Rare Grade II Listed convent redevelopment calls for unique innovation and intricacy in design

Rare Grade II Listed convent redevelopment calls for unique innovation and intricacy in design

by Maria Tilev United Kingdom
  • Rosary Manor redevelopment has presented unique challenges for Bellis Homes
  • Focus has been on presenting interiors that reflect the natural surroundings
  • ‘Historic yet contemporary’ brief has created 12 truly individual homes in Mill Hill Conservation Area

Developing a Grade II Listed building comes with its own unique challenges and rewards, as family-run housebuilder Bellis Homes knows well.

The Bellis Homes team is delighted to have  obtained the opportunity to turn the former Sisters of Charity St Vincent convent, nestled in the Mill Hill Conservation Area and the North Barnet Area of Special Character, into unique residential accommodation.

The company is nurturing the derelict buildings into 11 luxury apartments and one three-bedroom house with a communal gym. Turning a derelict site negating the character of the area into a prosperous development maintaining the origins and history of the building starting a new chapter in the site’s history.

“One of the most interesting aspects of working on a site such as Rosary Manor has been how to present the homes’ interiors. The Grade II listing rightly imposed certain restrictions on the redevelopment process, in order that the character of the original buildings could be retained. We wanted to reflect this internally as well, while also providing a luxurious, contemporary feel. It was a wonderful balancing act that has resulted in the creation of 12 very individual homes.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

With 3.3 hectares of mature grounds, Rosary Manor has a wonderfully countrified feel, despite its London location. Each apartment is unique, with individual proportions fitted to the shape and space available within the original manor house. The planning phase of the redevelopment was intricate, to say the least, with Bellis Homes keen to retain the character of the site while also delivering outstanding contemporary homes.

Upgrading structures that date back to the 17th century to comply with current standards presented a need for serious innovation at times, but the result is a superbly sympathetic redevelopment.

Externally, the process has involved careful landscaping to discretely provide apartments with private areas whilst retaining the open nature of the landscape. Internally, the design has been all about natural materials and tones.

“A key focus of the interior design has been to reflect the natural surroundings that Rosary Manor enjoys, while providing a sense of serenity and indulgence. The large, light-filled rooms create a sense of connection with nature that flows throughout the development, ensuring that the interiors are just as unique as the exterior.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

In the kitchens, that has meant plenty of deep woods with greys. Handmade British shaker style kitchens provide a traditional contemporary style that balances the building’s heritage with modern convenience. Bathrooms also reflect this traditional yet modern style, with traditional vanity units paired with contemporary colours and brassware. Meanwhile, flooring in the living areas is a mixture of beautiful wooden herringbone and grey planks.

This intricate blending of old and new has created an ambience that is historic yet contemporary – an impressive achievement that will serve those who are part of the next phase of the convent’s history well.

Apartments at Rosary Manor are available from £1.1 million to £4 million with completion due from March 2018. For more information, contact Bellis Homes on 01279 424 733 or visit www.bellishomes.co.uk.

Keeping it in the family: The building of Bellis Homes

Keeping it in the family: The building of Bellis Homes

by Maria Tilev United Kingdom
  • Family-run house builder Bellis Homes prove that you really can mix business with pleasure
  • Company has expanded rapidly from 8 to 40 employees with a new head office secured
  • Bellis Construction founded in 2015 to consolidate home construction practices

Bellis Homes is an upmarket luxury homebuilder operational across London and the Home Counties, headquartered in Harlow, Essex. The company has a wealth of experience with over 40 years of construction and development knowledge as well as project management.

Alan Fordham, the founder of the business, initially started at St James Developments, formed in 1995 to develop the Hertfordshire Golf and Country Club, the first of many successful projects in both the residential and leisure sectors.

The name ‘Bellis’ originated from the bellis perennis, a common European species of daisy. Thought to originate from the Latin for “pretty” and “everlasting”, Alan felt that this was an apt name for his family-run business – Bellis Homes – not least as Alan’s wife is a florist! The flower features on the logo to this day.

Since forming in 2014, Bellis Homes has expanded swiftly from a single residential project in the first year, to two more in 2015, a total of seven by the end of 2016 and even more to this day.

With Alan Fordham’s son, Henry coming on board to push the business further, Bellis Homes is going from strength to strength. In addition, Edward, another son of Alan’s has recently joined the company to head up the marketing and Alex, son-in-law to Alan brought in to manage sales, in keeping with the family run theme! Their team of eight has now expanded to around 40 employees, with a move to a larger head office now complete.

Being a family-run business allows Bellis Homes to provide a personal service, with a team they can trust, in a relaxed close-knit setting. They say, ‘don’t mix business with pleasure’ but Bellis Homes is proof of how a family can work together to real success.

“I can only see our business going from strength to strength. There are expansive financiers available today with demand being greater than I have ever known it; if you have a good scheme, you are likely to find the money. It really is a great time to be involved in the luxury homes market and I am very proud of how far Bellis Homes has come. It is amazing to have achieved such success within our family and to work so closely with one another on a daily basis is a reward in itself”. 

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

The first completed development by Bellis Homes was located 20 miles outside of London in Musley Hill, Ware.  Set on top of Musley Hill itself, the development consisted of five 4-bedroom detached houses and two 2-bedroom apartments. The quality exceeded expectation for its price range offering oak flooring, underfloor heating, bespoke Italian kitchens and luxurious master suites. Construction started early 2014 with completion early 2015.

The latest development to launch from Bellis Homes is located in Camden Town – Marine Ices Apartments. The former iconic ice-cream parlour is only a short walk from the fashionable Camden Market and Camden Lock.  Marine Ices Apartments are currently under construction and when completed in 2018 will offer 19 apartments ranging between 566 sq ft and 1,221 sq ft with fabulous amenity spaces. The apartments vary from one to three bedrooms with vibrant finishes, CCTV, large balconies and composite oak panelled front doors with security features.

Another residential development of note and one which exemplifies Bellis Homes’ breadth of expertise is Rosary Manor. Located in a prime position in Mill Hill, North London, Rosary Manor is a Grade II listed former convent and school house which the Bellis Homes team are sympathetically transforming into a collection of luxury apartments.

With sturdy corporate mentalities, each project Bellis Homes has undertaken continues to bolster their established status of a luxury house builder with homes constructed to the finest specification and contemporary design.

In 2015 Bellis Construction was created to consolidate construction methods. The specialised in-house team brings invaluable experience of site and project management together with a detailed knowledge of all trades. 

“Taking the strategic decision to bring our construction team in-house means we have total control over every aspect of our developments from start to finish. It also means we can better manage budgets and ensure our homes are completed to our extremely high standards.” 

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

Exclusively Bellis is the prestigious homebuilder’s prime brand. Methodical to the highest specification, features of Exclusively Bellis developments include gated entrances, swimming pool and spa areas, bars, grand staircases, staff accommodation, specialist interior and lighting design as well as some of the best home technology control systems.

Bellis Homes also features an in-house interior design team – Darsah Interiors with whom they work closely to dress many of their new developments.

For more information, contact Bellis Homes on 01279 424 733 or visit www.bellishomes.co.uk

Fit and fabulous homes for 2018

Fit and fabulous homes for 2018

by Maria Tilev United Kingdom
  • Gym traffic jumps 40% between December and January
  • But a few weeks later only 5% of total sign-ups still visit regularly (Golds Gym)
  • Rising number of buyers require homes which offer options for combining family and leisure time (Bellis Homes)

Aah, yes. The New Year.

Time to wipe the slate clean. Time to end the debauchery of the festive period; the booze, the food, the dodgy dancing…

As we emerge from underneath the layers of novelty jumpers and woolly socks we are confronted with the inevitable consequence of our seize-the-moment existence of the last two months – hello weight gain, sluggishness, bad skin and low mood.

Something needs to change; we spring into action, sign up for the gym and vow to start training for that marathon. But in between busy careers, children and long commutes we are lucky if we manage to wing one workout a week…!

So, what’s the solution?

Luckily, a new and forward-thinking generation of home builders is beginning to provide alternatives to real people with real commitments by designing homes with built-in health and fitness facilities.

Family run development and construction business, Bellis Homes, has established a reputation for building homes to the highest quality whilst providing a very personal service to their clients. It is this close rapport which tuned the Bellis team in to the rising demand for health facilities in the home.

Bellis Homes now aim to incorporate space for gyms, swimming pools, saunas or hot tubs into most of their planned residential developments and are leading the way towards new standards of home building.

“We want to offer owners beautiful and functional spaces where they can rest, play, work and exercise in a flexible manner which seamlessly blends into their daily lives, freeing them up for the things which really matter.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes


New homes on the market with on-site fitness facilities

Eleven Trees, Mill Hill, London
From £4.5 million

The Eleven Trees development, which was completed in June 2017, comprises three brand new detached homes, two with five bedrooms and one with six.

Designed by HAP Architects, and finished by Alexander James Interior Design, all properties include gyms with changing rooms as well as swimming pool and spa areas complete with steam rooms, saunas and hot tubs. There is even a hydro pool for those who are serious about shaving off a second or two from their PB.

Rosary Manor Apartments, Mill Hill conservation area, London
From £1.1 million – £4 million

An altered house of late 17th-century origin, Rosary Manor was purchased by The Sisters of Charity St Vincent in 1887 and expanded it into a convent. The Grade II listed building has been brought back to life by Bellis Homes and transformed into 11 luxurious apartments ranging between one and three bedrooms.

The development has its very own fully equipped gym and enjoys spectacular views across the countryside with its many rural lanes and footpaths which are ideal for jogging and cycling.

Magna House, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire
A£2.3 million

A brand new, detached family home located in the ancient and quaint village of Much Hadham.

This stunning 6-bedroom contemporary house has spacious and well-proportioned rooms which have been finished to a very high standard. There is excellent living and entertaining space including a large basement featuring a leisure area with a gym, cinema room and a wine store.

The ground floor of Magna House boasts a large living room featuring a contemporary fireplace and open plan kitchen area, with comfortable family living space with bi-fold doors opening out to the garden.

The property’s generous accommodation includes three large reception rooms situated off the impressive entrance hall including a formal dining space. Six bedrooms are set over two floors, four have their own en-suites whilst the second-floor rooms utilise one expansive shared bathroom.

For more information, contact Bellis Homes on 01279 424 733 or visit www.bellishomes.co.uk.

For media information and images  please contact:

Maria Tilev, AB Property Marketing Ltd
Tel: 00 44 845 054 7524

Email:  maria@abpropertymarketing.co.uk

A home to give you the chills this festive season

A home to give you the chills this festive season

by Maria Tilev United Kingdom
  • Walk-in fridge adds luxurious twist to Mulliner House, Hadley Wood (Bellis Homes)
  • Unusual, commercial size cold room is ideal for the festive season
  • Other features include indoor pool, hot tub, steam room and cinema room

Spending on festive food and drink was projected to top £5.1 billion across the UK last year, according to the number crunchers at Go Compare. Spending on food came second only to spending on gifts during the festive season in 2016, as homes up and down the country indulged in Christmas delicacies with friends and family.

One problem often faced by families at this time of year is how to fit all that food (and drink – let’s not forget the prosecco!) into the fridge. Interestingly, Mulliner House in Hadley Wood, North London, offers buyers the ideal solution – a walk-in fridge. Available through Bellis Homes, the property is home to a number of innovative features, with an large commercial sized walk-in fridge being one of them. More popular in the US and with celebrity buyers, such an amenity is rare for a residential property in the UK.

“We wanted to ensure that Mulliner House stood out as an exceptional property in several ways, while at the same time creating the perfect environment for modern family life. With the kitchen being the heart of the home, it was important to give it that extra something special, and a walk-in cold room seem like a natural feature for such a luxurious property.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

Ideal for hosting, spare storage and entertaining, the Mulliner House cold room has plenty of capacity for Christmas fizz, as well as sufficient pre-prepared plates of party food to get through the festive season’s parties. The property is also well suited to multi-generational living, as a result of its size and design. With six bedrooms, the four-storey home has plenty of capacity to accommodation modern family life. The home also includes a lift, a stunning indoor swimming pool, a hot tub and a steam room. There’s a bar area in the pool room, along with a plush, in-house cinema for those who prefer to spend their leisure time curled up in front of the latest blockbuster.

 “Properties of this particular specification are few and far between in London. Mulliner House is a home that delights and surprises at every turn. From the walk-in fridge to the hot tub, it offers the best in contemporary urban living while providing space for the whole family.”

Henry Fordham, Director, Bellis Homes

Mulliner House is on the market for £5.5 million.

For more information, contact Bellis Homes on 01279 424 733 or visit www.bellishomes.co.uk.

It’s got to be Gateshead – why the spotlight is turning onto this regional town

It’s got to be Gateshead – why the spotlight is turning onto this regional town

by Maria Tilev United Kingdom
  • Gateshead home to second fastest growing economy in North East (Invest Gateshead)
  • Apartment prices up 19.4% in 5 years (Zoopla)
  • New Hopper Street accommodation presents future-facing investment opportunity (Surrenden Invest)

Gateshead and Newcastle upon Tyne are known mainly for the Angel of the North and the stunningly contemporary Millennium Bridge. The town of Gateshead has at times seemed to exist in the shadow of the much larger metropolis that faces it across the River Tyne: Newcastle. However, the spotlight has now turned firmly onto Gateshead itself, with everyone from robotics manufacturers to property investors rushing to be a part of the town’s future.

“Gateshead is one of those regional towns that has suddenly burst into the spotlight thanks to a combination of factors. A higher than average economic activity rate, rising property prices and significant local investment mean that Gateshead is becoming something of a favourite with businesses and investors alike.”

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director, Surrenden Invest

Gateshead enjoys a higher economically active rate than the North East region as a whole, at 77.3% and 75.2% respectively, and is the second fastest growing economy in the North East, according to Invest Gateshead. The town has a growing reputation for innovation and industry, backed by a sound infrastructure. Gateshead residents enjoy 91% superfast broadband availability, compared with a national average of 89%.

In recent months, this has attracted robot manufacturer Comau UK (creating up to 60 highly skilled jobs), while Blue Kangaroo (the branding agency behind Peppa Pig and Doctor Who) has expanded its Gateshead base. Northern Gas and Power also announced plans to create up to 500 jobs in Gateshead earlier this year. As a backdrop to all this activity, the Gateshead Economic Growth Acceleration Plan 2015-2020 is supporting the creation of 4,000 jobs, while Gateshead Invest projects that more than 9,000 jobs will be created by 2030. Furthermore, the town enjoys the lowest staff attrition rates in the UK – across all sectors!

With strong local employment prospects, good schools and affordable homes, Gateshead has quietly moved up to offer the joint highest life satisfaction rating in Tyne and Wear (along with Sunderland). Property prices there have risen steadily over the past five years, with Zoopla reporting that values have increased by 16.04%. For apartments, that figure rises to 19.41%. Meanwhile, house prices are some 46% lower than the national average, according to Invest Gateshead, providing investors with an excellent entry point into the market.

“When we were undertaking due diligence on regional UK towns that offer solid investment prospects, Gateshead kept cropping up. It’s a surprisingly innovative and forward-looking location, which is why we felt it was ideally suited to the future-facing homes on offer at Hopper Street.”

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director, Surrenden Invest

Hopper Street is a collection of 81 stylish apartments designed with students and young, professional urban tenants in mind. Residents benefit from an on-site sauna and gym, as well as bicycle parking, terraces and a superb, central location. They can also enjoy the hassle-free approach of having all of their bills (heating, water, electricity, internet, etc.) included as part of the rental package. Unusually for a student development, mortgages are available to those looking to invest in Hopper Street, making this a particularly exciting prospect.

Gateshead’s student population has increased in recent years. Gateshead College was crowned the top performing further education college in the whole North East of England and the third best in the country back in 2015, which has had a notable impact on the number of students wanting to study there. Student developments such as Hopper Street are not only well positioned to serve these young people, but also those studying at Newcastle University, which lies just over the bridge from Gateshead.

Student numbers at Newcastle University have shot up by more than 70% since 2000, going from just 12,302 students in 2000/01 to more than 21,000 today. Nearby Northumbria University has also seen student numbers rocket – by more than 114% since 2000 to a current student body of more than 27,800 fulltime students. The rapidly growing student populations have created strong local demand for high quality student accommodation.

Alongside property investors, Gateshead Council is also pouring money into the town’s future, with £54 million worth of funding allocated as part of its 2015-16 investment programme. Whichever way you look at it, Gateshead is a town that has been thrown firmly into the spotlight – and is thriving under this new scrutiny.

For further details and property investment opportunities, visit www.surrendeninvest.com, email info@surrendeninvest.com or call 0203 3726 499.