BEST NEW HOMES IN BRITAIN - Whathouse
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Covers.qxp_Layout 1 08/11/2019 12:56 Page 2
BEST NEW
HOMES IN
BRITAIN
Covers.qxp_Layout 1 08/11/2019 12:56 Page 3
DELIVERING THE FUTURE OF HOUSING
FIND OUT HOW AT
WWW.IDEALMODULARHOMES.CO.UK
OR CALL US ON
0151 352 8368
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FOREWORD
THE BEST NEW Tim Peake returned to earth from the International
HOMES IN BRITAIN Space Station five days before the EU Referendum.
I hope you enjoyed the show, He probably wished he’d stayed there, as politicians
the day the new homes flag flies have been orbiting the Brexit issue ever since, mostly
highest and many congratulations talking out of their seventh planet from the sun.
to all the winners and their supply chains. You are a The only thing the major parties agree on as they
credit to the housebuilding industry and should be head towards a general election is the urgent need
immensely proud of your achievements. for more new housing.
They say in space no one can hear you scream. To paraphrase prime minister Boris Johnson,
Well such has been the angst and anger – mostly let’s get building done, and the winners of the
justified if sometimes confected – around Brexit, you WhatHouse? Awards are lighting the way in how it
could probably hear the howls of frustration in the can best be done.
International Space Station. This is what the best housebuilders, large and
Yes, in the Great Room at the JW Marriott small, and their supply chains, can deliver. There
Grosvenor House there was certainly atmosphere are skills in abundance in the outstanding homes
and noise, but also one of very few men in the world showcased in this magazine.
who could perhaps tell you if your screams can The industry, like the country, has many
indeed be heard in a galaxy far, far away. challenges ahead, but for now let us celebrate the
The WhatHouse? Awards were honoured to have best new homes in Britain.
astronaut Major Tim Peake to host this year, We would like to thank all the housebuilders,
although it may yet be a while before housebuilders suppliers and other industry colleagues who have
colonise other planets and, in any case, would they once again supported this great event in its 39th
meet minimum space standards? year, with special thanks to the Awards sponsors
Britain’s most famous astronaut presented the and judges.
Awards alongside comedian, television presenter Reach for the stars.
and self-confessed space geek Dara O’Briain.
If there is intelligent life looking down on us at the Rupert Bates
Awards, I’m sure they would have approved of what Editorial Director
they saw in terms of the variety, quality, boldness WhatHouse.com & Show House magazine
and integrity of the homes and housebuilders who
received the industry’s greatest accolades. rb@globespanmedia.com
Globespan Media is the organiser of the WhatHouse? Awards and also publishes
the leading trade title for the housebuilding industry Show House.
Its sister consumer-facing business is WhatHouse.com, the leading new homes portal.
Editorial director: Rupert Bates
Creative director: Kelly Bates
Chief sub-editor: Suzanne Frost
Sales director: Adrian Talbot (at@globespanmedia.com)
Globespan Media Ltd – 5th Floor, 291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG 020 7940 1070
www.whathouse.com | www.showhouse.co.uk
BEST NEW HOMES IN BRITAIN | 01
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HOUSEBUILDER OF THE YEAR
Barratt Developments is
crowned Housebuilder of the
Year, the greatest prize in British
housebuilding.
It is Britain’s largest
housebuilder and arguably its
best known in terms of brand
awareness. Indeed, its late
founder, Sir Lawrie Barratt, who
started the company in 1958, is Such faults in product and We may still be in the midst
the industry’s most famous name performance – some perceived, of a chronic housing shortage,
– a true pioneer. others real – blur the good stuff but that is a huge number of
With size and reputation comes and housebuilders, led by Barratt, properties, with all the funding,
responsibility in an industry do plenty of good stuff. planning, building and selling of
never short of brickbats from Last year Barratt new homes that entails in all
government, public and media Developments, which trades weathers – economic, political,
alike and an industry that urgently under three brands – Barratt social and climatic.
needs to address the issues that Homes, David Wilson Homes That’s not just 18,000 houses
tarnish housebuilding, such as and Barratt London – built nearly for people to live in; it’s 45,000
quality of build and customer care. 18,000 homes. jobs supported through the supply
02 | BEST NEW HOMES IN BRITAIN
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HOUSEBUILDER OF THE YEAR
chain and economic output that
equates to £2.7bn of gross added
value, as well as £554m of
contributions to local communities.
To create such a socio-
economic footprint requires the
biggest of boots and a good
degree of courage and nerve in
uncertain times.
Barratt also has to hit
sustainability targets it set itself
and has significantly reduced
its carbon emissions, as well as (MMC), looking to build 20% of its industry leader by volume, but
the amount of construction homes through MMC by next by example and innovation. A
waste, 97% of which is diverted year, when it also hopes to have large and formidable national
from landfill. created a ‘net gain’ biodiversity in housebuilder, proud of what
Barratt is committed to design on all its developments. it builds for the nation and
developing and implementing Look beyond the name and deserved winner of the industry’s
modern methods of construction numbers and you see not just an biggest accolade.
BEST NEW HOMES IN BRITAIN | 03
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BEST LARGE HOUSEBUILDER
GOLD drive change beyond its own sponsored degree in Residential
Barratt Developments offices and sites, that helped Development and Construction
A report called ‘Mission Possible: Barratt win this category – the at Sheffield Hallam University
Achieving a sustainable future for volume category with plenty of – a year of outstanding
construction’ features a foreword strong voices and leaders eager achievement from Britain’s
by David Thomas, chief executive to bolster not only the industry’s biggest housebuilder.
of Barratt Developments. image, but also highlight the
“The future built environment –
where we live, work and play –
contributions they make.
Barratt Developments,
SILVER
Berkeley Group
is crucial to the sustainability consisting of Barratt Homes,
ambitions of everyone and it is David Wilson Homes and Barratt An eye-catching year from a
being planned and designed now London, continues to impress business that believes in
by the construction industry,” across all facets of its business. delivering eye-catching
said Thomas. It hit a 5-Star rating in the annual schemes, showcasing a vast
He calls for an even greater HBF Customer Satisfaction range of skill sets, as well as
collaborative commitment to Survey for a 10th successive pioneering industry initiatives.
sustainable development, be year, meaning more than 90% of It was once again a year of
it transport projects, power its customers are happy to exceptional financial results,
generation, or new homes, and recommend Barratt. To mark outstanding delivery of new
the need to tackle the huge this decade of excellence homes and communities,
skills shortage, creating more Barratt announced a £500,000 while continuing to push the
apprenticeships and embracing partnership with homelessness sustainability envelope and
diversity. Thomas also talks of the charity St Mungo’s. biodiversity ambitions second
need to push forward modern Its Future Talent programmes to none among the big industry
methods of construction and nurture apprentices, trainees and players. As a ‘carbon positive’
offsite manufacture. graduates and Barratt launched business, Berkeley is also a
It is this thought leadership, a residential apprenticeship for founder partner of the World
using voice and knowledge as bricklayers, as well as seeing its Green Building Council’s
well as passion and power to help first graduates from the Barratt Advancing Net Zero programme.
04 | BEST NEW HOMES IN BRITAIN
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BEST LARGE HOUSEBUILDER
launched its Heritage Lifestyle
product – fewer, but larger
bedrooms, suiting both downsizers
and families who like to entertain,
keeping house types on trend.
Redrow consults deeply with
the communities it builds in,
adhering to its ‘placemaking
principles’ geared to local need
and neighbourhood enhancement.
It also introduced a new
‘social value calculator’ to work
out the impact of healthy, friendly
Berkeley opened its second techniques and smart home communities and how the positive
construction academy, supported technologies, features on some of interaction of neighbours with new
500 apprentices and trained 80 its schemes. Another great year residents can add value that can
mental health first aiders. from a great company. be measured in monetary terms.
Collaboration with the Sustainability initiatives include
communities it helps create and
evolve is a mantra, looking not just
BRONZE a ‘net positive’ approach to energy
and water use and Redrow is in
Redrow
at the provision of new homes, corporate partnerships with wildlife
landscaping and infrastructure, Redrow, Housebuilder of the trusts, protecting and enhancing
but developing a ‘social legacy’. Year in 2018, pushed hard to natural habitats.
It continues the transformation retain its title in 2019 against the Customer care is central to its
of once deprived London estates, toughest of competition. success, backed up by its 5-Star
such as its ongoing work at It was another year of record rating and a range of technologies
Woodberry Down in Hackney and revenues and profits and saw the to ease the homebuying journey,
Kidbrooke Village, Greenwich – company open a new Thames such as legally completing
urban regeneration at pace, scale Valley division. reservations online and its My
and integrity. Redrow builds in 15 regions Redrow dashboard.
Birmingham is a new across England and Wales Redrow’s marketing, including
destination, away from Berkeley’s on around 130 active sites. Its TV advertising, challenges
traditional heartlands of London designs invariably take the best of preconceptions about brand
and the south-east, with Snow architectural periods past, be it new homes and the company
Hill Wharf in England’s second Arts and Crafts or Georgian, but remains an industry leader in its
city, a development from with its own modern interpretations commitment to apprenticeships
Berkeley’s St Joseph brand, and the latest specifications. It also and training.
working in partnership with
Birmingham City Council.
Modular housing research and
manufacturing is gearing up at
its modular factory in Ebbsfleet,
Kent, which includes a digitally
enabled robotic assembly
process. The factory, at full
capacity, could deliver up to
1,000 homes a year.
Meanwhile Berkeley’s Urban
House, with innovative design
BEST NEW HOMES IN BRITAIN | 05
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BEST MEDIUM HOUSEBUILDER
GOLD the needs of the retirement Its charitable arm, the Churchill
Churchill Retirement homes community, highlighting Foundation, has broken through
Living challenges and offering solutions the £1m barrier, while the
Once again a hugely impressive at national and local level. Churchill Awards, celebrating the
year from Churchill. The figures In the last year, 16 new achievements of those over 65,
speak for themselves, with Churchill sites across the country, goes from strength to strength –
record turnover of more than ranging from Hampshire to gold standard throughout and
£200m, £60.4m operating profit Derbyshire, were launched, triumphing in a category of
and a 29% margin, which the amounting to 715 apartments, relentless excellence.
company claims is the highest in with another 670 across 17 sites
the housebuilding industry.
The specialist retirement
under construction and a land
bank of more than 3,000 units.
SILVER
Hill
homebuilder now has seven Churchill has plenty of case
offices across the country with studies of happy residents, some A record-breaking year for Hill,
more than 600 employees. of the nation’s most discerning which came very close to
But perhaps the most notable buyers and is continually retaining top spot from last year
figure is the number two, with researching to meet and surpass in this incredibly competitive
Churchill ranked 2nd in The market needs. category, which looks at the
Sunday Times 100 Best
Companies to Work For 2019.
That accolade does not just
resonate with customers, but
staff and is an invaluable
recruitment tool in a competitive
market place amid a chronic
skills shortage.
It is not just about internal
leadership and staff and
customer care and wellbeing,
but about a strong industry
voice externally, championing
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BEST MEDIUM HOUSEBUILDER
Construction, Acorn has been around for 25
pushing for a years and is building a glowing
gender-balanced reputation for its creative designs
workforce and and ambitions to take on a range
encouraging and of challenging projects – anything
attracting more from 20- to 100-unit schemes
females into the across the UK. Its regional reach
industry. takes in London, Cornwall, Bristol,
Hill has a 5-Star Cardiff and Exeter.
HBF Customer Acorn Blue, its Devon and
Satisfaction rating, Cornwall operation, showcases
with a strong really innovative architecture
customer charter along coastlines and sensitive
and buyer feedback to its waterside locations, while
consistently it does city homes well too,
reviewed, with across the price range and
schemes such as regions, be it refurbishment or
Assisted Move new build, and tailored to local
housebuilder as an all-rounder, helping new purchasers sell their demand. As for mighty oaks,
across all facets of business and existing homes. Acorn has 50 developments
industry engagement. Turnover Last month Hill made a £10m planned for completion in the
was more than £500m for the charity pledge, gifting 200 next five years and a pipeline
first time, with profits of £48m. modular homes to help the GDV of £1.1bn.
From Fish Island Village in homeless. Joint ventures with landowners,
Hackney Wick to Athena in housing associations and local
Cambridge, Hill always delivers
bold, innovative designs, with
BRONZE authorities are in its diverse
portfolio and Acorn is quick
Acorn Property Group
quality of construction and to praise the contributions of its
delivery a given. The tiny acorns to mighty oaks partners, designers, suppliers
Hill believed in partnerships long proverb is overused and there and consultants.
before it became fashionable and is nothing small about Acorn There is bravura about what
collaboration and joint ventures Property Group. But it is certainly Acorn takes on, unfazed by
have been core to its business growing in numbers and stature complexity, but confident of
since day one 20 years ago, and to win any colour of award in sustainable delivery, with great
working with housing associations, this category is a tremendous variation in thought, design and
local authorities and government achievement. deed from a bold placemaker.
on a host of partnership schemes,
including innovative investment
partnership projects with the likes
of Cambridge City Council and
Rushmoor Borough Council in
Hampshire.
There is plenty of investment in
staff too. Hill has nearly 100
employees in its management
trainee programme; its High
Flyers programme looks to
nurture future leaders; and Hill is
a gold member of Women into
BEST NEW HOMES IN BRITAIN | 07
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BEST SMALL HOUSEBUILDER
GOLD in the Midlands, so, despite being bungalows on some schemes.
Hayfield a relatively new housebuilder, there Customer relations is a vital
Hayfield is a Solihull-based is a lot of experience. cog in the wheel, aiming for zero
housebuilder on the rise, Premium specifications, defects from the outset, but with
challenging not just in the innovative designs and creative a commitment to put them right
quality of its homes, but in voice and challenging show homes are swiftly; while recruitment and
too, determined to disrupt its central to its philosophy, be it training is founded on strong staff
bigger competitors and help loyalty, but not blind pastiche, to values and creating a happy and
raise new build standards vernacular architecture, stylish motivated workforce.
across the board. elevational treatments, the use of Bronze in this category last
Indeed, one of the company’s natural materials, open-plan living, year, Hayfield has now deservedly
commitments when formed in or incorporating light, spacious struck gold.
2016 was “to deliver a more
meaningful and higher calibre
home than the volume
housebuilders”.
Currently building in
Warwickshire, Worcestershire and
Oxfordshire, Hayfield completed
96 homes in the year to last June,
consisting of 64 for sale and 32
for registered providers. There is
plenty of ambition, with plans to
reach 500 homes a year by 2022,
taking Hayfield to a £161m
turnover business.
Its senior management team
were colleagues at Banner Homes
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BEST SMALL HOUSEBUILDER
SILVER customer service. It continually trained as a carpenter and joiner,
Kebbell asks questions of itself, but also Tony Cartwright bought his first
Kebbell is very much a family-led absorbs customer feedback to plot of land in his home town of
enterprise. The company, with make the next project even better. Nuneaton, Warwickshire, in 1961,
its head office in Beaconsfield, Staff values are important too, funded by a £5,000 bank loan,
Buckinghamshire, was started as is Kebbell’s loyalty to and building eight homes by hand.
by Thomas Kebbell in 1953, and relationships with key suppliers He went on to create A.R.
his son Nick Kebbell is now and trades, ensuring the ‘family’ Cartwright in 1970, building
managing director with further feel stretches beyond its two up to 50 homes a year in and
family members all closely offices – a worthy award winner in around Nuneaton. His son,
involved in the business. a hugely competitive category. Andy Cartwright, also a trained
Despite being a small carpenter and joiner, is managing
housebuilder, with 32 homes built
in the last financial year, its spread
SILVER director of the business, having
joined as an apprentice, heading
Cartwright Homes
of properties and locations is a team of 18, who all live in
large. Homes range from under There is something reassuringly Nuneaton.
£200,000 to multimillion-pound traditional about this Nuneaton- Personal inspections by senior
properties, all the way up to based housebuilder as it heads management take place before
the £15m Titlarks House in towards its 50th birthday sign off and customer service is
Sunningdale, Berkshire. The next year. predicated on the question: ‘Is it
geographical range is from the A hand-painted brick with the good enough for Cartwright?’
Meon Valley in Hampshire all Cartwright logo is built into the The training of local
the way to Scarborough in wall of every home and the apprentices and bringing
North Yorkshire. company is committed to forward new talent has been a
Kebbell doesn’t only look long using local tradespeople and commitment from the start and
and hard at its locations and the local materials. in the quality of the homes and
mix and style of homes needed to The business was started by values of its employees, it is
match local demand, but has an the late Tony Cartwright, who died clear Tony Cartwright’s legacy
attention to detail from design to earlier this year aged 81. Having will live on.
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BEST SMALL HOUSEBUILDER
There is a rustic elegance to
what Esquire does; aesthetically
appropriate, as farm buildings
and developing on old agricultural
sites are very much part of its
portfolio.
The company is based in
Longfield, Kent, and was formed
by childhood friends Paul Henry
and David Braddon.
Its homes range from two- to
five-bedroom properties, as well
as bungalows, reinterpreting
single-storey living. Esquire,
turning over just under £24m
BRONZE Customer care and aftersales last year, engages not just in the
Fernham Homes are key, with clear lines of areas where it builds, including
Fernham Homes, based in communication, and Fernham sponsoring local sports teams
Tonbridge, Kent, was founded Homes is also a strong industry and charities, but on a wider,
in 1997, with its first site a voice in its field as well as strategic level to help deliver
development of five homes. It very active in community homes for the county.
now builds around 50 homes engagement. One anecdote endorses
a year across Kent, Sussex Esquire’s customer care ethos,
and Surrey.
The three directors and equity
BRONZE with a buyer at its development
near Maidstone being so
Esquire Developments
partners in the business – Michael impressed she applied for and
Canham, Ian Fern and David Founded in 2011, Esquire got a job with the company.
Masters – bring extensive is a fast-moving story, be it Sustainability applies to a
experience across a number of developing brand new homes or biodiversity commitment, but also
disciplines, with AB Canham, sensitive restoration of existing an understanding of parochial
owned by Michael Canham, the buildings and, indeed ,three sensibilities and how villages need
company’s construction partner. years ago it won an award in the to evolve with “scaled expansion
It is clear the directors set Best Renovation category of the to maintain a village’s economy
the mood and the standard, WhatHouse? Awards. and sense of community”.
passionate about product and
specification, but also about
developing their employees and
building a respected brand in
the south-east, with Fernham’s
distinctive pink livery.
Its designs, although varied
and bold, pay due respect to the
local vernacular such as Wealden-
style timber weatherboarding. Its
homes range from one-bedroom
apartments to five-bedroom
houses, with attractive street
scenes creating a strong sense
of place.
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HOUSING ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR
In 2018 Sovereign invested
£238m in building 1,543 homes, a
rise of nearly 30% on the previous
year, and it is set to raise that
figure to 1,900 homes. A key
strategy for the future is to take
greater control through more land-
led development, giving the
organisation a greater say over
the tenure, pace, design and
GOLD To be a truly top performer Vivid standard of the resulting homes.
Vivid needs to get its customer service Community investment has
Vivid is an organisation that has rating up from the current 77% risen to £3m per year, and
really had the bit between its satisfaction level. While it is doing Sovereign is working with nine
teeth since its formation in 2017 some good work – investing in community groups on a range of
from two of Hampshire’s largest existing homes, helping over 200 initiatives including reducing anti-
housing associations. residents into work, supporting social behaviour, drug rehabilitation
It has upped new homes people to claim over £4.6m in and improving town centres.
delivery by a third in the last year benefit entitlements, and creating As it embarks on a five-year
alone to over 1,000 properties and important partnerships with local strategy to maximise its social
was one of the first HAs to agree a mental health and homelessness impact, Sovereign is replacing 20
Strategic Partnership with Homes agencies – overall satisfaction is offices and depots with seven
England, worth a chunky £88m in lower than the average for modern hubs. The head office
grant funding. It now has a associations based outside and customer contact team have
pipeline of over 6,000 new homes London. The quality of the core moved to a new building in
and ambitions to build 17,000 in service is fundamental for every Basingstoke, while a bespoke
the next 10 years, making it a housing association. operational hub is being built in
major player in the south-east Newbury, Berkshire. All housing,
affordable housing market.
It is being smart too. This year’s
SILVER property, development and
community investment teams
Sovereign Housing
acquisition of respected developer covering Hampshire and Berkshire
Bargate Homes has added new
Association will be brought together when the
skills and land for 2,500 homes to As it approaches the 30th new building is completed in 2020.
maintain the momentum and anniversary of its creation A customer portal, introduced in
quality in the housebuilding through a stock transfer in 2018, offers customers the ability
programme. Vivid has also kept a West Berkshire, Sovereign is to be in contact 24/7 via any
tight geography, operating in just now one of the largest housing mobile device. In July this year, the
20 local authority areas where it associations in the UK, providing service was used 17,000 times.
has market and management more than 58,000 properties for
expertise, allowing a new push 134,500 residents across the
into West Sussex from a position south of England.
of strength. And it has focused And it is acting on a broad
on costs, reducing operating scale as it looks to evolve and
expenditure by over £9m since the grow, as demonstrated by a
merger, bringing costs per home £229m joint venture with Crest
below the sector average, and Nicholson at Harry Stoke, near
getting top governance and Bristol, and an innovative
viability ratings from the Regulator partnership with West Berkshire
of Social Housing. Borough Council.
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BEST BUILD TO RENT PROJECT
with access control systems in
all flats and a community portal,
which, as well as encouraging
internal communication between
residents, has all the necessary
rental documents and tenancy
information.
The performance of the
buildings is monitored to meet
and exceed sustainability targets,
while the design, working with
architects SimpsonHaugh, has
been key, with the average
two-bedroom apartments more
than 15% bigger than national
space standards.
GOLD build to rent development in As well as the efficiency of
West Tower, Deansgate the UK. There is ground floor the buildings and the need for
Square, Manchester amenity space, complimentary durability, the developer has put
broadband for each apartment emphasis on the service element
Legal & General and a 24-hour onsite residents’ to elevate the BTR offering in a city
Investment Management service team. with plenty of competition in the
Real Assets The second phase will include sector. From launch there were
Another Awards triumph in this a sports hall, a pool house, private interactions and partnerships
category for Legal & General. hire rooms for business and with local businesses and
West Tower in Deansgate entertaining, a dance studio and organisations to collaboratively
Square is in two phases. The a rooftop garden and bar with promote both the scheme and the
first, completed this year, is 350 360-degree views. attractions of Manchester. ‘Built to
apartments across 45 floors, Technology is a strong rent, designed for life’ is a laudable
making the scheme the tallest component of the development, BTR mantra.
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BEST BUILD TO RENT PROJECT
supporting residents in London
and the south-east since 1974
and has a management team
onsite at Atrium Point as well as
a concierge.
At Atrium Point (which is also
known as The Big Blue after
the nickname of IBM, which
was formerly headquartered at
the building), Network Homes
has promoted the product as
SmartRent to highlight the ease
SILVER BoConcept, the Danish interiors of use and occupation, including
Victory Plaza, East Village, company. There is broadband in a service called Pinglocker, with
London E20 every property, as well as smart secure lockers for residents’
meters, while Google Home deliveries through an app, while
Get Living devices are also being installed residents can also report repairs
Victory Plaza comes from the and equipped with a Get Living needed online.
burgeoning Get Living portfolio Assistant, as Get Living delivers The properties, with no agency
of rental homes, which at a customer experience for an fees and around 20% below
East Village – the former increasingly discerning tenant. local market rents, range from
Athletes’ Village from the 2012 There are no fees or deposits furnished studios costing £668
London Olympics – stands at and three-year tenancies from a month to two-bedroom
1,500 homes. the UK’s largest build to rent unfurnished apartments for
Victory Plaza is a range of operator, which also has projects £1,064 a month, with communal
studios to four-bedroom houses in Manchester, Leeds and areas and social spaces for
built as a podium and two towers Glasgow and planning to grow to residents to meet.
standing at 26 and 30 storeys. around 12,500 homes in the next The focal point is the
East Village has a mix of five years. development’s atrium, while a
cafes, restaurants and bars, as walkway overlooking the atrium
well as business space, and
Victory Plaza will come with
BRONZE connects two of the scheme’s
blocks, lighting up communal
Atrium Point, Sudbury Hill,
further retail and leisure space corridors.
on the ground floor.
London UB6
The scheme, designed by Network Homes
architects Lifschutz Davidson This is the first build to rent
Sandilands, used the ‘jump scheme from Network Homes.
factory’ system from Mace, Atrium Point offers 270 homes
which means an entire floor of for the local Ealing community at
apartments can be completed below market rents and is a
in around 55 hours, with less partnership with the Greater
transport and a huge reduction London Authority (GLA) and
in construction waste. Around Ealing Council, supported by a
98% of the superstructure of £21m London Housing Bank
the towers was prefabricated, grant from the GLA.
with no need for tower cranes, While it is its first BTR
minimising local disruption. development, Network, as a
The homes come fully well-known and respected
furnished, in partnership with housing association, has been
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BEST STARTER HOME SCHEME
ownership, the rest through
London Help to Buy; 98% were
sold to first-time buyers, with
starting prices of £162,500 and
£400,000 respectively, leading to
keen potential purchasers
camping overnight pre-launch.
Green spaces, such as a
3.25-hectare ecology area,
together with a 630-capacity
new primary school, have
GOLD through partnerships; by working been major selling points, as
Captain’s View & Captain’s closely together, Cardiff Council have been the contemporary
Walk and Wates Residential have architecture of the range of
preserved a tight-knit community homes and the various finishes.
Cardiff Living for generations to come. Living space, storage and
Captain’s View & Captain’s Walk private outdoor areas are
in Cardiff gives first-time buyers
much more than a first rung on
SILVER generous across the property
types. The show home illustrates
The Quarry, Erith, London
the housing ladder; it offers local the standard specification, with
people the opportunity to settle
Borough of Bexley underfloor heating, wardrobes
within their community, and L&Q and The Anderson and en suites to master
many may never feel the need to Group bedrooms and a full range of
move again. With house prices in central kitchen appliances built in.
Of those who have bought a London unachievable for the In addition to the quality of the
home on the development, 90% vast majority of people starting homes themselves, the developer
are from within four miles of it, and on the home ownership ladder, partners have seen numerous
it’s easy to see why they were regenerating the outer boroughs family recommendations and
reluctant to leave. Llanrumney is has been a key to balancing testimonials based on customer
within easy reach of Cardiff city accessibility and affordability. service that have quelled nervous
centre, set against the untamed The Quarry is transforming first-steppers.
beauty of the Welsh valleys. a 20-hectare industrial site Construction at the site has
However, before Cardiff Living – a abandoned for some 30 years to been ahead of schedule and a
partnership between Cardiff provide around 600 new homes further 59 homes for phase three
Council and Wates Residential – in a variety of tenures. went on sale at the end of
began an ambitious regeneration The first two phases, now sold September – the judges predict
project, there were precious few out, delivered 95 maisonettes and continued success for this
options for first-time buyers. houses, 54 available on shared impressive scheme.
The new homes raise the
game for starter homes, with
contemporary architecture,
generous proportions and family-
size gardens. With price points
comfortably below the average in
the Welsh capital, first-time buyers
have options ranging from a two-
bedroom flat to a three-bedroom
house. Cardiff Living is a shining
example of what can be achieved
14 | BEST NEW HOMES IN BRITAIN07_starter.qxp_Layout 1 07/11/2019 19:17 Page 2
BEST STARTER HOME SCHEME
BRONZE
Langley Square, Dartford,
Kent
Weston Homes
With the introduction of its own
First-time SecureBuy initiative,
Weston Homes has provided a
more flexible approach to off-
plan purchase than government-
backed Help to Buy, and
Langley Square is a great
example of the scheme itself and
the quality of home a first-timer
can realistically aspire to.
Homebuyers are able to buyers a level playing field in relegated to ‘up and coming’
reserve the home of their choice securing the plot they want rather areas, so it’s refreshing to see
with a £500 fee and 5% deposit than losing out to cash-rich such high-quality starter homes
on homes that will not be ready to competition. in an established market.
move into for more than nine All units having generous Welwyn Garden City was
months. Additionally, the asking glazing for natural light, and Ebenezer Howard’s prototype
price remains the same as at the there is a balcony/terrace to for the Garden City movement,
time of reservation, so there’s no most. The site’s show home is and it continues to celebrate the
unforeseen hike if the local market fitted to standard specification, best of town and country.
price increases over that period. If which includes all appliances, Times Square is a mere 10
a purchaser pulls out within two notable bathroom tech and minutes away from the town
years of reserving, they get their even little details such as centre, where a train can get
deposit back in full. under-pelmet lighting. There are you to King’s Cross in less than
At Langley Square, where half many extra finish options to 30 minutes. It’s rare to find
the 728 units are now completed, those who want them. something genuinely affordable
around 60-70% of buyers have for first-time buyers within striking
bought a first home and both
purchase schemes have been
BRONZE distance of the City, but the
attractions of Times Square don’t
Times Square, Welwyn
very popular. Competitively priced end with its commuter links. Times
and well-specified, these one- and
Garden City, Hertfordshire Square was built in homage to the
two-bedroom apartments have Metropolitan Thames Art Deco style, which gives the
seen high demand but Weston’s Valley Housing development a sense of identity,
own initiative gives first-time All too often, first-time buyers are unique homes and grand
communal spaces reminiscent of
1930s’ New York. While the style
of the buildings echo a bygone
era, the bright, spacious homes
offer the best of modern living with
en suite bathrooms and large
winter gardens. It’s hardly
surprising that 90% of the homes
have been snapped up by first-
time buyers who will be proud to
call Times Square home.
BEST NEW HOMES IN BRITAIN | 1508_House.qxp_Layout 1 07/11/2019 19:18 Page 1
BEST HOUSE
The house feels light rural neighbourhood close to
and spacious with a high- Chelmsford. Set around a series
ceilinged hallway leading of courtyard spaces and lanes,
on to an open-plan the large development feels more
kitchen/dining/living room like an intimate community. Each
and to the garden beyond cluster of houses comprises a
through huge timber range of house types, in both
sliding doors. There is also size and tenure, around a
a cloakroom and utility. landscaped space; houses are
The kitchen is very well linked by single-storey car ports,
specified and the living garages or boundary walls.
area has a wood-burning The Agate, by JTP architects, is
GOLD stove. Oak flooring leads to oak a two-storey detached corner
The Hornbeam, Golden stairs and up to a double-height house; a contemporary ‘barn’ style
Mede, Waddesdon, landing with desk area and a designed to act as a focal point in
Buckinghamshire master bedroom suite at the rear. the scheme. Its design picks up
Two more double bedrooms have on a modern interpretation of the
ZeroC similar cathedral-like ceilings, and Essex vernacular; red brick, black
(part of Places for People) share a good-sized bathroom. timber and grey slate reflect
This is a rural development of 75 Architect CF Moller was chosen traditional materials used in
two-, three- and four-bedroom for its innovative approach and neighbouring historic villages.
terraced homes, providing track record in sustainable design The interiors are well planned,
contemporary living in the and the house consequently has a modern and flexible, offering good
historic village of Waddesdon. host of energy-saving features family accommodation. On the
Delivered by the Rothschild including a wastewater heat ground floor there is a double-
Foundation, the houses have recovery system, twin-zoned height entrance hall with views to
been built on an unused piece of heating controls, high levels of the garden beyond, as well as a
land on the Waddesdon Estate. thermal insulation and airtightness, snug, study, and cloakroom. The
The contemporary houses form and a car charging point. hallway leads to an open-plan
a series of meandering terraces reception/dining/kitchen space
following the natural curves of the
landscape, and are laid out
SILVER with sliding glazed doors opening
out on to the garden. The kitchen
The Agate, Pompadour at
around a communal area. Each is well specified, with a separate
house has a garden bordered by
Channels, Chelmsford, utility/mudroom. Expansive floor-
hedgerows, with informal paths
Essex to-ceiling glazing allows the
leading to the woodland glade Home Group interiors to be flooded with light.
and series of ponds beyond. Pompadour is part of a scheme There are 4/5 bedrooms, two with
Behind the Siberian larch and of 197 homes forming a new en suites, and a family bathroom.
heritage tile cladding to the front, There is also a large
the Tardis-like Hornbeam has balcony accessible from the
been carefully planned and master suite and landing.
detailed to provide a well- Two rooms have double-
proportioned, flexible living space. height voids making use of
Burnt cedar-clad gatehouses/bin the roof space above.
stores at the arrival side of the The internal features –
house are clever, screening the timber stairs, glass and high
huge front window to provide ceilings – emphasise the
some privacy. There is also a bike feeling of spaciousness
store next to the front door. while the attention to detail
16 | BEST NEW HOMES IN BRITAIN08_House.qxp_Layout 1 07/11/2019 19:18 Page 2
BEST HOUSE
dual aspect with full-height doors The Harlington, by Cooper
opening onto the courtyard. The Baillie architects, is a three-storey
spacious, well-specified bespoke detached house, with its simple
kitchen leads to a lobby, utility and yet functional elevations a modern
cloakroom with a double-length take on local architecture; red
garage to the rear of the property. brick, dark timber weatherboard,
The courtyard garden leads to a dark pitched roofs, white render
large first-floor terrace, accessible and lead trims to some window
via the landing and additional and door openings. Floor-to-
living room/bedroom – a seamless ceiling glazing and roof lights
integration between inside and allow interiors to be flooded with
out. The first and second floors light, with sliding-folding doors
highlights the design-led, non- have a family bathroom and four into the garden from both the
standard nature of the home. bedrooms, two of which have en kitchen/diner and sitting room.
suites and integrated wardrobes. The interior provides plenty of
SILVER The sustainability credentials
are very impressive. Built to Code
versatile family accommodation
with noticeably high ceilings. Off
The Avenue House,
for Sustainable Homes Level 5, of the spacious hallway is an
Athena, Cambridge there is underfloor heating open-plan kitchen, a dining room,
Hill throughout, with MVHR systems study and living room. There is
Part of Athena, a collection of together with PV panels and high also a decent-sized cloakroom,
homes in Eddington, a new levels of insulation helping reduce under-stairs storage and a useful
district of Cambridge being demand on the community’s utility off the well-specified kitchen.
developed by the University of centralised energy centre. Green On the first floor, there are three
Cambridge, The Avenue House, roofs slow rain run-off, while bedrooms – two doubles (one en
designed by Pollard Thomas aerated showerheads and taps suite) and a single – and a family
Edwards, is a well-detailed, reduce water consumption. bathroom. On the top floor there
21st-century interpretation of the is a generous master suite with a
traditional townhouse.
The house has been designed
BRONZE private roof terrace, accessible
from the bedroom, providing
The Harlington, Buckler’s
to maximise outdoor space across views over the countryside.
all floors and to encourage natural
Park, Crowthorne, Berkshire The sustainability specification
light. The quality of the detailing Legal & General Homes is very good, with high levels of
and products used is apparent. Buckler’s Park is a semi-rural insulation, multiple heating zones,
A palette of simple buff brick sustainable development of one- Hive smart thermostats and roof-
combines with laser-cut metal to five-bedroom homes adjacent integrated PV panels contributing
panels, metal handrails, stairs and to a recently created country to economic running costs.
window frames, with bay corner park, Buckler’s Forest, near
windows all inspired by the Crowthorne. Stretching for over
architectural heritage of the city. All 100 acres with forest, grasslands
materials used in the construction and heath, the land was
are sustainable and have been previously used as road safety
sourced as locally as possible. research centre but has been
Internally, a large, light entrance transformed by the developer
hall with plenty of storage leads into a publicly accessible country
to a substantial living/dining room park with a planting programme
and kitchen/breakfast room and of over 20,000 trees, a two-mile
on through to the large courtyard circular woodland path, decked
garden. The living/dining room is areas and ponds.
BEST NEW HOMES IN BRITAIN | 1709_Apartment.qxp_Layout 1 07/11/2019 19:26 Page 1
BEST APARTMENT SCHEME
GOLD
Belvedere Gardens,
Southbank Place,
Lambeth, London SE1
Braeburn Estates
(Joint venture between
Canary Wharf Group and
Qatari Diar)
Southbank Place is a mixed-use
development on the former Shell
Centre tower site near Waterloo.
When completed, it will feature
GOLD to all floors and each property seven new buildings with a
The Crescent at includes at least one allocated piazza and public squares.
Donaldson’s, Edinburgh underground car parking space Belvedere Gardens, currently
and in the majority of cases two under construction, will feature
CALA Homes bays are included. All the bays 97 apartments over two linked
Situated behind an ornate, are pre-wired with an EV charging buildings with a maximum height
gated entrance within point, which purchasers can easily extending to 20 floors. So far,
Edinburgh’s UNESCO World activate by notifying the installer. 79% of the one-, two- and three-
Heritage Site overlooking the All units are planned with the bedroom units have been
renowned splendour of The living areas positioned at the front reserved with two penthouses
Playfair building, The Crescent to take advantage of the southerly soon to be released.
has been purposely designed to aspect and stunning vista through The building’s exterior has been
have a minimal impact on the their full-height glass windows, heavily influenced by the famous
18 acres of historical grounds in while bedrooms are conveniently Festival of Britain exhibition
which it is located. positioned to the rear. Apartments held on the site in 1951, with the
Set against the backdrop of have very generous ceiling event’s emblem, the Festival
mature trees along the site’s heights and are light and airy with Star, embossed and debossed
northern boundary, The contemporary open-plan layouts. across the façade. These
Crescent’s sweeping arc and The overall standard of fixtures, features have been combined
glass-fronted exterior offers a fittings and decorative finishes is with several other external and
stunning example of architectural exceptionally high and the far- internal embellishments relating
modernity that is sympathetic reaching views across Edinburgh to the time period, while bronze
to the adjoining and iconic and the distant countryside are tones reflect the nearby Palace
Donaldson’s estate. quite breathtaking. of Westminster, all of which
This inspiring, low-rise scheme
consists of 84 apartments split
equally into two wings, ranging
from one-, two- and three-
bedroom layouts, that includes
super-sized duplexes and
penthouses. The apartments vary
in size from 883ft² to 2655ft² with
75% having private rear gardens
or terraces and all benefiting
from a dual-aspect and sliding
glass living area. There are lifts
18 | BEST NEW HOMES IN BRITAIN09_Apartment.qxp_Layout 1 07/11/2019 19:26 Page 2
BEST APARTMENT SCHEME
to access homes. At present there
are a number of stylish one-, two-
and three-bedroom apartments
on offer, with a fully furnished
show unit available of each type.
Specifications vary slightly
depending on the size and
position of the apartment.
However, in all cases the standard
of fixtures and fitting are of the
highest quality with a noticeable
attention to detail and design that
St George is known for.
can be admired from the SILVER Other facilities at the scheme
new outside terraces and the London Dock, Wapping, include a 24-hour concierge
Thames riverside. London E1W service, underground car parking
The double-height entrance and The Club, London Docks own
area with its glass doors, marbled
St George private and exceptionally well
floors and walls and sculptured St George is already well into fitted health and fitness suite, with
concierge desk give a taste of its placemaking of its London its 20m indoor pool, jacuzzi,
what’s to come within the Dock development at Wapping, sauna, steam room, treatment
apartments themselves, all of a new neighbourhood scheme room, gym and fitness studio, as
which are entered via oak panel designed to transform a well as a squash court, virtual golf
doors. Inside the apartments, previously publicly inaccessible suite and a 12-seater private
flooring is a pleasing combination area into 1,800 homes, screening room.
of stone and timber with carpet in landscaped gardens, squares,
the bedrooms; ceiling heights are
also impressive. The open
cafes and restaurants.
Almost half of the site is
BRONZE
Birchcroft, Ascot,
kitchen/dining areas are roomy dedicated to open space, with
and well planned and fitted with a number of communal and
Berkshire
Miele appliances and stone courtyard gardens plus a Brockenhurst Homes
worktops. Bathrooms are very spectacular 130-jet fountain Birchcroft is an exclusive scheme
smart and functional as are designed to constantly change of just 12 apartments, set in
bedrooms, which are all a colour as well as alter height in around an acre of landscaped
good size and come with fitted strong winds. grounds in Brockenhurst
wardrobes. Full-height windows So far, the 15-acre site has four Road, one of Ascot’s premier
let in light and provide panoramic elegant new apartment buildings, private addresses, just a few
views across the capital’s skyline, three of which are occupied and minutes’ drive from the famous
while a number of properties have a fourth one nearing completion. racecourse.
private balconies. A further six more apartment The external fabric of the
Residents have their own buildings are in various stages of building has been finished in an
residence lounge with coffee- construction. elegant Art Deco style, enhanced
making facilities, a bar and Once completed, these by the inclusion of a classic
outside terrace, while on the individual buildings will offer a Romanesque arch around the
lower floor there is a health suite comprehensive choice of main entrance area.
with a gym, sauna, steam room apartment sizes and designs and The apartments are accessible
and treatment room, while an include a range of tenures, with by lift or via a magnificent,
indoor swimming pool is nearing special consideration given to central wrought iron and marble
completion. enabling local people and workers staircase. Each of the properties
BEST NEW HOMES IN BRITAIN | 1909_Apartment.qxp_Layout 1 07/11/2019 19:26 Page 3
THE TAP THAT
DOES IT ALL
100°C BOILING, CHILLED AND SPARKLING WATER
With the new Quooker CUBE, you can now also dispense chilled and
sparkling water from your Quooker tap. That means that a single tap
gives you everything you need: 100°C boiling, hot, cold, chilled and
sparkling water. The Quooker CUBE can be installed in the kitchen
cabinet next to the Quooker tank.
Interested? Visit a dealer, go to quooker.co.uk
or call 0345 833 3333 for more information.09_Apartment.qxp_Layout 1 07/11/2019 19:26 Page 4
BEST APARTMENT SCHEME
manor, while converting
the property into 13 luxury
apartments. Many of the original
fixtures of the building, such as
staircases, wall panelling,
ceilings and stained glass, have
undergone extensive restoration
by specialist tradesmen to return
them to their original condition.
The properties themselves will be
finished to a high specification
using a combination of traditional
has either a private patio or BRONZE and modern fixtures and fittings
balcony and there are landscaped Haseley Manor, Hatton, so to retain as much of the
communal gardens for residents Warwickshire apartments character as possible
to enjoy. while making homes fit for the
Spitfire Bespoke Homes
There are five two-bedroom, 21st century.
two-bathroom apartments; four Once a medieval deer park, At the same time, great care
three-bedroom, three-bathroom Haseley Manor is approached and attention has been also
layouts; and two three-bedroom, via long sweeping drive through given to the restoration of the
three-bathroom penthouses on areas of local farmland and ornate formal gardens that once
the top floor, both with enormous picturesque countryside. The encompassed the manor
entrance halls, separate coded lift manor itself has a long and building. This is being achieved
access and a private rooftop distinguished history with the by the reforming of the original
terrace and conservatory. There is original building traceable latticework of stone pathways,
also a stunning three-bedroom, back to 1066. Since then it the introduction of 500
three-bathroom duplex apartment has seen several changes ornamental plants including
with its own 22ft x 15ft cinema and owners, with the present domed evergreen shrubs, topiary
room, complete with surround property being built by a trees and clipped hedges, plus
sound system, luxurious seating new industrial age baron the reintroduction of a central
for six people and its own bar. In around 1873. water feature.
addition, the property benefits Currently, Spitfire Homes is in There is a choice of one-, two-
from a good-sized private garden the process of sympathetically and three-bedroom apartments,
supplied with a barbeque. restoring the Gothic and all of which will include certain
All the properties have an Elizabethan architectural features aspects of the restored period
exceptionally high level of of the of the Grade ll listed detailing when complete.
specification with top quality
fixtures and fittings included as
standard. Car parking is provided
in a secure, underground area
with two spaces allocated per
apartment. Each bay has a car
charging point plus there is an
additional ‘fast’ charging point
fitted next to the visitors parking
area. Each apartment also has a
handy storage room with lighting
and power, located in the
underground car parking area.
BEST NEW HOMES IN BRITAIN | 2110_LuxuryHouse.qxp_Layout 1 07/11/2019 19:28 Page 1
BEST LUXURY HOUSE
the house features one vast open-
plan living space with a series of
full-height, crittal-style, French
doors across the entire elevation.
Windows are a big part of the
concept – and the budget. Every
roof light has a mirror lining,
which bounces light around so it
reaches every corner. Thanks to
its cantilevered construction, an
orangery of 32ft features multi-fold
doors opening on two sides
GOLD skirtings throughout the property offering unobstructed access to
Kings View, St George’s Hill, and LED-lit coffered ceilings, the garden where a covered
Weybridge, Surrey used to denote different living seating area invites outdoor
spaces without having an impact entertaining whatever the weather.
Aspire Luxury Properties on the layout. Even the garage Set over three floors,
Kings View has all the panache comes with a heated, tiled floor Beechmont’s practical features
expected in this exalted price and a car stacker. include a large, fully equipped
bracket. Set in an acre of St Aspire has created a stylish, first-floor laundry room and a utility
George’s Hill, Weybridge, the comfortable family home, albeit room doubling as a ‘prep kitchen’.
classic double frontage gives way majestic in scope. Kings View The air-conditioned master
to a contemporary interior filled deserves the crown. bedroom suite spans 1300ft²
with natural light thanks to incorporating a morning room,
extensive use of glass.
A magnificent curved staircase
SILVER two dressing rooms and two
impressive en suites, one with a
Beechmont, Beaconsfield,
floats up through the centre of the crittall-inspired shower screen and
house from the lower ground floor
Buckinghamshire black brassware. The top-floor
leisure suite to the six first-floor EAB Homes media room, with its own
bedroom suites. Open plan is the The Arts & Crafts elevation of kitchenette, has a 4K projector
key to this home, with a 21m-long this luxury house is remarkably and 100-inch screen.
living, dining room and kitchen. traditional, right down to the EAB Homes is a family-run
Space throughout is generous detailed herringbone brickwork business aiming to create an
with a formal dining room, ‘prep laid in situ. Beyond the triple brick aura of wellness enhanced by
kitchen’, entertainment lounge, archway, however, the interior is high impact homes with beautiful
study and ‘trophy’ room as well as crisp and contemporary with a finishes. At Beechmont, it has
self-contained staff quarters. The nod to the Jazz Age. The rear of succeeded.
master suite has twin dressing
rooms, two en suites, and a
balcony that overlooks the garden
and 12m infinity pool. Every
room at the rear of the house has
south-facing views across the golf
course to the countryside beyond.
What’s noticeable throughout
the 11,600ft² is the immaculate
finish. Alongside the latest tech
lies endless luxury touches,
such as well-proportioned 30cm
22 | BEST NEW HOMES IN BRITAIN10_LuxuryHouse.qxp_Layout 1 07/11/2019 19:28 Page 2
BEST LUXURY HOUSE
cosy sitting room or top floor
prayer/meditation/quiet room.
The staircase is a curved work
of art, bordered by polished
concrete capped with a long,
smooth handrail concealing two
20m lengths of LED lighting.
Dropping down through the centre
is a profusion of warmly coloured,
glass lightshades. The level of
detail extends to the doors, which
are custom made in tinted black
SILVER with a backdrop of book- American walnut with nickel inlay.
The Pool House, Oversley matched, oversized marble. The main living space has a
Castle, Wixford, Alcester From here and the master suite, bespoke fireplace below a media
you can step out to a private wall, and floor-to-ceiling glazed
Oversley terrace to enjoy boundless views panels that open out to the
The Pool House, once the setting across the countryside. garden, which leads to woodland
for the swimming pool at Oversley The house also has unusual where Manak Homes has created
Castle, stands 350m above sea touches, such as oak-clad sliding winding paths through mature
level, enjoying panoramic views fire doors, a Japanese-style zen trees. The main family kitchen
across five counties from its fully garden and stunning ‘black ice’ features Zebrano cabinets, stone
glazed, south-facing facade. granite in the vaulted kitchen, worktops and antique bronze
Each glazed panel is designed under a sculpted zinc roof. mirror splashbacks. A separate
with high-spec solar control and kitchen, accessed separately from
excellent thermal and airtightness
values. Two air-source pumps,
BRONZE the side of the house, ensures all
cooking odours are contained,
Woodside Place,
plus solar panels feeding into a away from any living spaces. A
storage battery pack, contribute to
Chelsfield, Kent lower ground floor features an
the excellent energy efficiency of Manak Homes indoor pool, entertainment lounge
this unique property. Woodside Place is a house for and a tiered cinema.
The initial appearance of social interaction and a sense of Woodside Place is designed
The Pool House is deceptive, belonging. Set over four floors, with attention to detail and a sense
concealing some 7,000ft² of with a lift for accessibility, it has a of cohesion. Manak has thought of
accommodation over three floors. layout that encourages residents almost everything, including a
The subterranean level, formerly to spend time together, whether matching dog kennel – complete
the pool, is protected from an in the extensive living space, the with underfloor heating.
excess of solar gain in summer
and is warmer in the winter. It now
houses a gym, media room and
two bedroom suites, each with
their own sitting area featuring a
large ceiling ‘window’, which can
be raised for fresh air.
An impressive master suite
has a concealed coffee station
and an en suite featuring a
copper bath (with matching towel
rail) and a twin walk-in shower
BEST NEW HOMES IN BRITAIN | 23You can also read
