lucky buyer and a friend will be able to experience first hand the elegance of the French capital. With stunning landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and exquisite boutiques to peruse, Paris is the ideal destination to be inspired and contemplate the interior décor of your stylish new home.

C&M has designed these fabulous apartments with the modern buyer in mind – light-filled, spacious apartments which incorporate a mix of clean lines, sophisticated styling and high specification fittings with the option of secure parking.

The Metro Apartments offer something for everyone. Situated in the heart of the town, The Metro is a collection of sixty-two one and two bedroom apartments, perfectly located just 28mins from London Waterloo by train and only 19 miles via the M25 to Heathrow Airport.

Julie James, acting sales director for C&M Southern, said: “Paris is a vibrant and stylish city and we believe our luxury development in Woking shares very similar characteristics – let just say they both have a certain je ne sais quoi.

“The Metro Apartments give homebuyers a taste of the sophisticated style of modern urban living and our special offer allows buyers to experience contemporary apartment style living in Woking and in Paris.”

The Metro Apartments are available from £174,950. For further information about these properties or to visit the new showhomes, please contact The Metro sales team on 01483 727 279.

Guildford, Surrey

Champagne corks will be popping on Saturday 15 July as Barratt launches Sutton Lodge, its eagerly awaited new apartment development in Burpham, Guildford. With reasonably priced homes in the Guildford area in huge demand, Barratt is anticipating a large turn-out of homebuyers keen to ‘get in quickly’ to experience the newly-opened show apartment.
The 50 one, two and three bedroom apartments at Sutton Lodge are located in a superb position on London Road, Burpham, just two miles from Guildford town centre. For commuters, this is an ideal place to live. Guildford’s two railway stations, with direct 35 minute services into London, are easily reached and the A3 is literally minutes away, giving a quick journey to London and to Heathrow and Gatwick via the M25.
Sutton Lodge is a very attractive development, designed in classical style with large bay windows that flood light into the apartments. Inside, the apartments are cleverly designed to make the space work exceptionally well. Airy open plan dining/living areas are complimented by designer kitchens, complete with sleek stainless steel appliances, to make entertaining easy. Most of the bathrooms are ensuite, and are fitted with beautiful white suites and chrome accessories.

Burpham is a very popular place to live and retains a village atmosphere with its own primary school, two pubs, two churches and a small parade of shops. Add to this the Sainsbury’s superstore in Burpham, and day to day shopping is very easy.
Voted as one of the top ten shopping centres in the UK, Guildford is a shopper’s paradise. This attractive cobbled town has two theatres, including the well-known Yvonne Arnaud theatre, and for sports enthusiasts the Spectrum is a short drive away. This massive leisure complex, one of the largest in the UK, has four swimming pools, an Olympic sized ice rink a superb sports arena and many more facilities.

Prices at Sutton Lodge are expected to start at £175,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £272,500 for a two bedroom apartment. Barratt has a range of special offers to ease the expense of buying a home, tailored to buyers’ different circumstances.

Anyone interested in buying a home at Sutton Lodge is welcome to attend the launch on Saturday 15 July. To find out more, please call Barratt’s sales and marketing suite on 01483 306480 or visit the website on www.barratthomes.co.uk.

Outside space is always welcome when shopping for a home. Johnny Turner considers new homes with outdoor appeal.

The search for a home is a personal journey, with a wide range of needs and preferences to be provided for. But one thing that many of us will be looking out for, particularly when viewing over the summer months, is access to the great outdoors. Luckily, the current crop of newly built homes offers some wonderful ways of being both at home and outside.

A great way to gain access to natural beauty without having to maintain it is to buy in a development that is blessed by gorgeous greenery. That is exactly what is on offer at Hutton’s Green in Mapledurwell, Basingstoke, a new scheme by Banner Homes. This development of 20 exclusive new homes is set in a breathtaking location. Not only does the development back on to the old canal, which is accessed by a canal-side walk, but it is surrounded by acres of unspoilt countryside and woodland. Yet, just a mile away in Old Basing, residents will find amenities to cater for everyday needs.

Properties range from unusual two-bedroom gatehouses to three-, four- and five-bedroom terraced, semi-detached and detached homes, built around an attractive courtyard area. Each home has its own large private garden. Hutton’s Green has something for all types of buyers, from first-timers to downsizers, as well as growing families. Some of the homes have been planned to incorporate private office space to enable working from home, and every property has a high level of internal specification, including CAT5 cabling, integrated appliances, double glazed PVC-u windows and outside lights with passive infra-red sensors.
Prices at Hutton’s Green range from £325,000 to £825,000. The show home is open daily from 10am to 5pm. For further information call 01256 359754 or visit bannerhomes.co.uk.

In Totteridge, Grace Court is a magnificent collection of just eight properties, set in five acres of private landscaped grounds is situated just nine miles north of central London. The developments beautiful and peaceful location is an ideal retreat for young professionals and families longing to escape the ‘hustle and bustle’ of central London. Grace Court is superbly located, nestling in a traditional English village with Totteridge Cricket Club just opposite. This is all rounded off with that much needed quintessential English pub just a short walk away.
Shelley West, sales manager for Banner Homes says, ‘Totteridge is a highly sought-after area of both historical and architectural importance, and we are delighted to have built such a quality development in this fantastic, tranquil location.

‘Grace Court’s superb blend of old and new build works together harmoniously. Each new build property has been individually designed to create a home with its own distinctive character, and all are expertly finished with the finest of contemporary craftsmanship and fittings’.
The homes here are backed by green belt land and benefit from 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 reflect this, offering something for young professionals and families to those looking to escape the demands of large family homes.

The impressive Grade II listed Crossways building boasts stunning architecture and was originally designed by 19th century architect Thomas Edward Collcutt, renowned for his work on the Savoy hotel and Wigmore Hall. The main house contains two stunning ground floor two bedroom apartments, with direct access to the gardens, and two sizeable first and second floor duplex penthouses. All feature high level historic features restored to the highest standard. These will be marketed for sale in the Autumn.
Properties at Grace Court are surprisingly affordable, with the three-bedroom town house on at £1.35m. For further information please call 07840 863016 to make an appointment to view or call Statons in Totteridge on 020 84453694. Alternatively, visit the Banner Homes web site at bannerhomes.co.uk.

The homes at Ingress Park are arranged around 72 acres of woodland and parkland areas and set within a range of distinct residential communities, and have been designed to reflect the architecture of the surrounding Kent villages as well as the historic Grade II listed Ingress Abbey, located within the development.

The new show house and apartment are located in the Woodlands collection, surrounded by expanses of heritage trails and with a Tudor mound forming the central feature of the phase. The show house is a three-storey, three-bedroom Regency town house; the first floor provides a canopied balcony outside the living room (which spans the entire width of the property) as well as a third bedroom suite and a bath/shower room. The second floor incorporates the premier guest suite and the master bedroom, which enjoys en suite shower facilities, double integrated walk-in wardrobes and double doors leading onto a terrace.

Fittings at Ingress Park are of exceptional quality. Kitchens in both show house and apartment come with a comprehensive range of Siemens integrated appliances, finished in stainless steel and comprising electric oven, gas or electric hob and combined fridge/freezer; and bathrooms benefit from white Villeroy & Boch sanitary ware, complemented by chrome Hansgrohe fittings.
Helen Devy, sales and marketing director for Crest Nicholson South East comments, ‘Each new phase at Ingress Park has updated levels of specification and design and therefore we feel it is essential to highlight these additions in our show houses. With our interior designers we have a tried and tested relationship and have been incredibly satisfied with the result that has been produced on many of our Crest Nicholson sites. We are pleased with the level of sales we have achieved at Ingress Park and the new show homes are a determined step towards keeping this trend going.’

Prices at Ingress Park start from £197,500 for a two-bedroom apartment. Call the sales office on 01322 385050 for further details.

What links the City and West End to the far corners of London? The Jubilee Line. It also runs past some of the capital’s finest new homes, finds Johnny Turner
Some of London’s best architecture of the past decade or so has come in the form of tube stations. Continuing a tradition of elegant design, the new tube stations that form the extension from Westminster east to Stratford are visions of clean lines featuring wonderful use of steel and glass, with light, air and generous space, ambitious scale given a people-friendly spin.

It is no surprise, then, that by riding this sensible and centrally-focused Underground line you can see examples of London’s most successful new residential developments. Stratford to Stanmore, these are wonderfully realised visions of 21st-century living in a variety of desirable areas of the capital.
Stanmore itself has long been a stalwart of London’s genteel residential suburbia – leafy, well served by amenities, popular with families and singletons alike. Three current schemes illustrate the breadth of what is offered to home buyers who want to buy in this friendly pocket of north-west London.

The Stanmore skyline is seeing a very impressive transformation with a new development located in Valencia Road. Warrenfields offers a stunning architect-designed penthouse, uniquely framed by two private 25ft-long decked terraces to maximize the amazing views. This two/three-bedroom fourth-floor home is perfect for today’s fast-paced lifestyle and ideal for entertaining. 

Luxury and attention to detail are recurring themes throughout the home, from the entrance hall to the spacious master bedroom suite. The impressive 25ft x 20ft drawing room provides the perfect place to relax and take in the view, with double-glazed patio doors opening onto the timber-decked terrace.  
The kitchen offers an extensive range of bespoke burr oak storage units, granite worktops, gas hob, double oven, integrated dishwasher and fridge/freezer. A utility room houses an integrated washing machine and tumble dryer.
The master bedroom suite is the pinnacle of luxury. As well as an en suite bathroom and a dressing room with a bespoke range of wardrobes, it has access to the second terrace. The en suite also benefits from bespoke oak cupboards, bath, shower and bidet. There is also a guest bedroom with en suite, guest cloakroom and study/third bedroom.
Designed for low-maintenance 21st-century living, the apartment is brimming with features to make life as easy as possible. These include a video entryphone system, private secure key-activated lift, CAT5 cabling, Lutron lighting control and garage.
Situated in a quiet residential area, Warrenfields is just a short walk from Stanmore Broadway with its shops, restaurants and places of worship Jubilee Line tube station.
This unique penthouse is priced at £875,000 and must be viewed to be truly appreciated. To make an appointment contact Preston Bennett New Homes on 020 8954 8626.

Also in Stanmore, Kestrel Court is an upmarket development in a prestigious conservation area. Built by Belstone Homes, this desirable new gated development comprises a mix of exclusive two- three-bedroom apartments near the town centre. Kestrel Court offers a combination of high specification and enviable location that is already attracting discerning buyers: two properties have already been sold off-plan.
Luxury and attention to detail can be seen in the underfloor heating which is featured throughout, as well as the built-in wardrobes in all bedrooms and the stylish white bathroom suites. The kitchens have a comprehensive range of custom-built units, granite worktops and state-of-the-art integrated appliances – including multi-functional oven, dishwasher, washer/dryer and water softener.
Prices range from £472,500 to £532,500. Call Preston Bennett New Homes on 020 8954 8626. For further information about these and other new homes offered by Preston Bennett visit prestonbennett.co.uk.

In a further Stanmore opportunity, Crest Nicholson is launching Bentley Grove, a superb luxury development, where four stunning show homes are opening on 22 July. Bentley Grove offers a peaceful and tranquil environment with excellent transport links and close proximity to good schools. Only a mile and a half from Stanmore underground station, this gives residents direct access to Canary Wharf, the City and the West End.
Bentley Grove is situated on the site of The Grove, a former elegant villa on a grand estate whose past owners include Ernest Cassel, Edwina Mountbatten and Francis Cunard.
In keeping with the grounds’ fascinating history, Crest Nicholson is transforming the estate into a prestigious private development of luxurious new homes set in 28 acres of mature woodland and parkland. Homes will include two- and three-bedroom apartments and three-, four- and five-bedroom houses.

With its stunning Arts and Crafts architecture and elevated setting giving panoramic views across the Middlesex Hinterland, Bentley Grove is set to impress. Mature trees have been retained, tree lined avenues created and the open park and woodland preserved. House hunters visiting Bentley Grove can see a full scale mock-up of a two bedroom apartment, two elegantly-designed three-bedroom houses and a wow-factor three-storey, five-bedroom detached house.

The two three-bedroom show homes, the Lacey and the Cavendish, would suit a young family or those looking to downsize, while the five-bedroom Oakleigh house type offers generous amounts of living space for the whole family. In the latter, downstairs there is an open-plan kitchen/family room that leads to a formal dining room. There is also a large living room, useful study and utility room. The first floor is home to the master bedroom with en suite bathroom, two further bedrooms and a bathroom. The top floor has two bedrooms with a shower room that would be perfect for a teenage den.

As part of Crest Nicholson’s commitment to developing sustainable communities, the company has planned a carefully orchestrated car sharing scheme, a separate car club and a bicycle scheme which will make cars and bicycles available for all residents to use.
Specification is high, from its grand entrance halls to limestone fireplaces. Fully fitted kitchens feature De Dietrich appliances while in the bathroom, crisp white Villeroy & Boch sanitaryware is complemented by Hansgrohe taps and fittings.
Prices range from £384,950 for a three-bedroom house to £589,950 for a five-bedroom detached house. The apartments have not yet been released for sale. For more information contact 0870 755 0833.

George Wimpey City is celebrating the ongoing success of its scheme, The Water Gardens at Canada Water, where eager buyers have already snapped up the majority of the apartments since its launch just last September.
‘There has been a phenomenal response to this new development,’ says Emma Freeman, sales and marketing director of George Wimpey City. ‘Since launching the scheme off-plan, we have seen 70 per cent of the apartments sold and are continuing to experience strong demand for the remaining units.’
The combination of a superb location at Canada Water, just one stop from Canary Wharf and in the heartland of Rotherhithe’s £1 billion regeneration scheme, along with the design of the buildings and its grounds, have attracted a wide variety of buyers ranging from young professionals to investor buyers. There is, says Freeman, ‘a strong trend in local people buying homes here’.

Ideal for investors and owner occupiers, the development will provide 242 one, two and three bedroom apartments including live/work units, in six individual buildings which have been designed around a central garden area combining reflection pools, lawns, walkways and seating areas to provide a relaxing atmosphere and a tranquil retreat from city life. The development also has the added benefit of underground parking and 9,200 sq ft of commercial space which has been allocated for potential office, retail, café or health and fitness use.
Prices at The Water Gardens currently start at £350,000 for a spacious two-bedroom apartment and rise to £670,000 for a three-bedroom penthouse, comparing very well against apartments with a similar specification across the river in Canary Wharf. Call the marketing suite on 0845 606 6929 or visit thewatergardens.co.uk.

The Visage in Swiss Cottage is already a London landmark, with its daring modern architecture that leans out over Adelaide Road. Current availability at this ultra-stylish Barratt Homes development includes superlative new one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom  apartments and penthouses. Many boast balconies affording breathtaking views, all feature unmatched levels of design and detail.
There is also private underground parking, an enhanced concierge service and lifts to all floors. The definitive north London address is under 30 minutes from Canary Wharf from Swiss Cottage station, which is just moments away.
Interior specification is sumptuous. Many apartments have balconies or terraces, some with outstanding views. Designer kitchens are temples of contemporary Italian chic, while bathrooms boast chic minimalist style. This is the perfect place to relax or entertain.
As well as the 24 hour concierge, a service called Vie à Visage caters for your every need or whim, from ordering exotic cuisine and theatre booking to arranging personal beauty treatments and providing home office support. And of course Visage features underground secure car parking - always a premium in NW3.
Prices at The Visage currently range from £495,995 to £2,196,000. Call 020 7586 7577 or visit thevisage.com to find out more about this unique development.

Heading Docklands way, just a short skip on the DLR from the Jubilee Line are two current Barratt Homes developments. Elektron and Capital East are modern schemes that perfectly answer the need for smart apartments in the Docklands area.
Elektron is a collection of smart apartments in a high-rise building at Royal Victoria Docks. Prices for one-bedroom apartments range from £233,000 to £248,000, while two-bedroom apartments are priced between £313,000 and £358,000. To be put on Barratt’s priority mailing list regarding this development call the central sales line on 020 8522 5555.

Meanwhile at Capital East, Sargasso is the last waterside release of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments at this hugely successful development. A particularly stunning aspect of these homes is the amazing views, which go up to 18 storeys.
Situated in a stunning setting overlooking the quiet space of the Royal Docks, yet situated only minutes away from Canary Wharf and the City, this development is also adjacent to the ExCeL Centre. The City and Canary Wharf are within very easy reach, which means this scheme makes sense for both owner-occupiers and investors.
Designer fitted kitchens have integrated stainless steel appliances, while many apartment designs feature an en suite to the master bedroom. Some of these fabulous homes will be available for occupation this year.

Get more information about Capital East by calling 0845 600 3525.

Awareness of environmental issues is rising sharply, and the new homes market is showing excellent progress in being green. Johnny Turner investigates

To say the environment is a hot topic at the moment would be quite an understatement. The word is getting around that the world’s residents need to act quickly and decisively if we are to avert environmental disaster. Climate change, water shortages, carbon emissions, the possible reintroduction of nuclear power – these are but a few of the subjects we have heard about in news reports in the past week or so.
As one-third of the UK’s carbon emissions come from homes, rules on how our homes are built and maintained have become more strict. Builders have had to make changes in design, materials, building methods and energy efficiency in order to adhere to the new, tougher regulations.

The result is a marketplace in which green is seen as very much the way forward, as a look at some of the currently available new homes demonstrates. Recent changes to central and local Government policies and UK building regulations are beginning to demand renewable energy generation within new developments.

Encouraged by central Government, over 100 local authorities including Merton, Croydon and Woking demand that developers and house builders generate a specified percentage of the energy used by the development from renewable sources.
Developers currently meet this challenge through the use of on-site solar panels, positive ventilation systems and even wind turbines, but Linden Homes believes it would be more effective to help finance dedicated renewable energy projects in more suitable locations.
The UK currently generates 2.8 per cent of its energy from renewable sources, and house building has a major part to play in reaching the government targets of ten per cent by 2010 and 20 per cent by 2020. Philip Davies, chief executive of Linden Homes, says, ‘Local authorities are insisting that house builders generate renewable energy on housing developments which are often being built on brownfield land in towns and cities, but they offering little guidance on how to go about this.

Developers are heading off in different directions trying to become experts on renewable energy in conditions which are not ideal. ‘Surely this money would be better spent if the house builders instead paid a premium to an energy provider such as Powergen for every unit built, which could then be invested in dedicated renewable energy projects
in more suitable locations. It makes sense
to have wind turbines where the wind blows and solar energy projects where the sun shines.’ Off-site energy projects would still make each home accountable for its carbon emissions, says Davies; it is simply that the location of these projects would be more conducive to achieving a green result.

New homes currently use a number of environmentally friendly new home building measures including high standards of insulation, double-glazing and energy-efficient appliances. Linden Homes also uses solar panels and positive ventilation systems to heat homes on several of its developments, including Fusion in Woking, reducing dependency on traditional boilers.
Homes at Fusion have been fitted with the Nuaire Drimaster system, a positive ventilation system that works by taking the air within the loft space which has already been partially heated by the sun, and pushing it through a ventilation system in the ceiling. The warmed air then circulates the house, reducing the demand on the boiler to generate heat, thereby saving energy and lowering bills. In an added health benefit for the residents, the advanced filtering system reduces pollen and dust mites to barely detectable levels, creating a much healthier living environment especially for asthmatics or hay fever sufferers.
The system also reduces damp by enforcing a constant recycling of air within the home. In addition, a number of homes have been equipped with Nuaire’s Ecosmart, which uses ‘passive solar gain’ from a solar panel inside the roof to use energy from the sun’s rays, resulting in temperatures of 50 – 60 degrees in the roof cavity during direct sunlight. This solution does not compromise the home’s external appearance, which is an important issue for residents.
For further information about Fusion and other Linden developments visit the website linden-homes.co.uk.

The influence of other countries on the UK’s ‘greening’ of its new residential building projects is becoming more and more evident, as ideas and experience from abroad makes itself known in day-to-day practice. Canada, for instance, has placed stringent insulation standards on new projects and has seen scientific breakthroughs in this area that result from the country’s snowy climate.

Another country in which the green ethos is firmly in the mainstream of house building is Germany, where Baufritz, a specialist in timber house construction, has pioneered the ‘healthy-living homes’ concept. As the company launches in the UK, we Brits can now take advantage of this forward-looking, health-focused approach to design and construction.
With the number of people suffering from allergies and respiratory difficulties on the rise, it makes sense to look to the home environment to counteract the everyday effect of compromised air quality that has resulted from such sources as industry and increasing air travel.

Each Baufritz house is built almost entirely from bio-constructive, efficient and natural materials and has a controlled ventilation system which greatly reduces allergens. Baufritz believes that a house should offer its occupants more than just a roof over their heads. It should also protect from external influences that may have adverse effects on well being as well as provide comfort, luxury and an abundance of natural materials and a healthy internal climate.
Each Baufritz home is created to the occupant’s specifications with the advice of an array of specialists including Feng Shui professionals, architects and allergen experts. Each home is designed to maximise light, warmth and make the best use of the scenery to enhance the well being of the inhabitants. Baufritz believes that contemporary ecology should be economically beneficial too, and uses only the best quality materials to maximum efficiency. All materials used are tested for longevity, effectiveness and impact on the environment. Baufritz also implements an environmentally friendly approach to powering its homes by advocating renewable energy sources.

The company is very conscious about the rapidly diminishing natural resources that provide the basis of its business. Each Baufritz home comes with a unique promise; because the materials used to build it are biodegradable, the home can be completely returned to nature in several generations if required. Baufritz also makes regular checks for radioactivity, formaldehyde, chemical wood preservation methods and the use of PCP and Lindane on all its building products and materials. Only the best quality larch and fir wood go into making each home, logged from sustainable forests to provide resource for future generations. Baufritz undertakes extensive tree planting schemes to mark its active approach to environmental protection.
Focusing on the health of residents, Baufritz has developed XUND-E - a protective shielding concept, which dramatically reduces the amount of electromagnetic radiation penetrating the home but does not interfere with electronics such as cordless phones and baby monitors. This innovative product is fitted as standard to all Baufritz homes.

For a constant supply of fresh air to its homes, Baufritz developed its own multi-climatic system, which is incorporated into each house. This system ensures that every room is heated, cooled and supplied with fresh, filtered and pollution free air, as required room by room. Baufritz can create a special allergy-sufferer room that contains only untreated furniture and materials suitable for allergy sufferers. This room also has pollen vacuums and external blinds to provide comfort and security for the allergy suffer. Baufritz’s focus on the health and ecology is consistent throughout the whole process, from design to after sales care. Its innovative approach and understanding of well being offers each customer the opportunity to enjoy healthy living within the house of their dreams.
All initial enquiries can be made by contacting Oliver Rehm, managing director of Baufritz (UK) Ltd, on 01223 235632.

KingsOak’s Kingsdown Park in Coulsdon was destined to be one of the most ecologically sound new homes schemes in the region – even as it was on the drawing board. The aim from the outset at Kingsdown Park was to achieve an ‘excellent’ EcoHomes accreditation. Balancing environmental performance with the need for a high quality of life in new and existing buildings, EcoHomes is an initiative of the Building Research Establishment’s (BRE).
As an authoritative environmental assessment method recognised worldwide, EcoHomes promotes and acknowledges improved environmental performance in house design and takes into account economic, environmental and social factors. In effect, it fuses local and global concerns in order to build the homes that are the best for their particularly community.
To achieve the Excellent rating of four sunflowers and a high score of 70, KingsOak has equipped all 17 of the homes at Kingsdown Park with ‘A’ rated white goods for reduced carbon dioxide emissions and many with solar heating and natural drying facilities, as well as low-energy lighting where appropriate. Water-efficient sanitaryware has been chosen, as have boilers that exclude ozone-depleting substances. Timber has been sourced from certified sustainable sources and provision made for the recycling of domestic waste.
Similarly, where possible, only materials with an ‘A’ rating from the BRE have been used. Good use of natural daylight has been made in the homes along with improved sound insulation above current Building Regulations standards. In addition, space and services have been provided for a home office.

Located on the edge of the South Downs, Kingsdown Park, Coulsdon is in the heart of the countryside yet just six miles from Croydon town centre. The homes all sit in lovely tiered landscaped gardens on two levels. Coulsdon village has good amenities such as a Waitrose supermarket. There are excellent road links to the A23 leading to the M23, M25 approximately three miles away and Gatwick airport is just 12 miles. And for residents who believe in maximising the use of bicycles, cycle storage is provided in line with eco-friendly principles.
To register interest or to find out more about the new homes at Kingsdown Park, contact the sales centre on 01737 559516 or visit kingsoakhomes.co.uk.

Broughton Square, a mix of new apartments and houses on the outskirts of Milton Keynes, is one of the largest developments in the country to achieve an EcoHome rating of Excellent, which is not only good news for the environment but also for purchasers.
While developers Places for People are keen that homes at Broughton Square are supremely energy-efficient and have a limited effect on the environment, they also want them to be appealing to the people who live in them.
‘The houses and apartments are extremely energy-efficient, with features such as above-average insulation, sensory external and low-energy internal lighting resulting in lower running costs for residents,’ says Suzanne Bowerman of selling agents Connells. ‘Large windows allow as much light as possible to flood into the homes and in the kitchens, built-in bins make it easier to get into the habit of recycling waste materials.’
Through careful planting and landscaping, Broughton Square has been designed to appeal to a diversity of wildlife. One of the most unusual features at the development are the small boxes to be found around the site which encourage lacewings, which in turn attract a variety of birdlife. There are also an abundance of bird and bat boxes. Every property has its own water butt, garden shed and either a cycle shed or communal bike storage and none is more than 250 meters away from a bus stop.

The fact that the development will have its own range of shops and there are an abundance of good local amenities nearby means people will be less dependent on their own transport, although all properties have either a garage or designated parking space.
While well over half of the homes have been sold, there is still a wide range of homes available at Broughton Park, with prices currently starting at just £135,000 for a one-bedroom ground floor apartment with a designated parking space.
For further details call the show home and sales office, open daily between 10am and 5pm, on 01908 236850 or contact Connells in Silbury Boulevard on 01908 662244.

At Oakhurst Court, a new development of stylish contemporary apartments close to Epping Forest, Walthamstow, Fairview New Homes has installed solar panels to assist in providing hot water. This will reduce energy needed for heating water by electricity, saving energy costs for residents, while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Oakhurst Court’s solar panels not only reduce energy costs. By helping to reduce demand for electrical domestic water heating, it will help limit fossil fuels being burnt at power stations and the consequent release of carbon dioxide green house gas emissions.

According to the Government’s Energy White Paper 2003, houses are responsible for a third of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions, the main pollutant created by burning fuels for use in the home or to generate electricity for domestic use.
Due for occupation from this summer, Oakhurst Court comprise 24 two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments, accommodated in two stylish four-storey buildings, set in landscaped grounds. Located within five minutes’ walk of Wood Street station, the development is ideally located for commuters; rail journeys into Liverpool Street take around 20 minutes.
Also, just five minutes away is Walthamstow Central station, with its access to the Victoria Line. Parking is also provided. Adding green surroundings to green thinking, Oakhurst Court is close to the wonderful open space of Epping Forest, as well as Lloyd Park, Aveling Park and walks along the Lea Valley and its reservoirs.
Guide prices at Oakhurst Court start at £220,000. Call the sales and marketing suite, open Thursday through to Monday from 10am to 5pm, on 020 8520 3468 or visit fairview.co.uk.

Hillreed Homes has long been concerned with the preservation of water, which is a subject much in the news at present. ‘We at Hillreed Homes have taken environmental issues extremely seriously for a number of years,’ says Jo Richards, marketing and corporate manager, who has been interviewed by Meridian Television on the subject of water conservation.
Savings on Tap is a collaboration between Hillreed Homes, Kent County Council, Mid Kent Water and the Environment Agency on a water efficiency demonstration and tariff trial. The tariff system is the prime focus of the project and is taking place at Hillreed Homes’ flagship development, Highland Park, located in Hoxton Close in Ashford, Kent. It is the first trial of its kind in the UK and will seek to establish the likely impact of a seasonal tariff system on domestic water consumption.

The project also aims to demonstrate that a range of simple, proven and low-cost water efficiency features are likely to be widely acceptable within the house building sector, these include flow limiters to wash basins, and outside taps, ultra low dual-flush toilets, high-performance showers with aerated shower, triple-‘A’ rated washing machines and rainwater butts. Says Richards, ‘New homes developers realise that being environmentally friendly, looking carefully at green issues and saving money for owners makes sense and that building to higher environmental standards makes homes more saleable.
‘Buyers are aware of the need to protect the planet; they understand that their decision can affect things on a larger scale and as long as it does not increase the price of the property, then buyers do genuinely purchase accordingly’.
For more information on water-saving schemes at Hillreed Homes developments, or about the currently available homes, call 01622 691561 or see hillreed.co.uk.

Telford Homes found that building in a famously leafy area – even on a regeneration site  – presented an opportunity to be green. At its new Queen Mary’s Villas development in South Woodford, Telford found that instead of doing away with established, healthy trees, this project could put them to good use – even if it meant moving them.
Sheena Ellwood, the company’s sales and marketing director, described to me the huge machine that came to the site and dug each viable tree up at the roots. What sounded like an episode of Godzilla was actually a case of environmental kindness. ‘We had to use tree surgeons to tell us what could be retained,’ says Ellwood. And then the ‘tree-grabber’ arrived to remove the trees as gently as possible and put them in another spot within the forthcoming development, which is being constructed where previously stood disused halls of residence for Queen Mary’s College. The process of moving the trees, which took place around six months ago, has been a success, she says. ‘You have to do it in winter. They’re coming into leaf now and they seem quite happy.’
The town houses and apartments at Queen Mary’s Villas are tucked away in a well designed environment very near South Woodford High Street. Find out more about Queen Mary’s Villas by visiting telfordhomes.plc.uk. Fairview New Homes is transforming the Victorian Queen’s Hospital and grounds in Croydon into a new community of 312 newly built and converted homes.
The homes are designed to incorporate the latest environmentally friendly features, complete with landscaped grounds, green squares, children’s play areas and parking facilities. With the use of wind turbines and photovoltaics, this is set to be a development that makes a difference environmentally. Located off Queen’s Road and Pawson’s Road, the nine-acre Queen’s Hospital includes an elegant Grade II Listed Victorian era Georgian-style building complete with Italianate tower and three-storey side wings which will be converted into 12 apartments for private sale.

The grounds, once occupied by other hospital buildings, will provide for 300 newly built one and two bedroom apartments and some three bedroom houses, designed in crescents, around green squares, leafy courtyards and formal gardens. This combined with the integration of existing mature trees and new planting, will be used to create a leafy green community of attractive new homes.

Access to the scheme will be through a series of wide sweeping driveways with feature brick piers creating a stunning first impression for visitors.
Queen’s Hospital was originally developed between 1865-6, designed around the retained Grade II listed Georgian-style building. The hospital was expanded four times between 1878 and 1981 and in its heyday the site contained a series of ward, staff and other medical buildings in a variety of architectural styles, all now demolished. It served as a hospital for soldiers during WWII and closed in 1987.

The new three- and four-storey apartment buildings will have covered balconies with glass balustrades, winged roofs, expanses of glazing, pergolas and facades faced with a mixture of materials and textures, including timber and brick. The apartments will have stylish reception rooms, some opening onto covered outside balconies, as well as fitted kitchens with integrated appliances, and bathrooms and en suites with contemporary white suites with chrome fittings. Spacious three-bedroom houses will also offer a similar contemporary finish.
The new scheme is approximately a mile from both Selhurst and Thornton Heath railway stations, both in Zone 4, providin