Whilst other new build developments languish unsold in the outlying Surrey settlements of Epsom and Ewell, award-wining house builder Millgate is once again enjoying sales success at Regency Place in Walton-on-the-Hill. This boutique development of six detached family homes opened its Show Home doors on 16^th February 2013, welcoming over 350 visitors and securing swift sales.

• Walton-on-the-Hill property prices 50% lower than neighbouring Kingswood (Zoopla)
• Henry VIII gave Walton Manor to Catherine of Aragon as part of her marriage settlement
• SOLD OUT – Luxury homes at Regency Place sell out in record time

Richard Saunders, Managing Director of appointed estate agency, Richard Saunders, has been responsible for this incredible sales success.  He comments:“Regency Place is especially rare for two reasons; unlike neighbouring villages (Kingswood, Tadworth, Banstead), new home development is rare in Walton-on-the-Hill so Millgate’s development was a fresh and welcome change to the village and a great alternative to sites elsewhere. Secondly, the site offered diversity – four 2-storey houses and two larger, 3-storey houses.  The first three houses were reserved in a matter of days after launch, two by ‘empty-nesters’ and one by a more ‘mature’ family.  Younger families preferred the larger houses.

“Millgate’s exceptionally high standards played a major part in the Regency Place success story and interior features were of a standard that I have seen on much more expensive new homes.  Again Millgate’s renowned attention to detail was evident throughout the entire development.”

Indeed Walton-on-the-Hill is a savvy choice for home buyers.  It does not come with the same price tag as neighbouring Kingswood; Zoopla statistics show that over the last year 131 homes were sold in Walton-on-the-Hill with an average sales price of just over £500,000. Down the road in Kingswood where 222 properties changed hands the average price tag was over £1,150,000.

For buyers looking for a village community Walton-on-the-Hill has it all; two thriving village pubs: The Chequers has thoughtful events planned throughout the year and the best home-made pork scratchings and The Bell pub, or The Rat as it is familiarly known, is frequented by the stable lads from the racecourse at Epsom. The village also affords a pretty pond with swans and ducks to be fed and a cheerful coffee shop over the road; some excellent dinning opportunities and a world class golf course – Walton Heath. 

Millgate are working on delivery of some new exciting projects coming to Surrey over the next year.  If you would like to see what they are up to you can follow them on Facebook or Twitter.  For more information contact their office on 01189 343344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk

This Sunday 17th November sees the opening of a new exclusive development in Sunninghill, Berkshire. Millgate, the award-winning luxury homes developer is due to open the doors to two of the three stunning 6 bedroom residences located in the heart of the Home Counties just 2 miles from Ascot racecourse.

Evesley House, Holland Place has been ‘dressed’ for the occasion by Alexander James Interiors who have the ability of turning empty rooms into elegant and stylish areas, guaranteed to wow even the most discerning clientele.

The blend of meticulous attention to detail in design, specification and architectural integrity combined with a dazzling interiors package*promises to capture the imagination of everyone who walks through the door. Millgate are once again setting the benchmark for building excellence.

Each detached home at Holland Place sits within substantial landscaped grounds. Evesely House offers exceptional accommodation, arranged over three storeys, boasting a magnificent central galleried staircase with spectacular chandelier, three large reception rooms ideal for entertaining, while the kitchen/family room with an orangery opening out into the garden is the informal heart of the home. Upstairs there are en-suite bathrooms to five of the bedrooms plus a bonus bedroom/games room. Staff can also easily be accommodated within the annexe which is found over the triple garage.

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director of Millgate comments:
“It is always exciting for us to open new developments but I am particularly eager to see the reaction of buyers to this home. My team and the Alexander James squad have really excelled themselves this time; Evesley House is quite simply exquisite.”

Sunninghill and the local area is blessed with first class amenities including cosmopolitan restaurants, elegant beauty salons and inspiring interiors emporia. Neighbouring Ascot, Sunningdale and Virginia Water also warrant exploring for their bijou boutiques, delicatessens and cafes, while luxurious Coworth Park Hotel is home to two-Michelin starred chef John Campbell. For more extensive retail therapy from high street retailers to antique and specialist stores a short trip to Windsor is sure to prove very rewarding.

Guide price for Evesley House £3,950,000. For more details on this opulent private development contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344 or Hamptons International on 01372 469279 or alternatively visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

*Interior furniture package not included in this price.

Earlier this year (May 2013) WealthInsight, the London based global wealth consultancy, analysed the most affluent small towns and villages in the UK.

Dominating the top 10 were small towns and villages (with less than 30,000 people) located in the South East with the charming Berkshire town of Ascot, home to up to 300 millionaires, completing the hot list.

• Ascot named top 10 most affluent small town in UK (WealthInsight 2013)
•  New luxury apartment development by Millgate coming soon to Ascot
• Apartments already selling off-plan reflecting high buyer interest

Ascot is a delightfully English spot synonymous with race goers, the Queen, top hats and tails.  But behind this bravado of champagne and high society lies a very civilised and genteel town. The shopping centre consists of rows of small exclusive retailers and a host of eateries. A farmers’ market is held on the third Sunday of the month where locally produced products can be purchased.

Situated only 7 miles from Heathrow international airport and affording fabulous motorway links to the rest of the country and direct rail access to Central London in 30 minutes, makes it easy for Captains of Industry to be located in Ascot. Sporting options are top dollar with championship golf courses at Wentworth, horse racing at Ascot and polo at Smiths Lawn in the Great Park or the Royal Berkshire Polo Club.  If the water is an attraction then there is boating and sailing on the Thames with plenty of places to park up your gin palace.

For those looking for a pied a terre close to the heart of Ascot then look no further.  Millgate, the award-winning luxury homes developer is soon to open the perfect solution – 14 luxury apartments with their own underground parking and lifts will be available later this year.

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director at Millgate comments:

“We launched a similar development in Ascot, Brockenhurst, in 2011this was the first development of its type in the area and the reaction from prospective buyers was remarkable. We anticipate that Westbrook House will do the same.  In fact two apartments have already been secured off plan to local residents who love living in the area and are downsizing.

“Brockenhurst attracted buyers who wanted the ease of an apartment rather than a house, some were retreating from London to the country whilst others wanted lock up and leave apartments that are very secure enabling them to come and go as they please.”

The new apartments at Westbrook House are situated on the site where Rita Heyworth once owned a house. With views towards the race course, these apartments are fabulous for horse lovers and the penthouse apartments boast views of the race track making tremendous spots for entertaining before or after the races.

Edwards and Elliott estate agency in Ascot sold the first development, Brockenhurst for Millgate and are looking forward to the launch of Westbrook House.  Richard Cracknell, Director for Edwards and Elliott said:

“The whole concept for Brockenhurst was based around a particular buyer group; empty nester’s, who are generally moving from large houses and are looking for a very high quality home that is secure, simple to maintain, easy to ‘lock up and leave’ with spacious rooms, outside space, garaging for their cars and plenty of storage.

Brockenhurst House really ‘hit the spot’ and took the concept a stage further by providing an astonishing entrance which created an immediate first impression of space, luxury and opulence, similar to a top hotel.“

Cracknell goes on to say:

“Millgate’s latest development, Westbrook House, takes the concept to new heights with an imposing Queen Ann style building situated directly opposite the world famous Ascot Race Course which incorporates the principal features of their earlier development; and then some!  The early response to Westbrook House has been quite exceptional with scores of enquiries and already two reservations ‘off plan’.

Commenting on the Ascot property market Mr Cracknell said:

“The market in this area has been a roller coaster this year and different sectors have performed in different ways. The year started with increased activity from buyers and sellers but there were still problems with obtaining competitive finance and a general lack of commitment. The long promised ‘recovery’ just did not seem to be happening.  At the same time, the lettings market was incredibly busy with stock levels reducing rapidly.

“Then, in September, things began to change. The letting market became quieter and rental values stopped escalating. Sales on the other hand have become incredibly active and, with reduced stock levels prices are poised to start growing.”

The entrance to Westbrook House has been designed to be very grand. There is a lift to all floors, secure basement car parking and storage. Each apartment will be finished to an exceptionally high standard in a variety of sizes and styles. With a choice of two and three bedroomsfrom 1,380 sq ft to over 3,000 sq ft, the apartments at Westbrook House are designed with large terraces / balconies, bespoke luxury kitchens and bathrooms, perfect pads for indulgent living.

For further information please contact Millgate on 0118 934 8075 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk or to contact the sole agents, Edwards & Elliott westbrook@edwardsandelliott.co.uk or call on 01344 876363.

Behind the striking blue hoarding at Holland Place in Sunninghill, Berkshire lies award-winning house builder, Millgate’s newest creation. 

Three brand new luxury detached country mansions, guaranteed to take your breath away, can be found less than a mile from desirable Sunninghill in the heart of the Home County commuter belt just 28miles west of London.

Opening the impeccable Show Home doors for the first time on Sunday November 17^th 2013,buyers will be captivated by the superb build quality synonymous with a Millgate home which blends seamlessly with inspirational interior design by the renowned Alexander James Interiors.

Julian de la Poer Beresford, Regional Director for appointed selling agents, Hamptons International in Sunninghill comments:

“Combining the depth of knowledge from two companies that are the very top of their game makes for an exceptional work of art.  At Hamptons International we have had the good fortune of selling Millgate houses previously and it is always a pleasure and never a chore.”

The Show Home, elegantly named Evesley House, is one in a collection of three magnificent, privately gated English country homes. This classically styled six bedroom home set within exquisite mature grounds is a testament to the highest quality of vision, design and unparalleled craftsmanship.

As well as being a popular choice for families, the Sunninghill area is also a haven for keen golfers. Within 4 miles of Holland Place there are six golf courses alone! 

·         The highly respected Sunningdale Golf Club has hosted a number of major competitions over the years such as the Mens European Open, the Women’s British Open and several qualifying rounds.

·         Swinley Forest Golf Club is exclusive and totally eccentric. This charming club has no captain and despite being in existence for nearly 100 years it has no history except in it member’s heads as score cards have only recently been printed for the course! 

·         Founded in 1928, The Berkshire Golf Club is home to two Herbert Fowler designed courses, both of which are widely regarded as amongst the best in the British Isles. The Berkshire is a traditional Members’ Club which welcomes visiting golfers all year round to enjoy the beauty of its pine and heather lined courses, and to face the subtle challenges of Fowler’s superb course design.

·         Windlesham Golf Club is a par 72, championship parkland golf course with two exciting loops of 9-holes that will test every club in your bag. Featuring gentle slopes and streams, every aspect of this magnificent course is designed to excite the eye and the mind.

·         Pennyhill Park has a beautiful 9-hole golf course that has welcomed some of the very best Major-winning players in the world including the late, great Seve Ballesteros and the brilliant Vijay Singh.

·         And lastly but certainly not least the infamous Wentworth Golf Club.  One of the world’s finest golf and country clubs with the famed castellated Clubhouse, three championship courses, a Tennis & Health Club, active social calendar and dining inspired by The Ivy and Le Caprice.

Commenting on the area Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director for Millgate said:

“Golf clubs are a huge draw for people to move to an area and not always for the golf –often the associated sports such as tennis and swimming that are available. Many clubs these days offer social memberships – for just that – somewhere to find new friends in a beautiful environment.

“Saying that I suspect that many of the clients who visit Holland Place in Sunninghill will be asking about golf in the area; it is a popular query with most buyers!”

Guide price for the houses on Holland Place are from £3,900,000 for more information contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.   

When Penny Simmons left city life in London and headed west to Wargrave in Berkshire, she had no idea of the impact that she and a few like-minded folk could have on a quaint English Village.

Penny moved from London to Wargrave 4 years ago and before long she had two small children who were filling her time.  She enrolled the boys into Wargrave Pre School and was happy with the loving environment that this tiny little community school could offer her children.

However, Penny was very conscious of the lack of funds that this school had and before long she was signed up to the PTA and fundraising like mad.  The school needed a huge overhaul and it would have taken this small group of local parents years to accomplish what they felt the children needed.

At this time Millgate, the Berkshire-based award-winning house builder, was also busy in Wargrave, erecting a very beautiful small development on Victoria Road – just across from where Mrs Simmons lived.  Penny was very impressed by the quality of the building work and that the developers seemed to really care about how they integrated themselves during the build, creating as little disruption to the local community at possible.

This led Penny to the conclusion that Millgate might be exactly the right local company to help her son’s school with the renovation works.

David Simpson, Managing Director at Millgate, was delighted to be asked to help with such a wonderful cause.  He assigned Kyle Burgess Millgate’s Quantity Surveyor to the project and before long a plan was in place.

Due to the hard work already undertaken by the supporters of Wargrave Pre School, a fund of £5,000 was already in place to start the renovations.  The council generously contributed a further £5,000 in the form of new carpets, flooring and external fixtures and fittings, they also kindly gave the school a small piece of land to increase the playground size.  With the donation of a further £14,500 worth of time and goods from Millgate and their contractors/suppliers this has meant a world of difference to the school development.

Commenting on the renovations, Penny Simmons says,

“The difference in the school before to after is like night and day. The school was previously adequate but the building was tired, dull and oppressive. There was a slightly unpleasant damp smell as you walked in and I always felt rather gloomy in there – I can’t imagine how the staff kept the children so cheerful.

“Now however it is like walking into a happy, cheerful, sunshine room.   The staff appear to be positively beaming and full of renewed energy.  This renovation is going to attract more people to use the local school and not feel the need to pay for more expensive Montessori type nurseries locally.  This makeover has put the life blood back into this community school.”

The work that has been carried out by this this amazingly committed team from Millgate has included a great deal of restoration work for the internal roof, walls and partitions.  The floor donated by the council was fitted by Millgate and they installed a bright and airy new kitchen area, new bathroom facilities throughout and created a quiet area, a den and a changing area internally to allow different activities to happen simultaneously throughout the school day.  With new electric and plumbing Wargrave Pre School is now a safer, cleaner and happier place to be.

Outside in the playground Millgate have constructed a new sand pit and a pagoda which has given the children plenty of options for enjoying their break times.

Kyle Burgess, Quantity Surveyor from Millgate comments,

“As much as my team and I love building luxury new homes, this project has been such an incredible assignment.  The support of the local community, the staff and the never-ending enthusiasm of the schools’ PTA has made this a superb project to work on.

“This project would not have been possible without the bigheartedness of some of Millgate’s suppliers and contractors.  Their enthusiasm to help on this project made it all possible.  It has been a team effort from so many people, their generosity has been overwhelming.

 “I genuinely feel that we have made a difference to lives of the staff and children at Wargrave Pre School and I hope for many years to come that children will still be using and enjoying the fruits of our labour.”

For more information on the project please contact Millgate on 01189 343 344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk. To talk to Penny Simmonds contact her on chair@wargravepreschool.com or visit their brand new website on www.wargravepreschool.com.

•  House prices have increased 8.4% over past 5 years in commuter village of Oxted, Surrey
•  Annual train pass to London Bridge (only 30 minutes) costs £2,036 per annum
•  The district of Tandridge has second lowest population density in the county

The district of Tandridge is the fifth smallest in Surrey and has second lowest population density in the county.  The District is almost entirely covered by the Green Belt (approximately 94%) and only 12% of the area is currently developed. The district is blessed with having nearly a third of its land as open space or woodland and two thirds for agricultural use, making this a truly peaceful and beautiful area.

However, building on designated Green Belt land is an on-going issue for councils and this chiefly rural district is no different.  With 19 conservation areas, 600 listed buildings, of which 20 are recognised as being of outstanding national interest and designated Grade I, eight Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), 6 Local Nature Reserves and over a third of the District designated as being either an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Great Landscape Value – all means that viable land for new homes is very limited.

Indeed, finding sites to build new homes in the area is so incredibly hard that it took award-winning house builder, Millgate, years to find the right location for their latest development in Surrey – Trevereux. Last year the Millgate acquisitions team finally purchased a property in Oxted, previously the Marie Currie Research Institute until 2010, perched on the edge of an escarpment with far reaching, grandstand views across Surrey and Kent.

The innovative new Trevereux development has transformed a derelict old building into six luxury apartments where Millgate have used one façade of the original building and three further indulgent country mansions.

Rupert Connell, Partner of Knight Frank, who has been appointed as selling agents of Trevereux comments:

“Trevereux is cutting edge. The older building has been redeveloped to incorporate six luxury apartments as good as any 5* hotel; you literally feel like you have stepped into a top end London hotel! The three separate dwellings are also incredible; two are traditional homes, kitted out with the very best in luxury fixtures and fittings and the third house has been designed with ultra-modern futuristic look. This house has jaw-dropping views through the largest floor to rooftop windows imaginable; the main ground floor living area is vast and would be an incredible venue for people that enjoy entertaining.

“The local village of Oxted is delightful with quaint shops, pretty coffee houses and good quality restaurants.  The area is awash with quality schools such as Woldingham Girls School, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge – all leading public schools.  Kent is blessed with grammar schools which are easily commutable from here – Judds at Tonbridge and Cranbrook are both outstanding schools.”

Oxted itself boasts a small cinema and a much-loved Waitrose, which earlier this year, according to Savills Estate Agency could possibly drive up property prices by as much as 50%. Zoopla suggests that house prices have increased by 8.4% in the past 5 years and are continuing to rise so property is looking good in this area of outstanding beauty.

Trevereux itself is situated just outside Oxted in a tiny hamlet known as Limpsfield Chart.  Blessed with its own pub selling locally brewed ale, a village green and a pretty church this really is rural Surrey at its finest.

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director for Millgate comments:

“Trevereux has been such an exciting development for us.  Converting a property that has a place in history makes it all the more special and the ultra-modern house on this development is a completely new design for us – we are very proud to be launching a state of the art home to our clients.”

Guide price for the apartments will start from £1,250,000 and the detached homes from £3,750,000. For more details on this incredible new development please contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

Prior to the summer of 2012 and the Olympic Games few people had heard of Box Hill let alone visited this National Trust site unless you were a local, fortunate enough to live on the North Downs in Surrey.

Today, however the story is very different.

• Walton on the Hill property prices up 8.27% in 5 years
• Box Hill, owned by the National Trust, featured prominently in 2012 Olympic cycling events
• Recommended as top London commuter village by Evening Standard

Ever since the infamous Zig-Zag was used as part of the 9 times loop on the Men’s long distance cycling event, Box Hill has become a national treasure.

During the week this sizeable hill retains the peace and quiet that it always enjoyed. The breath-taking views across the surrounding countryside are enjoyed by local walkers, runners and horse-riders. But come the weekend Box Hill is invaded by thousands of keen cyclists dedicated to beating their Zig-Zag personal bests.

More adventurous types use their mountain bikes to ride the off-road trails across the hill; one particularly challenging route involves dragging your two wheels up an almost vertical slope with the hope that the downhill does not result in any broken bones! Known locally as ‘soiled pants’, small groups of daredevils can be seen through the trees high above the River Mole attempting this gravity defying drop.

As reported by the BBC recently, the number of cyclists on Box Hill has increased dramatically since last summer with hundreds of thousands of cyclists now enjoying the North Downs however this volume of cyclists are having a knock-on effect, creating hazards for elderly or inexperienced drivers and environmentally impacting upon this Special Area of Conservation.

But it’s not all bad news for the residents in the area.  Admittedly if you live on the main cycle route you might be a little disgruntled about its new found fame but many local villages are positively benefitting from the attention. Property hunters seeking peace and quiet need to select a village just off the main route enabling you to enjoy this outstanding area for hiking, cycling or just good old fashioned observing – without the hassle of having to fight your way down a single track road with a peloton coming the other way!

One such village which sits just a couple of miles away from the madness is Walton on the Hill boasting one of the finest golf clubs in Surrey (Walton Heath hosts one of the qualifying rounds for the US open) and open footpaths to the North Downs Way and its stunning views. It was also recently cited by the Evening Standard as a top London commuter village.  Property stats according to Zoopla say that property prices are up 8.27% over the past five years here.

The area’s outstanding beauty was just one of the reasons that award-winning house builders Millgate chose Walton on the Hill as the location for their latest luxury development. Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director for Millgate comments:

“A good number of our clients are affluent professionals who work in the city but wish to live in the countryside, surrounded by nature to relax and good schools for the children to attend. The village of Walton on the Hill is perfect for this. A great choice of local pubs and restaurants in the area coupled with a scenic undisturbed village boasting its own historic church and village pond is about as good as it gets in Surrey.”

Millgate has designed and built a collection of 6 luxury detached homes in this picturesque village.  The houses are each individual but all share the distinctive quality of design and specification that is synonymous with the Millgate marque.

Prices start from £1,495,000; for more details on these luxurious country homes contact Millgate on 01189 343 344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.