7 sales in 7 days: Why Ascot is fast becoming the downsizers dream
Whilst the UK Property market is receiving more column inches than ever, it is clear to see that market sentiment is on the up but the latest sales success from award-winning house builder, Millgate, reveals just how active the market is.
Westbrook House, the brand new collection of 2 and 3 bedroom luxury apartments in the centre of Ascot, Berkshire, was officially launched by Millgate on Saturday 25th January 2014 and within 7 days the developer had sold 7 of the units, 50% of the entire development!
It may have been Westbrook House’s rich history (the site was the former home of Hollywood siren Rita Hayworth) which appealed to buyers, the roof terraces complete with hot tubs and direct views over the prestigious Ascot Racecourse which ensured that the apartments were snapped up quicklyor the stunning communal entrance hall complete with marble flooring and antique furniture offering a warm welcome to every visitor which sealed the deal. The wide ranging appeals of this exceptional development are hard to resist.
Interestingly for all 7 buyers it has been Westbrook House’s careful and considered design as the ideal downsizer’s property which ensured the sale. Data released late last year by Lloyds Bank revealed downsizing to be a strong driver of property sales with almost half (45%) of homeowners planning to sell their property in the next 3 years saying they´d like to downsize.
Indeed with an ever growing older population, the appeal of downsizing to a smaller property in order to cut household bills and boost retirement income is one trend which Jonathan Cranley, Sales & Marketing Director at Millgate, has seen before in Ascot:
“Back in 2012 Millgate launched Brockenhurst House, a collection of well-appointed apartments close to the popular market town of Ascot. Due to their intelligently-designed, individual layout which included spacious bedrooms, bespoke fitted kitchens and sublime bathrooms, not to mention private patios, terraces and roof gardens on the penthouses, the Brockenhurst House apartments sold very quickly. They were snapped up by those looking to downsize as the apartments met all of their current and future needs.
“Due to client demand we have once again, at Westbrook House, redeveloped a prime site within Ascot into a downsizer’s dream. Some may think that downsizing means compromise but I can assure you that owning an apartment at Westbrook House is no compromise!”
As a location, Ascot has a long history of attracting the great and the good. Not only home to the late actress Rita Hayworth, Ascot is home to some 300 millionaires (WealthInsight) and celebrities have included John Lennon and Ringo Starr who once resided in Tittenhurst Park. The Girls Aloud singer, Sarah Harding was born in Ascot, as was Grey´s Anatomy actress Camilla Luddington and Marti Pellow, singer of Wet Wet Wet still resides here. Other neighbours are said to include a number of wealthy Russians, Queen Noor of Jordan (the widow of the late King Hussein) and wealthy Saudis with their own Ghurkha security staff living within the grounds.
A delightfully English market town only 7 miles from Heathrow airport with a High Street featuring rows of small exclusive retailers, a host of eateries and a farmers´ market held on the third Sunday of the month, it’s easy to see why Ascot has been named one of the top places to live in the UK and a firm favourite with downsizers.
For sporting enthusiasts Ascot offers championship golf courses at the nearby Wentworth Estate, world class horse racing meets and polo at Smiths Lawn in the Great Park, not to mention an array of boating and water sports on the Thames.
So if you are looking for a downsizer’s dream home then why not consider Westbrook House in Ascot? Apartments are priced from £795,000 and the stunning Show Home is open to visit from 10am – 4pm daily. For more information or to arrange a viewing please contact the appointed selling agent Edwards & Elliott on 01344 87 6363 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.