Rewind 200 years to a home fit for a King at Regency Place

by Viv United Kingdom

 

The Regency era was a time of stark contrasts, of defining styles and tastes and of scandal and gossip. It saw the madness of kings, Napoleon rise and fall and the struggle for power in the Americas.

 

The charming Lord Byron became a social celebrity with his dark romantic poetry, the cheeky and controversial Beau Brummell defined and shaped the fashions and, in a new style of writing, the likes of Jane Austen and Charles Dickens began their social commentaries on people and classes through fictional novels which were heavily steeped in truths of the time.

 

This same style extended to the design of the upper classes´ environments and homes. The court architect John Nash was prominent in developing the ´regency style´ drawing from Greek, Roman, Gothic, Egyptian, Asian and neo-classical English influences. This eclectic mix celebrated such features as elegant furniture and vertically pin-striped wallpaper, large windows, balconies and imposing frontage. It was a time where wealth was celebrated and opulence was expected.
Following in the footsteps of this well-loved design era, Millgate is proud to present Regency Place, a collection of six luxurious 5 bedroom detached houses in the picturesque village of Walton-on-the-Hill, Surrey, designed with this luxurious period in mind.
Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director of Millgate the leading luxury house builder, comments,
“Each of the six refined homes at Regency Place demonstrates the distinctive quality of design and specification synonymous with the Millgate marque and regency era. This development marks a welcome return to the area for us where we have previously built family homes. We truly believe that we have a unique product for discerning house-hunters: providing an enviable specification with traditional historic elevations as well as satisfying the practical requirements of today´s modern family.”
Indeed, Walton on the Hill is steeped in history with its magnificent church of St Peter dating back to the 12th century. One of its oldest features is an 800 year old font which is thought to have originally stood in a chapel alongside the village´s manor house. Local legend has it that the manor house was visited by Henry VIII and his wife Anne of Cleves is also thought to have stayed here.
Mr Cranley adds,
“With the regency era in mind, we have named our houses after prominent historical figures in a nod to this stunning Surrey village´s historical past. All six houses aptly named The Cleves, Aragon House, Seymour House, The Wolsey, Canterbury House and The Wolsingham incorporate local history and English heritage to Millgate´s bespoke luxury developments in one of the most sought after locations in the South East of the UK.”
 Behind their imposing façades, each of these new properties will feature an interior with spacious open-plan kitchen and orangery, as well as separate utility, drawing and dining rooms and a study. The first floor will be home to the five generously-proportioned bedrooms. En suite facilities feature in bedrooms two and three, along with the master bedroom, which also enjoys its own private terrace area overlooking the rear garden.
In the external surroundings, behind the private and secure environment of a gated entrance, purchasers can expect manicured lawns and established foliage, beautifully designed and planted by Millgate´s Chelsea award-winning landscaper.
So for those who have a blue blooded budget to make everyone green with envy, why not take a look at the magnificent Regency Place, Walton on the Hill. Prices from £1.45 million. For more information contact selling agents Richard Saunders on 01737 363333

New Berkshire family homes put Millgate in the running for national recognition once again

by Viv United Kingdom

The fabulous new development built by multi award-winning Millgate has been such a hit that it is now being considered as “Best Small Development” in the prestigious Evening Standard New Homes Awards 2013.   This development was officially opened last month by the local MP Theresa May.

The first property on this prestigious estate in the heart of rural Berkshire, sold within hours of the show home launching  and already five of the eight terraced homes have sold. Perhaps unsurprising when you hear what the appointed selling agent has to say about these delightful Millgate houses.
Tim Harding from Haslams estate agents in Berkshire comments:
“The best thing about these homes is their specification, Millgate´s attention to detail is so thorough that our visitors just cannot find fault with the presentation of the houses and external finishes. It makes our job so much easier! Our buyers crave Victorian style three storey properties but they want the house to fit around today´s lifestyle. Millgate have created this balance perfectly.” he explains.
Indeed Tim and his team at Haslams are finding buyers coming from near and far to view these mews homes. The local area is producing a great deal of interest but equally a recent buyer looking to move to a more rural location originated from South London.
The village of Wargrave where the new Victoria Mews development is located is a superb spot for harmonious living, a traditional English village with a great community spirit. Its residents enjoy acclaimed schooling, easy access to everyday shops, fine-dining and picturesque Thames views.
The charming town of Twyford is only a short drive away with its bustling centre including a Waitrose supermarket and Henley-on-Thames is close by too. A train into London takes from as little as 30 minutes from Twyford and the area is blessed with great road links to the M4 and M40 motorways.
The closest city to Wargrave is affluent Reading. Fifth in a recent study of the UK’s top city regions, it boasts low unemployment and the third highest earners in the UK with an average salary of £594 per week, 21% higher than the national average.
Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director at Millgate is very hopeful that the Victoria Mews development will be recognised at this year’s Evening Standard New Homes Awards, commenting,
“We have been very fortunate to be winners of the Evening Standard New Homes Awards for the past two years consecutively and it would be terrific to retain such a high accolade. Whilst nothing is guaranteed, we are confident that Victoria Mews is a credible contender and it would be wonderful for the team to see that their work and efforts are appreciated at a national level.”
Due to the success of sales in this delightful development in the heart of Wargrave, Millgate have opened a further show home. Both properties have been dressed by award winning designers Alexander James Interiors who have an incredible talent for bringing a house to life.
Stacey Sibley, Creative Designer for Alexander James Interiors, comments:
“When we first look at a Millgate scheme we very much keep in mind who the developer believes their purchasers are and the area the development is located in. From the moment the purchaser walks through the door we want them to imagine themselves living in the house, feeling comfortable and at home.”
Editors Notes:
Victoria Mews, Wargrave
A private collection of eight, three and four bedroom semi-detached homes located in the sought-after village of Wargrave. Built by Millgate Homes, each home offers well planned accommodation over three floors with modern design featuring stylish kitchen and bathrooms, light filled conservatories, garage, balcony and landscaped gardens.
Each luxury family home has been built to include a garage, conservatory and balcony off one of the bedrooms. The gardens are fully landscaped and this is undoubtedly one of the best residential locations in village of Wargrave.
Price guide for the houses is £649,950 to £695,000. To find out more and register your interest in advance by contacting Millgate on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

Oxford continues to shines with Millgate’s luxury detached homes contenders for an Evening Standard New Homes Award 2013

by Louise United States

Not only is a place at Oxford University still one of the most hard won in the world but the ‘city of dreaming spires’ has also roared in at second place in a recent Santander poll for the top UK towns and cities for business competitiveness.

Based on 20 factors that can drive private business competitiveness and success for towns and cities including enterprise, talent, connectivity, cost and well-being, the index is a comprehensive study of the largest 74 conurbations in the UK as well as 32 London boroughs.
Corporations such as Mini have brought wealth and jobs to the area and sales of the Cowley built iconic car have reached an all-time global high this month. In response to business demand a new hotel is earmarked for the area and DHL are hoping to open a new courier base nearby. Indeed these are not the signs of a depressed recession-hit county but one that is progressive and forward thinking.
Another business tapping into Oxfordshire potential is house builder Millgate. Developing their first eight homes in Marcham near Abingdon in early 2012 these luxury homes sold out in less than six months. Millgate went on to construct four further country mansions in Oxford’s exclusive Boar’s Hill area. This elite development was unique to the area as there has been almost zero new home construction in Oxford for the past couple of years – especially at the top end of the market where these homes sit.
Once again sales have been swift and just one of the four stunning homes, Highview Manor, remains. Featured in the Daily Telegraph, Oxfordshire Life and the Financial Times, this gorgeous house is now being considered for a prestigious Evening Standard New Homes Award 2013 for best luxury home.
Due to the success at Boars Hill, Millgate remained committed to the appeals of south Oxfordshire recently completing a third development at nearby Hinksey Hill. Named as one of the Top 20 places to live in the UK by Knight Frank, it is an area favoured by families for its easy commute into the city yet retaining all the benefits of a country location, Hinksey Hill is somewhat of a hidden gem.
Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director at Millgate, comments on the house builder’s achievements to date and plans for the future,
“Being based in Berkshire, Oxfordshire was virgin territory for us but after quickly establishing the high demand but lack of supply for luxury detached family homes which Millgate excel in building, it has been a hugely positive move. I have been delighted at the reaction buyers have had to our developments and indeed the Evening Standard New Homes Award we received last year for Beech House at Boars Hill.”
The Evening Standard best luxury home hopeful is Highview Manor. The Manor house is set in the grounds of former Warnborough College, believed to be the very first mansion to be built on Boars Hill.
The property has commanding views to the North over the Preservation Trust land towards the Oxford Spires and to the South backing onto ancient woodland and to the Downs beyond.
This inspired Georgian style mansion is set within south facing grounds in excess of four acres. The accommodation, set over four floors is large and spacious combining the splendour of a traditional country manor house with modern 21st century conveniences.
Highview Manor comprises: a drawing room, dining room, study, kitchen, family room, orangery/breakfast room, games room, five bedrooms and five en-suites, an indoor swimming pool, leisure zone, cinema, wine cellar, gymnasium, all weather tennis court and pavilion, four car garage and courtyard.
The house also benefits from a detached cottage with kitchen/breakfast room, living room and two bedrooms.
Also awaiting a hopeful accolade from The Evening Standard for best family home is Rushton House, one of four country homes built on Hinksey Hill. This is a superb three storey, detached house set in half an acre plot of mature gardens.
Designed for modern family living. A magnificent open plan kitchen/family room extends the full length of the house including an orangery that is flooded with light.
Upstairs the expansive master-suite includes a walk-in fitted dressing room, a luxurious en-suite and a large private timber decked terrace. A guest suite and a further two double bedrooms and family bathroom complete this floor. The second floor has the fifth bed with en-suite shower room and a spacious games room offers flexibility of use.
Rushton House is priced at £2,100,000. 
Highview Manor is priced at £5,950,000
For more information contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

Millgate makes a happy return to Gerrards Cross with latest collection of luxury country homes opening on Saturday 16th March!

by Viv United Kingdom

In a rural setting, yet just half an hour from London by rail, Gerrards Cross, affectionately known as ´the Hollywood of Bucks´ remains in high demand for the same reasons as a century ago.

Wealthy Londoners were offered a healthy lifestyle, close proximity to the Capital, stylish architecture and leafy roads. And today, Gerrards Cross or ´GX´, named by Knight Frank as one of the Top 20 towns and cities to buy homes in, ticks even more boxes, becoming one of the top three wealthiest spots in the country and home of leading premium house builder, Millgate´s latest collection of luxury country homes, Alderbourne Place.

Almost fifteen years ago Millgate completed its first luxury home in Gerrards Cross, overseen by Construction Director Paul Beaney who is now responsible for the latest development in the area, after over a decade of dedication to Millgate.
Jonathan Cranley, Marketing and Sales Director of Millgate comments,
“We are delighted to present our fantastic new development at Gerrards Cross. Discretion is the key word in our new collection; since we first came to the village over a decade ago it remains a quiet, relaxed place that hasn´t suffered from over-development and we intend to keep it that way.
“The Common is still at the heart of the community, with idyllic cottages and elegant homes dotted around it offering woodlands, ponds and plenty of recreational space with stylish shops, restaurants and even a cinema tucked away discreetly – perfect for living a full and active family life.”
Indeed, many residents are particularly attracted by the excellent schools, primary and secondary, state and private located nearby such as Dr Challoner´s Grammar School (Boys), Beaconsfield High School (Girls), Chesham Grammar School (Co-ed) or the local Upper School, Chalfonts Community College.
Of particular benefit to Gerrards Cross residents is the excellent access to London by road and rail. The town is connected by the A40, 20 miles North West of central London, is close to the M25/M40 motorway intersection and affords a fast rail connection to London Marylebone provided by Chiltern Railways. Heathrow Airport is also only 12 miles away with a half hourly bus service operating during the working day.
Indeed there are many other places of interest close by, including Beaconsfield Model Village, Burnham Beeches ancient woodlands, Eton, Windsor and other charming riverside locations upstream such as Maidenhead, Cookham and Marlow on the way to Henley and Oxford beyond.
Opening its doors to the public on Saturday 16th March, Alderbourne Place on Fulmer Road, willconsist of 8 impressive country homes and 4 town houses reflecting meticulous attention to detail with architectural integrity, yet again setting the benchmark for building excellence. These new homes will have an unrivaled pedigree, impeccably dressed by Alexander James Interiors, offering a seamless delivery of bespoke interior design to match their desirable location with generous accommodation finished to an outstanding specification priced from £900,000.
To ensure you don´t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to purchase your own Hollywood home nestled in the Buckinghamshire countryside, contact the sales team for further information or to arrange a viewing on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk

Following huge success in 2012, award winning house builder Millgate launch luxury new homes in Surrey

by Viv United Kingdom

With an enviable reputation for vision, design and craftsmanship for over 25 years, premium new homes builder Millgate, is proud to present Regency Place, opening 16th February, the latest bespoke luxury development in one of the most sought after locations in the south east – Walton-on-the-Hill.

This quintessential English village, with its own green and village pond, as well as independent shops is certainly a desirable location in which to own a home. Thanks to its position just within the London Orbital, providing convenient and quick access to the Capital via Tadworth railway station and the M25, it is ideal for city professionals as well as families due to its own primary school and several leading educational establishments in close proximity.

Regency Place is located on Hurst Drive, a well–regarded road on the southern edge of this pretty semi-rural village and adjoining part of Walton Heath, close to Walton Heath Golf Club.

Walton Heath is known for its outstanding natural beauty and championship golf courses – hosting high profile tournaments each year, notably the US Open qualifying as well as providing the challenge for the South of England Open Amateur Championship.

Nearby Headley Heath also offers excellent heathland turf for the keen horse man or woman, with several livery stables nearby and the famous derby racecourse at Epsom Downs a mere 2 miles away.

Stacey Mitchell, Sales Manager at Millgate, comments:
“We’re delighted to be bringing our award-winning homes to Walton-on-the-Hill. Regency Place marks a welcome return to the area for us, where we have previously built family homes which have always sold quickly.

“Having won the Evening Standard award for the Best Family Home for the last five years running, we are confident in the knowledge that our homes and landscaping will serve to enhance the area and provide an address to be proud of.”

Regency Place features six five-bedroom detached properties, with generous accommodation finished to an outstanding specification.

These timeless houses have an unrivalled pedigree to match their desirable location and offer a matchless luxurious quality build, including an extensive kitchen and spacious family room with an opulent orangery, 5 bedrooms, 3 with en-suites plus a family bathroom and double garage.

Boasting beautifully manicured lawns and a secure gated entrance, purchasers can expect a luxurious living environment from Regency Place with the utmost privacy.

Regency Place is open from 16th February 2013. Guide price of £1,800,000. For more information contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

Dress to impress! Why do Show Homes remain the developers’ secret sales tool?

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

For many homeowners the Ideal Home Show, which returns once again to the iconic Earls Court London this March, is the highlight of their year.

This property lover’s mecca attracted a record breaking 260,000 visitors over the 17 days in 2012 with even more expected this March 15th – April 1st, all clamouring to purchase the products and discover the top tips to ensure that their home not only keeps up with, but exceeds the Jones’.
“But what if you don’t want to spend 5 hours (the average time spent at the Ideal Home Show in 2012) traipsing around such a show in pursuit of perfection?” says Jonathan Cranley, Sales & Marketing Manager of award-winning house builder, Millgate. “Why not just buy the ideal Show Home instead?”
Jonathan and his expert team at Millgate have spent over 25 years perfecting the ideal Show Home, working with established interior designers such as Alexander James Interiors to create not only properties dressed to impress but also those that function as warm, family homes.
And their approach is clearly working with 80% of Millgate’s Show Homes selling to buyers lock, stock and barrel.
As Jonathan explains,
“Show Homes are considered by some house builders as necessary evils; they are an afterthought and often minimal attention is allocated to them. Here at Millgate, as with many things, we view Show Homes differently. They are our secret sales tool, an essential part of presenting the perfect family home to a buyer. A great deal of time, energy and funds are allocated to each and every Show Home and no new development is released to market without one.”
Indeed Stacey Sibley, Creative Designer for Alexander James Interiors, comments,
“In 2012, 85% of the homes we dressed were sold in full; the just clients fall in love with our schemes and want the whole look especially overseas buyers seeking turnkey properties.
“When we first look at a scheme we very much keep in mind who the developer believes their purchasers are and the area the development is located in. From the moment the purchaser walks through the door we want them imagine themselves living in the house, feeling comfortable and at home.”
A point in case was the Show Home at the new Four Winds development in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire – St John’s House. This 5 bedroom classic country home with stunning panoramic views across the Thames Valley came onto the market in mid-2012 with a fully dressedShow Home in place designed by Alexander James Interiors.
With high specification appliances, warm oak flooring, comfortable soft furnishings and stylish wall coverings, St John’s House didn’t stay on the market for long. Local business lady, Kate Bostock, formerly on the Board at M&S and now at online fashion retailer ASOS, snapped up the property commenting that the “overall décor was virtually as I would have chosen”.
Kate purchased the house swiftly after viewing it and following this success, Millgate has now dressed and opened a new Show Home on the site at Hambledon House, available at £2.8 million.
Not only did St John’s House at Bourne End sell very quickly in a difficult prime country market, the property was also the first to achieve a buyer with the Show Home presence attributed heavily to this. A similar pattern has emerged in another Millgate development in the heart of Surrey. Burford House in Kingswood was a luxurious 6 bedroom detached country mansion set within private landscaped gardens, one of two Millgate homes on this prime site. The Show Home, again fully dressed by Alexander James Interiors, opened in mid 2012 and after receiving a great deal of attention from both local and international buyers, sold to a Russian family relocating from London.
Stacey Mitchell, Sales Manager of Burford House, comments,
“Although both properties in this superb Kingswood development are built to the very same exacting standards by Millgate, I am convinced that having the Show Home in place at Burford House made all the difference to our buyer. This location in the heart of Surrey is quintessentially English, a real draw for overseas clients and the interior design reflected all that was great about British vision, design and craftsmanship.”
Indeed so successful was the sale of Burford House, sister property St Audries, priced at £2.95 million has now been fully dressed as a Millgate Show Home and is available to view 7 days a week by appointment.
For more information about the important as Show Homes to house builders today please contact Jonathan and the team at Millgate on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

Purchase your dream new Millgate home and have it dressed for free!

by Viv United Kingdom

There is something very rewarding about visiting a show home on a luxury development. Starting with the curb-side appeal, the front of the house will be sparklingly fresh with shiny windows and immaculately landscaped flower beds in the front garden that are positively blooming with life.

Once through the front door you are welcomed by the smell of freshly ground coffee and a waft of newly cut lilies coupled with gorgeous furniture that has been hand selected by industry experts to blend effortlessly with the house.
This welcome is exactly what award-winning Berkshire based developers, Millgate, proudly present in each of their stunning show homes and now it can be yours with their exclusive time-limited, offer.
Until the end of February 2013, Millgate are offering a complimentary interior soft furnishing and landscaping package worth £15,000* with the sale of every home on their superb new development in Victoria Road, Wargrave. 
Working with carefully selected partners including landscape architect Fiona Bruce who has won numerous awards at the Chelsea Flower Show and Alexander James Interiors, the award winning interior designers, this exclusive package will ensure your new home is perfect on the inside and out.
So whether you are downsizing, upsizing or just looking for a fresh start this could be a perfect solution for you and your family. The show home is open 7 days a week, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and for more details visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk or call the Millgate team on 01189 343344.
*Offer applies to reservations made by February 28th 2013, terms and conditions apply.

Onwards and upwards! Luxury house builder Millgate predicts strong performance in 2013

by Viv United Kingdom

With house prices stabilizing and even rising a little (1.3% in December 2012, Halifax) and a limited amount of stock in the market the next obvious step, one encouraged by Government, will be for home builders to begin construction again in 2013. New homes are an essential part of the domestic property cycle.

Indeed developers who have had the cash resources or access to bank finance and have therefore still been able to build new homes over the last few years have reaped the rewards. One such house builder is Millgate, operating predominantly but not exclusively at the higher end of the market.
Millgate has seen demand for its award-winning homes remain constant and even grow in some sought-after locations such as the quintessentially British village of Wargrave in Berkshire. Millgate’s latest development of townhouses was in such high demand that upon launch in November 2012 the first property was signed and sealed within 24 hours!
Of course, from its 25 years of experience, Millgate does not expect this speed of response for all of its developments but remains confident that this is a good indicator of the market if you are able to build the right homes in the right location.
Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director of Millgate explains,
“We purchased a terrific site in Wargrave and our expertise and track record ensured that we could work with the planning departments to get the best from the plots. The price point of our town houses is fair at £675,000 for a beautiful three bedroom home with luxury kitchen and bathroom, parking and a sizeable garden and with such little stock on the market in desirable Wargrave we have been inundated with enquiries for these family homes.”
Looking at a national level, the lack of stock is clear with a recent report from Jones Lang LaSalle indicating that new development will continue to be constrained with only circa half of the UK’s requirement being met in 2013 with less than 150,000 homes being built in England each year, even by 2017, well below the number required. 
But it’s not all bad news, such low levels of construction activity present a lucrative opportunity for builders such as Millgate who are able to find the funding to continue with developments. Cranley continues,
“We learnt some very important lessons during the recession and have purposefully remained committed to the top end of the market mostly building country mansions for high net worth individuals.  Our average sale price in 2012 was circa £2.5 million and we do not anticipate a fall in house prices in our sector in 2013. In terms of volume, we delivered 45 units in 2012 and anticipate matching this figure in 2013. Indeed there were some concerns over the mansion tax effect on the sale of our homes but the influx of overseas buyers has continued and buoyed the market.” 
Echoing Jones Lang LaSalle who also suggest that the UK housing market is expected to make steady progress throughout 2013 with accelerated growth from 2014 onwards Millgate see their future clientele being not only UK nationals but a mixture of buyers from all over the world.
For more information on Millgate homes available in 2013, contact the team today on 01189 343 344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

Home Secretary Theresa May opens new Millgate development in Berkshire

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Theresa May, Home Secretary and MP for Windsor & Maidenhead has officially opened the new ´Victoria Mews´ development in Wargrave.

 

Millgate, the multi award-winning bespoke house builder officially launched their latest development, a private collection of 8, three and four bedroom semi-detached homes located in the sought-after village of Wargrave in Berkshire.

 

Theresa May, who enjoys a very active role in her local constituency, was invited to the launch on Friday 11th January alongside Stewart Baseley, Executive Chairman of the Home Builders Federation.

 

Millgate had invited the original owners of the 1890 house named Ye Nest which still remains on the plot and was tastefully renovated by Millgate as part of the development plans. Ye Nest was originally owned by the Bird family, and Bird Gardens is now the formal name of the street, which was chosen in respect to one of the oldest families in the quintessential English village.

 

Vera Bird, who is now in her nineties  had a tour of the ´Ye Nest´ renovation and was delighted with how the house looks now, commenting that "she was proud to have lived long enough to see the house refurbished to such a high standard".  Vera and George Bird lived on this site for most of their lives, running a chauffeur business. A most enterprising man, George was a WW1 veteran who lost his arm during the war yet this never deterred him from running a busy and successful business in Wargrave.

 

Theresa May´s explained that her personal view was that a development should be sympathetic to the environment and she complemented Millgate in achieving just that and on the superb quality of the homes. She further commented on the current government initiatives to help overcome problems with housing shortages in the UK emphasising the government directive that focuses on handing over greater powers to local communities

 

The Home Secretary also actively supports the Coalition Government´s ´Mid-Term Review´ which promotes the progress of several large infrastructure projects that will boost the Maidenhead area such as the new western rail link to Heathrow Airport and the Crossrail project which are likely to bring more jobs and wealth to the area.

 

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director of Millgate, commented on the launch of Victoria Mews

 

"We were naturally thrilled to have the Home Secretary officially open this superb new development. It was wonderful for the 30 local residents, councillors and the Millgate team to have her show her support in this way"

 

 

About Bird Gardens

 

 

A private collection of eight, three and four bedroom semi-detached homes located in the sought-after village of Wargrave. Built by local developers Millgate, each home offers well planned accommodation over three floors with modern design featuring stylish kitchen and bathrooms, light filled conservatories, garage, balcony and landscaped gardens.

 

Victoria Mews is a development of luxury family homes built to include a garage, conservatory and balcony off the master bedroom. The gardens are fully landscaped and this is undoubtedly one of the best residential locations in the village of Wargrave. 

 

Price guide for the houses is from £649,950.  To find out more and register your interest contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk

‘City of dreaming spires’ bucks downward prime country house price trend

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

 

For many prime country house owners, 2012 ended on a sour note with the latest data from Knight Frank revealing that house prices in this sector fell 1.2% in Q4 taking the annual decline to 3.8%.
But it wasn’t all doom and gloom as certain pockets of the country such as Oxford, known as the ‘city of dreaming spires’, bucked the trend reporting an annual price rise of 3.3.% according to the Knight Frank Prime Country House Index Q4 2012.
Not only home to one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, the city of Oxford, just 60 miles from London, is a thriving economic centre with some huge businesses choosing to operate from here. Oxford is the principal production site of the Mini, Oxford University Press and Wiley-Blackwell publishing houses operate from here, as well as a number of large breweries and science-based industries.
And it is just this variety of academic and employment opportunities, not to mention the cultural and environmental appeals, which is leading to the population of Oxford growing steadily. Already at 150,000 people, Oxford and the surrounding area is attracting more and more families, especially those looking to relocate from central London and get more bang for their buck. 
This increasing demand for prime country homes at the £2 million plus mark has been witnessed by award-winning developer Millgate, who enjoyed a bumper year in Oxfordshire in 2012.
Focusing on the beautiful village of Boars Hill just 3 miles south west of Oxford city centre, Millgate completed an development of four prime country homes ranging from £4 to £6 million in 2012. Already three of the four homes which afford stunning views towards the dreaming spires have been sold and the last house has several interested buyers.
Indeed so successful has this development been that another prime site in the neighbouring village of Hinksey Hill has been purchased and developed to the same high standard by Millgate with a further four 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom detached homes approached by a private tree lined drive now available to purchase from £1.95 million.
Sales and Marketing Director at Millgate, Jonathan Cranley, comments:
“The prime country house market has indeed been under pressure in the last 12 months with concerns over the impact of increasing stamp duty however for Millgate 2012 has been a positive year.
“Overall, as reported by Knight Frank, stock and indeed viewing volumes are up across the board but buyers have become even more discerning, taking their time to select only the finest homes, in prime locations such as Oxfordshire which fortuitously for us, is at the heart of the Millgate ethos.“ 
For more information on prime country houses available in Oxfordshire from Millgate please call 01189 343 344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.