New Homes - February, 2007

St Albans

Victorian houses are ‘the most desirable properties for UK homebuyers’ according to a recent survey by a leading home warranty provider*. The Arboretum, Crest Nicholson’s parkland development in Hertfordshire, is set to tick all the boxes for admirers of this traditional architectural style, in addition to providing all the benefits of a luxurious new home.
The Victorian villa was voted the most popular house type by 25% of survey participants, firmly holding on to its position over the last decade at the top of UK househunters’ wish lists.
Set in over 72 acres of mature wooded parkland, The Arboretum is the conversion of the former Victorian Napsbury Hospital in Napsbury Park, Hertfordshire, and its grounds into a mix of converted and newly built one, two and three bedroom apartments and three, four and five bedroom houses.

Located in secluded glades, leafy courtyards and smart tree-lined avenues, the classic Victorian style properties blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Many of the houses and apartments occupy the fine Victorian buildings that lie at the heart of this exclusive country retreat whilst others are newly constructed, influenced in equal measure by the original architecture and the needs of modern living.

Sarah Jones, Sales and Marketing Director, Crest Nicholson (Chiltern) Ltd, comments: “The use of traditional craftsmanship at The Arboretum and the attention to both period and contemporary detail has returned the Victorian facades of the original buildings to their former glory. The result is a stunning development which people who appreciate the style of the Victorian period will fall in love with.

“As part of Crest Nicholson’s comprehensive strategy, great care was also taken to preserve the natural landscape and retain the magnificent trees and original wooded grounds, all of which contributes to the overall period charm of the development.”

Externally, decorative cornices, coping and pillars have been retained or replicated and windows have been adapted to suit modern requirements, but remain in keeping with the original sash design. The interiors of the apartments and houses incorporate creative architectural detail such as fireplaces, traditional skirting, architrave and ornate cornices. 

Surrounded by countryside of outstanding natural beauty, yet only 20 miles from the heart of London, The Arboretum provides the best of both worlds. For links with the national motorway network and Heathrow Airport, Junction 21A of the M25 and the M10/A414 are both within six miles. From St Albans station, direct First Capital Connect trains reach City Thameslink station in around half an hour (peak time), giving access to the heart of London.

With unprecedented demand since The Arboretum’s launch in 2002, now is the last chance to own a piece of this historical site.  One and two bedroom apartments are still available and start at £249,950 and three bedroom houses are available from £449,950.

For further information on The Arboretum, contact the marketing suite on telephone: 01727 820 730 or visit Crest Nicholson’s website www.crestnicholson.com

Rickmansworth
Discerning purchasers in search of new three or four bedroom properties will welcome the launch of Capricorn Homes’ premier development of townhouses in Rickmansworth this weekend.

Conveniently situated just off the Uxbridge Road, the development, known as Church Grove, represents a rare opportunity to secure a stylish new home in such a desirable commuter belt location, priced from £389,995.

Developed to the highest specification, the unveiling of the three bedroom Croxley show home on Saturday 13 January marks a first for Capricorn’s southern division, a new and fast expanding house builder with a growing portfolio of high quality sites in the UK.

The three storey, three bedroom Croxley show home has been designed and furnished in a peacock blue and cream theme by internationally renowned Claude Hooper Interior Designers.  This stunning presentation is set to capture the hearts and minds of both young professionals in search of more space, or families looking for flexible accommodation.  

Built over three storeys and incorporating a single garage, the Croxley boasts a clever design with modern-day living in mind.

No expense has been spared as far as the specification is concerned, and the show home features a wide range of added extras, which are included as standard, at no additional cost.

A stylish kitchen featuring gloss cream units awaits visitors to the new show home and exudes the wow factor with its fitted range of Siemens appliances.  

Moving home to Church Grove is certainly a haven for mod cons with the inclusion of a double oven, gas hob, chimney hood, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and a dishwasher.  The ground floor is therefore very much the hub of the home, with the kitchen and dining area just perfect for relaxing, with French doors providing direct access to the garden.

The Croxley’s spacious living room which measures 15’ 5” x 12’ 10” is located on the first floor and naturally benefits from the added light that fills the room, creating a bright and airy presence.  Bedrooms two and three can also be found on the same level, together with a separate bathroom.

The master bedroom is definitely the highlight of the house, providing a luxurious sanctuary for busy parents or those just looking for added privacy.  This dream room occupies the whole of the second floor, sharing its space only with the en-suite facilities. The master bedroom also benefits from fitted wardrobes, TV and telecom points.

Also included in the price of each home is ceramic floor and wall tiling from the Porcelanosa range as well as downlighters to the kitchen, bathrooms and cloakroom.  The Ideal Standard Studio range of sanitaryware, Mira thermostatic showers and screens, heated towel rails and taps by Bristan ensure such high standards are ever present in even the smallest rooms.  

The same attention to detail is also extended outside to each property; front gardens are turfed and driveways feature block paving.

The discovery of Church Grove is expected to fuel interest with the opening of the show home, as Mo Griffiths, area sales manager of Capricorn Homes said:  “With new property a rare find in Rickmansworth, and with Capricorn offering part-exchange on its homes for a limited period of time, buyers are urged to act quickly.”

Living on the edge of Rickmansworth town centre, the development offers easy and direct access into London via tube or train, which is ideal for commuters wanting a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Nearby access to the M25 motorway is another major plus to this select development of 18 properties.

The former market town of Rickmansworth has excellent schools and sports facilities and is well serviced by a variety of shops and restaurants.

Church Grove is open to visitors from Thursdays to Mondays, 11am – 5pm. Alternatively, further information can be obtained by calling the sales office on 01923 775232 or by visiting www.capricornhomes.co.uk

Hemel Hempstead
abode@riverside, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

Comprising 70 one and two-bedroom apartments within a striking eight storey building, abode@riverside will also feature a communal roof terrace and gated undercover parking. Interiors are of a high standard, synonymous with the Crest Nicholson brand, and include De Dietrich appliances in the kitchen and Villeroy & Boch sanitary ware and Hansgrohe taps in the bathroom. The development is in the heart of town centre with shops and restaurants such as Debenhams, Pizza Express and Monsoon right on the doorstep.

For commuters, abode@riverside is just over a mile from Hemel Hempstead train station from which London Euston can be reached in 30 minutes. The M1 is just under three miles away allowing easy access to the M25.

One-bedroom apartments start from £169,950 and two-bedroom apartments start from £204,950. 

For more information contact the sales team on telephone: 0870 755 1641 or visit www.crestnicholson.com

Kings Langley at The Ovaltine Apartments.  There is now a selection of two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses at the new development that are all ready to go.  What’s more, they offer plenty of generously proportioned living space, making them ideal for coping with the inevitable visitors that descend during the Christmas period!

“At this time of year, house buyers really don’t want to have any extra worries or problems as Christmas can be stressful enough on its own,” said Ann Lever, Sales Director for Fairview New Homes.  “In view of this, we are pleased to offer a selection of superb homes at The Ovaltine Apartments which are now build-complete and ready to move into.  If you snap one up now, you could be celebrating Christmas in style.”
The Ovaltine Apartments have been created from the former Ovaltine factory site in the town.  
The original factory façade remains, a typical streamlined white Art-Deco-style edifice built around 1930.  Behind it, Fairview has constructed a range of bright, modern apartments with two to three bedrooms and a choice of different sizes and floorplans.  
Currently available and ready for Christmas occupation are these three, stunning homes: a two-bedroom, two-bathroom corner apartment, priced at £ 269,995 and offering a spacious 900 sq ft of living space with exceptional light and space, fifth floor two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse offering 906 sq ft of accommodation includes its own terrace at a price of £304,995 and a three-bedroom, two bathroom apartment with a generous 930 sq ft of living space is ready to go from £279,995.  
Each apartment or penthouse offers luxuriously designed living accommodation with en suite facilities, fully fitted kitchens with appliances and granite-effect worktops, and many apartments have balconies with views over the gardens.  There are also underground and undercroft residents’ parking facilities.

The development enjoys an idyllic location right on the edge of the Grand Union Canal which offers a delightful and tranquil environment for soaking up the waterside vistas, as well as fishing, strolling, picnicking and cycling.  There are also fantastic communications from this great location; the major towns of Hemel Hempstead and Watford are just a short distance away and London Euston station is accessible in just 27 minutes by train.
Prices for at the Ovaltine Apartments start at £269,995 for a two-bedroom apartment.  The development is set to complete in late springtime 2007 and a new three-bedroom showhome will be opening in January.  For further details please call The Ovaltine Apartments sales office on 01923 268921 or visit fairview.co.uk.

Bricketwood

Country & Metropolitan Homes has launched its J6 development, situated conveniently between Watford and St Albans. J6 is strategically positioned off the M1 and M25, a perfect location for discerning buyers who consider excellent commuter links a must.
Quick access to the UK’s main motorway network is a major advantage to people who live their lives in the fast lane, and living at J6 will enable you to minimise travel time and maximise your time at work and the even more precious, your time at home to relax.
This stunning development from the award-winning house builder Country & Metropolitan – part of the Gladedale Group – will comprises of 48, one and two bedroom contemporary apartments over two phases.
The first phase of J6, comprising of 24 apartment is now released for sale. With pre-launch prices starting from £224,950 there is expected to be high demand from potential homeowners keen to secure a property in such a sought after location.
J6 is a mere 30 miles from London and will be built within the popular village of Bricketwood, Hertfordshire, providing a peaceful haven from the constant buzz of the capital.
Country & Metropolitan prides itself on building homes that adhere to three principles – superior specification, bespoke design and exceptional build with the prefix of quality in everything it designs – and this is clear at J6.
The spacious design of the apartments are tailored to contemporary living in the 21st century with generous living/kitchen areas providing ample space for entertaining. When completed, each home will come with the latest in modern appliances, including a stainless steel oven, hob and extractor hood, as well as a washer/dryer. Secure underground parking is also included in the price of your new home.
Interested home-hunters are invited to view a model of the development at local agents Preston Bennett. A show home is expected in April 2007, with the completion of phase one to follow in June.
For more information call Preston Bennett on 020 8954 8626.

Nestled in five acres of stunning grounds above the Chiltern Hills, Purley Magna mansion offers no clues to her recent past. Presiding over the valley since the early 1800s, the magnificent Grade II* house has been given a 'kiss of life' through a substantial restoration by developer TA Fisher in conjunction with English Heritage.

Purley Magna's history is traceable as far back as the eleventh century with its site mentioned in the Domesday Book. The manor as it exists today was commissioned by then owner Anthony Morris Storer MP, and designed by distinguished architect James Wyatt in 1799, whose famous designs include the Pantheon in Oxford St., London and the Senior Library at Oxford's Oriel College. Purley Magna's colourful past saw it changing hands to pay off a gambling debt at one point, and in the latter part of the twentieth century it had been used as a residential provision for adults with learning disabilities under the Purley Park Trust.

When the Trust purchased purpose-built accommodation in 2003, TA Fisher took on the manor house site. Established in 1895, TA Fisher is one of Reading's oldest companies. Having recently undergone comparable conversions at the turn-of-the-century Brookvale School in Basingstoke, and Artillery House, the old Reading County Court, TA Fisher was qualified to take on the Purley site. Three years and £5 million investment later, Purley has been restored to her former glory and is welcoming a new era of residents.

Converted into five luxury apartments, a new block of courtyard townhouses replaces the derelict stables, and Purley stands proud once more. The cosmetic work alone has seen the restoration of twelve original fireplaces, one valued at £45,000. The original stone staircase has also had a facelift, with new hardwood handrails and metal balustrade.

Before TA Fisher took it on, the manor had gradually fallen into disrepair. A substantial amount of structural work was needed. The roof and floors in particular, were in a parlous condition, and TA Fisher needed to bring them up to modern living - as well as regulatory and safety - standards. Using what remained of the original details, rotten timbers were replicated and replaced, and new lead guttering was installed to echo the original. Similarly, new insulation has been installed throughout the property.

‘The supposedly impenetrable basement was 'leaky' at best, and had to be completely refurbished,’ said Bob Price, Commercial Director at TA Fisher. ‘We have repaired the fibrous plaster and installed a new membrane to ensure the space is now 100% waterproof.’

Before they could reach the manor house, however, the developers had a more immediate problem to contend with. ‘The site itself was terribly overgrown. The original formal gardens had been corrupted by invasive tree varieties and poor suburban plant choices showed slapdash landscaping. We knew we had to bring in specialists,’ said Bob Price, Commercial Director of TA Fisher. With the help of architects Sutton, Griffith and Morgan, who administered the JCT building contract for the development, a long term plan was devised. The splendour of the planned restoration would be matched by historically sympathetic planting which didn't obscure the site's envious views.

‘It's the finer details that bring a property to life, and we refused to cut corners,’ said Bob Price. ‘Outside, for example, we commissioned a specially designed ‘Knot Garden’ to replicate the Victorian planting. Inside, specialists Plasterright were contracted to restore the ornate panelled plasterwork, decorative ceiling roses and cornicing. At every stage of the process the guidance of English Heritage has been crucial to the fate of the development.’

As well as English Heritage, the project also saw involvement from the local authority and West Berkshire Conservation, acting as a 'policing' force, granting approval for and inspecting the work undertaken.

Bob finished: ‘As a developer you're never sure of what you're getting into until you begin to unpick the pieces. Purley may have been a labour of love, but we're definitely proud parents.’

 

Web: www.tafisher.co.uk

 

Battersea Park Road

Featherstone Leigh are selling this two-bedroom loft-style apartment in a converted schoolhouse conversion. Close to both Queenstown Road Station and the wide open spaces of Battersea Park.

The apartment makes excellent use of space, with a double height reception room and open plan kitchen, overlooked by the mezzanine master bedroom. There is a second bedroom and a family bathroom, in addition to the shower room which makes for easy early mornings.

The neutral refurbishment mixes old and new, with natural internal brick walls contrasting with the wooden laminate flooring and sleek chrome and wood fitted kitchen.

Battersea Park is just a few minutes stroll from this property. The wildlife that live around the lake, the deer enclosure and the zoo are a delight to children whilst adults can spend many a relaxing weekend wandering around the gardens or the Pump House Gallery, bowling or playing tennis.

Price: £495,000 (Leasehold)

Call Featherstone Leigh tel. 020 7228 2278 www.featherstone-leigh.co.uk
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Premier Properties Celebrates Sales Success at Edenwood Heights in Farnham!

Camberley-based developer, Premier Properties is celebrating the off-plan sales success of its new site, Edenwood Heights, located on Ridgeway road in Farnham. Although construction work only began at the end of 2006, five of the nine, two and three-bedroom apartments have already been sold!

Farnham, a popular market town with excellent road and rail links, is one of the areas favoured by Premier Properties.  The company’s Bourne Heights development set enviably high standards in the new homes market some years ago and Waverley Heights, a development of 10 luxurious apartments in South Farnham, attracted plenty of interest from buyers locally and further afield.  

“We are delighted with the success of this development which we are only marketing off-plan at this stage,” comments Roger Jelley, Joint Managing Director of Premier Properties. “As Edenwood Heights is at such an early stage of development, early buyers will benefit from being able to make choices and selections to personalise their homes as well as buying at pre-show home prices.”

With prices ranging from £312,500 for the two and three bedroom apartments, and the penthouse apartment priced at £440,000, Edenwood Heights will be built for 21st century living with underfloor gas central heating, wiring for a central stereo sound system and LCD screens in the living room and bathroom. All apartments will also have fully-fitted carpets while the fully-fitted kitchens have granite surfaces and a full range of integrated appliances.

For off plan sales at Edenwood Heights, scheduled for completion in Spring 2007, please contact Hamptons in Farnham on 01252 714164 or Premier Properties on 01276 686400 or visit the website www.premier-properties.co.uk.
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Service is included…

With today’s hectic lifestyles, there never seems to be the time to accomplish everything that needs to be done. At Ide Hill Park, however, purchasers can expect a helping hand, to make life run a little more smoothly. A concierge will be based in the grounds of this 37 acre parkland estate and will adapt to the specific needs of the owners, to make everyday life as simple as possible.

This exceptional development, just six miles from Sevenoaks, comprises eight new Georgian inspired country mansions by leading housebuilders Millgate Homes, while the renovation of the existing Grade II Listed Georgian Manor House into seven exclusive apartments and the nearby stable block into charming mews cottages will be completed by restoration specialists P J Livesey.

Adrian Dyer, Sales Manager of Millgate Homes comments: “Imagine with one phone call you could organise the school run, arrange to have your post collected or have someone to let approved tradesmen into your home while you’re at work. This convenience is included as part of the exquisite lifestyle that discerning purchasers can experience at Ide Hill Park.”

He continues: “In addition, the concierge’s duties will include; maintaining the image and presentation of the development, overseeing maintenance issues, controlling deliveries and directing guests, monitoring the CCTV cameras, keeping an eye on the homes while residents are away and organising services by request. All of these facilities combine to make a very comprehensive service and one that will become an integral part of the lives of the residents at this exclusive development, leaving them more time to relax and enjoy their outstanding home and surroundings.”

Not only can purchasers expect the very best from their concierge service, but also from the specification of each of the mansion homes. Internationally acclaimed interior designer Mark Wilkinson has been commissioned by Millgate Homes to design hand crafted furniture for the cloakroom, kitchen and utility, dressing room to the master bedroom and study. Moreover, the kitchens benefit from sumptuous styling, with a host of integrated appliances including an American style fridge-freezer, two Miele dishwashers, a combination microwave and a Falcon range cooker. Each of the mansion homes boast private gardens of between 3/4 of an acre to just over three acres, which will be designed by a Chelsea award-winning gardener.

Unsurprisingly, with so much on offer at Ide Hill Park four of the country mansions have sold off plan already. Guide prices for the remaining country homes will be from £3,500,000, whilst guide prices for the mansion apartments and mews cottages will range from £625,000 to over £1,800,000. Contact Frances Kavanagh or Clare Wilson at the Sales and Marketing Suite on 01732 750188 or the appointed selling agents, Savills, for more information on 01732 789700. Alternatively, visit the website at www.idehillpark.co.uk
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Foxley Woods, Kenley, Surrey:

Foxley Woods comprises just four spacious and luxurious five-bedroom detached homes which combine split level design with a more traditional Arts & Crafts style. The development is close to Kenley Primary School which is very well thought of in the area. It is also near to Riddlesdown High School which is described as ‘a good school’ by OFSTED in 2005 with a Specialist Science College and student performances above the national average.

The homes come in two designs. The first uses classic three storey rectangular architecture, white timber panels, red brick and red tiled frontage, whilst the second uses a more unusual two and a half storey design with elongated chocolate tile roofing and dormer windows. Every home benefits from an open plan kitchen/family room and separate living room, all of which are flooded with natural light from the French doors opening out onto the landscaped garden. The utility room has separate outdoor access which is ideal for buyers with children or pets. The spacious and bright dining room allows for entertaining on a grand scale, with stunning double bay windows which overlook the woodlands.

Each custom built kitchen incorporates solid granite worktops and Siemens appliances, including a stainless steel five burner gas hob and double oven. There is also a built-in microwave, an integrated fridge/freezer, an integrated dishwasher and ceramic tile flooring throughout the kitchen and family room.

Kenley may be on the outer suburbs of London but its green location gives it a rural feel. Biggin Hill is a short drive away - perfect for days out to visit nature reserves or National Trust properties including Chartwell and Squerryes Court. The town centre of Purley is only two miles away and has a number of independent shops, supermarkets, cafés, bars and restaurants. London Bridge Station is a 40* minute train journey from Kenley station and there is also easy access to the M25 and M23.

Prices: start from £775,000 for a five bedroom detached home.
Sales contact: Antler Homes South East on 01883 345 255 or visit the website: www.antlerhomes.co.uk