new homesGLOUCESTERSHIRE

Spring 2014

FREE

WHAT IMPACT WILL IT HAVE?

Experts discuss the need for more affordable homes

Meet real people on their journey to buying their first new home

AFFORDABLEOWNERSHIP

help to buy

CASE STUDIES

Step into a world of elegant living when you explore our collection of

four bedroom homes at Littlecombe.

Prices from £259,950

OUR CHOICE - THE PORTLAND

The Portland is an impressive, four bedroom detached family home with stunning views over the River Cam and towards the

Cotswolds edge.

The Portland is just £329,950

Visit: stmodwenhomes.co.ukLister Road, Dursley, Gloucestershire, GL11 4BA

Sales Offi ce Open Thursday to Monday 10am to 5:30pm

To view our superb four bedroom detached Showhome set in a beautiful hillside location

contact Andrews Land & New Homes on 01242 248975

NewHomesGloucestershire@AndrewsOnline.co.uk

LITTLECOMBEST. MODWEN HOMES AT

@StModwenHomes

Imagery is for illustration purposes only. External elevations including treatments, materials, window positions and sizes are subject to change at any time. Details correct at time of going to press.

Explore space

Photograph of the ‘Suffolk’ Showhome at Littlecombe

contents4 HELP TO BUY

MEET THE BUYERS

REDROW HOMES

HOMEBUILDERSFIGHT FOR LAND

AFFORDABLE HOME OWNERSHIP

INTERIORS: GETTING THE VINTAGE LOOK INTO YOUR NEW HOME

PERK UP YOUR PATIO

THE PROPERTY CENTRE & BLOOR HOMES

ANDREWS NEW LAND AND HOMES

MICHAEL TUCK

THE BIG INTERVIEW

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Welcome to the first edition of our new quarterly magazine, exploring the latest trends in the Gloucestershire property market.

This quarter we focus on New Homes. With the Government’s promise of more houses and developers competing for land in the county, there is no better time to start your search for a brand new property here in Gloucestershire.

Energy efficient homes, kitted out with the latest modern features, with great local amenities, schools and transport links, can be the rewards for those buying a new home here. There are a range of support packages for all types of buyers, including first-timers.

In this edition, we include an interview with Hamptons International’s New Homes regional manager Helene Parker-Joel, who discusses some of the top-of-the-range properties on the market. We include reaction to the extension of the Government’s Help to Buy scheme; cover affordable housing in the county and feature case studies of those that have moved into a new home in recent months.

Each week, the Gloucestershire Echo and Gloucester Citizen’s property supplement Homebuyer and Stroud Life’s Property Life, features the latest new homes for sale. For more information contact one of our property team below.

We hope you enjoy reading our first edition and what New Homes the county has to offer.

Chris CampbellChris Campbell Property Editor

meet the team

new homesGLOUCESTERSHIRE

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welcome

Designed by Debbie Pike

help to buy:Chancellor George Osborne’s announcement that the Help to Buy scheme will be extended is welcome but needs to go further, key industry bosses have said.Mr Osborne revealed the Help to Buy equity loan scheme will continue until 2020, to get “120,000 new homes built”. The first phase of the popular initiative applies to new-build homes, with a value of £600,000 or less. Phase two of Help to Buy, which provides mortgage guarantees for banks lending to buyers with small deposits, remains unchanged. Both phases were launched last year.Kevin Wilkins, group marketing director at Bovis Homes, said: “Help to Buy is proving to be excellent news for homebuyers, especially those who have been struggling to raise some of the higher deposits sometimes required by lenders.“This is the most progressive scheme we have seen yet, with broad qualification criteria which makes it available to all types of homebuyers – not just first-timers – with no income cap and a maximum house price of £600,000.“Since its launch the message is getting out that this really is a great time to make that move into a brand new home.“I would advise people who have been waiting for changes in the market before moving to take a close look at Help to Buy and see if it is the right option for them. “We’ve seen many people who had been holding back from making a move now deciding to make the most of the five per cent deposit requirement, the Government equity loan and the 75 per cent mortgage, which should give them access to more attractive rates of interest.”But David Orr, chief executive at the National Housing Federation, said there were risks of a “house price bubble”.He said: “Measures like Help to Buy are likely to stimulate demand for housing but the Budget does not go far enough to boost the supply of homes needed to meet that demand. “While the extension of Help to Buy will assist some people to buy their own home in the short term, in the long term it risks fuelling a house price bubble. The longer that the new build housing market is dependent on government intervention, the more difficult it will be for them to withdraw in future years. “It will be hard for the Government to demonstrate How Help to Buy would

generate new homes being built that would not have already been developed. It is not the most effective way of using public investment and is far too small an amount to address the crisis.”Simon Rubinsohn, chief economist at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, said: “The much trailed extension of Help to Buy to 2020 is not a game changer. While it provides certainty and clarity to the market, creating another 120,000 new build properties is still a modest target. We need over 230,000 just to meet current demand. Much more needs to be done.”

WHAT IMPACT WILL IT HAVE?

HELP TO BUY: EQUITY LOANS

HELP TO BUY: MORTGAGE GUARANTEES

Equity loans are open to both first-time buyers and home movers on new-build homes in England with a purchase price up to £600,000.

You won’t be able to sub-let your home if you use this scheme. It must also be your only property.

HOW IT WORKS

With an equity loan:

You’ll need to contribute at least 5 per cent of the property price as a deposit The government will give you a loan for up to 20 per cent of the price You’ll need a mortgage of up to 75 per cent to cover the rest

Mortgage guarantees helps you buy a home with a deposit of 5% of the purchase price. It is open to both first-time buyers and home movers for new-build and older homes in the UK with a purchase price up to £600,000.

The guarantee is provided to your mortgage lender by the government - not to you.

ELIGIBILITY

To qualify for a mortgage guarantee, the home you want to buy must:

Have a purchase price of £600,000 or less Not be a shared ownership or shared equity purchase Not be a second home Not be rented out after purchase

The property doesn’t have to be newly built.

You don’t have to be a first-time buyer and there’s no limit on your level of income. But you can’t use Help to Buy with any other publicly funded mortgage scheme, or an interest-only mortgage.

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George Osborne extends the first phase of the Help to Buy scheme.

BY CHRIS CAMPBELL, PROPERTY EDITORchris.campbell@glosmedia.co.uk

Photographs taken of the Grand Hall at Thirlestaine Park. Computer generated illustrationdepicts Plot 59 and is indicative only. Prices and details correct at time of going to print.

The Grand Hall at Thirlestaine Park has proved a popular success. With the final three 2 and 3 bedroomapartments now remaining we urge you to book an early viewing appointment to avoid disappointment.

Blending unique period features including decorative cornicing, high ceilings and large windows with up-to-the-minutespecifications for elegant contemporary living, The Grand Hall promises the rare opportunity to enjoy an unrivalledlifestyle in a beautiful landscaped environment.

Sensitively restored and converted, this select collection of homes has proved to be extremely popular and with thefinal two now available please call 01753 784417 or email sales.oxford@berkeleyhomes.co.uk to book yourviewing appointment.

Information Centre open daily from 10am to 5pm

Prices from £650,000

Time is running out.Final three apartments remaining at The Grand Hall.

Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Appointed agent:

BHO28432 Thirlestaine Park 210x297 AD 21/03/2014 15:38 Page 1

Nick and Danielle Clements were keen to take their all-important first step onto the property ladder and found a new build home in Gloucester.The pair had been renting an apartment in Bristol for some time and were looking for a property that was close to friends and family, but also kept the commute into work easy.They moved into Crest Nicholson’s Hunts Grove development at Waterwells Business Park.The 28-year-old said: “Danielle has family in Gloucester and we have a number of friends who

live there too, so we decided to start there. Friends of ours had bought a house at Hunts Grove and recommended that we take a look so we visited the development, and loved it straight away. “We had never lived in a new build before, and were worried about space. As soon as we viewed the houses at Hunts Grove, those worries went away.”He added the paperwork was not too daunting thanks to the support provided by the housebuilder.

meet theBUYERS

NICK & DANIELLE

LINDA AND JOHN

SARAH & PAUL RUTH MEACHAMNew parents Sarah and Paul Rowland decided the time was right to move out of their rented place and buy a home in the county before the birth of their daughter Mabel.The first-time buyers wanted more space for their growing family but didn’t want to move away from Bishop’s Cleeve.When a three-bedroom home became available at Taylor Wimpey’s Dean Acre development in the village, they decided it was ideal.Sarah, 28, is an early years teacher. She said: “We wanted to stay in the same area but the house we rented was becoming too small for us. “This is the first home we’ve ever bought and it’s a great feeling to know that we’re finally on the housing ladder. We had been saving up for a deposit for so long, so it’s lovely to be settled in our own home, especially with the baby.”Sarah and Paul, who is also 28 and a software engineer, bought their home off-plan, meaning they could see the property being built and were able to choose the fixtures and finishings.

Retired couple Linda and John Drywood moved to Gloucestershire to be closer to family. The pair moved to a four-bedroom home at development Circa Cheltenham, off Tommy Taylor’s Lane.The property, which has two floors, was on the market for £275,000.Linda, 66, said Cheltenham was a “perfect size” for the duo and she was hoping to reduce household bills. The retired teacher said: “The double glazing in our home is excellent as is the insulation in our walls and loft. I’m sure it’s going to make a lot of difference to our bills.”They upped sticks from Kent to Gloucestershire to be close to one son in Cheltenham and another in Bristol. The pair wanted to live in a bigger house and after taking advice from a financial adviser, let out their previous home in the town, to pay their mortgage. The property was built by developer Bloor Homes.

A finance manager who bought a new build home despite setting her heart on an older property says she “loves” her decision.Ruth Meacham stumbled by accident across the three-bedroom house she bought in Moreton-in-Marsh, in the Cotswolds.One minute she was looking at old properties and then six weeks after putting down a deposit she had the keys to her brand new, semi-detached property at development The Artisan Quarter. She bought it from housebuilder Linden Homes. Ms Meacham said: “I came looking for a house that I had seen and actually by mistake I found Linden Homes’ Artisan Quarter.“I really could see myself there. It felt a really select development, not a great big housing estate.“I still wasn’t sure though, but as I was driving to work the next day I thought, this is ridiculous, that house is absolutely gorgeous! So I put in an offer and Linden Homes accepted.“My mum came on my second viewing and thought it was the best house she’d ever seen.”It’s a far cry from the 100-year-old two-bed terraced house with no parking where Ruth lived in Witney, Oxfordshire, which she left to start a new life in new surroundings.

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big interview

Q: What do the two elements of this scheme mean for home-buyers?Essentially, any type of home-buyer (so not just first-time buyers) will be able to secure a Government-backed loan(interest free for five years) to top up their existing equity/deposit for their next home purchase. So far there has been 10,000 HelpToBuy reservations in the first four months.

Q: What are the key points do you think that will have an impact on home-hunters and the property market?Home-buyers only need a minimum of five per cent deposit and this can be topped up with an extra 20 per cent via the scheme. Critically, it will supply buyers with the extra equity required to trade up to properties that will suit their requirements, and means that they can secure 75 per cent mortgages at better interest rates based on 25 per cent deposits.

Q: How does the scheme differ to those currently available: including First Buy and NewBuy?First Buy is the same scheme essentially, but only for first-time buyers purchasing new homes. NewBuy allows buyers of new homes access to 95 per cent mortgages if they only have a five per cent deposit.

Q: Why do you think this scheme has been launched?Help to Buy is designed to help credit-worthy households struggling to save for high mortgage deposits required by lenders in the current economic climate.

Q: When and how will home-buyers be able to take advantage of this scheme?New homes at sites where the developer has registered for the scheme can be bought using Help to Buy now.

All home-buyers can benefit from the Government’s new Help to Buy if they understand how the scheme works, says David Packwood, of Andrews Land & New Homes. Here, the regional manager answers questions on what the initiative is and how it could impact movers.

WITH DAVID PACKWOOD AND RICHARD STYLES

THE

LEFT: Richard Styles, Land and Development Manager at Andrews Land and New HomesABOVE: David Packwood, Area Manager at Andrews Land and New Homes

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Richard Styles, Land and Development Manager at Andrews Land and New Homes

What can home-owners do to sell their homes?It’s easy to be impressed when you walk into a light, bright, warm and airy room, home viewings are more often done in less than optimal environmental conditions. There are, however, still many ways to show your house to its best advantage.Firstly, remember that curb appeal is important in creating first impressions. Rake those drifting leaves and debris from the lawn and keep the garden neatly trimmed. This will let the sun inside and showcase the exterior of your home.Temperature is also important. Home buyers will be thinking about the practicalities and the costs involved with your property.Keep the house warm, but not overheated, and point out energy-saving features. Research shows the ideal temperature for Spring is 19-21 degrees Celsius for people appropriately dressed. Above all, bring in the light.

5 reasonsHOW THE TWO HELP TO BUY PHASES DIFFERLast year saw the government introduce two mortgage guarantee schemes to support people who aspire to become homeowners. The perception of many people is that there isn’t much of a difference between Help to Buy 1 and Help to Buy 2 and to clarify Here, Andrew Addison, sales director for award-winning homebuilder Redrow (South West), outlines five facts on why he feels Help to Buy 1 is better than Help to Buy 2.

Cheaper mortgage

A typical £250,000 new build property on Help to Buy 1 (HTB1) is £523 cheaper per month than on Help to Buy 2² (HTB2). Therefore, in essence, you get more ‘house’ for your money with HTB1.

Not just for first time buyers

HTB1 is an evolution of an existing scheme called FirstBuy, which went live in 2011, but unlike FirstBuy, HTB1 is relevant to a wider range of the population and can benefit those looking to move up the housing ladder, as well as first-time buyers. However HTB1 is only available on new build properties.

Deposit and equity loan

HTB1 is more affordable in terms of the mortgage because, providing the housebuyer can supply a 5 per cent deposit, they are now able to take out a mortgage for just 75 per cent of the cost of the property. Therefore, they are able to enjoy lower monthly mortgage repayments, thanks to investment from government loans. The final 20 per cent of the value of the property is supported by an equity loan, which is interest-free for the first five years and can be paid back over a span of 25 years.

Better interest rates

With HTB1, homebuyers are able to access competitive interest rates (from a range of banks and building societies), making their mortgage repayments more affordable. This means that househunters can buy a larger property or live in a more expensive area with this first scheme and not have the hassle of moving again in the near future. Not only are properties more affordable with this first scheme, the investment is also more secure for the purchaser. Due to the 20 per cent equity share in HTB1, if house prices fall the government share the loss, whereas with HTB2, which is a straight 95 per cent lend, if prices drop the homebuyer could end up in negative equity.

Energy efficiency of new homes

Energy costs have been constantly on the news agenda recently and everyone is concerned about the ever increasing cost of fuel. Buyers can feel safe in the knowledge that Redrow homes are on average 40 per cent more energy efficient than homes built prior pre-2002, and 70 per cent more energy efficient than homes built prior to 1990. This is not only good news for the environment, but also gives homeowners the capacity to make significant savings of up to £556 a year on household bills in comparison to living in an older property.

Redrow is currently giving potential homebuyers a chance to own a new property thanks to the HTB1 initiative. The South West region now tops the table amongst the Redrow group, with the highest take-up from the whole of the UK.

HTB1, which launched in April 2013, will run for three years and help up to 74,000 buyers, so there is still plenty of time to get involved.

We’re obviously very happy with the sales success that HTB1 has brought, but there are many important benefits for the homebuyer which we wanted to share. By taking advantage of the HTB1 scheme on new build houses, homebuyers have the potential to afford a larger home, access competitive mortgage rates, take advantage of financial and environmental savings and own a stunning home which is ready to move straight into.

HELP TO BUY PHASE 1HTB1 allows people taking their first step onto the property ladder to borrow up to 20 per cent of the value of a newbuild home from the Government, interest-free for the first five years.

Borrowers need a 5 per cent deposit and must take out a mortgage to cover the remaining 75 per cent of the cost of the property. After the five-year interest-free period ends, borrowers will be charged a fee of 1.75 per cent of the loan’s value. This fee will increase every year at 1 per cent above inflation. These fees only count toward the Government loan and come on top of the mortgage repayments. Borrowers must pay back the equity loan when they sell the home or at the end of the mortgage period - whichever comes first.

HELP TO BUY PHASE 2HTB2 is available to both first-time buyers and existing home owners buying newbuild and older properties. Borrowers need a 5 per cent deposit, while the lender is able to buy a guarantee from the Government covering up to 15 per cent of the value of the property. This makes it less risky for lenders to offer a mortgage to a borrower with only a 5 per cent deposit and enables them to offer cheaper rates.

Both phases of the scheme are available on properties worth up to £600,000.

Helping to improve people’s options, key lending partners Nationwide, Natwest and Halifax now on board with HTB1 and there are many great offers available. For example, those who chose to get their mortgage with Halifax can enjoy free stamp duty. Natwest are offering competitive interest rates e.g. 75 per cent two year fixed at 3.15 per cent, £0 fee and 75 per cent five year fixed at 3.59 per cent, £0 fee.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

THE FACTS

Currently celebrating its 40th year, Redrow Homes is one of the UK’s leading house builders, operating across England and Wales, with a strong emphasis on high quality family housing in prime locations. Its Heritage Collection of family homes combines traditional looking, ‘Arts & Crafts’ influenced exteriors with bright, modern, high specification interiors. The company has won numerous awards over the years, including three consecutive 5* awards in the Home Builder Federation (HBF) annual customer satisfaction survey in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Redrow also collected the Silver award in the Large Housebuilder category of the 2012 and 2013 What House? awards; and its ‘MyRedrow’ online tool won the overall Customer Engagement category at the 2013 Peer Awards for Excellence.

www.redrow.co.uk.

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Your mobile operator may charge data usage for scanning QR codes, please ensure you have the appropriate data plan. Help to Buy is a Government backed initiative in partnership with housebuilders. *Shows price with 20%loan assistance. Available on selected plots, subject to status, terms and conditions. Help To Buy cannot be used in conjunction with any other scheme. It is highly advised, for a swift, smooth transaction that an IFA/Solicitoradvised by Redrow Homes is used. Image typical of Redrow homes. Prices correct at time of going to press. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBTSECURED ON IT. CHECK THAT THIS MORTGAGE WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS IF YOU WANT TO MOVE OR SELL YOUR HOME OR YOU WANT YOUR FAMILY TO INHERIT IT. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT, SEEK INDEPENDENT ADVICE.

2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes available from

Sellars Bridge, HardwickeWhether you’re a first time buyer or want to move up the ladder,

there is something for everyone at Sellars Bridge – Help to Buy is availableon all homes for sale.

£128,000*

Sellars BridgeSellars Road, HardwickeGloucester GL2 4QDOpen Daily, 10am – 5.30pm

WITH HELP TO BUY

Visit: redrow.co.uk/sellars Call: 01452 699971

TO

WELCOME HOME

9408 Sellars Bridge SNHM wc240314.qxp_Layout 1 21/03/2014 14:48 Page 1

homebuildersFIGHT FOR LAND

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Homebuilders are actively seeking land in Gloucestershire to feed the “buoyant” property market in the county, an expert has said.

Helene Parker-Joel, New Homes regional sales manager at Hamptons International, said the practice of buying up land for future development was over as competition had grown in the county. Tetbury, Cheltenham and Stroud were particular hotspots, she said.

“The amount of developers looking for land has risen greatly,” Mrs Parker-Joel said. “Years ago they would land bank. But now they are actively seeking land and going straight for planning permission. Then as soon as permission is granted, they are starting work straight away. It is a very fast turnaround and very competitive.”

Mrs Parker-Joel, who joined Hamptons International last year and covers Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Worcestershire, works closely with the Land Team in offering a end-to-end solution for developers .She said the competition levels now seen between developers started at the end of 2012.

Properties on Hamptons International’s books at sites in Stroud, Painswick, Cirencester and Cheltenham, as well as over the Worcestershire border in

Broadway, range from around £250,000 to £1.5 million.

Helene said: “There are a lot of buoyant areas in the county. Tetbury has great levels of planning applications for future developments that Hamptons are involved with, local, regional and national housebuilders. Cheltenham has a lot of brown site regeneration. It’s become very cosmopolitan, it’s almost a mini London. There is a high rate of pound per sq ft attracting the high-end development.

“We are seeing a lot of people selling country houses in and around Cheltenham, looking for a different lifestyle. It’s an affluent area.

“We’ve also seen a lot of interest in retirement properties. Alternative properties, not necessarily retirement homes, for over 55s.”

She added Stroud was also an exciting area for high-end development, which included the renovation of woollen mills there.

“One of the reasons I think Gloucestershire is so popular is it’s not a million miles from London,” she said. “We are seeing a lot of people moving out of London into Gloucestershire because it is a better life for their children and they can commute quite easily. There is also good access to other cities.”

Helene added many people were “unaware” of the land and new homes service Hamptons International provided and

its aim was to offer unrivalled end-to-end service.

The estate and lettings agency now has its own staff on developments to help with enquiries.

Visit www.hamptons.co.uk.

CHRIS CAMPBELL TALKS TO HELENE PARKER-JOEL, NEW HOMES REGIONAL MANAGER AT HAMPTONS INTERNATIONAL

Helene joined Hamptons International at the beginning of 2013 from Countrywide having previously spent working for both Knight Frank, and Developers Direct. Helene is responsible for advising a wide range of clients from private developers to large housebuilders on a wide range of development matters including viability and consultation work, through to the sales and marketing of development schemes of all sizes across Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.

Our network of offices is extensive and w idespre a d. Our local knowledge is specific and to the point.Because it’s important to you.

Reinforced by a network of 85 offices, our end-to-end solution to residential development ranges from sourcing land to the sale of new homes. Find out more today. 020 7758 8410

www.hamptons.co.uk

G168-YOU-AD-A4P-MSC.indd 1 21/03/2014 12:06

say expertsMORE AFFORDABLE HOMES NEEDED

Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, attends the Rural Housing National Conference 2014 in Cheltenham

Chancellor George Osborne has missed an opportunity to boost supply to create more affordable housing and meet demand, property experts have said.

National Housing Federation chief executive David Orr said the Budget did “not go far enough” and more homes were needed at a faster rate.

Mr Osborne announced support for more than 200,000 new homes. Homes will be built in Barking and Brent Cross in London, while 15,000 will go up in a new garden city at Ebbsfleet in Kent.

Mr Orr said: “We welcome the Chancellor’s focus on housing and the announcement of a new garden city, but we think the Budget is a missed opportunity.

“The Chancellor says the 23 per cent increase in house building is not enough and we agree with him. While he has taken some steps - like a new garden city - to increase supply, we were disappointed that he did not include measures to deliver homes more quickly, at little or no cost to the tax-payer.

“An effective release of public land for house building, increasing the borrowing capacity of housing associations and extending Government guarantees to back financing for new development, would all have made a significant and immediate boost to the supply of affordable homes.’

Simon Rubinsohn, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) chief economist said the Chancellor had failed to address stamp duty tax properly and there was not enough affordable housing.

“Yet again, the Chancellor has failed to overhaul

the stamp duty system, with wages well below inflation and rents rising rapidly for years, many have been struggling to save for a deposit, let alone meet a huge tax bill,” he said.

“Helping more buyers to enter at the lower end of the market would have resulted in more movement and transactions, freeing up stagnant property chains and bringing badly-needed housing onto the market.

“RICS has long called for an investors’ prospectus for garden cities, which we welcome today. But we need a more ambitious approach than 15,000 homes at a time. To provide investors communities and developers with greater confidence, what we need is a proper political vision for garden cities and the wider economy.”

The Princess Royal entered the debate last month and said there needed to be more affordable housing and better understanding of it to keep young people and families in rural areas and in work.

Princess Anne spoke at the Rural Housing National Conference in Cheltenham, addressing housing association and National Trust representatives as well as social landlords and councillors at Pittville Pump Room.

Meanwhile, Two Rivers Housing has three stunning homes available at Pylers Way in Lydney and five in the new King’s Lodge development in

Cinderford.

These homes are available to buy under Shared Ownership, giving you the chance to buy your own home on a part-buy/part-rent basis.

On the edge of Cinderford town and on the doorstep of some of the oldest woodland in the country, the King’s Lodge development offers a perfect mix of rural and urban living.

Cinderford has a wide range of shops and leisure facilities including a library, sports centre, pubs and restaurants, while the woodland offers spectacular walks and cycling routes.

Two Rivers Housing also has three Shared Ownership homes available at Pylers Way, offering a mixture of two and three-bedroom houses in an attractive town on the edge of the Forest of Dean.

Lydney is within easy reach of Chepstow and Ross-on-Wye and across the Severn Bridge is Bristol.

If you are interested in applying for Help to Buy at either of these developments, contact Two Rivers Housing’s Home Ownership team on 0800 316 0897/0300 100 0896 or email at homeownershipteam@2rh.org.uk.

The Guinness Partnership also provides good quality, affordable homes and services across different parts of the country. To find out more, visit www.guinnesspartnership.com.

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If you’re feeling nostalgic, and your most-loved possessions are ones which hark back to childhood memories, chances are, retro-inspired homewares will appeal.

Adding some decorative accessories modelled on styles from the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies can also add quirky and feminine charm to the home.

“We love bringing back classic items from key moments in time, and then making them right for today’s world,” says Oliver Tress, managing director at Oliver Bonas.

“For the 1958 furniture range, we’ve used the sophisticated silhouette from the original Fifties shape in a gorgeous mix-match chalky colour palette. But we also wanted to make it comfy enough and have used lovely feather wrapped cushions, rather than the very dense pads that were used then.

vintage lookGET THE

1958 Two Seater Sofa, £895Oliver Bonas

www.oliverbonas.com

Linea Vintage Baking Small Yellow Mixing Bowl, £13House of Fraser www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Retro Top Mount Fridge Freezer in Green, £479

Littlewoodswww.littlewoods.com

Sunflower Mirror, £235Joanna Wood

www.joannawood.co.uk

Set of two Painterly Rose & Big Spot Square Melamine Storage Boxes, £20Cath Kidston www.cathkidston.com

Art You Grew Up With Basket For Berries Character Edition Framed, £50

House of Fraser www.houseoffraser.co.uk

KitSound Jive DAB Radio, £75 QVCuk

www.qvcuk.com

Sam Wylie-Harris takes a walk down memory lane and selects some pretty vintage-style homewares.

WORDS BY SAM WYLIE-HARRIS, PRESS ASSOCIATION

16

Street scene is computer generated for illustrative purposes only - final finishes/ detail will vary. Please check with Sales Consultant. * Subject to plot.

An exclusively private development of just 11 three & four bedroom new homes in Cheltenham. Take a look at our superb Arlington design.

• Stunning 3 bedroom home

• 2 reception rooms

• Spacious kitchen / dining room with French doors onto patio

• French doors and Juliette balcony to lounge

• Juliette balcony and ensuite to master bedroom

• SMEG integrated appliances including extra wide stainless steel gas hob, feature glass and stainless steel hood, double oven, fridge / freezer, dishwasher and washer dryer

• 2 private parking spaces*

For an appointment to visit contact 07741 260 938 or Andrews 01242 248 975

SAT NAV GL52 2DJ

Marketing Suite open

www.cotswoldhomes.co.uk

Prestbury Mews A4 Ad.indd 1 20/03/2014 08:57

High-end specification with woodland views

Exciting new design for new phase

Spacious rooms withplently of light

House hunters in Gloucestershire will be thrilled to know that Woodland View is about to release a new phase of contemporary homes into the scheme. Local property developer, Freeman Homes are developing the site to provide 47 fabulous new homes for the area. They were keen to build a variety of homes in different styles to give purchasers a choice of design. With 10 different styles of home, two of which being more contemporary, this development will appeal to families looking for large living accommodation, retirees wanting an easy to manage and maintain home as well professional couples looking for something more contemporary in a semi-rural but accessible location. Freeman Homes, have completed the first phase of 16 homes which are more traditional in design and offer large 2 to 5 bed homes. Two of which are occupied with another three occupations planned for this month. The next phase consists of 13 contemporary homes of approximately 2400 square feet which will offer spacious open plan living areas and four large bedrooms over three or four floors. The design also incorporates south facing terraces to enjoy the fantastic views over the forest.

For those seeking modern, stylish homes look no further. This phase will be ready for occupation later this year and Freeman Homes hopes to open a show home this Summer. The high end specification has clearly impressed those who have viewed so far. While Neff kitchen appliances come as standard in the four and five bed homes, the bathrooms are fitted with Ideal Standard sanitary ware and Porcelanosa tiles. Knowing the importance of storage, each bedroom has built in wardrobes with extra storage built into every space possible giving these properties an advantage over others in the area. Woodland View is situated at the gateway to the Forest of Dean, perfectly placed for anyone who love the outdoors with miles of wonderful walks, some of the best bike trails nationwide and exhilarating activities including rock climbing on the doorstep. The best thing is that being only 20 minutes from Gloucester and 35 minutes from Cheltenham these modern homes are attracting people from the surrounding towns who can enjoy a short commute to work while enjoying stylish living in a semi-rural location.“It’s not surprising that we have had a great deal of interest in these homes” says Hayley Coombs, Sales and Marketing Manager for Freeman

Homes, “They are built to a high standard and include a high specifi-cation. With 13 house types, all very different in style there really is something for everyone. I am very excited about releasing the new phase as there is nothing else contemporary in the area. Often contemporary homes are built in towns like Cheltenham and come with a huge price tag, we want to offer people the option of city style living at an affordable price and in a great location.” Freeman Homes will release the next phase of contemporary homes on Friday 18th April and will be having an Easter Egg Hunt for the children on Saturday 20th April. House hunters will be invited to view the new house plans for the next phase as well the two current show homes, whilst enjoying refreshments over Easter Weekend.

The sales office is open 7 days a week from 10am. Prices from £170,000.

To find out more about this development, visit www.woodland-

view.info or call 01594 544271 to speak to our Sales Coordinators.

Traditional or contemporary? It’s your choice.

Land & New Homes

Prices from £180,000 Middleton House, Pilley Lane

Leckhampton, Cheltenham, GL53 9ER

New 2 Bed Apartments - Now only 4 Available | Over 55's

| Cafe & Restaurant | 24 Hour On Site Care

If the rain ever lets up long enough for us to venture out on to our patios, we’ll need some quick fixes to brighten them up in time for the warmer, and hopefully drier, months of spring.But, aside from jetwashing them, what should the average gardener actually be doing to these patios...?Garden designer Diarmuid Gavin, who last year added a wraparound balcony and cast iron columns decorated with swathes of wisteria to his own patio in Co Wicklow, Ireland, has some ideas.Bulbs planted in patio pots back in September may have rotted if they haven’t been given good drainage and were standing on pot feet, he says, but even if there’s no sign of them, all is not lost.“Even now, if you just lift the pot to allow them to drain, the bulbs and plantings may be all right.”In addition to the practical, Gavin, an ambassador for the Karcher watering range, has some easy patio design tips too.“You can brighten up the patio with instant colour, but be innovative about what you plant and how you do it.”He suggests going to your local restaurant or take-away to see if they have any large metal containers which once held olives or other food. Drill a few holes in the bottom, put a layer of gravel at the bottom and fill the rest with well-drained compost and either put in a selection of wonderful herbs like basil or marjoram or even some salads like Lollo Rosso or Swiss chard, or even nasturtiums and marigolds, and you will have results fast.“Another thing I love is to get big oil drums from reclamation yards for next to nothing, clean them up and paint them in Caribbean colours. If you have a collection of them you can cut some of them down to size and they make the most fantastic containers.“Large containers like these will take a good quantity of manure and topsoil. If they’re big enough, you can plant birch trees or clumps of bamboos to create borders and long-term planting once you`ve top-dressed and had them irrigated.“Be innovative about your choice of container and then make sure you have a good solid medium for them to grow in.”If you want to invest in new garden furniture there’s a wealth of choice too, adds Gavin.“Fifteen years ago if you wanted garden furniture you got a picnic bench or a plastic chair that cost £2.99. There’s been a radical change in furniture, with durable woven

plastics, colourful seating and the new thing we’re going to see are cabanas.”If you want to hide unsightly eyesores like water butts, you can just put a big pot in front of them, he says.“People often make the mistake of corralling eyesores behind bits of trellis or fencing. If you do that, you make the garden look smaller and draw more attention to what you’re trying to hide. Maybe have a light framework of planting such as the Russian vine (mile-a-minute plant) which, if kept under control, will be fantastic.“If you’re trying to hide something in the shade, go for a light framework of honeysuckle, which emits a fantastic scent, or some rambling roses. Simplicity is key in this to avert the eye away from the offensive article.”Spring planting could incorporate double daisies (Bellis perennis), Bachelor buttons (cornflower) or cheiranthus (wallflower).“Use traditional bedding in a more radical way. And if you didn’t plant bulbs, buy some which are about to come into flower, whether dwarf daffodils, hyacinths or tulips and surround them with bedding or with ivies in pots.”“Don’t try to be too tasteful. When I grew up in a very suburban street I grew up with blue and

white and blue and white. Mass-plant different shades of blue together, while clashing colours of bedding can be incredibly exuberant.”Permanent plantings on patios of milder gardens could include some pittosporum and hebes.Find out more at www.karcher.co.uk

perkpatioUP YOUR

Garden designer Diarmuid Gavin offers tips on how to prep your patio ready for spring

WORDSBY HANNAH STEPHENSON, PRESS ASSOCIATION

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rural living

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Buying your first property with Bloor Homes is simple and easy with a huge choice of designs and locations available. Bloor Homes’ two latest developments, recently launched to great acclaim, provide an unprecedented combination of luxury, design and comfort.

Neighbouring the picturesque town of Winchcombe is the Bloor Homes’ Pennylands development, offering a wide and stunning selection of two, three and four bedroom homes, the majority made with beautiful Cotswold Stone. Situated in between the cosmopolitan Cheltenham and the idyllic Broadway, Winchcombe not only provides its inhabitants with fantastic local amenities, but also access to the county’s larger towns.

The first two-bedroom property at Pennylands has sold quickly as an ideal property for first time buyers making their first step on the property ladder. The Marford is the exclusive two-bedroom house type on the development, featuring a spacious garden overlooking a beautiful open green, two parking spaces and a lovely en suite attached to the well-proportioned master bedroom.

As an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, the Cotswolds surrounding Pennylands certainly lives up to its title, but within easy access to plenty of nearby towns and cities via the M5, M4 and M40. The area is internationally known for its unspoiled scenery and architecture, the Cotswolds is a haven of traditional English villages, enchanting woodlands and breath-taking countryside.

In close proximity to Cheltenham is the Bloor Homes’ Stoke Orchard development, named ‘The Orchard’. As a village, Stoke Orchard provides everything one could wish for in Cotswolds’ living with fabulous scenery,

picturesque buildings and a real community spirit.

The three-bedroom Tansley house at The Orchard offers everything you would expect from rural living, without taking away the experience of the perfect suburban family home. It boasts a spacious garden, a garage for private parking and a beautiful open plan kitchen/diner, acting as a central hub for this lovely home.

Prices of the elegant Tansley range from £238,000 to £260,000 and the home is also available on Bloor Homes’ Help to Buy scheme. Prices of the Marford will be released soon.

Not surprisingly, these high-quality homes are selling extremely fast. Register your interest by booking a viewing of a show home or by coming into the on-site sales centres to enquire about in-depth specifications on the house.

For more information on Bloor Homes’ properties in the Cotswolds, call the Property Centre on 01242 504555 or visit www.bloorhomes.com

CHARMING CHELTENHAM VILLAGES

Pennylands, WinchcombeTwo BedroomsPrices to be released soon

The Property Centre01242 504555

The Orchard, Stoke OrchardThree bedroomsFrom £238,000

The Property Centre 01242 504555

highlightNEW HOMES

ANDREW’S LAND & NEW HOMESDon’t miss out on your chance to own a brand new home at Corinium Court, an attractive development tucked away in a new cul-de-sac in the heart of Brockworth. The show home opened earlier this month and three of these traditionally designed four-bedroom detached houses have already been reserved.

A small development of just five new houses with garages, Centaur Homes have created a delightful street-scene perfect for homebuyers looking for the practicality of a modern home located in an established residential setting.

David Packwood, Regional Manager for Andrews Land & New Homes comments: “There has been a significant shortage of smaller new homes developments built in this area over recent years so just five traditional two-storey family houses like these will be popular. Centaur Homes have cleverly designed these homes to appeal to a wide audience with fantastic kitchen/family rooms, en-suites and well-proportioned bedrooms.”

Buyers are encouraged to view as soon as possible to fully appreciate the care that has been taken to create these properties. For example, the specification includes appliances in all the kitchens as standard, and French patio doors installed to take advantage of the ample sized rear gardens.

All of these new homes come with a 10-year NHBC warranty, and buyers can also take advantage of the HelpToBuy Scheme* if they need a helping hand. (*terms & conditions apply, please speak to the sales adviser.)

These homes are located on Westfield Road off Ermin Street in Brockworth, an established residential street rather than a large new homes development. There are plenty of local conveniences and schools in Brockworth and it also has excellent transport links with convenient access to Junctions 11 and 11A of the M5, the A40 and Gloucester city centre.

For further details, please contact Andrews Land & New Homes on 01242 248975 or email at NewHomesGloucestershire@andrewsonline.co.uk

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There are a choice of schemes to help you make a move to this exciting new development including Help2Buy, PartExchange and Buy and Leaseback scheme on the showhomes.

Browsing round a decorated and fully furnished showhome is the perfect way to bring your dreams of a new home to life.

THREE brand new showhomes are now open at King’s Lodge and a 2 bedroom show home and 2 bedroom apartment at Oakdale, Lydney, whatever your new home requirements, these 2 sites have is covered! with tastefully presented two, three and four-bedroom showhomes ready for you to visit.

At King’s Lodge you will see the ‘Ashcombe’ two-bed, terraced home, with spacious kitchen/diner, lovely living space, plus two good-size bedrooms and en suite to master. Or, if you need a bit more space, the beautifully white-rendered ‘Sherwood’ will appeal to you, comprising a living room, kitchen/diner and three generous bedrooms, with en suite and fitted wardrobe to master. And those of you requiring a larger family home will love to view the ‘Thetford’, which has kitchen/dining/family area and utility room, in addition to the lounge. Upstairs are four good-sized bedrooms, with generous wardrobes to the master suite.

All the housetypes at King’s Lodge come with Photovoltaic Panels, Compost Bin, Water Butt, Rotary Dryer, turf to front and rear garden, outside lights to front and rear, outside tap, integrated dishwasher and fridge freezer, plumbing for washing machine, chrome ladder heated towel rail to bathroom and ensuite and lots more!

The Lascombe at Oakdale is a two-bedroom home overlooking woodland, with a lounge and kitchen/diner downstairs and two

bedrooms some of which have an en suite, a family bathroom on the first floor. The property comes with off road parking, selected integrated appliances to kitchen, turfed front and rear garden.

Jane Price from Michael Tuck New Homes in Gloucester explains why it is well worth a visit to these showhomes:

“You get so much more for your money in Lydney and Cinderford. Properties are considerably cheaper here than in Monmouth, Chepstow or Bristol. Lydney is a good central point in the Forest of Dean, and easily commutable to Bristol and other areas including Chepstow and Ross on Wye, while Cinderford is a straight run down to Gloucester or across to Monmouth. And if it’s convenience you are after, the apartments at Oakdale will be particularly appealing as they are ready to move straight into.”

Through Help to Buy, a two-bed apartment at Oakdale starts from just £75,996, while two-bedroom houses are available from just £110,396. At King’s Lodge a two-bedroom house could be yours from just £109,596, and a three-bedroom house from just £121,596 (terms and conditions apply) with HTB.

Help to Buy is the government scheme that allows you to pay from just 80% but own 100% of your beautiful new home (subject to status and qualifying conditions) and is available at King’s Lodge. You only need a 5% deposit and Kier will help you secure an equity loan up to 20% (interest free for the first five years) and arrange a mortgage for the 75% balance.

For further details on any of these or an appointment to view please contact Michael Tuck New Homes on 01452 726443 or visit michaeltuck.co.uk.

spectacularSHOWHOME

IN CINDERFORD & LYDNEY

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