New Homes - August, 2007

 Friday, August 31, 2007
Riverside Plaza: a great investment and an even better place to live!

Riverside Plaza, a superb new waterside development of apartments and houses by Barratt, enjoys a lovely setting on the banks of the River Medway and within easy walking distance of Maidstone’s bustling town centre.

Purchaser, Dr Wakefield, swift to spot the development’s potential, decided to invest in a four-bedroom townhouse at the beginning of the year and was delighted at the speed at which the property was ‘snapped up’ by a family looking to rent a new home in the area.

‘As soon as I first visited Riverside Plaza, I loved the location. I knew that the riverside setting, combined with the close proximity to the town centre would make it a great place to live and a perfect investment,’ comments Dr Wakefield. ‘Our faith in the development was justified when we found tenants so quickly and we are even considering buying another property.’

Dr Wakefield’s tenants, Debbie and Doug Marsh and their three daughters, Jess, Lauren and Hannah, are equally impressed with Riverside Plaza. The family is used to living close to water as they lived used to live on a tugboat on the River Medway. Their plans to convert the boat into a beautiful five-bedroom home, complete with cinema and gym, fell through when Debbie needed a back operation and was unable to go up and down between decks so they sold the boat and had to look for a new home.

A visit to local rental agents, Martin & Co, introduced The Marsh family to Dr Wakefield’s townhouse, which was absolutely perfect for them; in fact, living so close to the water makes it seem as if they are back on their tug boat – albeit with masses more space!

‘We’ve got floor-to-ceiling windows and large balconies leading from our bedroom, the sitting room and one of our daughters’ bedrooms, so we feel really close to the water,’ comments Debbie. ‘In fact, our friends who still live at the marina think it’s the next best thing to living on a boat!’
The friendly, community atmosphere that the family enjoyed when living in the marina is clearly in evidence at Riverside Plaza: ‘Our neighbours are really friendly; whenever we’re out on our balcony there’s always someone around to say hello.’ says Debbie.
Riverside Plaza is just a five-minute drive from the centre of Maidstone, which is proving wonderfully convenient: ‘When we lived on the boat it was a long journey to the girls’ school and now it’s just a quick drive away,’ says Debbie. ‘There’s a station down the road and so the girls can also travel to school by train and are using the station for trips up to London.’

The move has been such a success that the family would love to continue renting their house at Riverside Plaza.
Homes currently available for sale at Riverside Plaza are priced from £166,995 for a     one-bedroom apartment, £199,995 for a two-bedroom apartment and £295,995 for a   four-bedroom apartment. Spacious three-bedroom townhouses with three balconies, a terrace and an integral double garage are priced from £379,995.
For further information, and to view to show homes, please contact Barratt’s sales and marketing suite on 01622 672412 or visit the website on barratthomes.co.uk.

Established in 1986, Martin & Co has offices across the UK offering property lettings and management. The Maidstone office can be contacted on 01622 690290.       

Plenty of room for families to grow at Saffron Green

When Julie and Brian Peggs needed to move their growing family into a larger home they chose Countryside Properties’ Saffron Green development. With Countryside Properties offering to pay a 5 per cent deposit and no onward chain*, moving was made surprisingly easy for them.

Previously living in a much smaller two-bedroom house in nearby Buxton Hill, Julie and her husband needed something bigger to accommodate their two young children, Emily, aged 7 and Edward, aged 1. Julie comments: ‘The property is a fantastic size and there is plenty of space for all of us. The bedrooms are particularly large which gives Emily her own space and lots of room to have friends over and I’m sure Edward will enjoy having lots of room to play with his toys too!’

Julie and Brian were concerned about the upheaval that a move would cause their family, particularly as Brian works away from home as an IT Director throughout the week. ‘Countryside Properties helped make the move into our brand new home as smooth and hassle free as possible,’ Julie explains. ‘Our new home is not only incredibly stylish, but also, low-maintenance and extremely cost-effective. Countryside Properties seem to be completely in tune with modern family life.’

Located in the north-west corner of Essex and surrounded by unspoilt countryside, Saffron Walden, is one of the county’s most desirable addresses. Saffron Green is the only development with a collection of brand new houses in this highly sought after area, and there are a number of homes now available to move into before the new school term starts.

The ability to move straight in without the need to update and decorate was another major attraction for Julie and Brian Peggs, whose priority was to make the move as quick and easy as possible.

‘The development really is perfect for growing families. We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have found a house in such an outstanding location when the demand for homes of this type has been so high recently,’ Julie comments. ‘There is definitely no danger of our children out-growing this house just yet; we plan to stay here until both of our children have finished their education, to make the most of the outstanding schools that Saffron Walden has to offer**. Saffron Green really is the perfect place for a family home, we couldn’t ask for anything more,’ Julie concludes.  

Homes at Saffron Green really are ideal for families; there is a full size football pitch located at the development, together with a hard courts game area, play area and a sports pavilion. People who work in London benefit from nearby Audley End station which offers services into Liverpool Street with a journey time of just under an hour during peak periods, and for those breaks away London Stansted Airport is just a 15 minute drive away.

Saffron Walden itself offers an excellent array of facilities including an extensive range of restaurants, wine bars and cafes within walking distance of the development for all of the family to enjoy. Nearby leisure facilities include a well respected local golf course and the Lord Butler Fitness Centre.
    
There are just the last few remaining four bedroom houses for sale at Saffron Green, and two stunning new show homes are now open for viewing. Prices start from £299,950 for a four bedroom home. For more information, please contact the sales office on 01799 523191 or visit saffrongreen.co.uk
 
First Baby Born at New Village in Norwich

The adage new home, new baby had never been truer: the first baby has now been born at Ringland Park, Barratt’s striking development at Queen’s Hills village in Norwich.

Baby Tiernan was born 16th July at Norfolk and Norwich University hospital weighing in at
7lbs 9ozs, now he’s home, he joins his parents Emma and Philip Harvey and their three other children, Karmen aged six, Callum aged four and Ronan aged 19 months, as pioneers at the new village.

Around 1300 homes are being built by developers at Queen’s Hills, with the new village transforming the former gravel quarry located in Costessey Park; ancient manor parklands dating from the 11th century that include Costessey Park Golf Club.

The Queen’s Hills development will also deliver 86 acres of country park, a new school, a local village centre, a community hall, a children’s play park, a recreational area, football pitches and retail outlets.

Barratt is building a mixture of one, two, three, four and five-bedroom houses and two-bedroom apartments. Landscaping, planting, seating and integrated play areas will ensure a perfect setting, adjacent to woodland and near to Costessey’s vibrant village community.

The housebuilder has sold almost a quarter of its 165 apartments and houses at Ringland Park, with most of these sold off-plan before the showhome opened.

The Harveys have bought a three bedroom house at Ringland Park. Emma says: ‘My husband designs cars and is currently working for Lotus, so for the last six years we have been moving between America and England. We are due to move back to America at the end of this year and wanted to find a good property that would provide a stable base for us while we’re in England but also one that would also give us a good rental return when we leave. We had looked at other developments in the area but none had the design quality, specification and good room sizes you can find at Ringland Park.’
The scheme includes a ‘Home Zone’* which provides a safer living environment for young families by changing the balance of the street, making the pedestrian and cyclist the equal of a car.

Emma, who is a full time mother but who also specialises in early childhood care, adds: ‘We feel the development is extremely safe; the terraced houses are laid out in a circle which is a great idea as you can see the children easily and they are safe even when they are off the pavements.’
The two older children attend Eastern School, a couple of minutes away by car, but will relocate to the new school being built as part of the Queen’s Hills development when this opens.
The development has a superb location, with the pleasures of open countryside and the Norfolk Broads within 25 miles, while also offering easy access to Norwich’s city centre, which is around five miles away. A Sainsbury’s superstore is conveniently around half a mile away. Trains from Norwich run to destinations all over East Anglia, with Ipswich around 40 minutes away and the journey time to London Liverpool Street approximately two hours.
Emma adds: ‘We are ideally placed for our family and friends who live in Eastbourne and Spain; the travel links to Stansted airport are very good.’
Prices for homes currently available at Ringland Park@Queen’s Hills range from £146,500 for  two-bedroom apartments, from £193,000 for three-bedroom houses and from £258,000 for  four-bedroom houses. First time buyer incentives are available.** The sales suite and showhomes are open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm, telephone 01603 745193 or visit barratthomes.co.uk           
Linden Fields, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Tunbridge Wells has an abundance of excellent schools which draws families from near and far. Knight Frank is currently marketing Linden Fields, a Bellway Homes development located off Montacute Road, which is in close proximity to a number of good schools.

Situated on a residential road and surrounded by mature trees, Linden Fields comprises a selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments and three and four bedroom townhouses. The townhouses offer a variety of layouts and styles to suit modern lifestyles, many with open plan kitchen / dining areas incorporating fully glazed doors that lead out to a garden or balcony. Homes are finished to a high standard with fitted kitchens including a single oven, hob and hood in stainless steel. Master bedrooms all have ensuite bathrooms, fitted with crisp white sanitary ware and ceramic wall tiling which also features in family bathrooms and cloakrooms.

Linden Fields is located just over half a mile from the nearest mainline station, which has direct services to London, and is within walking distance of central Tunbridge Wells, making it ideal for commuters.
The historic town of Tunbridge Wells offers a variety of shops, bars and restaurants as well as the traditional farmers’ market on a Saturday.
Nearby Schools include: Bennett Memorial, Hillview School for girls, Hayesbrook school for boys and The Beacon, Crowborough.
Prices at Linden Fields start from £295,000 for a two bedroom apartment and £490,000 for a four bedroom family home. The sales office and show apartment is open from 10.00am to 5.00pm seven days a week. For further details, please contact the Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells office on Tel: 01892 512006.

When it comes to location a new homes development by Redrow at Bletchey Park is hard to beat. It’s hardly surprising, therefore, that three of the apartments were snapped up by eager buyers on the weekend it was launched.
 
Just a stone’s throw from the railway station, conveniently close to the many amenities of Bletchley town centre and a short drive away from picturesque villages and stunning nature reserves it offers something for everyone.
 
By train, commuters can reach Milton Keynes in around five minutes and London and Birmingham in under an hour. The M1 is also easily accessible. Families will enjoy a good range of schools and the wealth of interesting places to visit, starting with Bletchley Park itself, now a heritage site paying homage to the work of those who cracked the Enigma code, helping to shorten the Second World War.
 
Redrow @ Bletchley Park is a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments and town houses, all thoughtfully designed with spacious, light rooms and constructed to the highest standard by one of the UK’s leading house builders.
 
There is currently a choice of two bedroom apartments available on the first phase. All have open plan living/dining and kitchen areas, en-suite facilities and fitted wardrobes in the main bedroom and a single allocated parking space.  
 
For further information on Redrow @ Bletchley Park, where prices start at £183,995, contact the Marketing Suite on 0845 676 0403 which is open between 10am and 5.30pm 7 days a week or Connells Bletchley office on 01908 375241 (open 7 days a week).

Barratt announces 3 per cent fixed rate for two years in Reading hotspot

A recent Land Registry report has revealed that Reading is one of the top ten performers in the country when it comes to house price growth with the average price of a property rising from £203,407 in March 07 to £212,585 in May 07, an increase of 4.51 per cent. Reading is second only to Pembrokeshire in the UK top ten, as highlighted in the Sunday Times in July. This news, and the fact that Barratt Homes has just announced a 3 per cent fixed interest rate mortgage for the next two years at its Shinfield Park development in the town, makes Reading a prime target for homebuyers.
Gary Ennis, Barratt regional managing director, says: ‘Unlike a number of areas in the UK, Reading property prices are still climbing, which is good news for homeowners. However, interest rate rises have also increased this year and that can lead to uncertainty amongst buyers, particularly those planning to move up the property ladder. For this reason we have decided to ‘stop the clock’ by offering a fixed 3 per cent interest rate mortgage for the next two years, making it easier for people to buy a new home in this thriving town.’
Barratt is also offering to pay £1000 towards buyers’ legal fees, and carpets and a fridge/freezer will be included.

Shinfield Park, which won a Gold in the Hot Property awards earlier this year, is a striking development offering three, four, five and six bedroom houses, plus a superb range of newly released two bedroom apartments, all set in 38 acres of parkland in Shinfield. The development is ideally placed for those who want to be close to Reading town centre, three miles away, but who want to live in a rural location. Great facilities, such as the Madejski stadium, The Oracle shopping centre, supermarkets within a couple of miles and a wide range of schools and colleges, including the private Crosfields School near Barratt’s development, make Shinfield Park a great choice for families.
Reading’s central location plays a major role in the town’s popularity, being within half an hour’s drive of London, Maidenhead, Oxford and Slough. Bath and Swindon to the west, and Basingstoke and Southampton to the south, are also within commuting distance.
The specification of the houses at Shinfield Park, many of which are detached, is exceptionally high. They typically include spacious open plan living/dining rooms, quality fitted kitchens with a range of contemporary integrated appliances and ceramic flooring and en suites to master bedrooms; most styles have separate utility rooms and others include conservatories, dressing rooms/nurseries and additional bath/shower rooms. All houses have gardens and many have garages. With so many layouts to choose from, there is certainly something to suit most busy households with plenty of room for extended families and visitors.

Prices for the newly released two bedroom apartments start from £239,950. Prices for houses currently available at Shinfield Park are from £399,950 for a four bedroom house and from £504,950 for a six bedroom house. Part exchange is now available on selected properties. The sales and marketing suite, and three striking showhomes, is open seven days a week, from 11am to 6pm, telephone 01189 751267 or visit barratthomes.co.uk

The number of family houses being built across the country has dropped by 21,000 in the last seven years* since the government introduced the PPG3 in 2000. Now in 2007 as the housing crisis has highlighted the shortage of family homes that people clearly want to buy, government legislation is set to take a U-turn.

‘People want to buy and live in bigger family houses,’ explains Dawn Carritt, director of estate agents Jackson Stopps and Staff, ‘but there are just not enough to go around and house builders are being forced by planners to build fewer family houses and to add more flats and smaller terraced houses on their new development sites.’

Cuneo Gardens, Antler Homes’ new development in East Molesey, Surrey, is a very rare development that comprises seven highly desirable and spacious three and four bedroom semi-detached and detached family houses on the corner of Ember Lane and Orchard Lane.

Dawn Carritt continues: ‘Family house developments like this are very rare these days and the level of interest we have already seen from prospective buyers reflects this. Antler Homes tends to develop up-market family houses in desirable locations and Cuneo Gardens is no exception. This blue chip Surrey location is ideal for commuter families, as the trains to London Waterloo take just 30 minutes and the schools in the area are excellent.’

John Taylor, Sales and Marketing Director of Antler Homes Southern, adds: ‘Antler Homes prides itself on consistently developing larger bespoke properties in locations which are suitable for families and we plan to continually increase the number being built all over the country. Cuneo Gardens in particular benefits from excellent family facilities in the area, such as riding schools and tennis clubs.’

The properties combine traditional gabled roofs and motte brick work with more contemporary designs features such as pillared balconies and extensive glazing. This combination creates a harmonious balance between old and new blending the development into the existing street scene. The houses also benefit from bespoke features such as a covered porch which has either a gabled or pillared roof and stone voussoirs.
Each property comes fitted with a luxury custom built kitchen with granite worktops and appliances which include a Siemens stainless steel oven, a Siemens stainless steel gas hob, an integrated fridge/freezer, an integrated dishwasher and an integrated washing machine. All of the houses incorporate a contemporary kitchen/dining family area, which is ideal for socialising. There are also French doors which lead out onto the garden, flooding the open-plan space with natural light.
Cuneo Gardens is on the border of East Molesey and Esher so it benefits from being near to the Thames and Hampton Court Palace whilst also enjoying the open woodland and common land near Esher. Esher train station is less than a mile from the development where regular trains travel to London, and the M3 and M25 are within convenient travelling distance.

Prices at this development start from £569,950 for a four bedroom semi-detached townhouse and £625,000 for a three bedroom detached family house. For further information please contact Antler Homes on telephone: 01932 356096 or visit the website: antlerhomes.co.uk

With residents that include stars of the sports world and city high fliers, the picturesque village of Oxshott in Surrey is one of the country’s most sought-after addresses. And with central London just over 18 miles distant, excellent access to the A3 and M25, and Oxshott station offering services to London Waterloo in as little as 30 minutes*, it’s easy to see why.
The village provides an eclectic selection of shops, country pubs and a thriving village sports club, while nearby Esher and Leatherhead offer a host of boutiques, restaurants and bars in addition to the usual high street shops. Meanwhile, a good choice of state and independent schools in the vicinity make Oxshott a popular choice with families.

In this enviable locale, award-winning developer Millgate Homes is creating a modern masterpiece. Lying off leafy Moles Hill on the prestigious Crown Estate, this imposing, 7 bedroom residence draws architectural inspiration from classic Georgian architecture and will sit within three quarters of an acre of landscaped, gated grounds. Internally however, this is a thoroughly 21st century abode, offering accommodation of 7,642 square feet and finished to a superlative specification.
Renowned for creating homes of distinction in some of the Home Counties’ finest locations, this is the kind of site that Millgate Homes savours, as Sales & Marketing Director, David Wrigley, explains:
‘Oxshott is a fabulous location, and in this setting we aim to create a property to aspire to – the ultimate family home, providing a stunning backdrop for everyday family life and for entertaining on a grand scale.’

The impressive accommodation consists of, to the ground floor, a grand reception hall, a drawing room, formal dining room, cloakroom and study. The highly specified kitchen / family room with its informal dining area and orangery will be, however, the undoubted heart of this home.
On the first floor, all 4 bedrooms will feature en-suite facilities. The master suite will enjoy a dressing room and sitting room and the second bedroom will also have its own sitting room. Both of these bedrooms enjoy French doors onto a balcony overlooking the grounds to the rear. The second floor will house three further bedrooms; a generous shared bathroom and a media room with inbuilt facility for a large plasma screen – perfect as a home cinema or hi-tech playroom.
In the tree lined garden, which is to be finished to perfection by Millgate Homes’ Chelsea Gold Medal award-wining landscaper, an outdoor swimming pool and summer house are planned to complete this home of distinction. The property is due for completion in Spring 2008. To register your interest call 0118 934 8074.

Home buyers looking for stylish family living close to the Suffolk countryside should take a look at the new four bedroom show home at Maple Tye, the current phase at Cedar’s Park, Crest Nicholson’s sought after development in Stowmarket, Suffolk. Showcased, is The Lavenham, a large four bedroom house designed with family living in mind. Its well-proportioned rooms, interesting layout and thoughtful use of space throughout, combine to make a substantial family home. JSP Interiors have created a look for this smart abode, that is both stylish and sophisticated, yet compatible with the rigours of modern family living. Inspired by Cedar’s Parks leafy setting, earthy and aqua tones bring the outside in.
Mandi Boydell JSP Interiors, comments: ‘We wanted the show home to have a sumptuous yet relaxed and comfortable feel that would reflect life at Cedar’s Park. We have used light colours such as natural cream and bark to emphasise features such as the wide hallway and generous living and dining rooms. Upstairs we have really had fun with the large master suite following an art-deco theme with mirrored furniture and chrome detailing. A feature wall with fabric wallpaper patterned with large white chrysanthemums incorporating touches of black and silver on an alpine green background creates a really glamourous look.’

Helen Moore, Sales & Marketing Director, Crest Nicholson (Eastern) comments: ‘The Lavenham is proving to be incredibly popular with families because it is so spacious. At £282,500, it also offers exceptional value for money. The open layout of the kitchen / breakfast room encourages families to socialise and share meal times together yet there is still enough room for each family member to have their own space.’ 

The Lavenham has been carefully crafted with a double fronted white rendered exterior and large double height sash windows conveying timeless elegance. Inside, the ground floor boasts a fully fitted kitchen / breakfast room with Bosch stainless steel appliances. Double patio doors lead out from the kitchen to the garden, creating an extended space for alfresco dining. A separate dining room provides an ideal area for family and friends to gather for more formal occasions and entertaining. The living room is the perfect space for all the family to relax. A gas fire with black granite and chrome surround adds charm and character* to the main living area which has double patio doors that flood the room with natural light. A useful utility room and a cloakroom complete the downstairs accommodation.
From the hall, a wide staircase leads to the first floor at the top is a light and airy landing. The master bedroom benefits from double aspect windows, large fitted wardrobes and an elegant en-suite bathroom. The three remaining bedrooms share a family bathroom featuring a crisp white suite with chrome accessories, which give it a stylish contemporary feel. The double shower in this bathroom is a luxury that all of the family can enjoy. Two of the bedrooms also benefit from fitted wardrobes, the second of which also enjoys a double aspect.

Cedars Park is a community of individually designed one and two bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom houses, interspersed with green open spaces and children’s play areas. The development also incorporates a primary school, Cedars Park Primary, and a proposed village centre with planning for shops and a community hall.
Helen continues, ‘We understand how difficult it is for some people to buy, particularly with the latest rise in interest rates. We’re trying to help relieve some of this pressure by offering purchasers who reserve at Maple Tye before 31st August £500 per month towards their mortgage repayments for the next two years.’

Three bedroom houses priced from £173,500 and four bedroom houses priced from £207,500 are currently available.
For sales information, please contact the sales and marketing suite on telephone: 0870 755 1620. Alternatively, visit the Crest Nicholson website at crestnicholson.com.

Rare gems found at Priors Green

A spacious garden and adequate parking are among the two most desirable features when buying a family home, but as Government planning policy encourages developers to build more and more apartments, families are finding it is harder to find a home that ticks all the boxes, and will usually have to compromise on one or more aspects such as a garden, parking, space or location.

The Thatchams at Priors Green, however, a brand new village community by Countryside Properties in Little Canfield in Essex, provides a wide variety of family housing.

Priors Green is unique in the area in that it is the only large development being built with just houses. In nearby Bishop’s Stortford, several large developments are currently underway, which include very few family sized homes.

There is a wide choice of two, three and four bedroom houses at The Thatchams, all with carefully designed flexible interiors, gardens and parking to meet the needs of today’s active families. The homes are set behind two new village ponds and a tree-lined avenue, where the extensive landscaping makes the settlement feel like an established part of its rural surroundings.

Chris Crook, Subsidiary Managing Director for Countryside Properties said: ‘Spacious family houses are becoming more and more of a rarity so it’s no wonder the Thatchams has proved to be so popular. We’ve been attracting many people from the surrounding areas because it is one of the few developments to offer true village living with traditional family homes, rather than offering apartments, as is the case in nearby Bishop’s Stortford.’
Priors Green will offer no less than 10 acres of public open space, and land has been set aside for a new neighbourhood centre with retail and community facilities. There is also land set aside for a future new primary school, subject to proven need.

The Thatchams’ convenient location near Stansted Airport means there are excellent transport connections to London and Cambridge, with direct trains to Liverpool Street running every fifteen minutes and taking just 45 minutes. There is also easy access to surrounding towns via the M11, M25 and A120.

Prices at The Thatchams start at £249,950 for a three-bedroom house. For further details or to view the show home, call 01279 874973 or visit thatchams.com

A tranquil rural location, outstanding design, a superb specification and ‘green credentials’ are set to ensure that Spring Fields, a bespoke development by Chalk Hill Contemporary Homes of six new houses in Ifold, on the Surrey-Sussex borders, stands ‘head and shoulders’ above the competition.

Zoned, underfloor central heating throughout – upstairs as well as downstairs, triple glazed windows and a ground source heat pump, approximately four times more efficient to run than a comparable oil or gas system, are just some of the energy-saving initiatives and practical design features that set these new homes truly apart.

Renewable energy in the form of ground source heat pumps that use sustainable geothermal energy will ensure lower heating bills while significantly improved thermal efficiency will further reduce running costs. Low energy lighting, reduced water consumption fittings and rainwater collection in the gardens are just some of the other standard and therefore inclusive, not ‘extra’ features.

While most of these benefits may be hidden, the setting and contemporary design of these new homes will be clearly evident. Each home is set in a mature plot; their landscaped gardens, with carefully chosen species of trees, hedges and shrubs will be appreciated to the full by the wide, bi-folding or French doors which open from the living room to the garden and blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor space. Light and space will be the overriding first impression; inside and out. Higher ceiling heights of 8’10’ and floor-to-ceiling doors and many windows are further evidence of the attention to architecture and design detail.

With a choice of three, four, five or six bedrooms and plots of up to 0.6 acres, these are homes are undoubtedly for today and through careful engineering future conversion of the attic spaces has also been allowed for, subject to planning consent.

Loft conversion is only one of the practical features that the homes at Spring Fields exhibit. Unlike many developers whose ‘extras’ extend only as far as upgrading the kitchen units, Chalk Hill Contemporary Homes offers a wide choice of additional features such as mood lighting, audio-visual systems, wood burning stoves, an interior design service and an integral central vacuuming system.  For peace of mind, these new homes also come with an extraordinarily comprehensive guarantee, approved by the Council of Mortgage Lenders, that far exceeds the usual new homes building guarantees.

Spring Fields is proof that being environmentally-friendly is not just about ‘doing the right thing’ and can have practical as well as cost saving benefits; filled with argon, the triple glazed windows ensure high levels of thermal efficiency whilst the low-e glass reduces the ultra-violet light entering the home, protecting furnishings such as fabrics and pictures.  

The inclusion of the many eco-friendly features is not surprising given that Chalk Hill Contemporary Homes is a member of the Good Homes Alliance; an organisation committed to ensuring that house building in the UK is undertaken for the common good and to helping reduce the very real and imminent threats to the environment.  Members adhere to the Good Homes Alliance code that pledges to reduce carbon emissions, to achieve an Ecohomes Excellent standard and to ensure post occupation and monitoring of new homes is carried out on their developments.
‘At Chalk Hill Contemporary Homes, we provide our buyers with homes that combine excellent design with practicality, innovation and energy efficiency. We want our customers to feel passionate about their new homes and to appreciate the way in which the home can improve their quality of life,’ comments managing director, Chris Agace. ‘We believe that the specification of these houses far exceeds most other new homes and we’ve taken great care to ensure that each new home has a host of environmentally-friendly features. It’s unlikely that home buyers will find this combination of features in any other local property.’

There is no doubt that the location is also ideal, Ifold has a good range of local shops, services and excellent schools and is only about 15 minutes’ drive from Cranleigh, while Horsham is about eleven miles away. Billingshurst is some six miles away and provides a mainline station with direct connections to London Victoria and London Bridge stations, while Haslemere some nine miles away provides a direct rail service to London Waterloo taking under an hour. But, as visitors will soon realise, Spring Fields offers far more than just a lovely rural setting.

Despite all the inclusive features, the houses at Spring Fields will be competitively priced and are expected to start at just £495,000 for a three-bedroom house, ranging up to £835,000 for a six-bedroom house. To register interest, please call Chalk Hill Contemporary Homes on 01483 300230 or Mann Countrywide in Cranleigh on 01483 273563 or visit the website,  spring-fields.info/index.php

Kier Homes Norhern open brand new development at the seaside location of Chapel St Leonards

Kier Homes Northern, formerly known throughout Lincolnshire as Hugh Bourn, have just announced the arrival of a brand new selection of family homes in a seaside location on the outskirts of Chapel St Leonards in Lincolnshire. Sea spray is a collection of around 40 two- and three-bedroom houses and bungalows, perfectly situated for enjoying life on a friendly community village with the countryside of the Lincolnshire Wolds and vast sandy beaches both within easy access.

The selection of homes at Sea Spray includes terraced and semi-detached houses along with two- and three-bedroom detached bungalows, ensuring a good choice for all. And with its proximity within just a few minutes on foot to the excellent local primary school, Chapel St Leonards, it is certain to appeal to families.

For those who have dreamed of leaving behind lift in the city and enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle, Kier Homes Northern’s new development couldn’t be more appealing. Tucked away in a quiet corner on the outskirts of the village, residents will be able to enjoy all the benefits of loving in a popular seaside destination, yet be far enough removed from it to enjoy a peaceful and relaxed way of life.

Prices start from £139,995 for a three-bedroom semi-detached house and £149,995 and £194,995 for two- and three-bedroom detached bungalows respectively.

Enquiries on any of the properties detailed should be made to Anchor Fields, a development situated in Ingoldmelss just a mile or so to the south. In fact, as there is a fully furnished three-bedroom show home to visit, homebuyers might prefer to see both locations before making their final choice.

Anchor Fields also boasts an excellent range of properties ranging from two- and three-bedroom bungalows, semi detached houses and three- and four-bedroom detached homes. Prices start from £149,995 and £186,500 for two- and three-bedroom detached bungalows, £177,500 for a three-bedroom detached house and £275,000 for a four-bedroom detached home with double garage.

Both locations are situated within five or six miles of Skegness, which has its own railway station, and enjoy access to the area’s major road network via the A52.

Contact the sales office at Anchor Fields which is open daily form 10am to 5pm on 01754 871892. Or call Kier Northern Homes sales hotline on 0845 5000 321 during office hours.

posted on Friday, August 31, 2007 10:58:14 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Trackback
Amanda Shiel takes at look at some impressive homes in school conversions

Earlsfield, London

Notting Hill Housing Group is offering a shared ownership opportunity in a former school. Located on Garratt Lane, the school is being converted into a number of one- and two-bedroom apartments.
The homes boast refurbished sash windows, high ceilings and some of the apartments are split level with bedrooms and bathrooms on a mezzanine floor. The kitchens include stainless steel ovens, hobs and hoods.
Allocated parking spaces are available with some apartments.    
The converted school is in a great location situated between Wandsworth High Street, Earlsfield and the green open spaces of Wimbledon. 

Prices start from £245,000 for a one-bed and £300,000 for a two-bed.
To be eligible you must be registered on Wandworth’s Low Cost Home Ownership List.  Call 0208 871 6016 for an application form. To book an appointment to view the show home call 020 8357 4444 or visit nottinghillhousing.org.uk.


Islington, London

Academy House, part of the Chaplin Mews development, was once home to the Islington London Board School and more recently the Art & Design department for City and Islington College. Crest Nicholson has retained many of the architectural features of the nineteenth century building and renovated the once school into 26 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments apartments.
It holds all the charm and character expected of a converted Victorian school, combined with modern style and comfort. Academy House has an elegant brick and stone façade with striking gables, high arch windows and traditional brick detailing.

Internally, the apartments feature double height living spaces and open plan layouts that ensure all the homes feel light and airy. Each property is arranged over two levels with a mezzanine floor reached by an internal staircase, with some of the homes benefiting from stunning spiral staircases. Many of the apartments offer en suite facilities and a select few have a separate cloakroom on the lower floor.
Prices for apartments in Academy House start from £309,950 for a one-bedroom apartment and £409,950 for a two-bedroom. For sales information call 0870 750 8403 or visit crestnicholson.com.

Letchworth, Herts

Miller is building a selection of 53 new homes and apartments just off Norton Road on the site of Norton School, which closed in 2002. The development will be a mixture of brand new homes combined with the sensitive conversion of some of the existing school buildings.
Principals Lodge is home to six apartments. The richly detailed exterior of this apartment building reflects the diversity of the homes within. The individual features that make each apartment unique include living areas with dual-aspect windows bringing an exceptionally bright and airy feel, traditional bay windows, French doors, soaring glass arches surrounding French windows and one dramatic triangular dormer. The central apartments take advantage of their position with a striking lounge, flaring out from elegant double doors towards a recessed window area that offers a genuinely exciting living space.

The apartments have been finished to the highest standard. Kitchens have a stainless steel chimney hood, splashback and four-ring gas hob as well as an integrated fridge freezer and dishwasher. Bathrooms and en-suites are fitted with white sanitaryware and chrome tap mixers and vinyl flooring. Apartments also benefit from private parking as well as a secure audio entry system.
The site is on the desirable Norton Road, close to a Post Office and within walking distance of Letchworth town centre. Letchworth, the world’s first Garden Centre, boasts a number of amenities including a theatre, leisure centre, cinema, shopping centre and hospital.
Prices at Principals Lodge start from £209,950.
Call the sales office on 0800 840 8731 for more details.

Holloway, London

This two-bedroom split level apartment in St James School is situated on the ground floor of a school conversion comprising only ten separate dwellings. The apartment, which has undergone a thorough refurbishment programme, boasts many exciting features including a double height reception with a modern fitted kitchen and communal off street parking.
St James School on Georges Road is a stones throw from Holloway Road and the numerous amenities on offer in the area, including high street shops, bars, restaurants and public transport.
Priced at £399,950. Contact Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward on 020 7226 2487 or visit kfh.co.uk.

Stockwell, London

A first floor south facing loft apartment has become available at Priory Grove School, a popular Victorian school conversion within a secure gated site. The property offers a unique layout with open plan reception areas and two separate bedrooms, both of which have en-suite facilities.
The 907sq ft apartment boasts an entrance hall with beech wooden flooring and a stunning double volume living space featuring 13ft 7in ceiling height, limestone fireplace and surround, south facing windows and wooden flooring. The kitchen is fitted with wood block work surfaces, butler sink and wood floor.

The mezzanine level includes a large gallery area/second reception that overlooks the main living space below.
Off street parking is available. The development is within walking distance to Stockwell tube (Northern and Victoria lines), and the shops, bars and restaurants of Clapham High Street and Clapham Old Town.
Priced at £450,000. Leasehold/share of freehold. Call Trading Spaces on 020 8941 2800 or visit trading-spaces.co.uk.

Islington, London

L’ Ecole, a former Victorian schoolhouse, is currently undergoing a dramatic transformation by London-based developers Carrot. The development consists of two buildings sitting side-by-side – one being the former schoolhouse, the other a contemporary new build.
The Victorian element of the scheme has been transformed into 24 apartments spread across three floors, including three penthouse apartments complete with private terraces on the top floor. The apartments include a number of original features, with double-height windows and high ceilings.  Many apartments have a glass-fronted mezzanine level overlooking the living spaces and the garden providing an abundance of natural light.

The new build element is contained within an unusual contemporary-designed U-shaped building which is partially cedar-clad. There are 28 spacious apartments spread over five floors, including a further three penthouses. The front elevation has a stunning glass-enclosed winter garden., offering all year round seclusion and serenity in the heart of the city.
 L’Ecole close to Upper Street and its amenities which include boutiques, brasseries and bars.
Prices start from £375,000. Contact DTZ on 020 7710 8038 or visit lecolecarrot.com  

Wandsworth, London

A rare opportunity has arisen to acquire stunning penthouse loft apartments in this wonderful Victorian school conversion. The development features amazing timber decked roof terraces with views across Battersea and beyond, whilst providing contemporary spaces within a secluded development.
Internally, the homes feature double height living areas with approximately 14ft high ceilings, maple laminated flooring and large windows. The modern kitchens boast solid granite work surfaces and stainless steel appliances. Contemporary bathrooms are fitted with bowl type basins mounted on cantilevered tops with chrome fittings. Spiral stairs lead up to the mezzanine levels with galleried bedrooms overlooking glass balustrades to the living areas below. Each unit is highly individual in space and layout.

Ideally located midway to shops, bars and restaurants of Battersea and Clapham Old Town, the development is also within walking distance to Queenstown Road and Battersea Park BR stations and buses to Sloane Square tube. 
Long leaseholds/share of freehold. Prices range from £900,000 to £1,600,000. Call Trading Spaces on 020 8941 2800 or visit trading-spaces.co.uk.
Southwark, SE1

This freehold loft house forms part of a small converted Grade II listed Victorian school. Spread over three levels, the three-bedroom home includes original wooden floorboards and windows. The stunning open plan reception on the second floor boasts a 14ft vaulted ceiling into eaves, two large windows, fireplace, original wooden floorboards and kitchen at one end.
The master bedroom features a high ceiling, large south facing windows, fireplace and original wooden floorboards. The en-suite bathroom includes marble flooring and a roll top bath.
The Tabard Centre is a ten minute walk to Borough tube and ideally located for the bars and restaurants of Tower Bridge Road, Borough and Bermondsey High Streets.
Priced at £795,000. Call Trading Spaces on 020 8941 2800 or visit trading-spaces.co.uk.


posted on Friday, August 31, 2007 10:43:29 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Trackback
 Friday, August 17, 2007
Many of us are looking to make positive life changes. What some don’t realise is that the new homes market has many ways to make your dream a reality. Johnny Turner examines just a few ways people have improved their lot through property.

As summer fades, we tend to get serious again, looking for things to do post-holiday. Holidays give us the chance to reflect on where we’re going in life, and it’s during this type of introspection that we begin to see new goals emerging.

When these goals have to do with financial security, or the desire to see a leap in your money fortunes, a lot of people in Britain rightly see property as the way forward. But where to look when you’re trying to build wealth in this famously expensive, potentially risky sector?
Of course, money is not the only goal worth aiming for. Many of us want to make a start in a new environment or embrace a different rhythm of life. In this, finding the right property can also be crucial.
The new homes market has a lot to offer the buyer who wants to move on in life. From very lettings-friendly investment apartments to homes that offer space and luxury, you’re bound to find something that will help you on the way to a new way of living.
 
Get on the ladder

According to the Council of Mortgage Lenders the number of first-time buyers in 2006 dropped by eight per cent as soaring house prices and rising interest rates keep young people out of the market. With affordability at its lowest level in 16 years, new buyers are struggling to get on the ladder.
However this didn’t deter new purchaser Sarah Churchill in the quest to find her first home. Despite being a key worker and being offered government support, she wanted to own her first home. So she joined forces with her brother to buy a two-bedroom apartment at Crest Nicholson’s Market Quarter in Tonbridge.

Churchill, a teacher in Otford, says, ‘Being a teacher classifies me as a key worker and makes me eligible for government assistance. However, I wanted to own 100 per cent of my property and the schemes I looked into only offered part ownership. So my brother and I decided to buy somewhere together. I have noticed the difference in property prices in the last few years. I looked into buying property in 2001 and comparing the prices then to now shocked me. Although the prices were daunting it didn’t put me off. By buying with my brother I knew I would be more able to find the ideal first home.’
Originally from Sevenoaks, Churchill first searched there. ‘Nothing caught my eye. I also viewed a property in Tonbridge but it didn’t meet my expectations.’ Spotting Market Quarter she viewed the show house: ‘I instantly knew that it was what I wanted. We then reserved a two-bedroom apartment off-plan. The apartment was ideal as it has two similar-sized bedrooms so neither my brother or I had to fight over who were to have the bigger bedroom. The flat also offered two bathrooms so we wouldn’t need to share.’

Buying off-plan also let the siblings have a home that suited their tastes. ‘I was able, among other things, to choose the worktops in the kitchen and the tiling in the bathrooms,’ she says.
With a straightforward commute to the school where she works in Otford, and a young, lively atmosphere in the town centre where Market Square is located, Churchill is sold on the location.
Besides two-bedroom apartments, the development also offers two- and three-bedroom houses. Every home includes large open-plan dining and living areas with a fully fitted Commodore designed kitchen including a selection of integrated appliances. Master bedrooms benefit from en suite facilities and a second bathroom serves the remaining bedrooms. Some properties feature an additional study/office area and all homes offer parking.

Apartments start at £245,000 and houses are priced from £340,000.
Call 0870 750 4890 or see crestnicholson.com. 

Follow your dream

After her divorce, Nina Stratford, a 51-year-old mother of two originally from Essex, decided to relocate from Devon to Chelmsford to start a new life – and to follow her dream of becoming an actress. And buying at Higgins Homes’ development The Hub was instrumental in this life change.
‘I really needed to find out what I wanted to do with my life and where I wanted to be,’ she says. ‘My children persuaded me to follow my heart and train to become a professional actress, so I needed to be near to London. I was born and bred in Essex, so it seemed a natural choice to come back here. I had viewed a couple of other properties but after viewing the show apartment at The Hub, I literally fell head over heels and I just had to have one.’

The type of home was also a change for Stratford. ‘I have never lived in an apartment before, so I was a little bit anxious about feeling hemmed in. However, due to the glass terrace that stretches across the front of the building, it feels extremely open and light.’
The location is absolutely fantastic; it is very easy to get into central London and the shops in Chelmsford are literally on my doorstep. Buying in Chelmsford also meant I could get much more for my money – 871 square feet to be exact, which is very spacious for a two-bedroom apartment. I really feel it is a great investment as well as a beautiful home and I cannot wait to move in and start my new life here.’

The Hub comprises 72 one and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses, a number of which overlook the River Chelmer. All apartments at the award-winning development incorporate spacious open-plan living areas with large windows, which provide a bright and stylish space for socialising. The tiled kitchens, designed by Urban Myth, incorporate Smeg appliances including a stainless steel electric oven, gas hob, integrated fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and dishwasher.
Only a short walk from Chelmsford Station, The Hub is an ideal location for commuters and those who wish to pop into the capital for shopping or a night out. There are regular direct trains which reach Liverpool Street station in about 40 minutes.

Prices start from £215,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and the penthouses are priced from £499,500. Contact Higgins Homes on 01245 493607 or visit higginshomes.co.uk.

Cut the commute

When David Kerr and Andy Pearce set out to buy their first home the commute had to be right. David needed to be close to Gatwick Airport, where he works as cabin crew, and Andy, who travels extensively as a regional retail manager, was looking for somewhere within easy reach of the M25.
At Barratt’s Woodfield Lodge, a small development of one- and two-bedroom apartments about a mile from Crawley town centre, they found the ideal location – and a great deal more!
Its location, near the town centre, around five miles from Gatwick airport and less than two miles from the M23, tipped the balance and David and Andy didn’t take much time to decide to buy the apartment. The icing on the cake was when they won a scooter in Barratt’s prize draw at the open day!
Kerr says, ‘Our parents are very impressed that we’ve managed to get on the property ladder in the south of England. It’s no mean feat!’

Their new home is a two-bedroom apartment with a large open-plan living/dining area that has plenty of room for entertaining and opens on to a balcony. The apartment has two bath/shower rooms, one of which adjoins the master bedroom. The smart kitchen is fitted with a stainless steel oven, gas hob and extractor hood and also has a free-standing washer/dryer. ‘We’re really excited about our new home. We particularly love the large open-plan living space and balcony, and having two bathrooms means we both have plenty of space,’ says Andy.
Only 15 two-bedroom apartments remain at Woodfield Lodge, with prices starting at £194,995 for a one-bedroom apartment and £231,995 for a two-bedroom. Special incentives are available for first-time buyers.

For further information, and to view the two show apartments, contact the marketing suite on 01293 532771 or see barratthomes.co.uk.

Find the perfect family space

Yes, moving house is stressful – but just consider how Debbie Studart felt. The 37-year-old and her family completed her move to a brand new home at Redrow's Kennet Heath development in Thatcham, Berkshire while continuing to work four part-time jobs: as a chef, cleaner, estate agent negotiator and checkout assistant at Tesco.
She says, ‘It's been real hard work making the move while working and we're still settling in. But myself, my husband Matthew and our two-year old-daughter Ruby-Mae are all really pleased with our new home.

‘As soon as we saw this house we knew it was exactly what we wanted, at a price that was within our range and in a great area. Plus Redrow allowed us to part-exchange our old home.’
The Studarts’ move, into a four-bedroom, three-storey Ribble home, went successfully – but Studart is not sure she would want to go through the strain again. ‘This is the third time we have moved now and I'm not sure if we will do it again. One thing's for sure though: if we do it won't be for a very long time. Luckily this home is the perfect place for us to stay put.’
She is very impressed by the layout of the home, she says. ‘Now that I have three floors I wouldn't swap back.’ And with four-bedrooms, the Studarts can have another child without worrying about space. ‘All in all I'm really happy that we've made this move, and I think Kennet Heath is going to be a perfect place for us to bring up our family.’

Kennet Heath consists of a variety of different properties to suit the requirements of many different home buyers. Currently available are two-bedroom Tunstall apartments priced from £194,950, and a variety of four-bedroom homes, ranging from a detached Ribble (similar to the Studarts' new home) from £294,950, up to a Walkham, priced from £334,950.

Thatcham, one of England's oldest towns, offers great transport routes to Newbury, Basingstoke and Reading, and with the M4 close-by, London and all points west are also very accessible.
Visit the development, located on Station Road and open daily 10am to 5.30pm, or call the sales consultant on 01635 863026. Go online to redrow.co.uk.

Go back to uni

When your kids flee the nest to enter higher education, you can feather your own nest by investing in their uni accommodation. The competition for accommodation in university towns is strong, says Lee Grandin, managing director of Landlord Mortgages.

‘With stiff competition for rented accommodation in university towns, investors are faced with a captive audience, meaning that this type of buy-to-let investment can prove highly profitable.
‘Rather than fork out to line the pockets of other canny landlords, buying for your child’s higher education has three-fold benefits; potentially making a handsome profit; security in the knowledge your child is living in good accommodation; and choice over your child’s flatmates.
In Bristol, one of the UK’s most popular buying destinations, there are a number of high-style apartment schemes that are proving both investor- and student-friendly.
Major regeneration plans currently changing the landscape of both the city centre and outer suburbs, promising to create a premier place to live, work and visit. This fact is not going unnoticed by many home buyers who are keen to invest in the city.

Linden Homes’ Vibe on Waterloo Road in Old Market, is a vibrant collection of 108 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments – and it is little wonder that it has already secured 43 off-plan reservations. Meanwhile, from the same developer, Zenith in St George is a trendy scheme of 67 one- and two-bedroom apartments, with 18 now reserved.

For further details on Vibe or Zenith call 0117 9458435 or visit lindenhomes.co.uk.  

posted on Friday, August 17, 2007 10:42:12 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Trackback
 Friday, August 10, 2007
The new homes market remains buoyant, and investors in search of a god buy are flocking to the latest developments. Johnny Turner finds out who’s buying where

Investment purchasers have driven the UK market for quite a while, as people have come to see property as a better place to put their savings than vehicles such as stocks and shares in terms of safety and rate of return.

The new homes market has an advantage in the investment stakes. One reason is the current market, in which supply lags far behind demand with the result that there are precious few already-owned properties out there, particularly in the South. Another reason is more particular to the buy-to-let market: new homes don’t require the level of work and worry that older properties do in terms of décor and structural soundness.

The new homes market has some great investment buys, but it is important to think very carefully about what you want out of the purchase. Deana Everingham, head of sales and marketing for St James Homes, says buying early in the development’s life – even “off-plan” – can be a shrewd move, ‘Buying a property in the first release of a new development is generally a sound investment as the properties are usually competitively priced to establish the scheme and quickly create a new community. Buying before build commences also gives the purchaser a greater freedom to choose interiors, fixtures and fittings.
But one mustn’t forget there is a trade-off, she says. ‘It is also worth remembering that buying in the last phase offers the benefits of investing in an established infrastructure with a sound reputation, with all the building work complete and the landscaping maturing – so you know exactly what you are putting your money into.’

One way to get a good foothold in the buy-to-let market is to find a location or home type that is set to be sought-after by tenants for years to come. The three-bedroom detached homes at Try Homes’ Kendle Place development in Wood Green, represent just such an investment.
Detached housing is extremely rare in Wood Green, and new homes even more so, which is why there are now just three three-bedroom houses still available at the development. Two of the bedrooms are doubles, while kitchens have a chic design and a wealth of integrated appliances.
The location, a short walk from Bounds Green and Wood Green tube stations, is very convenient for commuters, adding to the scheme’s tenant appeal. Motorists will appreciate the proximity to the North Circular and the good access to the M25. There are also many shops, restaurants, bars and coffee shops nearby.

The three remaining homes are priced between £350,000 and £357,500. Call the sales and marketing suite, open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm, on 07843 328216 or visit tryhomes.co.uk.
Corporate rentals are a big segment of today’s investment picture, and not just in the capital. At City Lofts Springfield Mill in Sandiacre, Nottingham, for instance, City Lofts is seeing a wave of buyers who have got wise to the need for short-term lets by corporate clients.
The development has attracted tenants such as Paul Leo, a consultant who works in the area for four days a week and returns to the family home in Salisbury for weekends. He primarily decided to rent an apartment as it is better value for money. Now he has found the freedom and convenience of having his own space has become another major advantage.

‘When I visited City Lofts Springfield Mill I realised immediately that it was an environment in which I would far rather spend my time in comparison to the local hotels,’ says Leo. ‘Not only was it far cheaper than staying at a hotel for four days a week for six months, it has many other advantages including the freedom to relax and unwind in your own space and cook your own meals instead of dining alone in a busy hotel restaurant.’

A further advantage, in the form of a furniture package, only added to Leo’s certainty that renting his own apartment was the way to go. And this is why considering the attractiveness to corporate renters is a good idea for those in the market for an investment property.
City Lofts Springfield Mill is the conversion of a Victorian Lace mill into 105 high-specification apartments and duplexes. The original exterior features of the mill have been carefully restored –including the attractive red brick façade, large cast iron window frames, two gables, two clocks and tall, octagonal brick chimney. The period exterior makes a pleasing contrast with the highly contemporary living spaces to be found inside.
For further information on the last remaining apartments call 0115 939 8656 or email springfieldmill@citylofts.co.uk.

Higgins Homes’ new Uber development ticks the boxes that attract buy-to-let purchasers: great location and commuter links, along with stylish design and spec. Another important factor is price, and when these are set in the next week or so buyers are sure to find that a draw as well; after all, Higgins is well known for its ability to provide smart apartments at good prices. Walthamstow, voted best urban village by Time Out,  is now attracting young professional residents and investors.
A series of improvements to the E17 area has made it more and more attractive to buyers. A £56 million regeneration project, including a high street facelift and improvements to the already convenient local transport amenities, have drawn those who hadn’t thought of buying in Walthamstow before.
Walthamstow provides residents with a wealth of amenities ranging from boutique market stalls to designer clothes shops in The Mall, Selborne Walk. St James Street train station near the high street has regular direct trains to London Liverpool Street which take approximately 16 minutes. Walthamstow Central underground station is on the Victoria line and tubes take approximately 23 minutes to Oxford Circus.

Uber consists of 100 studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments on Erskine Road. Most apartments enjoy glass panelled balconies, providing residents with outside space. For security, there is a video entry system. Internally each property incorporates a designer Urban Myth kitchen which comes fitted with Smeg appliances which include a stainless steel electric oven, gas hob, integrated fridge/freezer and washer/dryer.
Prices are set to be released mid-August. First completions are expected next spring. For further information or to request a brochure contact Higgins Homes on 020 8508 6000 or visit higginshomes.co.uk

In trendy Islington, Inspace Homes has just launched Blue, a new development with joint venture partner Your Lifespace. Set within a four-storey building that blends wood, brick and glass on Sherbourne Street N1, Blue has been designed by Grafik Architecture and comprises a collection of 28 contemporary apartments offering open-plan living that will appeal to young professional first-time buyers.

The properties range in size from 460 sq ft for a one-bedroom apartment and rise to 650 sq ft two-bedroom apartment on the top floor. The layouts feature contemporary open-plan living areas with laminate flooring and plenty of natural light provided by the extensive use of glazing.
Purchasers can choose between either high-gloss or wood fully fitted kitchens from Pepper, which come complete with a full range of integrated appliances including a Bosch stainless steel oven, hob and extractor hood. White Porcelanosa sanitaryware, chrome fixtures and fittings including an electric heated towel rail and ceramic wall and floor tiling creates a tranquil and calming bathroom. The apartments have carpet in the bedrooms.

The location is perfect for access to the City and West End. Angel tube station on the Northern line and Highbury and Islington on the Victoria Line and WAGN route are very nearby.
Building work has already started and the first completions are expected in October 2008. Prices are still to be confirmed. For further sales information call Chestertons on 020 7288 0330. Visit inspacehomes.co.uk.

At Quest Place in Maldon, Explore Living is offering investors the opportunity to purchase a new home with a guaranteed rental yield of seven per cent. The plan is designed to help would-be investors purchase new property specifically for investment.
John Inglis, sales and marketing director of Explore Living, says, ‘Investors will benefit from the peace of mind of a guaranteed gross income of seven per cent for one year. Our new investment plan means that there is no need for investors to find a tenant, plus there are no void periods or letting management costs. As well as this, there is no council tax to pay. All in all it is a low-risk investment.’
Investors will be able to choose from beautifully designed one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom houses, each with their own designated parking area or garage. Internally, living areas and bedrooms have been designed to maximize daylight. Features include French doors and Juliet balconies, while kitchens have integrated, concealed modern appliances and deep work surfaces equipped with lift-up, hide-away electric sockets and full-length splashbacks.

Quest Place is located in a Conservation Area, so it is small in scale. Its high street location means it is convenient for local shops, the Promenade Park and transport links, yet insulated from intrusive traffic.
Maldon can be easily reached from the major road network and by train from London Liverpool Street station. The A12 is easily accessible and provides direct routes to Witham and Colchester as well as access to Chelmsford, Romford and Ilford. Train commuters benefit from services from nearby Witham station and Hatfield Peveral station into London Liverpool Street in approximately 45 minutes.
Prices at Quest Place start at £164,995 for one-bedroom apartment. For more information contact the sales and marketing suite on 0845 6038168 or visit exploreliving.co.uk.

Finally, investor-friendly Telford Homes is set to unveil the latest phase at Queen Mary’s Villas in South Woodford. A September release is likely. Look for an announcement soon in HotProperty and visit telfordhomes.plc.uk.

posted on Friday, August 10, 2007 2:18:30 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Trackback
Official launch of new Island development

The Savoy, Yarmouth - an award-winning property development on the Isle of Wight will be officially launched today (Friday 29 June 2007), and is fast becoming recognised as a prestigious new 4* holiday resort by investors and guests alike.

Set in 28 acres of landscaped grounds and just one mile from Yarmouth’s popular sailing harbour, The Savoy provides owners and guests with stylish design and a range of on-site country club leisure facilities and services including property management and letting.  With a choice of one-bedroom studios from £99,500 to three bedroom cottages currently available or under construction, The Savoy is a contemporary resort in a New England style and this is reflected in the identities of the properties which range from ‘Saltbox Cottages’ to ‘Vermonts’ and ‘‘Piedmonts’. All properties have been designed by award-winning architect and interior design company Nick Stickland Associates and are finished to a very high standard.

As a result of strong demand from an increasing number of buyers, over half of the 153 holiday cottages have been sold and the resort opened for business earlier this month, with the first two phases complete and in operation, and a further phase of 73 properties under construction and available for year-round holiday use from 2008.

According to Sales Director, Steve Deacon, The Savoy presents a unique opportunity for people to buy a superior quality holiday or second home with the potential for an investment return. ‘Each owner can decide, within the planning restrictions, what proportion of the year they wish to use the home themselves and if they want to gain a return by letting the home out to holidaymakers’, he said.  The Savoy is one of the Island’s premier holiday locations and this is reflected in the tariffs charged which provides an excellent level of return’, he said.
The Savoy has also assigned the professional services of Southampton-based Knight Frank to act as mainland agents for the development handling all mainland residential property enquiries.

About The Savoy:

The Savoy is a gated community of some 153 Owner’s Cottages set within 28 acres of landscaped grounds offering the benefits of a dedicated leisure club, including indoor pool, a spa and all weather sports facilities for year round holidays or frequent breaks with the possibility of an investment return via letting.  The resort is just one mile from the harbour and historic coastal town of Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight and is currently offering one to three bedroom cottages with fully fitted kitchens and luxury bathrooms at prices ranging from £99,500 to £249,950.

About Knight Frank

Knight Frank LLP is the leading independent global property consultancy. Headquartered in London, Knight Frank and its New York-based global partner Newmark Knight Frank operate from over 165 offices, in 36 countries, in six continent.


Savoy Press Office
Julian Gollogly and Alicia Kirkham
julian@marketing-matters.co.uk and alicia@marketing-matters.co.uk
T: 01202 777111

posted on Friday, August 10, 2007 2:01:49 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Trackback
Amanda Shiel looks at some impressive developments in this glorious county

Pennington

Bracken Mead comprises ten two-, three- and four-bedroom semi-detached and terraced houses. The development combines red brick work, grey or red tiling and white render with traditional pitched roof and gabled architecture. The mix of colours and design compliments the surrounding countryside and draws on the local vernacular.

The properties incorporate luxury custom built kitchens which include a Siemens stainless steel gas hob, single oven, integrated fridge freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and ceramic floor tiles.
All bathrooms feature pure white sanitaryware with matching ceramic floor and wall tiling, plus chrome fixtures, white ladder heated towel rail and thermostatically controlled showers. Properties also benefit from mains-operated smoke and security alarms.

Pennington has a range of shops, a church and Priestlands Secondary School all within a short walk from the development. The nearby market town of Lymington is a stunning tourist hotspot full of boutique shops and tea rooms and the three marinas ensure the area is very popular in the summer months when visitors can charter boats or enjoy strolls by the water.
Lymington Train Station has regular trains to Brockenhurst which take eight minutes. From Brockenhurst there are direct trains to London Waterloo, which take one and a half hours, and to Southampton Central taking 12 minutes.

Prices at Bracken Mead start from £260,000 for a two-bedroom end terrace house, £290,000 for a three-bedroom mid terraced house and £330,000 for a four-bedroom semi detached house.
A three-bedroom semi-detached home in the same village is also available at Bracken Wood, priced at £295,000.
Marketing suite open daily between 10am-5pm. For further information on both developments call 08456 760 102 or visit antlerhomes.co.uk.

Basingstoke

Highfields, sited on Old Kempshott Lane, is a stunning collection of 300 new apartments and two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses. The homes, which overlook open countryside, are set in an imaginatively designed landscape of streets, squares and avenues, with plenty of green spaces. Internally, the living spaces are generously sized and the kitchens, fitted with smart contemporary appliances, have enough room to entertain family and friends. 

The development is very well placed for travelling around. The M3 is within a very short drive and, for rail commuters, nearby Basingstoke station provides frequent services to London Waterloo taking around three-quarters of an hour.

Two-bedroom houses are priced from £209,995 and three-bedroom houses start from £239,995. Four- and five-bedroom homes will be released shortly. Barratt has a range of incentives available for first-time buyers. Contact the marketing suite on 01256 478583 or visit
For more details contact the Barratt on 01256 478583 or visit barratthomes.co.uk.

Micheldever

Set in beautifully landscaped surroundings with mature and new trees and plenty of green open spaces, Farriers Walk will consist of 23 houses, six two-bedroom apartments and a two-bedroom coach house.
All of the homes are traditional in design, combining warm red brick with timber panelling, render and tile hangings.  Internally, each new home provides generously proportioned rooms and a high level of specification.
 
The development offers the best of both worlds; the beautiful Hampshire countryside is on the doorstep and many of the new homes will provide stunning views over open fields. Micheldever railway station, just across the road, offers very easy commuting with a journey time of approximately 40 minutes to London Waterloo.  For those who drive to work, the M3 is just a short distance away.   
Prices range from £250,000 for a two-bedroom home up to £500,000 for a four-bedroom house. New 3 bedroom showhome now open. For more information and to view the show homes, call the sales and marketing suite on 01962 774418 or visit berkeleyhomes.co.uk.

Wickham

Meadow View Court at Knowle Village is a fabulous collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments.
All homes have been designed to offer generously-proportioned, open-plan living space with stylish kitchens that are very much a part of the interior design. The bathroom will include Villeroy & Boch sanitaryware, Hansgrohe taps, elegant vanity units and a heated towel rail, internal doors are of ash veneer with stylish chrome handles. There’s also an audio-video entry phone system and wiring for a security alarm.

This new village boasts a village green, grocery store, hairdressing salon and Montessori nursery school and enjoys a beautiful semi-rural setting, rolling hills and plenty of green open space. Wickham, just a mile away, has a wider choice of shops, a primary school and some fantastic country pubs and restaurants. The M27 is just a few minutes drive away making it easy to get to Southampton and Portsmouth or to reach junction 4 of the M3.
Prices start from £159,995 for a one-bedroom apartment and from £179,995 for a two-bedroom apartment. Marketing suite is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Call 01329 835135 or visit knowlehomes.co.uk.

Eastleigh

Woodleigh, a new development of three-bedroom houses and two-bedroom apartments, combines spacious modern living with proximity to all the amenities of the established market town.
Woodleigh is served by excellent commuter connections, with access to both the M3 and M27 respectively, whilst Eastleigh Parkway station provides direct links to Southampton and Bournemouth with London just an hour and a half away. Southampton airport is just a few miles away, offering both National and European flights to popular destinations. 
Two bedroom apartments are priced from £160,950, and houses start at £242,000.
The sales and marketing suite is open from 10am to 5pm  daily. Call 02380 611487.


posted on Friday, August 10, 2007 11:19:24 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Trackback
The seaside is very much on our minds as the summer brightens up. For home buyers, coastal locations are the ideal place to start the search. Johnny Turner sees what’s available

The lure of the sea is undeniable. The light on the waves, the roar of the surf, the smell of sea air – all of these sensations contribute to a feeling of well being. Buying a home in a seaside location is a smart move, not only in terms of present lifestyle but also as an investment. Buyers never tire of being by the water.

The current new homes market has much to offer, from the Isle of Wight to the Bristol Channel, from popular Hove to the spot where the Thames delivers itself to wider waters of the North Sea. These developments are already finding an appreciative buying audience, and it is worth looking into these before it’s too late.

In Portishead, near Bristol, Linden Homes is seeing great success with local buyers at The Orchards at Moor Farm in Sheepway, Portbury Common. Five of the traditionally styled homes have now sold off-plan – not surprising when you consider the tranquil semi-rural surroundings. The collection of two-bedroom apartments and three/four- and five-bedroom homes have been sympathetically styled to befit their semi-rural location and offer idyllic charm in abundance.
Alison Staddon, sales and marketing director of Linden Homes Western, says, ‘The Orchards is that rare combination of a picturesque, beautiful setting coupled with access to excellent communication links. Customers are clearly buying into the lifestyle.’
With its setting close to the Severn Estuary, Portishead offers ideal sailing conditions. Excellent shopping facilities can also be enjoyed with a varied selection of traditional local shops, cafes and restaurants located on Portishead’s Victorian High Street. Furthermore, Cribbs Causeway is less than ten miles away, with its mix of designer and high street brands and a multi-screen cinema.
For commuters, the M5 is easily accessible and Portishead is within 15 miles of Bristol. Less than four miles away, Avonmouth train station has services to Bristol Temple Meads taking approximately 27 minutes. Bristol International Airport is just over ten miles away.

Guide prices for the homes start from £184,995 for a two-bedroom apartment and from £242,995 for a three/four-bedroom home. Call the sales and marketing suite on 0845 676 0132.

The homes are also selling quickly at Barratt’s Millwood Park development in the village of Great Wakering, near Southend-on-Sea. The 23 traditional three- and four-bedroom houses are surrounded by beautiful open countryside, with plenty of footpaths for family walks. With the coast less than a mile away, there are even distant sea views from some of the houses. To add to the feeling of openness, the houses are very well spaced out and have generous gardens and their own garage and driveway.
The houses at Millwood Park offer a wide range of layouts. Designed to a very high specification, the homes have smart fitted kitchens including all the main appliances, classy luxury bathrooms and very high-quality fixtures and fittings.

Great Wakering is a lively village with everything on the doorstep: a good selection of local shops and pubs, a sports club and health centre and even a popular primary school within walking distance of Millwood Park. Families do not have to travel far for an even wider choice of shops and entertainment; the lively seaside resort of Southend-on-Sea and Rochford, a picturesque market town, are both less than five miles away.
For commuters, travelling into London from Great Wakering is very straightforward. Shoeburyness station, less than two miles away, provides a very regular service of at least five trains an hour into London’s Fenchurch Street. The journey takes just under one hour.

Prices at Millwood Park start from £264,995 for a three-bedroom house and from £324,995 for a four-bedroom house. Families who already own a home can take advantage of Barratt’s popular part-exchange scheme to sell their home at full market value, saving both money and hassle.
To view the four-bedroom show house at Millwood Park contact the sales and marketing suite, open Thursday to Monday, on 01702 219376. Visit barratthomes.co.uk.

The Isle of Wight is famously beautiful, a magnet for tourists and home buyers alike. At Hawthorn Meadows, Barratt Homes’ lovely new development in Whippingham, buyer interest is high.
Kathie Smith, Barratt Homes sales negotiator, says it’s easy to see why. ‘It really does enjoy a fabulous location on land that was previously farmland.’

The development, only a five-minute walk from Queen Victoria’s retreat Osborne House, is in the early stages of construction and will eventually offer 550 new homes, ranging from one- and two-bedroom apartments to three- and four-bedroom terraced, semi-detached and detached houses.
It has been designed to appeal to a wide variety of buyers, from first-timers to families as well as those in the market for a holiday home.

‘There’s a school and football field close by and water enthusiasts will be pleased to know we’re just two minutes from the River Medina and only 10 minutes from the sea,’ says Smith.
The village of Whippingham is situated approximately 2km south of Cowes, which lies to the north of the island. This proximity to Cowes will give the residents of Hawthorn Meadows easy access to The Solent, an area renowned for its excellent sailing.
Prices at Hawthorn Meadows start at £139,995 for a one-bedroom apartment and £151,995 for a two-bedroom apartment. Call 02380 273311 or visit barratthomes.co.uk.

In Eastbourne, Sovereign Harbour is now widely known as one of the most prestigious new marina developments in the UK, attracting people from far and wide. Harbour Club Apartments, an exclusive new collection of 24 apartments launching next month, offers one of the last opportunities to buy a prestigious new home on the waterfront.
Harbour Club Apartments, by Freshfields Developments, incorporates 24 two-bedroom apartments in an unrivalled location on the front of the marina and next to the new Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club, also designed by Freshfields. The development offers uninterrupted views of the Harbour and its prestigious boat moorings.

Designed to complement and blend with its surroundings, the building has a contemporary feel, incorporating lots of glass and steel which will reflect the water. The nautical theme has been carried through to the underground car park which has porthole-style windows.
The development‘s eco-friendly building method includes insulated concrete form walls, for a warmer, quieter and more comfortable home.

Apartments benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and teak decked balconies with glass supports so residents can enjoy the beautiful views from the comfort of their own home. Inside, the specification is luxurious, with fully fitted designer kitchens and granite worktops. There is also room-controlled under-floor heating and high-tech clean air heat recovery systems.

Paul Hogarth, partner and head of new homes, sales and marketing for Knight Frank South East, says, ‘This development really is fantastic. The location on the marina is unrivalled and the design and specification is superb, offering purchasers a slice of the high life. This is one of the last opportunities to buy a new apartment in Sovereign Harbour, so we expect there to be a high demand.’
Sovereign Harbour is just two miles from Eastbourne on the A259 Pevensey Bay Road towards Hastings. Eastbourne’s bustling town centre and elegant seafront are easily accessible by car, bus, bicycle or on foot along the promenade. Eastbourne train station has direct services into London Victoria, taking approximately an hour and a half.
For further details on the Harbour Club Apartments, and to register your interest, please contact the Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells office on 01892 515035.

Hopkins Homes has just launched its newest development, Blyth Place, in Reydon, Suffolk. The development is enviably located on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, less than one mile from the popular Suffolk seaside town of Southwold.
Claire Richards, head of sales and marketing for Hopkins Homes, says, ‘The bustling town of Southwold has long been one of the most desirable towns in which to live on the Suffolk coast and there is always high demand for property in the locale. This select development of just 28 traditional family homes is likely to appeal to local buyers looking to live in a quiet village location within easy reach of Southwold and the wider Suffolk coast.’

Blyth Place comprises 28 three- and four-bedroom family homes located around a quiet square. The seven different house styles echo the local Suffolk vernacular architecture, with a range of exterior finishes including traditional red and yellow brickwork and crisp buttermilk render.
Internally, the traditional craftsmanship and contemporary fixtures and fittings are of the very highest standards. Purchasers can choose from a range of fully fitted custom-built kitchens and work surfaces (subject to stage of construction). Bathrooms have chic white sanitaryware with chrome fixtures and fittings.

Southwold, less than one mile from Blyth Place, is a traditional British seaside town with a range of boutique and high street shops, restaurants and cafes – not to mention its Blue Flag beach. For a broader range of shops, supermarkets and other attractions, Norwich is just over 30 miles away.
Prices for a three-bedroom house start at £204,995, while four-bedroom houses are priced from £344,995. Contact the marketing suite on 07786 950620 or see hopkinshomes.co.uk.
Barratt has launched The Gallery, a superb new development of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in fashionable Hove. This is a fantastic location, with its wonderful beach and proximity to the amazing views of the South Downs. It also has excellent shops, cafés, bars, restaurants, commuting links and, of course, all of the shopping, entertainment and commuting of Brighton almost on the doorstep.

The Gallery has a resident’s gym and underground parking. There are also a number of eco-friendly features – it will have a green sedum roof, for instance, which is great for both insulation and local wildlife.
The Gallery is set in landscaped grounds close to the town centre. There is plenty of green open space nearby, including Hove Park and St Anne’s Wells Gardens and the local leisure centre, The King Alfred, offers a range of sports facilities including a swimming pool.
Prices start at £220,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, £299,995 for a two-bedroom apartment and £385,000 for a three-bedroom apartment. Penthouses are priced from £534,995. Call 01483 306480 or go online to barratthomes.co.uk to find out more.

Southend-on-Sea has everything a British seaside town could want – and it also has some wonderful residential neighbourhoods. Weston Homes is currently offering three high-quality developments around the town, each demonstrating the developer’s instinctive knowledge of what the buyer wants.
On Burgess Road in the affluent and highly desirable Thorpe Bay area, The Haven is a collection of just nine boutique apartments nestled between the seafront and Thorpe Bay Golf Club. The emphasis here is on luxury, with great open-plan space and fantastic views.
All apartments have two bedrooms, with master suites offering purpose-built storage facilities and en suite bathrooms; some master bedrooms also have balconies. Kitchens have appliances of the highest standard, including Smeg ovens and hobs, and stainless steel splashbacks and extractor hoods.
Prices start at £275,000 for a ground-floor apartment and go up to £625,000 for a sumptuous penthouse. The show flat is now open. Call 0845 638 5003 to find out more. And hurry – these apartments will not hang around.

The Compass is another Southend development from Weston, offering 24 one- and two-bedroom apartments set around a cleverly designed, comfortable decked area. Each apartment has a reserved parking space – a true benefit in an apartment these days, when parking is at a premium.
Only three apartments remain for sale, priced from £156,950 to £157,950. For further information call 01702 469705.

Vision consists of one- and two-bedroom apartments that would suit a first-time buyer, couple or investor. The wide hallways usher you in to a space that is cleverly used and beautifully appointed. Bathrooms are minimalist and sophisticated without being cold, while the open-plan kitchen/living areas are ideal for the way we live and entertain today.
Commuters will like the location, as the station is nearby and the A12 and M25 are easily reached by car.

Apartments at Vision are currently priced between £129,950 and £164,950. Call 0845 638 5001 for further information.
Visit weston-homes.com to find out more about any of their developments.

Case study

In Gosport, First-time buyers will find some helpful incentives at the Priddy’s Hard development by Crest Nicholson. Nicky Faulkner, a new buyer at the development, got assistance from the developer in order to purchase her new two-bedroom apartment.
‘The incentives offered by Crest Nicholson were a huge deal for me,’ she says. ‘Crest paid for my deposit and stamp duty, without which I wouldn’t have been able to afford my new apartment. I had been saving for a few years and planned to use this money for my deposit, so when Crest Nicholson paid it, I put the money towards furnishing it instead.’

At 25, Nicky is one of the lucky ones and much younger than the country’s average first-time buyer. ‘I lived and work in Fareham and when I decided it was time to buy a property I looked at many different locations. Originally I wasn’t thinking of moving to Gosport but when I visited Priddy’s Hard, I completely fell for the surroundings; it is an incredibly peaceful environment. I can stroll over the Millennium Bridge which takes me to the harbour front. Everyone at my work keeps telling me that I have no excuses not to take up jogging when I have such an amazing place to run.’
Priddy’s Hard has one- and two-bedroom apartments that combine contemporary living with all the benefits of a waterside location. There are large areas of open space between the apartment buildings, and running through the heart of the development is a cycle path which leads down to Forton Lake and the Millennium Bridge.

The apartments have open plan kitchen and living areas, and selected properties have sea views. Some two-bedroom apartments offer en suite facilities alongside a family bathroom and all properties have allocated parking.
Gosport, located on a peninsula with 17 miles of water frontage on Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent, has superb beaches and great water sports. Gosport is linked to junction 11 of the M27, via the A32 and A27. Residents can walk over the Millennium Bridge directly from Priddy’s Hard to the harbour front, from where the ferry sails to Portsmouth for the main rail station. There are regular rail services from Portsmouth Harbour to London Waterloo taking about an hour and a half.
Prices for two-bedroom apartments start at £147,950. For more information call 0870 751 0490 or see crestnicholson.com.

Hit the hut

One of the property market’s most fashionable accessories is the beach hut. No longer is this simply a utilitarian storage space and changing room – the beach hut is now the play-place of the rich and famous, with high-profile personalities such as Tracey Emin forking over cash to own one.
Those who like to relax on the South Coast will be interested in a new beach hut near Poole, currently on the market through Savills’ Canford Cliffs office in Dorset.

Accessed directly from Canford Cliffs from Flaghead Chine, the hut is situated directly on the Canford Cliffs promenade overlooking the glorious beach. Measuring approximately 4.23m x 2.28m, the brick-built semi-detached beach hut has recently been refurbished to include a private raised patio area, lockable up-and-over shutter roller door, uPVC double doors opening to inside sitting area, large storage cupboard, rear utility area including bowl sink and cupboards, touch sensor battery-operated lights and tiled flooring.

This is a rare opportunity indeed; although Poole Council has more than 1,200 beach huts along its world-famous coast, the waiting time for huts in this area is currently over ten years!
The beach hut is on the market at £95,000 for the freehold. Call Keith Fenson or Tanya Wicks at Savills on 01202 708888.

posted on Friday, August 10, 2007 11:15:46 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Trackback
 Friday, August 03, 2007
Single buyers looking for new homes will be spoilt for choice, says Amanda Shiel.    

Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Set in a stunning rural location just outside Tunbridge Wells town centre, Roedean Heights comprises 17 one- and two-bedroom apartments and is attracting both young professional commuters and downsizers who are drawn by the tranquil setting that is in close proximity to the town centre and station.
Built by Gladedale Ltd, the luxurious apartments are centred around a landscaped communal garden surrounded by mature trees.  Externally, the building incorporates rich cream rendering and red brick with Tudor beams.

The apartments have been designed with meticulous attention to detail to give them a sumptuous feel. Some ground floor apartments benefit from open plan living/dining areas with access out to private patios, whilst some first and second floor apartments have balconies or terraces overlooking the glorious communal gardens.  Master bedrooms all have en-suite bathrooms, with either an en-suite bathroom or additional shower room in the two bedroom apartments. Both bedrooms benefit from fitted wardrobes creating lots of storage space.
Kitchens are fully fitted with Siemens stainless steel appliances and granite work tops provide an elegant finish. Bathrooms feature crisp white designer sanitaryware by Philippe Starck with Hansgrohe Metropole mixer taps.

Roedean Heights is within walking distance of the town centre, where Tunbridge Wells train station has regular direct services into London’s Charing Cross station.  Amenities and attractions include the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre, department stores, delicatessens and designer shops combined with more traditional small specialist outlets.

Prices at Roedean Heights start from £365,000 for a two-bedroom apartment with a balcony. Show apartment is open from 10am to 5pm, Thursday to Monday. Contact Knight Frank on 01892 512006.

Whitechapel, London

Ideally located within a mile of the City, Whitechapel Depot offers a convenient East End home in one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Formerly the Whitechapel Royal Mail Depot, the Brownfield site has been regenerated into a collection of 51 newly built studio, one- and two- bedroom apartments.
Designed around a central courtyard, the development is arranged over six floors and features a blend expanse of architectural glazing, cedar cladding and red brick exterior. Large windows create a light and airy feel to the apartments, with some benefiting from private balconies providing views of the inner courtyard or the surrounding area. There is also landscaped courtyard and two communal roof terraces on the first floor.   

Whitechapel Depot is within walking distance of Brick Lane, Columbia Road and Spitalfields market and provides easy access to Aldgate East underground station.

Studios are priced from approximately £195,000. For more information visit the sales and marketing suite, call Savills on 0207 092 9942 or visit whitechapeldepot.co.uk.

Sutton, Surrey

Premier Properties’ new development on Sherwood Park Road will consist of 13 luxurious apartments. Each apartment will provide generously-proportioned living space, a high level of specification and features such as solid granite worktops and American white oak doors.  The communal gardens will be attractively landscaped and private allocated parking will be provided.
The development is well placed in terms of transport links with a direct rail service to London Victoria with journey times of approximately 30 minutes and from West Sutton the journey to Wimbledon only takes about 15 minutes.
 
Sutton town centre has plenty to offer with two shopping centres and a good range of cafes, bars and restaurants. There’s also a multiscreen cinema and two theatres. Carshalton and North Cheam both have leisure centres with indoor sports facilities and swimming pools and Sutton has plenty of parks and green areas.

Prices for the new apartments at Elysium are anticipated to range from £290,000 to £305,000. For further information or to register interest, call Premier Properties on 01276 686400 or visit  premierproperties.co.uk.

Sittingbourne, Kent

Buyers looking for a new property need look no further than Fenacres at Great Easthall, Countryside Properties’ new development near Sittingbourne in Kent.

When complete, Great Easthall will form the county’s newest village.  In total 800 new homes are planned for this brand new community offering a wide selection of two-bedroom apartments and two-, three- and four-bedroom houses with a charming village pond.
The exteriors of the homes have been attractively designed, while internally they are fresh and contemporary, providing a blank canvas for purchasers and removing the need for potentially costly DIY. 

Great Easthall is situated to the north east of Sittingbourne town centre.  The A2 and M2 are within easy reach and London Victoria is just 50 minutes away from Sittingbourne station. Home owners at Great Easthall will benefit from massive regeneration investment in the local area as well as improved transport links over the coming years.
Two-, three- and four-bedroom homes are available from £147,950. The show homes and marketing suite are open daily from 10.30am to 5.30pm. For further information call 01795 435 497 or visit greateasthall.co.uk

Bishop’s Stortford

Demand for new homes at Priors Green has been so high that Miller Homes has released the first three two-bedroom houses. Although Miller’s picturesque development at Priors Green is still in the early stages, when complete the 72 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes will form part of a new community which is currently being developed in the area and will be self sufficient, with its own school and community centre.

Priors Green is close to Little Canfield and just a few miles from Junction 10 of the M11. It is also close to London, Chelmsford and Bishop’s Stortford.
Two-bedroom homes priced from £224,950. Purchasers who buy at this early stage can also pick which plot best suits their requirements. Call Mullocks Wells on 01279 756634.

Borough, London

Just two penthouses remain at Tabard Square, a development of one of the largest brownfield sites in London. The development comprises 572 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses located in two contemporary style buildings and a tower standing at 22 storeys high.
The penthouses feature well-designed interiors that offer open-plan living. A highly contemporary specification is completed with luxury details, finishes and high quality workmanship to create the ultimate London penthouse. Lineana Quattro Italian fitted kitchens are completed with Miele stainless steel appliances.

The extensive glazing at the development ensures that the penthouses offer the most unrivalled views of London.
Tabard Square is located within easy reach of both Borough underground station, which provides access to the London underground Northern line and London Bridge station, with mainline rail services and the Jubilee line services.

The penthouses are priced from £1.4 million to £2.5 million. Viewings are by appointment only.  For further information or to arrange a viewing call 020 3217 1000 or visit tabard-square.co.uk.  

posted on Friday, August 03, 2007 11:05:20 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Trackback