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Great homes Limited, the award-winning company behind Highlands in Gidea Park, Romford in Essex, is delighted to announce that the project of 23 luxury retirement apartments is now nearing completion and the first residents are preparing to move in.
“It is an exciting time for the people who are about to move into Highlands and become its first residents as well as for us as we add the finishing touches to the project,” says David Sparks, managing director of Great Homes. “It has been a long process from the design stage right through to completing the project, but we now have a building that we and its new residents can be especially proud of.”
Two of the new residents about to move into Highlands are Maurice and Maureen Williams. They have purchased a ground floor apartment and have visited the complex a number of times in the run-up to its completion. “It is beautiful,” says Maureen. “It’s like walking into a top hotel. I can’t wait to move in.”
The design of Highlands, which stands on the site of a former house dating from the Arts and Crafts period, and echoes the famous architectural style of the ‘Garden Suburb’ homes that surround it, took many months to complete. But already Highlands is starting to blend in with its surroundings a treat.
It stands proudly in Main Road, a thoroughfare through Gidea Park in what was once part of the Gidea Hall estate. Major Sir Herbert Raphael, a local MP, owned the estate and had the idea of creating an ‘Exhibition of Houses and Cottages’. That was in 1909 and the result was a collection of homes that were one of the best examples of town planning of the day. Great Homes engaged historic building specialists to ensure Highlands sat well amongst the homes that still stand from the period in this popular conservation area.
Its new residents can enjoy all the benefits and amenities Highlands offers. For example, with it being aimed at buyers of retiring years, that is to say 60 years and over, the complex has a range of top notch safety and security features. There’s a CCTV entryphone system that allows visitors to be seen before they are allowed entry into the building.
Highlands has a duty manager who will ensure the development runs smoothly on a day-to-day basis, plus all the ground floor apartments are alarmed, there’s an integrated fire alarm system fitted and all residents have access to an emergency 24-hour careline facility at the press of a button. Highlands, which stands in private landscaped gardens complete with several mature trees, also affords an electric gated drive.
In these cost conscious times, Highlands has eco friendly systems fitted that provide energy efficient heating, enhanced thermal properties and reduced water consumption, meaning potential savings for residents. Such systems are also designed to have a less damaging impact on the environment.
Life at Highlands will almost inevitably revolve around its gold, cream and red themed residents’ lounge and library area. With its brown leather chesterfields and walnut bookcases, the library’s look is traditional. Another resident about to move in, Helen Mundy, who with husband Anthony is buying a top floor two bedroom apartment, is looking forward to spending time in the lounge. “I think the colours used in the lounge are really lovely. I like it very much,” says Helen. The couple, who both like to read, also plan to use the library most days.
The remaining apartments at Highlands are beautifully designed for practicality and ease of living. The kitchens, for instance, are finished in ‘peach skin’ effect wood, with integrated Bosch appliances that include a washer dryer, fridge and freezer, an oven, hob and extractor, and a combination microwave. Stylish upstand and spot and pelmet lighting complete the look.
The bathrooms of each apartment are fitted with a quality bath suite with separate shower, vanity furniture and heated chrome towel rail. Carpeting is laid throughout with the exception of the kitchens which have floor covering, and finishing touches include heavy oak internal doors, lots of terrestrial and satellite television points with Sky+, and features like Juliet balconies or terraces depending on which apartment is chosen.
For further information contact the selling agent Porter Glenny on 01708 725000 or visit the Great Homes Limited website: www.greathomes.co.uk. |
