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The Mayor of Havering, Cllr John Clark, joined the first residents of Highlands in Gidea Park, Romford, along with the directors of Great Homes Limited and their team, family, friends and colleagues, to mark the official opening of this prestigious new Essex development which has just won an award in the Daily Mail UK Property Awards 2008.
Highlands, which is located in the Gidea Park Conservation Area, is a luxury collection of 23 one and two bedroom retirement apartments designed exclusively for buyers of 60 years and over. It features a beautiful cream and gold interior designed residents’ lounge and library, state-of-the-art safety and security features, landscaped gardens, and many energy efficient systems to ensure warmth, low costs and to minimise the impact on the environment.
The Mayor was given a full tour of the development and its grounds, and said how he was impressed by the care and thought that had gone into the design of the building and its landscaped garden. The first residents moved in to Highlands just a few weeks ago.
“It is a pleasure to be here today and to officially unveil the plaque that marks the opening of the award-winning Highlands,” said Cllr Clark on the day. “Highlands is an impressive development and retirement apartments of this standard will be an undoubtable asset to the area. I can see why the development had already won an award. I must applaud its developer, Great Homes Limited, and wish them every success for the awards event. ”
Highlands won a prestigious award in the Best Retirement Development category of the Daily Mail UK Property Awards 2008. Chairman of the judges was Eric Pickles, British Shadow Secretary of State. The award will be presented at a glittering gala dinner to be held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on October 31, following which Great Homes will learn whether it will go through to represent the UK in the USA as part of this worldwide property competition.
At the Highlands opening event, guests were given the opportunity to see apartments and communal areas, take a leisurely walk in the landscaped gardens and chat to members of the Great Homes team. Refreshments were served in the residents’ lounge and library. The highlight of the event was when the Mayor of Havering unveiled a specially crafted bronze plaque marking the occasion to a round of applause.
“We are delighted that the Mayor of Havering agreed to officially open Highlands for us and that the day was such a resounding success,” says David Sparks, managing director of Great Homes Limited. “It has been a special project for us and one that we feel meets the need for luxurious retirement apartments in Gidea Park. We are now thrilled to be welcoming the first of its residents as they settle into their new home.”
An impressive building designed to echo the Arts and Crafts architectural styling of its neighbouring properties, Highlands was designed and constructed to the Code for Sustainable Homes standard. Many energy efficient systems are in place. It offers apartment homes over three floors, each presented to an exceptional standard of quality.
Each apartment has its own private hallway that leads to a lounge and dining area, kitchen, one or two bedrooms depending on the style chosen and a bathroom. Some apartments have ensuite shower rooms to the master bedroom. Carpets or practical floor coverings are provided throughout, and many have French doors to Juliet balconies or on to terraces.
The specification of each apartment is high. Kitchens, for instance, come complete with a ‘peach skin’ effect wooden finish to the cupboards, quartz stone worktops, atmospheric lighting and a range of integrated Bosch appliances that include a
washer/dryer, fridge and freezer, oven, combination microwave, hob and extractor. Bathrooms, similarly, are presented with elegant suites, vanity furniture, heated towel rail and contemporary tiling. Finishing touches include heavy oak internal doors with bronze furniture, coving to many rooms and terrestrial and satellite television points.
Importantly, Highlands also offers superb safety and security features. A CCTV entryphone system is provided to ensure visitors are approved before entry is permitted,
and there are alarms fitted to all ground floor apartments. An integrated fire alarm system is in place, plus the driveway to the development’s car park and entrance door is gated. Residents can relax in the knowledge that there is 24-hour emergency careline support available at the push of a button too. Highlands has a Day Manager who ensures the day-to-day running of the development is efficient and top notch.
Along with comfort and security, the beauty of Highlands is that its new residents can enjoy an independent lifestyle and the chance to make new friends. Shops and local amenities are close by, and the major towns of Romford and Upminster, and London, are within easy reach, while friendships are sure to be made in the residents’ lounge. A free internal telephone system between apartments will ensure new friends can keep in touch.
Highlands offers a new approach to retirement living. For further information visit the show suite which is open every Friday to Monday from 10am to 5pm, contact sales agent Porter Glenny on 01708 725000 or visit Great Homes Limited’s website www.greathomes.co.uk. |
