New Homes - October, 2007

Couples opting for mortgage over marriage.
 
According to a recent survey by national developer Dandara, 85% of first time buyer couples would now choose a mortgage over marriage.

This follows the recent recommendations by advisors to the Ministry of Justice, which suggests that cohabiting couples should share some of the same rights as married couples, including a share of property.

Marriage rates have fallen by almost half since the 1970’s *2and the research by Dandara shows the need for first time buyers to get onto the property ladder may be partly responsible and now takes precedence over tying the knot.

Nicola Blackwood and boyfriend Graham Walker have recently moved into a new two bedroom apartment at gh2o, a waterside development by Dandara in Glasgow’s fashionable Glasgow Harbour, that offers fantastic views over Glasgow’s West End and the River Clyde. Instead of opting for vows, flowers and speeches, Nicola and Graham have chosen to dedicate their finances to deposits, mortgages and interior design!

Nicola says:”We saw the opportunity to get onto the property ladder and grabbed it with both hands. I think a lot of couples today see it as more important to invest in property as early as possible and then get married later.  That way if you do decide to get married further down the line there will be less financial pressure. “

Dandara’s survey results also show that more than 80% of couples consider sharing a mortgage to be as big a commitment as marriage.

Hugh McGuinness, Sales Director at Dandara comments: “The survey results show us how young people really value the importance of getting onto the property ladder. As interest rates continue to rise we’ve certainly seen an increase in the number of unmarried couples purchasing apartments with Dandara.”

New build properties are also proving popular with cohabiting couples who do not have the finances to make repairs to period properties.

Nicola says: “We did not want to deal with the stress of expensive repairs that are associated with older buildings. As we are still young and enjoy an active social life we would rather dedicate our time to having fun!”

Within the development there are 21 different styles of apartment and an impressive 95% of these apartments enjoy river views. Kitchens have stainless steel appliances including hob, oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher and mechanical extractor hood, all of which are cleverly integrated within the kitchen units. Each kitchen opens out onto the living area, making the most of these bright and spacious apartments and ensuring that great views are not just restricted to the living room!

Nicola says, “We love living at gh2o!  We are right in the heart of Glasgow’s West End and we can relax knowing that we have made an investment that will set us up for life!”

Prices at gh2o start at £157,950 for a one-bedroom apartment.
For further information on gh2o visit http://www.dandara.com/gh2o or call 0800 008 7008
      
David Wilson Homes are offering newly weds a wedding gift worth £10,000 in the form of a discount against selected homes throughout the area.
The idea was launched recently to help newly married couples and give them a good start with their first home.

“It’s a really good and helpful offer and we hope that once they have sampled the quality of a David Wilson Home, they will wish to stick with us as they gradually move up the ladder,” commented David Wilson Homes Southampton Sales Manager Lisa Moran.

David Wilson Homes are building a selection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses throughout the area, with prices starting from just £119,995.  Current developments include Titchfield Park near Fareham, Southampton, Newport in the Isle of Wight, Chichester, Pulborough and Basingstoke.
To find out more about this exciting offer please call the Sales Hotline on 0800 169 6364 and to see more about David Wilson Homes visit dwh.co.uk.
        
Arterrra offers a rare opportunity for homebuyers to purchase an apartment or house in an environment that has been carefully designed to ensure a combination of attractive street scenes, private and communal gardens and a sense of character and individuality.  When complete, Arterra will comprise 103 properties, with nine different styles of one- and two-bedroom apartments and seven different types of three- and four bedroom houses.

Two of the new homes that have just been release will definitely appeal to families, providing four-bedrooms and a beautifully planned living space. There’s an impressive open-plan kitchen/dining room and a study on the ground floor, a generously-proportioned living room and guest bedroom with adjoining bathroom on the first floor and three-bedrooms, including a master bedroom with its own en-suite shower room on the uppermost floor. 

Situated on Whitstable Road, the development enjoys a great location within the town. The railway station is only about ten minutes’ walk away and the ten-acre Mount Ephraim Gardens, with orchards, a vineyard, lake, water garden, rose terraces and a Japanese-style rock garden, are almost on the doorstep. 

Nestling between the rolling Downs and the North Kent marshes, Faversham enjoys a reputation as a charming town with a lively sense of community.  Voted the best market town in Kent, it offers a fantastic blend of historic buildings and modern shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs but, as it isn’t on the main tourist trail, the pace of life is much less frenetic than in towns such as Canterbury.   A fast rail service to London, Dover and the Medway towns along with easy access to Ashford International, also ensures the town is as popular with commuters as with those who enjoy a ‘country life.’
Prices start from just £249,995. Further information on Arterra, is available from Fairview New Homes on 01795 534293.  Details of all Fairview New Homes’ developments are available on the website: www.fairview.co.uk.

Look no further

Charles Church at Sovereign Quarter, Gillingham

Whatever you’re looking for in your dream home, you’re sure to find it at Charles Church’s Sovereign Quarter development in Gillingham. With a combination of one and two bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom homes, whether you’re buying on your own, or you’re a new couple or large family, this development will be perfect for you.

On an intimate and personal development with only 35 homes, all have been designed with character and elegance to complement the beautiful surroundings that Sovereign Quarter has been set in. But why not go and see for yourself with the beautiful new show home The Blenheim due to open in October. Ring 01634 856436 to receive your invitation to this launch.

A luxury four bedroom home with three bathrooms, the Blenheim has three impressive floors designed with style and sophistication. The third floor is reserved entirely for the master bedroom and en-suite, and on the ground floor an open plan kitchen and breakfast area, and living/dining room allows for plenty of living space.

All the homes on the development come with high specification that includes fully fitted kitchens, fitted Sottini bath suites and a detailed finish that includes intricate coving and white gloss woodwork. And for the opening weekend only, if you reserve a home at Soveriegn Quarter, Charles Church will fit it with carpets.

Whilst visiting this attractive show home, why not look around the wonderful location that it is set in. Surrounded by a nature reserve and the beautiful Kent countryside, the town of Gillingham has local amenities such a town market, shops and a few pubs.
Only a few miles from Gillingham, the vibrant city of Rochester awaits you, providing more than enough activities to keep you busy all through the day and night. As well a great number of shops and parks, this a great location for a keen golfer or water sports enthusiast, with a water sports centre close to the city and several golf courses in the area. The city holds a great night life too, with endless amounts of bars, pubs, restaurants and clubs.
Prices at Sovereign Quarter start from £135,000. For further information please call the marketing suite, open daily, between 10am and 5pm on 01634 856436. Alternatively, visit the website at www.charleschurch.com

Leyborne Park
Kew               
                                                           
Truly a case of the light fantastic, this fabulously refurbished five bedroom Edwardian family house has so many light loving features, it is a naturally bright and gleaming canvas on which to build a home.

Portholes, skylights, floor to ceiling patio doors and large bay windows all aid the pristine condition to which the house has been decorated.

Arranged over three floors, the 2,300 sq ft of accommodation includes a fully fitted mahogany kitchen and newly fitted bathrooms with a freestanding bathtub and power shower. There are five bedrooms, one of which has access to an additional kitchen and garden facing balcony. The superb lawned rear garden is in excess of 100ft.

Located within a few hundred yards of Kew Gardens Village and District Line Underground Station, this is an ideal location for local shops, restaurants and highly regarded state and private schools. Kew Green, the river Thames and The Royal Botanic Gardens are all within a short walk and the more extensive facilities of Richmond Town Centre are all within a one-mile radius. Offered for sale chain free.

Price:   £1,550,000    (Freehold)
Call Featherstone Leigh Tel 020 8490 7676 /  www.featherstoneleigh.co.uk

Home at Saffron Green are top of the class

Homes at Saffron Green, Countryside Properties’ new scheme in Saffron Walden, are ideally located to take full advantage of the excellent local schools, including Saffron Walden County High School, which is ranked as the 6th highest state school in Essex.

When purchasing a family home, Countryside Properties recognises that proximity to good schools is a key consideration for parents.  In fact, schools were cited as the third most popular reason for moving home, with around 2.6 million households moving to get into their children into a good school in the last five years (Abbey).  According to a report from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), properties located close to high achieving schools command an average premium of 8%.  

Julie Peggs and her husband Brian were particularly impressed with how in tune Saffron Green was with family life and with several excellent local schools sitting on their doorstep, their decision to move was made extremely easy. Julie explains: “Saffron Green met all of our aspirations when deciding on a new family home, with perfect schools for both of our children within walking distance of one another and from home, so the school run has been made extremely easy for me.”

Julie continues: “We definitely plan to stay at Saffron Green until both of our children have finished their education; we would be stupid not to! We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have found a house in such an outstanding, highly sought-after location.”   

Yvonne Hudson-Green, Sales and Marketing Director for Countryside Properties, comments: “Providing your children with the very best start in life is a parent’s number one priority and ensuring they receive a good education is paramount.  At Countryside Properties we take access to good facilities into consideration when selecting our sites so that our customers will have a quality home in some of the best locations the country has to offer.”

At Saffron Walden County High School, 75% of students achieved at least five A* - C grade GCSEs making it above the national average.  Saffron Walden also benefits from an excellent range of local primary schools including St Mary's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, RA Butler Infant and Junior Schools and St Thomas More Catholic School.  

Mr and Mrs Seager were not only impressed with the schools league table results but also with how the schools look after their pupils. Mrs Seager explains: “Both myself and my husband want our children to be treated as individuals at school. We felt that it was important to visit the schools and we also spoke to an old friend who used to work there, to make sure that this was the right choice for our children. My husband is a psychologist and as such we look for how children are stretched rather than pushed at school. We want our children to be happy at school and for this the schools in Saffron Walden came up tops.”

To help make the move to their new home as smooth and hassle free as possible, Countryside Properties is providing buyers at Saffron Green with part-exchange on their existing property.  The part-exchange offer means that purchasers can move quickly, removing the need to secure a buyer for their home, and avoid paying inflated agency fees.

Prices at Saffron Green start from £399,950 for a four bedroom detached house.  For further information and to visit a show home, contact Countryside Properties on 01799 5231391 or visit www.saffrongreen.co.uk

Family buyers make themselves comfortable with Barratt Homes in Radstock

The Thornton showhome at Barratt Homes’ new Buttercup Meadow development in Radstock is providing family buyers with the perfect insight into how they can make themselves at home in one of the four bedroom properties.

With prices of the family homes currently starting at £267,995, the striking showhome has been designed to appeal to the whole family and sales director Louise Ware said that having such an impressive showhome was an ideal way to showcase the space and quality in the property.
“A lack of development in Radstock in recent years means there is tremendous demand for family homes like the Thornton and we are delighted to be able to offer a good choice of homes at Buttercup Meadow,’’ said Louise.

The Thornton has a lounge with separate dining room together with a fitted kitchen and a utility area, upstairs the master bedroom has en-suite facilities and the two further double bedrooms and fourth bedroom share the family bathroom.

Buttercup Meadow is a development of two, three and four bedroom homes just 10 miles from Bath and 17 miles from Bristol. Lying close to the Mendip Hills, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the charming historic railway and mining town of Radstock enjoys a vibrant and flourishing community.
The highly acclaimed Writhlington School in Radstock is one of the major draws for families and why families want to remain in the area.

Both Radstock and nearby Midsomer Norton  lie on the River Somer and the Wellow Brook and the historic Fosseway Roman road run through Radstock. The town has its own museum and the many historic landmarks include a mining wheel in the town centre and the Grade Two Parish Church of St Nicholas dating to the 15th century.
For more information on the Thornton and current availability at the development call Buttercup Meadow on 10761 439074 or log onto barratthomes.co.uk. The showhome is open seven days a week from 11am until 6pm.

First time buyers a priority at Origins

Ward Homes Launches A New Range Of Homes For First Time Buyers in Ashford.
 
First time buyers can now breathe a sigh of relief as Ward Homes’ latest development, Origins Falcon Way in Ashford will comprise a combination of homes which have been designed specifically for those looking to step onto the property ladder and young families.

Origins will be a select development comprising 21 properties in total, which will include a mix of one, two and three bedroom homes.
 
Sales director for Ward Homes, Elaine Dufaur explains: “It has been well documented that first time buyers struggle to get on the property ladder, and often the only home available which suits their price bracket is an apartment. We have specifically designed these new housetypes for first time buyers and young families with each home being contemporary in design and affordable. To qualify to purchase one of these homes, househunters are only allowed to buy a home if they are actually going to live in it.
 
“There is such a demand for these homes all interested first time buyers need to pre-register to enable us to complete the necessary mortgage checks. Once prospective purchasers are pre-qualified and the homes are released for sale they will be allocated on a first come first served basis.”
 
Eco Credentials

There are eight, one bedroom homes, nine, two bedroom properties and four, three bedroom homes which have all been thoughtfully designed to suit the needs and requirements of those making the first move onto the property ladder. All of the homes comply with modern day building regulations, however to help make the move towards reducing carbon emissions, the homes have a range of eco-features incorporated, including some with solar panels in the roofs which controls the heating of the water, high-efficient boilers and water saving devices including flow restrictors on taps and showers and water butts are supplied for outside the home.

Each of the 21 homes also comes with a cycle storage unit to encourage homebuyers to leave their cars at home and cycle to work.
Prices start from £125,000
 
Origins Location

The development is only a few miles from all the shops and facilities of Ashford town centre. The coast is also a short drive from the development, providing the best of both worlds – a lovely urban home, with the advantages of a seaside resort.
 
For those looking to use public transport, the railway is an important factor in Ashford’s development, as Ashford International is served by the Eurostar trains and is at the junction of five major rail routes. Ashford is also only 10 minutes’ drive from the Channel Tunnel terminal, hence the town being called “The Gateway to Europe.”

 To pre-register your interest in the homes available at Origins call 0800 028 3610. For further information on Origins visit the website at www.wardhomes.co.uk.

With school applications done in February, now is the time to find a home in a good catchment area. Amanda Shiel looks at some family friendly homes with decent schools on the doorstep  

Smallfield, Sussex

Woodland View will comprise of 21 two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom properties. Each property will feature a designer kitchen, the latest integrated appliances, stylish white bathrooms and en-suites, beautiful ceramic tiling and excellent storage facilities.  The properties will also benefit from renewable energy technology in the form of solar panels that are linked to a mains-pressure hot water system, helping to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide.

Woodland View benefits from its close proximity to Horley town centre, which offers a selection of shops including Boots, Waitrose and the exclusive independent department store, Collingwood Bachelor.  A range of cafes, bars and restaurants are also available. Crawley is just a fifteen minute drive away from the development, where there is a variety of high street shops, multi-screen cinema and Virgin Active Gym.

There is a wide choice of schools available in the local area including: Burstow Primary which is positioned on Wheelers Lane itself, Redehall Preparatory School, Oakwood School and Dunnottar Day School for Girls.

Smallfield boasts excellent travel connections with easy access to A23 and M23.  Horley mainline station provides regular services to London or Brighton in approximately 45 minutes and to Crawley in just 10 minutes.  Woodland View is also located just a 15 minute drive away from London Gatwick Airport meaning international and domestic travel is met with relative ease.
The show home at Woodland View will be open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm, from 13 October. For further information please contact Banner Homes Wessex on 0870 1978 822 or visit bannerhomes.co.uk.

Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

Conveniently located just off of Tring Road, this innovative development of 12 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, each with an EcoHomes Very Good rating, conceals a wealth of environmentally sustainable features behind the appealing facades.   

Homes at Aston Place all have fine quality contemporary fitted kitchen units with square edge laminate work  tops and upstands, stainless steel double ovens, gas hobs and extractor hoods.  Integrated fridge/freezers and washer/dryers are also standard. Plots one and two are also supplied with an integrated dishwasher, plumbing for dishwashers is supplied to the remaining homes. Master bedrooms are en-suite with built-in wardrobes.

Aston Place is under five minutes away from Aylesbury main line station (London Marylebone 59 minutes) and the town centre and the A41 is one mile away. Aylesbury Grammar School is nearby.
Homes are priced from £249,950 to £449,950. For more information contact Michael Shanly Homes on 01707 278383 or visit michaelshanly.co.uk.   

Harleston, Norfolk

Pitcher’s Place is a stunning development of 75 two-, three- and four-bedroom character homes, located off Doune Way in the heart of Harleston.
Located along peaceful boulevards, each of the homes has been designed to reflect elements of the local architectural vernacular.

Interiors are classic with a contemporary twist, finished to the highest of standards.  Purchasers can choose from a range of fully fitted custom built kitchens and worktops, subject to stage of construction, and some even benefit from a range style cooker. Bathrooms are fitted with elegant white sanitary ware.

The perceived benefits of living in a market town - a village atmosphere, yet with additional facilities including a wider range of shops and schools – have led to an increased demand for homes in market towns such as Harleston.

Pitcher’s Place is conveniently located just 10 miles from Diss, 19 miles from Norwich and just over 25 miles from Southwold.
Prices start from £147,500 for a two-bedroom coach house, from £167,500 for a three-bedroom house, and from £284,995 for a four-bedroom house. Contact the marketing suite on 07909 528524 or visit hopkinshomes.co.uk.

Frodsham, Cheshire

Crossley Hospital East is currently being transformed into one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. In addition, a number of period outbuildings – including the old pump house and hospital chapel - are being skilfully converted to create a number of semi-detached and detached properties within the boundaries of the estate. An exclusive, sympathetically designed four-bedroom detached home and a selection of linked-detached properties will complete the range of accommodation available at this new landmark address.

Frodsham is a bustling town centre with close motorway links to North Wales, Liverpool, Chester and Manchester. It is also well-positioned within 30 minutes of both Manchester and Liverpool airports. A good selection of schools and local amenities are nearby.
The sales office at Kingsley Park is open from Thursday to Monday 10am to 5pm and sales advisors can be contacted on 01928 740078. Visit pjlivesey-group.co.uk.

East Molesey, Surrey

Cuneo Gardens comprises seven spacious three- and four-bedroom semi-detached and detached family houses.
The properties combine traditional gabled roofs and motte brick work with more contemporary designs features such as pillared balconies and extensive glazing.
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.

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 start from £569,950 for a four-bedroom semi detached townhouse and £625,000 for a three-bedroom detached family house. Contact Antler Homes on 01932 356096 or visit  antlerhomes.co.uk.

Woking, Surrey

Woodham Park is a collection of just nine five-bedroom detached homes. Located off Woodham Lane, the development is perfectly placed to make the most of family life and is just minutes from some of Surrey’s finest schools - including the maintained Woking High School and the independent Hoe Bridge School.
The M25 and A3 are nearby, and Woking station offers regular services to London Waterloo in around 27 minutes
Due for completion from Autumn 2007, guide prices for the homes at Woodham Park range from £950,000 to £1.7 million. To register interest, call Hamptons International on 01372 469279 or visit millgatehomes.co.uk.

Tisbury, Wiltshire

The first phase of Church Views comprises 12 two- and three-bedroom semi-detached and detached houses. To ensure that the development blends harmoniously with existing properties, some of the properties have cream rendering and stone elevations with cream stone voussoirs and edging.
Each kitchen is fitted with luxury custom built units and appliances which include Siemens stainless steel gas hob, Siemens stainless steel single oven, integrated fridge/freezer, integrated dishwasher and, when there is no separate utility room, an integrated washing machine.

The bustling high street in the village of Tisbury is home to a number of local shops and pubs. Shaftesbury and Salisbury are both only 10 miles away. Hourly direct trains from Tisbury to London Waterloo take under two hours (approximately).

Prices start at £245,000 for a two-bedroom semi-detached house, £270,000 for a three-bedroom semi-detached house and £285,000 for a three-bedroom detached house. The marketing suite is open daily between 10am and 5pm. Call 08456 760137 or visit . antlerhomes.co.uk. Alternatively, contact the selling agents Woolley and Wallis on 01722 424 518 or Myddleton and Major on 01722 337 575.

West Ewell, Surrey

Michael Shanly has recently launched West Point, a development of 18 two-bedroom apartments. 
Homes at West Point all have fine quality, contemporary fitted kitchen units with square edge work surfaces and upstands, Bosch stainless steel ovens, gas hobs and extractor hoods.  Integrated fridge/freezers and washer/dryers are also standard.  

Master bedrooms are en suite and over baths with fitted wardrobes and chrome ironmongery.  Bathrooms are fitted with clean lined, white sanitary ware, polished chrome taps and fittings, Trevi mains showers in the ensuites, chrome towel rails and ceramic tiled walls and floors. 
West Point is close to Ewell West station just a 35 minute rail journey to Waterloo. Nearby schools include West Ewell Infant School and Epsom and Ewell Secondary School.
Priced from £265,000. Contact Michael Shanly Homes on 01372 225 000 or visit  michaelshanly.co.uk.  

Tunbridge Wells, Kent

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. 

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.
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 start from £490,000 for a four-bedroom family home. The sales office and show apartment is open from 10am to 5pm seven days a week.  Contact the Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 512006.

Amanda Shiel looks at look at what’s on offer south of the river

Deptford, SE8

The Distillery offers a range of apartment styles located on the second through to the 26 and 27 floor penthouse levels. Rising some 266 feet above the Thames, the upper section of the building is planned to incorporate a superb Sky Gallery, enabling all residents to capture some of the capital’s most breathtaking views. Apartment styles include open plan studios and one- or two-bedroom layouts plus a selection of stunning duplexes cleverly designed to maximise the panoramic appeal of glazed walling to principal rooms.

Internally, lacquered light oak finishes, fully integrated appliances and luxuriously appointed bathrooms combine in a fusion of contemporary quality.
The Distillery represents a significant landmark in this unique setting and with prime access into the capital’s major financial hub it is destined to become the new benchmark for luxury living and strategic residential investment in south east London.

Due for completion in 2009/2010 and just 12 minutes from the ever expanding Canary Wharf, these luxurious city styled apartments are a major new residential and investment opportunity.
One- to three-bedroom apartments are priced from £275,000. For more information call 020 7222 7512 or visit galliardhomes.com.

Clapham, SW9

The Sanctuary is an exclusive development of eight houses and five flats.
Set among mature trees, the development has a distinct sense of privacy and seclusion. Contained within gates a feeling of security and safety presides, while the small number of properties promotes a feeling of community and creates a small neighbourhood.
landscaping.

The Sanctuary is a showcase for the very best contemporary architecture and modern design. The properties are characterised by their space and light which contribute to the pleasant and calming ambience. This is complemented by minimalist, yet comfortable interiors. The highest quality materials have been used and no expense has been spared. The properties have the finest state-of-the-art kitchens, with Poggenpohl designed units; Bosch electric ovens, gas hobs and full height fridge freezers; reconstituted stone worktops and every appliance one could want. The bathroom suites are bespoke and have Grohe sanitaryware, limestone or porcelain flooring and wall tiles, and underfloor heating.
Furthering this luxury are the gardens and patios, which are landscape designed and make full use of the leafy surroundings, having pergolas and external lighting. The result is stylish homes both inside and out.

Prices range from £249,950 to £825,000. Contact Knight Frank on 020 7173 4900 or visit thesantuary-clapham.com.

Eltham, SE9

For those in search of a prestigious home, Shawfield on Court Road is a new, individually designed five-bedroom house on a substantial plot. Situated on the site of former gardens, this exclusive property offers a highly convenient location, as well as all the modern benefits of a new home.
The traditionally designed development is within approximately ten minutes' walk of a railway station, providing trains to London Bridge, Waterloo East and Charring Cross in as little as 20 minutes. Eltham town centre, with its restaurants and good shopping, is also nearby.
For further information call Asprey Homes on 01689 806600 or visit aspreyhomes.co.uk.

Putney, SW15

Whitelands Park is a stunning development of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom townhouses set within a beautiful tranquil landscaped setting.
The contemporary architecture adds to the serenity of the development. The modern five storey apartment building and striking townhouse exteriors feature bold white rendering complemented by wooden veneered panels giving the development a smart and fresh feel. 

The apartments offer spacious open plan living areas. Kitchens are fully fitted and included appliances such as an oven, gas hob and extractor hood, fitted fridge/freezer and dishwasher. The bathrooms feature sanitaryware from Roca and stylish Hansgrohe brassware. Smart décor runs throughout with oak veneered doors and downlighting in the dining and living rooms.  Many of the apartments benefit from large terraces or balconies which offer views over the development.
Jut two properties remain. A one-bed apartment, priced at £329,950 and a two-bed apartment priced at £479,950.
Call Crest Nicholson (South) on 0870 300 2722 or visit crestnicholson.com  

Charlton, SE7

Sense7 is a collection of four individually designed developments situated near Charlton Village.
Vision is the first development and offers 16 two-bedroom two-storey houses and four three-bedroom two-storey houses alongside 23 three-bedroom townhouses. Vision will be followed by three further separate developments that together create Sense7. Scent comprises a collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments and Savour and then Touch, the final two developments at the scheme, will offer two- and three-bedroom houses and two bedroom apartments.

Purchasers can choose from a range of four kitchen finishes, which come complete with integrated appliances including a stainless steel Electrolux oven, hob and extractor hood. Vinyl flooring also features in the kitchen and the bathrooms. White sanitaryware and ceramic tiling in the bathrooms create a calming retreat

The properties also feature Eco-Play, a water management system that uses recycled bath and shower water for toilet flushing.
Prices for the first release of properties at Vision expected to be priced between £275,000 and £300,000. For more information or to arrange a viewing of the show apartment, contact 0870 445 0870.

Bermondsey, SE1

Bermondsey Square is centred around the site of the original Bermondsey Antiques Market. The development will include 76 bespoke apartments, an art house cinema, boutique hotel, flexible offices, restaurants and bars. After the regeneration the new space will continue to house the weekly antiques market with enough space for up to 200 market stalls, as well as featuring other regular markets, such as fashion and farmers markets, along with one off events including outdoor cinema.

Developer Igloo Regeneration Partnership are keen to build on the area’s creative roots. The new nine-story Bermondsey Square residential building will be constructed out of contemporary timber and perforated steel and the development will bring a modern slant to this historic site by displaying a section of the ancient remains from the 11 Century Abbey Church in a glass cube within one of the proposed restaurant units.
Bermondsey Square is due for completion by Spring 2008. Visit bermondseysquare.co.uk for more details.

Greenwich, SE10

Galliard Homes is transforming a derelict eight-acre site on the waterfront in Greenwich into a vibrant community with cafés, restaurants and shops.
In total there will be just over 630 private residential apartments for sale. These will include one-, two- and three-bed styles, as well as duplex suites.

Arranged over 12 blocks, many of the apartments will have river frontage as well as views towards Canary Wharf, whilst the majority will have terraces or balconies.
The scheme is minutes away from one of the capital’s most sophisticated transport networks – a short walk to the Cutty Sark stop on the Docklands Light Railway links residents to Canary Wharf, the City, London City Airport and mainline train service.
New Capital Quay is perfectly situated for the myriad of attractions offered by historic Greenwich including the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Market, Royal Park, the O2 Dome and of course the Cutty Sark and the Old Royal Navy College.

Prices will range from just under £300,000 to £1.5 million, with first completions due in 2011.
For further details contact 020 7620 1500, visit galliardhomes.com.

Battersea, SW11

Only seven properties remain at St James Homes’ Kingsway Square. The scheme, which combines the conversion of one of the areas most magnificent Victorian buildings with a sympathetically designed new build element, has been selling at a phenomenal rate and is almost sold out a year ahead of schedule.
Four apartments in the Victorian conversion and three new build apartments remain, offering buyers still eager to purchase at this award-winning development a great choice of design and specification.

Kingsway Square is set within the leafy roads around Battersea Park that offer some of the most desirable addresses south of the river. The proximity of Queenstown Road and Battersea Park stations, as well as Clapham Junction, provide convenient rail links to Central London.
Prices for the remaining one-bedroom apartments start at £340,000.
For availability and floorplans, visit kingswaysquare.co.uk. For further information call 0870 850 7674.

Sutton, Surrey

Premier Properties is selling Elysium, a development of 13 two-bedroom apartments on the corner of Sherwood Park Road and Western Road, near Sutton town centre. The building has a sleek, contemporary feel, with colour tone finishing both inside and out.

The two-bedroom, two bathroom show apartment has its own patio accessed via double patio doors, an ideal extension to the modern open-plan living space. The kitchen is fully equipped with a range of AEG appliances and luxury kitchen cabinetry. There is a master bedroom with private en suite shower room and a second good-sized bedroom served by the main bathroom featuring a crisp white sanitaryware complemented with Hansgrohe fittings.

Located between West Sutton and Sutton railway stations, Elysium is well placed for commuting. Sutton station has a direct rail service to Victoria, with journey times of approximately 30 minutes. Sutton town centre has two shopping centres, along with a good range of cafes, bars and restaurants. There’s also a multi-screen cinema and two theatres.
Prices for the new apartments at Elysium range from £290,000 to £305,000. Call 01276 686400 or visit premier-properties.co.uk.

Battersea SW11

Only eight properties remain at Lanson, the final phase of the iconic Chelsea Bridge Wharf development. In this stylish scheme, Berkeley Homes is creating a range of wonderful apartments, which will eventually be joined by 60,000 square feet of office space and the area’s first four-star hotel – making this a hub for business and leisure as well as a very sought-after address in which to live.

All of the apartments have a chic, state-of-the-art specification – and being the last phase to be created, Lanson benefits from feedback from existing Chelsea Bridge Wharf residents, so buyers at Lanson get the quality and fittings they truly value. The communal areas, private living spaces and specification have also been designed to give a hotel-like feel – very much de rigueur these days.
The 12-storey building blends glass, render and panelled facades to create a magnificent curved front elevation. Other design features include floor-to-ceiling windows, glass-fronted balconies and a winged roof. Security is top-notch. There is CCTV-monitored underground parking with direct lift access to all floors, as well as a 24-hour concierge.

Beautiful Battersea Park is just across the road, while commuters will love the simple access to all parts of London via Queenstown Road, Battersea Park and Victoria train stations – each easily accessible by foot. Sloane Square tube station is within a mile of the development. Direct bus services also run from outside the development to Oxford Street and Victoria.

Prices at Lanson start from £422,500. For more information call the Chelsea Bridge Wharf sales and marketing suite on 020 7720 4000 or visit chelseabridgewharf.com.

Roehampton SW15

St James Homes has just launched an amazing new development in leafy SW15. Queen Mary’s Place is built around the Grade I listed 18th-century Roehampton House and its beautiful formal gardens.
The 13.8-acre site, located on Roehampton Lane, will provide 447 new and refurbished luxury homes. Buyers will have a wide variety of property layouts to choose from. Besides the 24 refurbished apartments within Roehampton House, there will be 135 two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes and 177 new one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. The remaining properties will make up the affordable housing element within the scheme.

The newly built properties at Queen Mary’s Place will be sympathetically designed to enhance and complement the historic Baroque architecture of Roehampton House, creating a beautiful original setting. Fresh, modern décor will complement the spacious and light open-plan layouts, giving simple lines as well as flexibility. Balconies provide extra space and natural light, and offer magnificent views of the stunning formal gardens of Roehampton House as well as views across London. 

The area is wonderfully convenient, near fashionable Barnes, Wimbledon, Richmond and Putney, all of which offer good shops, restaurants and bars, not to mention culture and natural beauty.
historic landmarks, theatres and galleries. Stunning Richmond Park is only a half-mile away.
Queen Mary’s Place is near the A3, with its easy access to London. Barnes railway station is less than a mile away, giving direct train journeys to Clapham Junction and London Waterloo.
Guide prices for two-bedroom apartment start at £350,000. Visit queenmarysplace.co.uk or call 0870 850 1560 or 020 8246 6748.

Cooler nights lead us to stay inside, and a cosy home becomes more important than ever. Johnny Turner looks into somevery buyable options for a snug season.

Sure, the summer may have seemed a damp squib but we have enjoyed a pleasant Indian summer. Now for the steep journey into winter, when we bundle up and bear it, come home from work in the dark and generally feel a bit miserable.

So what’s to be done? One thing is to create a cosy, warm, bright environment in which to escape the seasonal blahs. There are a number of excellent developments on the current market that have that extra edge in terms of warmth, energy efficiency and overall winter comfort.

Living Villages specialises in designing and building energy efficient, environmentally friendly and socially sustainable new communities, and it has just launched the third and final stage of The Wintles. Half of the 16 private homes and four affordable houses have already been reserved off-plan – a good indication of the desire among the buying public for a greener, cheaper to run home.

The Wintles is a 40-unit scheme in Bishops Castle, Shropshire and is the company’s most ambitious project to date. ‘Living Villages are valued not just because the houses are beautiful and built to an exceptionally high standard’, explains Bob Tomlinson, the co-founder and co-director of Living Villages. ‘They also have a friendly atmosphere. I believe that we’ve succeeded in creating a unique combination of ultra-modern, energy-efficient homes yet with the feel of an established traditional village.’
The development has attracted over 25,000 visitors since 2002. The homes range from two-bedroom bungalows to three-storey, six-bedroom houses. All are unique and feature a range of energy-saving and renewable energy-generating technologies, such as solar panels and solar water heaters, high-performance triple-glazing, super-insulated timber frames and heat exchange units. Properties in the final phase range from £299,000 for a three-bedroom home to £500,000 for a five-bedroom home
This is just the thing for those in the market for a home that makes good use of energy while providing a comfortable family home. For more information call 01494 670760 or visit livingvillages.com
Also scoring high on the green-ometer is Fox Hollow on Rydens Road in Walton-On-Thames, where Michael Shanly Homes has just released 13 four-bedroom detached homes. Each of the homes has an Eco Homes Very Good rating.

Eco features include low emisity glazing to the windows, dual flush WC systems, solar powered bollard lighting to external communal areas, water butts and bird boxes. In addition, each home will be supplied with a green electricity tariff, allowing all buyers the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint.
Homes at Fox Hollow include fine quality, contemporary fitted kitchen units with stainless steel Siemens double ovens, built-in microwaves, gas hobs and extractor hoods. Integrated fridge/freezers and washer/dryers, dishwashers and granite work surfaces are also included.
Bathrooms are fitted with clean lined, white sanitaryware, polished chrome taps and fittings, Trevi mains showers in the ensuites, chrome towel rails and ceramic tiled walls and floors.

The development is located within six miles of Junction 11 of the M25 and junction 1 of the M3. Commuting is very convenient. Walton-On-Thames is served by a regular train service into London Waterloo and the journey takes 30 minutes. A show home is now open Thursday to Sunday from 10am and 5pm. Prices at Fox Hollow start from £499,950. Call 01372 225007 or visit michaelshanly.co.uk.
One danger that winter poses is that of isolation, as everyone tends to keep more to themselves. For older home buyers, developments with an in-built sense of community are very welcome indeed. In south Buckinghamshire, Denham Garden Village is an exclusive development for the over-55s that provides the ideal combination of allowing for independence while also providing a community feel with an in-built support network.

The development is ideal for those who want to remain self-sufficient; residents live in their own properties  and organise their own lives.
Jackie Eltis, general manager of Denham Garden Village, says, ‘Winter can be a difficult time of year for older people and small problems can create huge inconveniences, particularly if elderly people do not have family nearby. Denham Garden Village is the ideal community for active people in their later years of life as it provides a social scene and a support network without taking away any privacy or freedom.’
Set in 30 acres of private woodland, the development has a mix of leisure and support services enabling people to continue to live independently in their own homes. Residents can take part in a range of on-site activities: there is a luxury fitness suite including a top-of-the-range gym, sauna, steam room, pool and spa room; there is also doctor’s surgery, along with a restaurant and snooker room. Residents also have access to additional help with personal and domestic tasks.

On-demand care services are available alongside the wide range of leisure facilities in order to ensure residents can continue to live independently with access to personal and domestic care. The care services available at Denham Garden Village include an on-site GP surgery, 24-hour response team and a dedicated care team for home visits and help with domestic tasks such as shopping, ironing and gardening. Each of the packages can be bought by the residents as and when they are needed.
Residents have access to many green open spaces throughout the village in the form of a Village Square, Green and Common. There are also communal seating areas and a number of properties have private gardens.

All the properties have been designed to Lifetime Home Standards which means they can be easily adapted to meet the changing needs of homeowners, such as reduction of mobility.
Denham Garden Village is owned and managed by Anchor Trust, the UK’s largest provider of housing for older people. There are only a few properties left in phase two at Denham Garden Village; phase three will be launched early next year. Prices range from £315,000 to £469,000. For further information on available properties visit denhamgardenvillage.co.uk or call 01895 836333.

A cosy and commutable option on the market is Cannons Meadow, a new Persimmon Homes development of just 87 homes in Stanstead Abbotts, Essex. In order to provide the types of homes today’s buyers want, proactive market research was used to plan the site.
Neil Sykes, Persimmon Homes Essex’s sales director, says, ‘We will be building a number of our most popular housetypes to suit a wide variety of purchasers with a range of two-bedroom apartments and three- to five-bedroom homes, which I believe will allow local people looking for a brand new home to continue to live locally.’
Purchasers are now able to reserve their home off-plan – and interest is high, says Sykes. ‘We already received a vast amount of interest with over 1,100 potential purchasers now on our mailing list. The launch weekend was also a great success as 73 per cent of the homes in the first release have already been reserved.

Persimmon is offering all new purchasers a chance to upgrade their fixtures and fittings by selecting options from the company’s established Finishing Touches range, which can be carried out at build stage at a competitive cost, thus avoiding the expense and inconvenience of having builders in the house after you move in.
The development is set in the lovely village of Stanstead Abbotts, which is a mere stroll away and provides many of the necessary amenities. For those looking to commute, the town’s train station is also within walking distance, providing a 35-minute commute into Liverpool Street. The development is also close to A10 and M25 link and A414 to Harlow and M11 to East End of London.
For further information on prices and availability contact the sales team on 01376 518 811 during office hours or visit persimmonhomes.com.

Family homes are scarce in today’s market, and the chance to own one in a beautiful countryside setting is rarer still. Hopkins Homes is helping to meet local demand for traditional character housing in the heart of the countryside with Elmside Lea, located at Walsham le Willows, near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.

Claire Richards, Hopkins Homes’ head of sales and marketing, says, ‘The beautiful village of Walsham le Willows is a highly desirable place to live thanks to its strong community feel, charming architecture and its excellent location. Consequently, I expect there to be high levels of demand for the properties at Elmside Lea. The different house types available will appeal to a broad variety of buyers wanting to live in an idyllic location that offers the best of town and country living.’
Elmside Lea comprises two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and a two-bedroom apartment, arranged along quiet cul-de-sacs punctuated by leafy, green space. The homes come in 16 different styles, each designed to echo features of the local architectural vernacular. Finishes including red and yellow brickwork, terracotta render and timber panelling combine to create a visually striking development.
High-quality interiors include high-quality fully fitted custom built kitchens. Bathrooms are fitted with chic white sanitaryware.

Walsham le Willows is located in the heart of the Suffolk countryside just 12 miles from Diss and less than 14 miles from Bury St. Edmunds. Both towns have a broad range of high street and boutique shops, restaurants cafes and bars and Bury St. Edmunds has excellent rail links to Cambridge, Ipswich and Norwich and beyond.
Prices at Elmside Lea start from £239,995 for a three-bedroom house and from £274,995 for a four-bedroom house. Contact the marketing suite on 07766 306672 or visit hopkinshomes.co.uk.

Is avoidance the answer?

One way to handle winter is to avoid it entirely. More and more Brits are opting to sidestep the chill and the lack of light by buying abroad and spending part of the year in a more agreeable climate.

Amar Sodhi, Chairman, Avatar International, says, ‘In terms of the overseas property market, there are clear seasonal variances in interest levels. Without doubt there is a clear rise in the number of people buying overseas properties during the winter months. Overseas property sales start to rise noticeably as the nights draw in from October onwards and there is then a steady increase until we experience a peak in January. Our busiest time of year is just after Christmas, when the post holiday blues have set in and people are dreaming of sunnier climes.

Sunny locations such as the Canaries and Dubai have found favour with buyers, while mainland Spain and Portugal also remain firm favourites.

A pleasing vista is worth its weight in gold in today’s property market – and will keep adding value as the years go by. Johnny Turner finds some properties that put the view into new.

We are drawn to windows, wherever we are and whatever we’re doing. A view provides reassurance that the world is ticking over even as we’re stuck inside. It also brings relaxation and a sense of wellbeing. It’s no wonder that a good view is one of the most sought-after aspects of a home, something buyers desire and will pay above the odds for.

The new homes market seems to have a wealth of nice views at the moment, and house-hunters are making a beeline for the most viewer-friendly. In Aylesbury, Bucks, Fairview New Homes is selling Delta, the reimagining of a former Nestlé factory which offers great proximity to the best of town-centre living. And the amazing view over the Grand Union canal helps too.

From Delta you can commute to London within an hour, stroll to the cinema, gym or swimming pool, find great local shopping and access a wide range of entertainment and leisure activities. Travelling is also particularly easy, as Delta has great links by both road and rail. Junction 5 of the M40 is only 12 miles away, while rail commuters will be impressed by the easy one-hour commute into London Marylebone from Aylesbury station, only a half-mile away. Holiday connections are also excellent, as Luton Airport is only 20 miles from the development.

Each stylish new home enjoys a superb specification, with a well-equipped, modern kitchen and a classic white bathroom. Many apartments even feature en-suites to the master bedrooms and their own private balconies too. Private parking is the added icing on the cake:
‘Keeping fit has never been more popular than it is today, and, another pertinent issue is the need to become more ‘environmentally friendly’ by leaving the car behind,’ says Jim Holliday, Sales Director of Fairview New Homes. ‘Well, at Delta, both of these issues are easily addressed, as virtually everything is within easy walking distance. You can keep fit and save the environment but, thanks to this brilliant location, not at the expense of your social life or leisure time.’
Prices for apartments at Delta start at £199,995 for a two-bedroom apartment and from £269,995 a three-bedroom apartment. The development is open seven days a week from 10am – 5pm. For full details, please telephone 01296 427622 or visit the Fairview New Homes website on www.fairview.co.uk.

REDEHAM HOMES LAUNCH SOUGHT AFTER PENTHOUSES AT VIE

Redeham Homes, one of the UK’s premier developers of luxurious design-led homes, has launched the much anticipated collection of penthouses at Vie, their exclusive waterside development in Cambridge. These elegant, high quality homes provide superb views across both the River Cam and surrounding gardens. 

Vie is a collection of 287 one and two bedroom apartments and penthouses and three and four bedroom town houses in an outstanding riverside location set within one mile of the hustle and bustle of Cambridge city centre and just moments from the waters edge of the River Cam. With journey times into central London taking just one hour, the development has become a magnet for commuters.
Located in the eagerly awaited Taylor House, the last riverside block at Vie was launched just a few weeks ago. The four penthouses provide excellent specification homes offering 879 sqft to 898 sqft, bolstered by enviable outside spaces. This includes a terrace located off the living area and private roof terrace, both providing stunning views.

The penthouses at Vie incorporate the very latest in technology with modern architecture ensuring that each home is energy efficient, light and spacious. These stunning apartments will also benefit from a new cycle and foot bridge that crosses the River Cam linking the development to the south.
The four penthouses offer two excellently sized double bedrooms, and provide wet room style en suite bathrooms, finished to a lavish standard. No expense has been spared by Redeham Homes and the superior specifications are testament to the dedication, care and attention that has been invested in the production of these high quality homes.

Open plan living spaces provide excellent areas to entertain, and help maximise the feeling of light and space gained by living in such close proximity to the river. Living areas benefit from the added luxury of a large terrace perfect for al fresco dining in the summer months. Sleek and stylish kitchens are provided in a range of designer contemporary wall and base units, complemented by luxurious worktops. Fashionable Smeg appliances are incorporated within the properties including oven, hob, fridge freezer, dishwasher and washer/dryer.

The family bathrooms and wet room ensuites feature Villeroy and Boch sanitary ware, with Hansgrohe chrome finish fittings, and Italian design wall tiles.
Ann Fulker, Sales and Marketing Director for Redeham Homes comments: ‘The penthouses offer an exclusive collection of homes benefiting from a riverside location near by the amenities of a city centre. Waterside homes are some of the most desirable property types in the UK as they offer residents a relaxing environment coupled with beautiful views.’
Life at Vie is ideal for those looking to get away from the hectic pace of city life and enjoy a contemporary home along the river. Cambridge offers the sights and sounds of people rowing or punting, with places to enjoy a relaxing stroll along the river or simply sit back and enjoy the openness and fresh air the area has to offer.

Cambridge is steeped in history and has inspired the likes of Darwin, Newton, Wordsworth and Stephen Hawking. The famous collegiate city offers residents an enviable mixture of culture, heritage and leisure and is an ideal location for capital city commuters with journey times into central London in just one hour. Cambridge also features three local markets offering a mixture of local produce and goods, along with an exceptional array of high street shops, exclusive boutiques, restaurants, bars and cafes.
Prices for the penthouses at Vie start from £439,950. For further information please contact the sales office on 01223 365666 or visit www.redehamhomes.co.uk

A HAVEN WITH A VALUABLE VIEW

Weston Homes has recently launched its newest Southend development to great acclaim. The Haven, located on Burgess Road in Thorpe Bay, is a niche development of just nine perfectly appointed two bedroom apartments and penthouses, boasting exceptional views of the adjacent golf course as well as the seafront.

Recent statistics published by County Homesearch indicate that properties with such views as those available at The Haven are likely to increase in value by up to 60 per cent. As a result, those purchasing a home at the luxury new homes scheme are perfectly positioned to capitalise on the trend thanks, in part, to the provision of a balcony in every home.

Southend has some of the most spectacular coastlines in the UK. With miles of golden sand, the properties with sea views have helped to position Thorpe Bay as Millionaire’s Row of Essex. The boutique new homes scheme sits just a few meters from Southend’s picturesque and award winning Jubilee Beach, which was recently presented with a prestigious EU Blue Flag Seaside Award. The beautiful beach which stretches from the world famous Southend Pier to Thorpe Bay, is a quintessentially English beach complete with a collection of pretty beach huts in a kaleidoscope of colours.

Not only does The Haven benefit from excellent sea views, it also provides stunning views across Thorpe Bay’s Thorpe Hall Golf Club. The research carried out by County Homesearch indicates, that along with properties that command coastline views, those over looking golf clubs can also help to raise the value of a property. Currently in its centenary year, Thorpe Hall Golf Club is renowned for its beautifully manicured surroundings, boasting beautiful fairways and immaculate greens. One of the most popular golf clubs in Essex, Thorpe Hall sits directly opposite Weston Homes’ The Haven, providing views reminiscent of the beautiful Essex countryside.

Gareth Jacob, Sales and Marketing Director for Weston Homes comments: ‘The Haven provides residents with unparallel views, both across Thorpe Hall Golf Club and of Southend’s stunning Jubilee Beach. The properties, designed to fit seamlessly within the surrounding area, have received a great deal of interest both from local residents looking to downsize and purchasers from further afield looking for an excellent opportunity to purchase a stunning home’

The apartments and penthouses at The Haven have been created to incorporate the elegance and sophistication of the prestigious Thorpe Bay area. The properties boast outstanding, spacious living areas that are flooded with natural light. The intelligent design of the properties coupled with the high standards of construction, attention to detail and finish combine to create beautiful homes in an enviable environment.

Kitchens within the scheme are incorporated within the living areas, to help maximise the use of space, providing the perfect surroundings for both families meals and entertaining. With designer units and fully integrated high specification Smeg appliances Weston Homes kitchens offer the opportunity to expand your cooking skills whether novice cook or seasoned host.
Each property benefits from en-suite bathrooms as well as a further master bathroom, incorporating exceptional quality white wall hung sanitaryware, contemporary chrome fittings and a range of stylish features including a choice of quality ceramic tiles, dependant on the stage of build.
Properties at The Haven are available from £275,000. For more information, please contact the sales and marketing suite on Tel 0845 638 5003, or visit www.weston-homes.co.uk <http://www.weston-homes.co.uk>

Zoom with a view

Maximum style plus a mini bonus with Gladedale.

Fancy zooming into a new home? If the answer is yes, then head down to one of four Gladedale developments and you could win yourself a brand new plate Mini One¹.

Available at The Waterfront, Warwick, 28 East Chelmsford, Opus, Aylesbury and Cotton Place, High Wycombe, anyone who reserves one of these fantastic properties over these four sites from July, 2007² will be given the chance to be entered into a competition to win a newly registered Mini, the ultimate car for the design conscious.

Opus is a development of 19 apartments which boasts cutting edge, contemporary design throughout, from its unique layout to its luxury specification and is perfect for those looking to get their foot on the property ladder.

Cotton Place is a contemporary new build development comprising of sixteen stylish, contemporary and spacious two bedroom apartments.

28 East is also a new build development comprising of a two bedroom house and a two bedroom bungalow that sit alongside a mixture of one and two bedroom spacious apartments.

The Waterfront, overlooking the beautiful River Avon, comprises of 251 homes built to the highest specification and incorporates a mix of three and four bedroom houses as well as one, two and three bedroom contemporary apartments in a variety of styles.

You could complete your stylish new lifestyle with a stunning new home built to the highest quality by award winning developer, Gladedale and each home is allocated one car parking space so there is no need to worry about where to park your stylish new Mini.

Vicki Noon, sales and marketing director for Gladedale, said:

‘Buying a home is not just about bricks and mortar, it’s a lifestyle choice and we wanted to reflect that in our competition to give our new home owners the opportunity to win a brand new car which is as stylish as their new home.

‘The Mini One is an icon of British design and as a UK-wide house builder, quality and design is a major priority in every home we build.

‘Best of luck to everyone entering the competition.’

Terms and conditions apply.

For further information on Opus, the sales centre and show apartment is open daily from 10am – 5pm. Contact the sales centre on 01296 431427 or Gladedale selling agents Brown & Merry on 01296 488111.

Prices start from £229,950 with shared equity available.

For further information on Cotton Place (formerly a C&M development) please visit www.gladedale.com or call 0800 876 982. The sales centre is open Thursday to Monday from 10am – 5pm.

Prices at Cotton Place start from £204,950.

The marketing suite at 28 East is open daily from 10am to 5pm. For further information please call 01245 299 390. For details on all developments from Gladedale please visit www.28-east.co.uk

Prices start from £159,950 with shared equity available. Please see sales executives for further details.

Prices at The Waterfront start from £189,950 and the show home is now open.

The marketing suite at The Waterfront is open daily from 10 am to 5pm. For further information please call 0845 130 2707 or visit www.waterfront-warwick.co.uk.


¹Terms and conditions apply. Please ask sales executive for further details.
²Competition runs over 4 Gladedale sites and closes 28th December 2007 at 5pm. The draw will take place on January 3rd 2008.

An illuminating view – courtesy of Barratt Homes’ stunning Lunar Rise development in Plymouth
 
Invited guests will enjoy a special preview of the last few upper floor apartments to be released at Barratt Homes’ Lunar Rise development in Plymouth on Tuesday 14 August.
 
The luxury apartments boast spectacular views across sea and city and the guests – potential buyers who have expressed an interest in the site - will enjoy a glass of wine and a bird’s eye view of the famous Plymouth Firework Competition taking place on the night.
 
‘We’ve saved the best until last – these new apartments are all south-facing with balconies and the panoramic views are breathtaking,’ reports Davinia Rumble, Barratt Homes’ on-site sales negotiator.
 
‘You can see The Sound and Plymouth Hoe, where Sir Francis Drake is reputed to have played bowls before vanquishing the Spanish Armada, as well as the pretty cobbled streets of the Barbican, the old town of Plymouth. It offers a perfect view of the fireworks and anyone interested in attending our evening event, can register by calling us on 01752 668154.’
 
The final apartments, three of only 10 remaining homes at Lunar Rise, are spacious and fitted to the highest specification. In addition to balconies with sea views, they offer two double bedrooms (one en-suite) and an open-plan lounge, kitchen and dining area. They also have a video entry system and secure parking spaces.
 
‘Although Lunar Rise is situated in the centre of Plymouth in a very busy area, it is a gated development which gives it an exclusive feel,’ Davinia continued.
 
‘Residents feel secure and have a sense of community and, as most apartments have allocated parking, they know they can park the car near their home.’  
 
‘The development has been a great success and we only have 10 apartments left – we’ve attracted all sorts of buyers, from professional couples and older retired couples to people wanting holiday homes,’ she added.
 
‘Many potential buyers aren’t aware that the Barratt Homes Part Exchange option is available on these luxury apartments and, at the present time, we can offer up to 100 per cent of the value of the former home.’
 
Prices for the available executive apartments range from £274,950 to £289,950. Other available homes include an ex show apartment with roof terrace priced at £284,950 and a one-bedroom apartment (with no sea view or parking space) priced at £145,950.
 
For further details or to register your interest in attending the fireworks event, call the Lunar Rise sales office on 01752 668154, log on to www.barratthomes.co.uk or phone central sales on 01392 423 014.
 
Award-winning housebuilder, Barratt, is playing a significant role in changing the landscape of Birmingham city centre with its impressive new Skyline development on Bath Row.
Home to an exclusive selection of one and two bedroom high specification apartments and penthouses in the heart of the city centre, Skyline is one of Birmingham's most exciting new developments. With apartments in high demand from the influx of young professionals moving to work with many of the new and growing businesses in the city, Barratt expects this to be one of its fastest-selling schemes.
‘Birmingham has finally shaken off its industrial image and now enjoys a reputation for being one of Europe's most exciting destinations,’ said David Child, sales director at Barratt West Midlands.
‘Major investment is helping to transform the city and attract more and more young workers who are looking for the buzz of combining living and working in the centre. It’s a lifestyle choice, not just a career move. Birmingham now offers both and our apartments at Skyline are located and priced perfectly for these buyers.’

From its industrial past, Birmingham has emerged as a major commercial centre that is now home to the largest financial services and creative sectors outside London.
As stylish apartments and offices replace factories and warehouses, the combination of good career prospects with an affordable and attractive lifestyle is encouraging around 40 per cent of the city’s graduates to make it their home.

‘Skyline has provided a great opportunity for us to show this new buying population that city living does not have to come with a sky-high price tag,’ added David Child.
Priced from just £149,950 these apartments boast an excellent specification. Each features a host of luxury design touches and practical extras expected by today’s modern buyers. There are lifts to all floors, a video entry system, secure parking and most apartments have a balcony or terrace.
Skyline is situated just a short walk away from the vast selection of shops and designer boutiques in the Bullring and The Mailbox. A great choice of bars and restaurants is also on the doorstep at Brindley Place.

To find out more about the apartments available at Skyline, contact the sales office on: 0121 643 6294 or visit: www.barratthomes.co.uk/skyline

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 www.thatchams.com

Country living needn’t be rustic…

Country living can be far from rustic – something that the new Show Home at Hertfordshire’s latest landmark address, Essendon Park, illustrates to perfection. Here, surrounded by far reaching vistas across the greens and fairways of the Hatfield London Country Club, Millgate Homes has created ‘The Courtyard, a selection of just four 2 bedroom apartments and eight 3 and 4 bedroom courtyard houses painstakingly designed to complement the neighbouring Grade II listed manor house.

Arranged around an elegant formal garden, these homes provide the perfect balance between country charm and contemporary chic. Interiors are light-flooded and spacious, and feature a specification that would be as at home in Chelsea as rural Hertfordshire. Kitchens are by international designer Mark Wilkinson, bathrooms and en-suites are graced with classic sanitary ware by Villeroy & Boch with fittings from the Hansgrohe collection and homes are pre-wired for a multi-room audio system and home entertainment network.

And it is not just internally that these homes benefit from a superlative finish – the communal grounds and gardens to each of the houses are designed by Millgate’s Chelsea Gold Medal award-winning landscaper. Meanwhile, a tennis court within the grounds for residents’ use, a year’s playing membership to the Hatfield London Country Club and a concierge service ensure that purchasers will enjoy an exclusive, country club lifestyle.

Sales Manager, Adrian Dyer says:
‘This a truly unique opportunity – where else could you enjoy golf literally on your doorstep, yet know that you are within just 20 miles of central London? The Courtyard is appealing to a range of purchasers, including young professionals and those looking to downsize and spend more time at homes abroad and, with the new Show Home, visitors can get a real feel of the lifestyle they could enjoy.’
First rate links to London and beyond lie minutes from the estate, while the train stations of Potters Bar, Brookmans Park and Bayford, all within a short distance, offer regular fast trains into King’s Cross and Moorgate – perfect for work, shopping or a night out. Essendon Park is also well placed for Luton, Stansted and Heathrow airports.

Prices at ‘The Courtyard’ range from £695,000 for a 2 bedroom apartment to £850,000 for a 4 bedroom courtyard house, with six of the twelve properties already reserved off plan. The Show Home is open daily between 10am and 4pm. Site viewings are strictly by appointment – call Michael Parkinson on 01707 663502 to secure yours. Alternatively, contact Lawrence Henry at selling agent Statons on 020 8441 9555, or visit www.essendonpark.co.uk

HISTORIC TOWER FOR SALE CLOSE TO DORSET’S JURASSIC COAST

Galliard Homes is selling ten apartments in an historic building situated close to one of England’s most beautiful World Heritage sites, Dorset’s famous ‘Jurassic’ coastline.

Coram Tower is a Grade II listed stone building built in 1889, with magnificent sea and coastal views. The building is conveniently situated just a few minutes walk from the beach, shops and restaurants in the picturesque Dorset resort of Lyme Regis.

Originally used as a Church school, Coram Tower was then used as a residence for the town’s mayor before being converted into apartments in 1973.

Now totally refurbished to a high standard by Galliard Homes, the property includes a selection of one and two-bed apartments, with the majority enjoying magnificent sea and coastal views

Each apartment will also have private designated parking to the rear of the building, a real rarity in Lyme Regis.

Madeleine Flower, sales & marketing director at Galliard Homes, says: ‘This is a rare opportunity to buy a refurbished apartment in a period property, with its own parking and access to a World Heritage site.’
Prices from £164,995 to £285,000. To register an interest, call 020 8418 1053.

Also in Dorset

“Aqua”, West Quay Road in Poole, Dorset

Known as 'the St. Tropez of the south coast' and 'the Florida Keys of British beach resorts,' Poole really is the place to be these days. A bustling Quay, the best beaches in England and the stunning natural harbour make it the natural first choice on the South Coast either for holidaying or residency.

Located close to the scenic Poole Quay, the cosmopolitan heart of Poole, where one can watch the world go past with its array of boats and water sports,, Linden Homes are creating “Aqua” a development of 96 high quality apartments providing a fresh new approach to apartment living in Poole, with many of the two and three bedroom apartments benefiting from stunning views across Holes Bay and beyond to the beautiful beach resort of Sandbanks.

The last phase at Aqua, recently released for sale, is ‘wowing’ potential buyers.  It is specifically attracting a good mix of those who want a weekend and holiday home that can eventually become their main home on retirement, together with buy-to-let purchasers and current local residents.
The development of 96 apartments spans nine floors, with two floors of under croft parking for residents.  The stylish one, two, and three bedroom homes occupy a prime location within easy walking distance of the railway station, shops, restaurants and cafes in the town centre and along the quay.  In addition, Aqua will include a ground floor restaurant unit, which is attracting considerable interest, and benefits from a public waterside promenade.

Homes currently available at Aqua range from £249,950 for a two bedroom, third floor apartment with large south-facing balcony, to £522,950 for a dual-aspect three bedroom eighth floor home complete with panoramic views across the ocean.

As with all Linden Southern properties, all homes at Aqua will be wired for IT, entertainment and security.

Linden Homes’ Sales Director Jane Ewer comments: “Aqua captures the imagination and meets the market’s demand for unique homes in an up and coming area.  Virtually all the apartments have delightful sea views and private balconies or terraces.  With over 43 different variations in design and layout, Aqua really does have something for everyone.”
Aqua is located just a short walk away from Poole railway station, the Quay & town centre where there is an array of shops, restaurants & cafés and is approximately, just ½ hours drive away from Bournemouth town centre & international airport.
The long awaited Show Home at Aqua will open at the end of October. In the meantime, for further information please contact Linden Homes’ Sales Hotline on 0845 603 1454, or request information by e-mail aqua@lindenhomes.co.uk or visit lindenhomes.co.uk

Silver homes marketing houses in town and country – which gives buyers the best of both worlds!
Silver Homes have been building homes in the South East for a number of years, to great acclaim so it is not surprising that they currently have two sites fairly close to each other – both offering considerable charm but one on the edge of the countryside and the other in the heart of town.

At Ashdown Mews, Hartfield Road, Forest Row in East Sussex the company is creating 14 mews style homes behind electronically operated gates giving privacy and security. Owners will have views of paddocks and a bridle path which flank the development.

Situated close to the much respected Ricewood private estate and within a few minutes of the beautiful Ashdown Forest with 6500 acres of breathtakingly beautiful open countryside and forestland land, this is rural living without isolation. Forest Row itself is a