AB Property Marketing now representing award-winning FX company, Currency Index

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Getting 2012 off to a flying start, as of 1st January, leading property PR agency, AB Property Marketing (ABPM) will be representing FX specialists, Currency Index.

Adding to their ever expanding client base, ABPM is delighted to have been appointed by the OPP award-winning foreign exchange and currency service provider based in Rickmansworth.

Commenting on the appointment, Director of ABPM, Charlotte Ashton, says,

“We are thrilled to be working with Robin Haynes and the team at Currency Index. The financial considerations when purchasing a property abroad are just as important as the home itself and it is vital that buyers are aware of the process involved when buying in another currency and know where to get the best deal, especially with current volatility in the euro zone.”

Formed in 2008 by industry experts, Currency Index prides itself on providing individuals and businesses with a superior foreign exchange service and competitive exchange rates compared to what is usually offered by high street banks and other currency companies.

Trust, transparency and professionalism are at the core of Currency Index with the company becoming one of the first currency brokers to become an Authorised Payment Institution under FSA regulations in 2009. Currency Index enjoys strong partnerships within the industry, for example with TheMoveChannel.com and is called upon frequently for expert opinion on regulation in the industry.

Headed up by MD, Robin Haynes, Currency Index only employs the most experienced and knowledgeable staff to assist clients be they overseas property buyers, importers, exporters and any other company or individual looking to obtain money-saving exchange rates combined with good old fashioned service.

Robin Haynes, MD, explains,

“In a highly competitive sector such as FX it is important to shout loudly about a service as superior as ours. Working with ABPM, our aim is to educate buyers on the process of currency exchange, make them aware of any issues and ultimately ensure they get the best deal and best service possible.”

What can Currency Index offer the media?

  • Expert currency market comment from MD, Robin Haynes
  • Commentary on current euro zone situation
  • Step by step guide to buying foreign currency
  • Commentary on regulation issues within FX
  • Monthly Consumer Currency Exchange Index
  • Best Currency Buys
  • B2B / trade commentary

For more information on Currency Index please contact Charlotte Ashton at ABPM on +44 (0) 207 952 7227

Invest in a greener world urge ski property experts

by Charlotte Ashton France

Every year, millions of skiers take to the slopes in Europe, with French ski resorts being among the most popular ski as well as second home destinations. Indeed, it is no secret that skiing just so happens to be one of the most environmentally damaging sports in the world and with this in mind, we ask, can skiing ever really be synonymous with green living? The experts say yes, explaining that a number of resorts are now working hard to reduce the sports environmental impacts.

According to Mountain Riders, the Grenoble-based green campaign group who conducted the first carbon audit of ski resorts identified that around 75% of greenhouse-gas emissions arose from transporting skiers and snowboarders to their destinations. With this in mind, Eurostar will be helping to ease the environmental impacts by operating direct seasonal ski services. As of the 17th December 2011, travellers from St Pancras and Ashford International will set off for the French Alps via the high speed rail alternative. It is suggested that on average, a Eurostar journey accounts for just one tenth of the carbon emissions of an equivalent flight whilst allowing travellers to arrive closer to their resort without the need for long transfers.

Of course, ski resorts themselves also hold some accountability with 2% of greenhouse gas emissions derived from ski lifts according to Mountain Riders research while concrete sprawl and overheated properties also contribute to environment degradation.

However, a growing number of resorts are now realising their environmental duties with Charlie Williams, Business Development Manager of France’s leading eco-friendly leaseback property developer, Terresens, commenting,

“The French ski property industry has received criticism in the past for being slow to adopt green strategies particularly as housing is one of the main contributors to C02 emissions. Indeed, we have a moral and legal responsibility to consider sustainable eco-friendly alternatives for the properties we build and own. In fact, around 79% of property buyers consider respecting the environment as an important part of their purchasing process with many thinking green in order to ensure their dream property in France holds the same value in 20 years time as it does today. ”

Williams continues,

Undoubtedly, eco homes are the future of not only the skiing world but the residential property market as a whole. Not only are they attractive but they are also cheaper to run because they require less heating and cooling than a conventional house meaning that overall, eco homes appreciate in value. And, with increasing levels of EU environmental legislation being passed, potential property buyers need to start planning now to ensure that their investments meet the criteria in years to come in order to avoid incurring heavy operating and possible redevelopment costs later down the line. ”

With environmental impact at the very heart of Terresens, affording an environmentally conscious attitude to its design and construction, each ski property holds an ecological rating out of 150 enabling buyers to make educated choices.

The luxurious 4* development La Chapelle, set in the traditional Alpine village of Ste Foy  consisting of 68 apartments with only 9 remaining units, boasts an ecological rating of 112 due to the use of natural building materials and water retrieval as well as sustainable management, costing from just €161,014 excl. VAT.

Additionally, Le Hameau de Rennes in Vars has 131 furnished and decorated 1 to 3 bed duplex apartments which are divided into beautiful traditional chalets costing from just €165,040. Dedicated to the environment, this development employs waste management, use of renewable materials such as wood, stone and brick as well as recycled materials including soft flooring and laminated parquet helping it achieve an ecological rating of 92/150.

Coming soon……

Sainte Foy Phase II

This south facing development is being built in line with the traditional local architecture using specific materials to create the trademark wood and stone finish and will provide ski in/ski out facilities from €210,500. With exceptional views, the fully furnished 1bed to 4bed duplex properties employ efficient waste water management, 100% green electricity and waste sorting and recycling.

For more information about investing in sustainable, eco friendly leaseback developments in France contact Terresens today on + 44 (0) 2030 101 110 or visit www.terresensproperties.com

London hotel market outperforms the rest of the UK according to new study

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

According to a new study by STR Global and Whitebridge Hospitality, London hotel profitability over the last 11 years has outperformed the rest of the UK seeing the profit gap between London and regional hotels across Britain widen since 2000.

London hotels between this time and 2010 have experienced a real gross operating profit. Having managed to keep up with inflation according to the study, London hotels have performed better than the rest of the UK which has seen profit margins in regional hotels decline by 11.6% since 2000 with a 6.7% drop in the compound annual growth rate for real gross operating profit over the same period.

While Elizabeth Randell, STR Global managing director suggests that the findings ‘highlight the tougher market conditions for regional UK hotels’, the findings display positive news for the capital where occupancy levels at London hotels have risen from about 82% in 2000 to nearly 85% in 2010.

Meanwhile, the average daily rate (ADR) at London’s hotels increased from £140 back in 2000 to around £145 last year, while by comparison, regional hotels in the UK have experienced a  decline in ADR, from £85 in 2000 to just £70 in 2010.

Ray Withers, Director of property investment experts, Property Frontiers, comments,

“The findings from the study show that London is the best performing player. It is no secret that there is an air of uncertainty surrounding the capital but the overall trend for London has been positive, showing itself as a resilient hotel market while the rest of the UK has found it difficult to manage inflation causing performance losses. With this in mind, the hotel market in London this year has been forecasted at near double digit growth while 2012 is expected to be a record breaking year for the capital with over 5,000 new rooms opened or re-opened in response to growing demand for accommodation thanks to the 2012 Olympic Games and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations for example.”

Indeed as demand in London sky rockets next year numerous hotel brands including Holiday Inn Express have been popping up around the city, particularly in east London, fuelled not only by the new Olympic Park but also but the creation of new Special Enterprise Zones including the Royal Albert Dock, launch of Westfield shopping centre in Stratford and expansion of ExCel exhibition centre and London City Airport.

With tourists spending in excess of £9.3 billion a year in the city and a predicted increase in visitor numbers, new hotels in the east of London are a welcome addition with a very rare opportunity having emerged for investors.

Withers explains,

“Affording an enhanced hotel experience, we at Property Frontiers are allowing investors from all over the world a rare opportunity to purchase an asset class seldom accessible to individuals. Holiday Inn Express, London Excel, located at the Royal Albert Dock will allow investors the opportunity to gain affordable entry into the highly sought after, lucrative London market. Indeed, many investors have been previously put off investing in Hotel rooms due to the lack of a viable exit strategy but with this particular development there is a buyback plan at the end of the investment term.”

Priced at 22% below independent RICS valuations and with VAT paid by the developer, saving investors a considerable £25,000, Holiday Inn Express, London Excel welcomes buyers from all over the world with 50% non-status finance upon completion available.

Set over four floors and consisting of two buildings with 204 en suite rooms, investors can purchase a hotel room on a 199 year leasehold for £125,000 and along with an established Holiday Inn Express brand, investors can enjoy a projected 10.5% net income by year 5 as well as a defined exit strategy.

For more information on investing in London hotel market please contact the experts Property Frontiers today on +44 (0) 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.
 

NEW VIDEO: Global Property Predictions – Where to invest in 2012?

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

In a world of economic uncertainty and fluctuating markets, investor decisions have become increasingly fragile particularly in the property sector and for this reason, it is important to look upon current trends and utilise market knowledge to assess the future of the global property market in 2012.

In this exclusive video, co-founders of Property Frontiers David Cox and Ray Withers speak of this year’s success stories whilst discussing their property market predictions for 2012 and where they believe the best opportunities for investment will be.

Looking towards 2012, Property Frontiers highlight opportunities within the South East of the UK, focussing on the London market. Here they discuss that while there is an air of uncertainty surrounding the UK property market, investors should focus their attention in high yielding properties where excellent incomes can be generated from the areas of student accommodation, care homes and hotel room investments.

With this in mind, certain parts of the EU are also pinpointed as markets that could well provide opportunities despite the debt crisis and economic turmoil set to continue next year within the eurozone, suggesting that on a property level, opportunities could be born for those who want to invest in second homes in southern Europe, becoming cheaper in sterling terms if the Euro falls. Here they predict that investors should focus more on value rather than growth and propose counties such as Poland as ones to watch in 2012.

While Cox and Withers explain the potential in the USA, one of their favourites from a value perspective thanks to low prices and good yields, they also forecast growth in some emerging markets next year. They explain that wealth will continue to move east with many Eastern European nations affording young working populations and stressed the Istanbul property market as a sector that will propose good investment potential next year as it still has strong fundamentals and strong growth.

Finally, given the success of the alternative investment sector in 2011, generating around 50% of Property Frontiers sales from Bamboo sales alone this year, the video explains that Alternatives with strong fundamentals and a good track record will continue to be an innovative and accessible opportunity for investors in 2012.

For more information on where to invest next year why not contact the experts Property Frontiers today on +44 (0) 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.

Double digit property price growth seen in Albania in Q3 2011

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

According to the budget bill passed by the Albanian parliament recently, Albania is predicted to see its budget deficit drop to 3% of GDP next year with economic growth reaching highs of around 4.3% despite the debt crisis and economic turmoil raging through the globe. 

To coincide with this positive news, Albania’s House Price Index rose 10.3% year on year in the third quarter of 2011, according to data from Albania’s Central Bank while the Rental Price Index recorded a slight increase of 1.1% on the year in Q3 2011. 

Ravin Maharajah, partner of Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, a five star luxury residential development located on Albania’s Adriatic coastline comments,

“With growth in the Balkan region predicted to be around four times higher than the 0.5% growth the EU is expected to post next year, those wishing to invest in property will be making a sensible choice if they look in Albania’s direction. Indeed, demand for property in Albania this year has been on the up and in light of 2012 predictions will no doubt continue as property hunters search for alternative options.

“For example, the international market is starting to wake up to Albania’s potential as a beach holiday destination which has generated excellent demand during the pre-sales stages of Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa and in turn, we are expecting remaining villas and apartments in blocks C and D to continue to sell well within the next few months.”

With this in mind, the team at the 5* Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa are pleased to finally announce the construction of the resort which will commence on the 4th January 2012 with delivery firmly on schedule for 2013.

Ravin Maharajah explains,

“We are excited to be starting work next year on our award winning development and will be making some very exciting announcements in Q1 2012 regarding the facilities that will be on offer at “The Adriatic Club”, Lalzit Bay’s exclusive members club.

“Additionally, we’ve kept prices at the same rate for all of 2011, however, as with most construction projects like Lalzit Bay Resort, prices will be rising to reflect the changing status of the project so if you are considering buying then you are urged to act quickly to secure the best deal.”

Providing the perfect property investment opportunity for as little as €38,000 for a luxury apartment on a beach-front resort this stunning property development, recently voted ‘Project of the Year’ at the 2011 RealEx conference in Tirana recently for its high quality infrastructure and strong commitment to the environment will provide outstanding on-site facilities including a beach club, tennis courts, restaurants and water-sport activities.

For more information please contact Lalzit Bay on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

 

BANANA Loses Its Appeal

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Rupert Bates, editorial director of www.whathouse.co.uk – the leading new homes portal – has slammed anti-development groups, including the National Trust and the CPRE, for “peddling a naked NIMBY agenda dressed up as protecting the countryside.”

Addressing an audience of more than 1000 housebuilders and other property professionals at the 30th annual What House? Awards – the ‘Oscars’ of the housebuilding industry – Bates said the most vocal critics of the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) were ignoring “critical social, economic and environmental factors, which can help the UK economy back on its feet and put people in the housing they deserve and can afford.”

“Of course there are issues with the NPPF which need addressing. But it was conservation bodies embarking on a campaign of scaremongering, backed by The Daily Telegraph, who completely de-railed any chance of serious, considered debate between opposing views,” said Bates, who is also editorial director of Show House magazine, a leading trade title for housebuilders.

“The idea that the British countryside is suddenly going to be concreted over in a planning free-for-all is absurd,” said Bates.

“What the NPPF does do, probably more by luck than good judgment, is provide a counterweight to localism. When the localism bill was introduced, handing power to the parish pump, there were housebuilding industry fears that winning over local authorities in well-heeled shires, despite the sweetener of the New Homes Bonus, would become ever more difficult.”

“The Planning Framework reminds councils they have a duty to shape their communities proactively, balancing housing, economic, social and environmental needs.”

Bates urges those who lazily condemn the quality of new homes to look at this year’s What House? Award winners.

“The Awards recognise excellence and remind those critics who bother to look and listen that the housebuilding industry can deliver outstanding homes, with a range of product and design initiatives, showing sustainability, excellence, innovation, boldness and vision across the price spectrum.”

Bates ended his Awards speech on a light-hearted note. In the predictable absence of any anti-development groups in the audience at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, Bates produced a banana, representing the acronym Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anyone.

 

France still a global Top 10 country brand

by Charlotte Ashton France

France continues to be among the world’s top 10 strongest country brands, demonstrating great resilience in the face of Eurozone challenges according to the 2011-12 FutureBrand Country Brand Index (CBI).

In its 7th year, the CBI illustrates perceptions of 113 global nations, and is based on more interviews, insights and information than any other study of its kind. The index assesses the strength of a country brand measuring awareness, familiarity, preference, consideration, advocacy and active decisions to visit a particular country.

Ranking in 9th place, France remains a top brand according to the CBI. Indeed, when it comes to a popular country brand recognised across the globe, France leads the way ranked in 1st place for awareness and familiarity among the public.

Furthermore, France flies the flag for 2nd place in the top 10 category for brand heritage and culture whilst it scores 5th place for brand tourism.

Of course, France has always held a strong identity and enjoys enormous popularity as not only a top tourist destination, ranked in 1st position by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s top ten tourist destinations for 2010 but as one of the best destinations for a new life abroad according to recent data.

Research from Lloyds TSB International Wealth Survey revealed that 21% of respondents selected France as their number one choice for a home abroad while the findings also highlighted an increase in the number of wealthy Britons considering a move overseas with Brits accounting for 11% of the buyers in France putting them in 3rd place behind the Portuguese and the French themselves.

Business Development Manager, Charlie Williams of Terresens, France’s leading eco-friendly property developer, comments,

“France is one of those places that in spite of economic uncertainty, still affords a timeless appeal. Indeed, it has an unbeatable reputation and with a solid country brand, people will always stop by and visit making this a reliable bet for property investors.

“At present, the French Alps is one destination that has seen a rise in popularity with around 62% of the market driven by buyers seeking lifestyle and investment choices and French ski property provides both. For example our development, Le Centaure in Belle Plagne offers a great package with a 4.6% rental income and 1 weeks personal usage while our luxurious ski property in the heart of Méribel, ranked one of the 50 most expensive locations for residential property in the world by the Knight Frank Prime Residential Index (2010), might provide a suitable option for wealthy Brits as mentioned in the Lloyds TSB survey.”

Le Centaure in Belle Plagne, a beautiful character resort situated in an ideal location in the heart of the French Alps in the Savoie provides studio to 3 bedroom apartments which are spacious and bright as well as offering a range of luxurious facilities dedicated to wellness and relaxation such as an indoor heated swimming pool, massage room and Turkish bath.

Nestled between forest and mountain pastures, Le Centaure in Belle Plagne offers stunning scenery, a splendid panorama and slopes for all the ski delights and as a snow sure key ready development Le Centaure priced at €190,748 excl. VAT offers a 4.6% guaranteed rental income as well as 1 week personal usage which can be increased throughout the year via the ‘a la carte’ programme.

Additionally, the limited number of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments and chalets of Les Balcons de la Chapelle occupy a prime location in Meribel, just a short walk from the ski lifts, shops and restaurants and commands incredible unobstructed views out over the mountains. Available fully furnished to your specification, these luxurious residences afford stunning views over the valley and La Chapelle Notre Dame costing from €560,000.

For those looking to buy property in one of the best country brands in the world please contact the developer Terresens on + 44 (0) 203 101 110 or visit www.terresensproperties.com to find out more.

Buy the Best. UK’s Finest House, Apartment and Luxury Home named in prestigious What House? Awards 2011

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

In today’s marketplace the buyer is king, seeking the best possible property for their budget and now the finest house, apartment and luxury home in the UK have been named in the prestigious What House? Awards 2011.
Announced at the glittering award ceremony last week, the Best House gold accolade was bestowed upon St James Homes for Queens Acre, a brand new development of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and 4 and 5 bedroom houses set amidst the picturesque avenues of the leady Old Town of Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire.

Located just over 30 minutes from London, the judges felt that Queens Acre, which is already over 80% sold, was “classical yet contemporary, perfectly embodying the modern family lifestyle and built to a high quality, luxurious specification.  At £465 per square foot, it represents very good value for money. This is an outstanding house – well designed and beautifully executed”.
Best Apartment was awarded to two worthy winners, developers Dandara for Portelet Bay, St Brelade on the Channel Island of Jersey and Octagon for Canford Heights in Poole, Dorset. Both affording stunning sea views, Dandara was commended by the judging panel for creating a scheme on magical Portelet Bay that would keep apprehensive local residents happy. The “cracking team” of architects, landscape architects, artists and interior designers created a “luxurious and original development [comprising 46 apartments and 7 houses] in a very special setting”.
The attention to detail such as dropping the road and installing a curved glass wall which ensure that views were not lost, was also noted by the judges as well flexibility regarding materials and finish which buyers could enjoy if purchasing at an early stage.
Equal Gold winner, Canford Heights is Octagon’s first Poole development adjoining the exclusive Parkstone Golf Club with sublime views across the harbour to Brownsea Island.  A gated community of 4 apartments and a penthouse priced from £2.15 million, Canford Heights was congratulated for achieving true luxury “simply through elegant design and the perfect location”.
Of note was the communal marbled entrance foyer “as high as the building featuring a bespoke chandelier” and the very latest Gaggenau and Miele appliances in the kitchen and Villeroy & Boch fittings in the bathroom.
Continuing their reputation as one of the finest developers, Octagon also received the Best Luxury House award at the ceremony for Mole Hill located in St George’s Hill in leafy Surrey. High praise indeed was bestowed by the judges with Octagon said to have “broken the mould with this striking modernist building with classical echoes.”
This truly exceptional house was described as sharp, smart and stylish and flooded with natural light. With twinkling lights embedded in the mosaic-lined steam room to the granite-clad terraces at each floor level, the judges said “they´ve literally thought of everything!”
A bespoke family home, Mole Hill comprises 5 bedroom suites, one of which on the lower floor is complete with curved aquarium and direct garden access. Security, entertainment, leisure and energy efficiency are top notch with underfloor heating, solar panels and a diesel generator in case of power cuts. The study boasts special ventilation for cigar smoke extraction, a humidor, fridge and coffee maker, while staff quarters include two bright double bedrooms and a Bulthaup kitchen with Miele and Gaggenau appliances.
The grounds at Mole Hill were also highly regarded by the judging panel with the steeply sloping, immaculate, south-facing gardens said to “not look out of place at nearby RHS Wisley”. As a final touch, the perfect contrast to the crisp architecture of Mole Hill was a 1,000-square-foot Banya (pine log cabin) with 150 year-old oak flooring and full outside kitchen.
To find out more about the Best House, Best Apartment and Luxury Home , as well a full list of What House? Award winners visit http://www.whathouse.co.uk/what-house-awards 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.
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Notes to Editors:
Rupert Bates, Editorial Director of What House? 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

New Kosovo-Albania highway is opened

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

Since being voted top destination for 2012 by renowned travel guide Frommers, Albania is set to see another year of increasing tourism. This comes as good news for the Albanian government who are eager to see how their investments in infrastructure and tourism will attract more foreign visitors, and boost investment, GDP and employment prospects within Albania.

Over the last few years, the Albanian government has raised spending on infrastructure investments and is fast developing an efficient road network throughout Albania. Aldo Bumci, minister of tourism and culture cites that further investment across the country had helped to lift visitor numbers by 20% last year.

Albania’s improving road network is also enabling other neighbouring countries to improve their roads.

Earlier this month, the first 38km stretch of motorway linking Albania’s border directly to Kosovo’s capital Pristina was delivered ahead of schedule and within budget. The opening ceremony was attended by the Prime Ministers of Albania and Kosovo, alongside US representatives Eliot Engel and Gary Peters who celebrated Albania and Kosovo’s further integration into Europe.

Ravin Maharajah, Partner of Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, the 5* luxury residential development located on Albania’s Adriatic coastline comments,

“Interest from international tourists and property investors is starting to develop quickly. This is a great sign and we encourage people to visit Albania in 2012.

“Albania has new roads, a new airport, a stunning coastline and great weather similar to Greece and Italy. It won’t be long until we see more and more people visit and purchasing holiday properties in this beautiful country.”

It was recently announced that a new €53 million loan from the EBRD has been agreed for the construction of two bypass roads in the south of the Albania, and the World Bank estimates that the Western Balkan economies will grow on average 2.1% in 2012, four times the pace of the European Union.

With tourist numbers set to soar next year in light of the high acclaim Albania has received, purchasing property here to soak up the country´s unspoilt coast, mountain ranges, historical offerings and rock bottom prices will provide a sensible option for property hunters.

The 5* Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa can provide the perfect property investment opportunity for as little as €38,000 for a luxury apartment on a beach-front resort. Construction on Lalzit Bay Resort begins on January 4th 2012 and is due to open in 2013.

This stunning property development, recently voted ‘Project of the Year’ at the 2011 RealEx conference in Tirana recently for its high quality infrastructure and strong commitment to the environment will provide outstanding on-site facilities including a beach club, tennis courts, restaurants and water-sport activities.

For more information please contact Lalzit Bay on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

 

Visions of 2012. UK’s Best Interior, Exterior and Landscape Designs named at 30th annual What House? Awards

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Equally important as the physical bricks and mortar which comprise a home is the design, both internally and externally. Britain holds a long tradition of producing globally renowned architects and designers and now the prestigious What House? Awards has named the Best Interior, Exterior and Landscape Designs in the UK in 2011.

Receiving the gold award for Best Interior Design is Weston Homes for the gated development of King’s Island. Comprising 24 three- and four-bedroom family homes and 127 one and two bedroom new-build and listed conversion apartments situated in a picturesque landscape by the Grand Union Canal in Denham, Uxbridge, the judging panel praised the overall attention to detail and use of quality materials, in particular the “use of solid wood floors and doors throughout and craftsman-like joinery and cabinetry and quality appliances”.

Featuring a super indulgent master bathroom with standalone bath, walk-in wardrobes, above-height ceilings and light-enhancing balustrading on the staircase, King’s island is certainly fit for royalty. As the judges commented, “a well thought-out and cleverly executed development that delivers design aesthetics, quality of construction and genuine value for money”. Four-bedroom, mid-terraced homes here are priced at £700,000.

Looking externally, it was United House & Londonewscastle who took the coveted gold award for Best Exterior Design for Arundel Square in Islington, London, adding to its already impressive accolades for the contemporary reworking of a traditional Victorian square.

With terraces built along three sides, the way in which completion of the fourth side of the square, blighted by an unsightly railway line, was undertaken was rewarded by the judges who commented that the developers had steered away from a “pastiche approach to the external challenge; rather adopting a more contemporary look”.

Arundel Square comprises 146 homes ranging in price from £285,000 to £1.5 million with plenty of green space and some delightful landscaping. The judges particularly liked the balcony treatment, with blue and green colours and stained-glass finishes with galvanised steel rails, which appeared to project outwards towards the garden square like “auditorium theatre boxes”, no idle architectural pretension considering the chief executive of United House, Jeff Adams, is a keen theatre-goer and patron of the arts.

In the hotly contested category of Best Landscape Design, two developments were deserved gold winners – United House Developments and Londonewcastle once again for Arundel Square and St James for The Hamptons in Worcester Park, Surrey.

One of the outstanding qualities of Arundel Square was that its design was delivered through comprehensive consultation between the client, Islington council´s Greenspace team and the local community to ensure it would offer something to all age groups.

The result sees the inclusion of an enclosed play area for younger children, a hard surface games area, ping pong table, chess, basketball hoop and games table. Elsewhere, earth mounding has created an attractive landscape that also includes an informal curved seating area, individual park benches, and timber deck. Open grass areas are combined with new tree and herbaceous planting.

As the judges enthused, “the design skill has been to incorporate these components within the elegant design of a Victorian square. The design is understated and the materials merge comfortably with the colours and tones of the original buildings and the result is a calm and pleasant landscape.”

Looking south of the river, The Hamptons in Worcester Park, Surrey was created on a former Thames Water site meaning the developer and landscape architects had to meet the challenges of an industrial legacy, including redundant gasometers and a major power line running nearby.

Of the 60 acre site, more than half is dedicated to natural parkland which includes four acres of lakes to provide a habitat for wildlife. The central parkland, known as Mayflower Park, includes a raised amphitheatre and sculpted hill created a central focus and viewing platform towards London, only 30 minutes away.

The judging panel commented that “St James should be congratulated in creating and executing such a carefully designed scheme. The architecture and setting is attractive, the atmosphere is relaxing, and the development is a welcoming place to live”.
To find out more about the Best Interior, Exterior and Landscape Designs 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.
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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