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The team behind Highlands, the brand new collection of apartments designed exclusively for buyers of 60 years and over in Gidea Park, Romford in Essex, was delighted by visitors’ response to the impressive residents’ lounge, library and communal areas that were unveiled at a special weekend event recently.
“We were really pleased at just how many people visited Highlands over the launch weekend and the many appreciative comments made about the building itself and especially the residents’ lounge and library area,” says David Sparks, managing director of Great homes Limited, the award-winning company behind the project.
Offering 23 one and two bedroom high specification apartments, along with the elegant residents’ lounge presented in cream with hints of gold and red, and the walnut and leather themed library, Highlands has all the ingredients to offer a luxurious environment. What it also offers is state-of-the-art safety and security features to ensure each and every resident can enjoy their new lifestyle with complete peace of mind.
The residents’ lounge and library was the work of interior designer Sarah Nicholson, who wanted to create a plush and yet homely atmosphere. “I felt it was important to echo the luxurious feel of Highlands in the interior design concept,” says Sarah, “but also that the lounge and library areas would be one where residents could feel comfortable, relax and meet new friends.”
Sarah chose subtle cream and gold shades for the walls, the lavish drapes with their swags and tails and the damask style sofas, plus rich red for the carpeting, all of which complemented the oak internal doors and moulded coving that feature in the room’s design. The concept is taken through to the communal hallways and entrance hall where a bespoke oak staircase provides a focal point.
One end of the residents’ lounge incorporates a large expanse of windows and doors which ensure the area is bright and sunny, while the space given over to the library with its walnut bookcases and brown leather Chesterfields is discreet and charming. “The library area is very traditional in its décor,” explains Sarah, who says she has thoroughly enjoyed working on the project and is delighted with the final look. “The Chesterfield sofas also add to the area’s authoritative look,” she adds, “but they are super comfy and with lighting right above they are a perfect place for the eventual residents of Highlands to curl up with a good book.”
Highlands, which stands in Gidea Park’s Main Road and echoes the Arts and Crafts architectural styling of the area, will be complete in just a few weeks time and the first residents will begin to move in. It is designed to offer maturing residents an independent lifestyle. Close by are shops and services for everyday needs, while the area is well served by roads and public transport for travelling to nearby towns and London.
The building itself affords a range of safety and security features for residents including a CCTV entryphone system that monitors visitors before they are allowed entry, an integrated fire alarm system, an electric gated drive and alarms to all of the ground floor apartments. Residents can also enjoy the services of a visiting day manager, along with 24-hour emergency careline facilities at the press of a button.
Each apartment has been thoughtfully designed for residents’ ease of living with a wide private hallway, a lounge and dining area, and a top notch kitchen with integrated Bosch appliances that include a washer/dryer, integrated fridge and freezer, oven, combination microwave, hob and extractor. Worktops are quartz stone and there’s spot and pelmet lighting too.
Of course, all the apartments have bathrooms and some even have en-suites to the main bedroom too. Both a bath and shower, plus vanity furniture, feature in every apartment. Completing the accommodation is one or two bedrooms depending on which style is chosen.
Residents can enjoy many finishing touches and services, not only in the communal lounge and library but in their own apartments too. For instance, each apartment is carpeted throughout with the exception of the kitchen which affords a stylish floor covering, and the windows are bespoke timber and double glazed. Most of the ground floor apartments have French doors that open out on to the gardens, while many other apartments have doors that open with Juliet style balconies.
Highlands is impressive. Built to the Code for Sustainable Homes standard with ground floor Secure by Design windows and doors, and affording many energy efficient practices in its design coupled with a luxurious feel and a convenient location, it will be a great place to call home for its new residents. One, Maureen Williams, who with husband Maurice will be one of the first to move in, says, “It is beautiful. It’s like walking into a top hotel. I can’t wait to move in.”
For further information on Highlands contact sales agent Porter Glenny on 01708 725000 or visit Great Homes Limited’s website www.greathomes.co.uk. |
