Holding onto History: UK’s Best Small Housebuilder and Best Starter Home named at 30th annual What House? Awards
As a family-run business, City & Country Group was commended by the judges for “staying small but thinking big” is on the lookout for joint venture partnerships with larger housebuilders to “help them unlock the value of heritage sites and historic buildings, by bringing its specialist skills to the party”. In fact, George Clarke, Channel 4´s Restoration Man, is helping City & Country Group promote the issue of neglected historic buildings within Britain.
Having completed 40 homes across four developments, City & Country Group was also praised for its new build developments that are “equally striking and classy”, with judges commending the “architectural conviction and enthusiasm that clearly resonates throughout the business”.
The housebuilder was also praised for its exceptional service across various fields including customer care, sales and marketing, public relations and staff development, while its community support, including the part-funding of Essex County Council´s Traditional Building Skills courses, was also highlighted.
And the good news continues for City & Country Group, with gold in the Best Starter Home category for Kendall Court, The Galleries, Brentwood, Essex.
City & Country Group has created a remarkable group of conversions at The Galleries, illustrated by the one-bedroom apartment at Kendall Court which exudes charm and an affordable price tag of £195,000.
The property, centred on the red-brick Tudor and gothic-inspired buildings of the original hospital, built in 1853, received acclaim from the judges who highlighted that “its restored brickwork, roofing, windows and ornamental features make a first property here unlike any other new-build scheme in this area. Renovations of this quality rarely appear with a price tag that is affordable to a typical first-time buyer”.
The Victorian hospital building, which maintains its exposed brick features, beautifully complements the oak flooring and modern day kitchen and bathroom while the 484 square feet property which affords an unusual layout, provides a double bedroom and dining areas, snuggled into the traditional vaulted arches.
In addition, City & Country Group has also created a set of diverse garden areas. Located on a peaceful hilltop residents will be able to bask in the wonderful views of Essex countryside spanning out towards London.
“Arguably the most distinctive feature of this stunning starter home is its character”. This comment from the judges is indeed true but what helps match this property to first time buyers is its location which provides good commuter rail links, proximity to shops and the M25 and allocated parking.
To find out more about the Best Small Housebuilder and Best Starter Home as well a full list of What House? Award winners visit http://www.whathouse.co.uk/what-house-awards/results-2011 or download the new What House? App for iPhone and shortly iPad.
To register for details of the 2012 What House? Awards please contact Derek Smith. ds@globespanmedia.com. Tel: 020-7324-2800.
————————-ends—————————–
Notes to Editors:
Rupert Bates, editorial director of whathouse.co.uk would like to thank the following What House? Awards 2011 sponsors:
Whathouse.co.uk
Roca
Spicerhaart land & new homes
Nolte Kitchens
Hometrack
Show House magazine
Electrolux
Premier Guarantee
Johnson Tiles
Laufen
ScottishPower
KLAS International