Property Edition May 2013 Issue

MAY 2013

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DREAM HOMES

TOWN

COUNTRY

property highlights from the local market

THE CHANGING FACE OF

CAMBRIDGE

OTLIGHT ON

CHESTERTON

WELCOME

Welcome to Property Edition

AMBRIDGE: a city of great history, beauty and reverence. Everyone thinks they know Cambridge, but those of us who live or work here have a more insightful knowledge of this multi-textured city. In recent years, Cambridge has experienced massive residential growth, as anyone who’s driven in off the M11 at Trumpington or taken a walk to the station lately can confirm.

New housing developments and apartments are rising up everywhere, evolving Cambridge into a city of contrasts, where the ancient colleges and traditional period homes are being joined by sophisticated new properties to complement the growth of the bio-medical and other industries that Cambridge has made its name for.

Add to this Cambridge’s reputation for excellent schooling and effortless transport links to London and it’s no wonder our city is such a sought-after place to live.

With so much interest surrounding Cambridge’s property market, we thought it only fitting to introduce a dedicated property section to Cambridge Edition – so welcome to the first ever Property Edition.

Inside, you’ll find industry news and views from our local agents and property professionals, keeping you informed on the latest issues to affect the property market. We’ve also had a chat with new agents on the block, Strutt and Parker, whose new office (and quirky phone box) you might have already noticed on Hills Road. Along with this, you can expect to see lots

of beautiful homes currently on the market, from traditional ‘Cambridge’ family homes to the latest sleek, modern offerings.

We know lots of you enjoy having a nosey at the more prestigious properties around – and we’re no different. We’re featuring two of our favourites this month on pages 10-11: a tranquil country home with a lovely garden in West Wickham and a spectacular city pile with a swimming pool in Chaucer Road. Which would you pick?

We’re also impressed with the vision for the new flats at Regency Villas, overlooking Parker’s Piece, which seems to strike exactly the right balance between past and future.

Cambridge in a nutshell, then?

Read on and enjoy!

JENNIFER SHELTON, FEATURES EDITOR jennifershelton@bright-publishing.com 01223 499463

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Property Edition | May 2013 | 3

PROPERTY

WORDS JENNIFER SHELTON

PROPERTY NEWS Edition takes a look at the latest happenings in the buzzing local property market

STRUTT & PARKER OPEN IN CAMBRIDGE Noticed the bright, shiny new phone box on Hills Road? Look a little closer and you’ll see it’s actually a marketing tool by new estate agent on the Cambridge scene, Strutt & Parker, which opened its doors at 66-68 Hills Road, Cambridge, back in March.

The company was established in 1885 and has become a well-respected name in the industry, offering a reliable, professional service and in-depth expertise. They have a network of 49 offices across England and Scotland with more than £3.5 billion worth of residential properties on their books, from £250,000 country cottages to multi-million pound London homes and estates.

Cameron Ewer is heading up the residential team and returns to Cambridge, where much of his family lives, having worked in Strutt &

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Parker’s London office. “Opening an office in Cambridge seemed like the next logical step.

Our very first office was in Chelmsford, and we have bases in Ipswich and Norwich all circling Cambridge, which will now become the flagship office for the Eastern region.

“We’re more than just a local agent; we’ve got the local presence and local knowledge, but we also have our London and international connections, and people are recognising that,” he continues.

Strutt & Parker is situated five minutes from the train station and has a dedicated residential team specialising in properties across Cambridge and the surrounding towns and villages, while a team of property consultants cover all aspects of land, real estate and estate management. They also

cover commercial and industrial property across the eastern region. Strutt & Parker can be contacted on 01223 459500. www.struttandparker.com

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PROPERTY

FEATURED PROPERTY A development of apartments and penthouses which draws on its Regency setting, directly overlooking Parker’s Piece, is about to be launched for sale through Carter Jonas. Regency Villas, on Regent Terrace, is a flagship city centre development of 11 one- and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses by Cambridge developer, Rheebridge.

The ‘boutique’ style homes retain a period feel and award-winning Cambridge architects, Freeland Rees Roberts, were commissioned by Rheebridge to ensure that Regency Villas would complement its historic, city centre setting overlooking Parker’s Piece – the 25 acres of civic green space which has been owned and prized by the city since being handed over by Trinity College in the 17th century.

Still the homes will also meet the expectations of modern homebuyers looking for the quality design, form and function expected in this premium slice of the contemporary apartment market. So while the façade of Regency Villas pays homage to its historic setting, inside, the apartments and penthouses have exceptional detailing and a high-quality specification which will reflect their positioning in this niche market.

Rheebridge managing director David Rapley is acutely aware of the significance of Regency Villas as one of a limited number of brand new residences which have been permitted at the edge of Cambridge’s inner, historic core.

He says: “In creating Regency Villas, we’re privileged in being able to build homes adjacent

Help to Buy This year’s Budget introduced Help to Buy in a bid to get the property market moving and make home-ownership more affordable.

Available to all, not just first-time buyers, Help to Buy allows buyers to purchase a new-build property with just a five per cent deposit and some of the best mortgage rates around. It’s predicted to have a major impact on our city.

Jamie Woodrow, marketing manager for Countryside Properties, says: “We have seen significant interest in the Help to Buy scheme at both our Cambridge developments – Novo and Abode, in Great Kneighton. It makes a big difference and we’ve been delighted to see potential buyers, who were previously unable to buy, return to our sales offices and reserve their dream home – all thanks to Help

to Parker’s Piece. It’s a much-cherished amenity in the city centre. The cachet of property in such a landmark Cambridge location is bound to appeal to the type of buyers who not only want to own a slice of distinguished Cambridge real estate, but also want to play an active part in this city of ours which is always mindful of its heritage but modern in its thinking.”

Carter Jonas is the sole agent appointed

by Rheebridge. To register interest in the apartments and penthouses for sale at Regency Villas, Regent Terrace, contact Zoe Noyes or Steven Foreman at Carter Jonas, 01223 368771 or email newhomes. cambridge@carterjonas.co.uk. www.regencyvillascambridge.com

to Buy. The combination of only needing a five per cent deposit, equity loan of up to 20 per cent of the purchase price and the resulting affordable mortgage repayments make this scheme attractive for those seeking a new home in Cambridge.”

Under Help to Buy, the government will lend a maximum of 20 per cent of the value of the property, which can be repaid at any time within 25 years or upon the sale of the home, so buyers will only need to secure a mortgage of up to 75 per cent. The equity loan is free for the first five years. Buyers will own 100 per cent of their home for 80 per cent of the price.

However some still harbour concerns.

Robin King, director at Cambridgeshirebased residential property specialists Move With Us, said: “That the Chancellor is to

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release £3.5 billion to aid first and second steppers with the introduction of the Help to Buy scheme is welcome news for the property market. Concentrating incentives on new homes is a short-term solution.

“It is first-time buyers who drive the much larger chains in the sale of pre-owned stock, creating fluidity in the market. There is still more that could have been done to offer first-time buyers a springboard to the property ladder and revitalise the property market, such as providing more incentives for pre-owned stock. This would give secondsteppers greater freedom to work up the ladder by purchasing second-hand properties while, at the same time, freeing up more small homes that are ideal for first-time buyers.”

Property Edition | May 2013 | 7

PROPERTY

Homes of the month

Country: Burton End, West Wickham Set within a sought-after South Cambridge village, this property offers stunning views and a peaceful countryside location. You’ve got plenty of space to enjoy, both inside and out, with a large, well-designed garden, ample parking and three good-sized bedrooms.

Though it looks and feels like a traditional period cottage, the property was in fact built in 2009, and has all the benefits of a more

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modern home as well as features such as open fireplaces and exposed feature beams.

Rooms include an entrance hall, drawing room, family room, smart and spacious kitchen, breakfast/dining room, study, utility room and walk-in pantry, three bedrooms (originally four) and three bath/shower rooms.

It has a guide price of £535,000. Contact Carter Jonas on 01223 368771.

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PROPERTY

Town: Chaucer Road, Cambridge This month, we’ve been bowled over by a fabulous Arts & Crafts property on Chaucer Road, Cambridge. It has a guide price of £3.5 million, is barely a mile away from the city centre and you’ll even find a pool in the back garden.

Chaucer Road is one of the most sought-after addresses in town, situated just south of the city, close to the Botanic Gardens and several good schools. The house itself is thought to date back to 1903/04 and was built for the dean, bursar and president of Corpus Christi College. It has been brought sympathetically up to date, yet still displays wonderful original features, and occupies large, sweeping grounds. There are seven bedrooms in total, including a beautiful master suite with a balcony overlooking the garden.

For more information or to view, contact Savills on 01223 347000.

Fine & Country:

Selling your home To sell a home is to sell a lifestyle. Mike Bidwell from Fine & Country Cambridge offers some tips on how to make your home irresistible to buyers

Walking into a house on the market, buyers are looking for something more than a collection of rooms. They are looking for a lifestyle that they can see themselves experiencing. It is this lifestyle image that turns a house from a building into a home.

Neutral décor and few personal objects within the house during a viewing can help potential vendors stretch their imaginations.

Instead of picturing your life in the property, they can start visualising their own. This is the moment that sells; where practical considerations are swept aside and emotional considerations step to the fore. A smart seller will do everything in their power to help build the emotional connection for the potential buyer. One of the biggest aids is a vendor interview, either in print, or in electronic format.

A compelling vendor interview gives an insight into life in a property. It should include information about the locality: the closest schools and sporting clubs; a boutique coffee shop or café down the road; or a fantastic restaurant in the city centre; the fabulous organic market held every Tuesday; and the cycle route five minutes from the front door.

More than a guide to the area, this triggers

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the potential buyer’s imagination, offering possibilities of what their new life could be like.

Vendor interviews also provide the perfect opportunity to highlight features of the house in a personal way. This is not about the facts of the property, but rather about the property’s role in a desirable lifestyle. Perhaps there is a nook in the study that is a perfect spot for afternoon reading as the sun shines directly through the bay windows? Or the basement rumpus room that is so well insulated that it makes the perfect play area for the grandchildren? The kitchen garden along the beautiful brick wall could mean fresh herbs year round. Whatever the lure, the role of the vendor interview is to present these personal elements as hidden virtues of the property.

A house can be a bedroom, a bathroom, a living room and a kitchen. Or it can be a home that is part of a vibrant community, offering the lifestyle a buyer aspires to. The difference is not only in the property. It is also in how it is presented, and how the property can be brought to life. A vendor interview breathes life into a property, giving buyers a glimpse of a lifestyle that may just be enough to get them through the door. The rest is up to you.

Property Edition | May 2013 | 11

Cambridge 01223 322552

Drakes Yard, Barton Located in this superb tucked away position in the heart of Barton village, we are pleased to offer for sale this stunning detached Grade II listed family home. Dating back to circa 1700, the property has been sympathetically renovated and extended in 1990 to greatly enhance and compliment the accommodation. The property is sited on a plot of approximately one third of an acre and enjoys a particularly private feel. The accommodation comprises a large farmhouse style kitchen/breakfast room with inglenook fireplace, separate dining room with inglenook fireplace, spacious sitting room with vaulted ceiling and views over the rear garden, 4 bedrooms, two of which benefit from en suite shower rooms and one with en suite bathroom

ÂŁ695,000

Pocock and Shaw, 55 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1AB

Highsett, Hills Road, Cambridge Being one of the larger properties in the scheme this three storey town house has in recent years been extensively refurbished to the design and specification of an architect. It now provides a very high quality modern home with versatile accommodation and is maintained and presented to the highest standard. There is a separate garage and a very pretty walled garden provides peace and seclusion. There are many exceptional features in the property which can only be appreciated by viewing the interior and the high efficiency gas central heating system uses Scandinavian slim line radiators which allow greater freedom for arrangement of furniture.

ÂŁ540,000

www.pocock.co.uk

PROPERTY

WORDS CHARLOTTE PHILLIPS

SPOTLIGHT ON

CHESTERTON Each month we’ll be getting the inside track on where to buy in Cambridge and why.

Up first, local experts explain why savvy property purchasers are making a beeline for Chesterton: the commuter hot spot in the north-east of the city f not exactly a secret, it’s probably fair to say that Chesterton hasn’t had quite the high profile for property hunters as other parts of the city. The result is a significant difference in property prices, which can be as much as 25 per cent less than elsewhere, something that has favoured the canny buyer. “It does represent good value for money when you look at it pound for pound, foot for foot. In terms of space you’re getting good value,” says Stuart Harris, partner and head of residential at Carter Jonas in Cambridge.

“Chesterton has generally held a reasonable volume of lower-grade residential

stock,” confirms David Bentley, a partner at Bidwells property consultancy.

Sentiment about the area is in part down to what, in London, would be described as the south of the river phenomenon: the perception that as a suburb of the city, it doesn’t quite hack it in terms of mainstream buzz, as well as being that bit harder to get to. You can’t, however, fault Chesterton on historic interest, charm or practicality. It is, say its growing legions of fans, a village truly within a city.

Incorporated into Cambridge in 1912, and with early settlement remains dating back to the Bronze Age, Chesterton has expanded substantially from the two-dozen peasant

Opt for solid, good-looking 19th century buildings or enjoy the earlier period charm of the smaller roads

IMAGE: Chesterton's mix of Victorian suburbs and new builds offer the best of both worlds to homebuyers

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households that lived there in the 11th century.

The area’s principle occupation, farming, largely disappeared in the 19th century, when Cambridge’s expansion resulted in Chesterton’s arable farmland being subsumed and replaced by Victorian suburbs.

Today, Chesterton packs a lot into a relatively small network of streets. You can opt for solid, good-looking 19th century buildings or enjoy the earlier period charm of the network of smaller roads, some dating back to medieval times, with buildings nudging each other at delightfully unexpected angles.

“It offers value and some very good houses, some really lovely Victorian villas in the de Freville area and some very nice little streets like Alpha Road,” says Ed Meyer, head of residential for Savills Cambridge.

Historic highlights include the Chesterton Tower which dates from the 14th century and St Andrews, even more venerable, whose delights include a medieval wall painting of the last judgement as well as a plaque commemorating the memory of Olaudah Equiano, a slave whose autobiography became an 18th century bestseller.

“You’ve got Stourbridge Common on the other side of the river which is very attractive to look at as well as the old part of Chesterton, with some lovely Victorian properties and earlier. If you compare what those have cost with some areas of the city, you can see why there’s an attraction,” says Stuart Harris.

Local facilities aren’t in short supply, either.

While Chesterton is no bustling centre of commerce, it’s big on purposeful shopping, combining charm and its fair share of useful stuff, from a popular butcher to a post office.

Places to eat aren’t short on the ground, from long-established pubs to new venues. “There’s a Co-op, a deli, a butcher, great bakeries… everything you need,” says Ed Meyer.

Its setting, too, makes it an ideal home for lovers of fine views – and a spot of exercise.

“You can walk very quickly to Midsummer Common and then into the city,” says former

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PROPERTY

IMAGE: Chesterton greets a number of developments with a host of new builds encroaching

Chesterton local Jamie Curtis, associate director at Tucker Gardner. “Going the other way, you can walk out into the countryside.

From that point along the river, there are walks to Ely which I’ve done once or twice.” If you’re not a walker, he points out, “you can sit by the river and watch the boats go by.”

While plenty of locals are attracted to the area, it can strike a particular chord with would-be London refugees, says Ed Meyer.

“You have to jump on the tube if you live in Fulham and have friends in the East End and it’s quite a long way, whereas if you live in de Freville or Montague and want to see friends who live in Newnham it’s an easy bike ride… and what a wonderful way to get around.”

As he points out, one of the perceived drawbacks – lack of access to the city centre – has been lessened with the newest bridge, opened in 2008. Like the Green Dragon bridge, built in 1935, it provides improved bike and pedestrian access between Chesterton and the Museum of Technology. It is one of the many initiatives designed to entice motorists to leave their cars at home.

With the heart of the city just a river crossing away, Chesterton is definitely becoming better connected. And it is likely to be future developments, rather than the charm of the past, which draw increasing numbers of new residents to Chesterton over

the months and years to come. One of the biggest of the bunch has been the startling growth of the nearby Cambridge Science Park. When, in 2015, the brand new £26 million train station, located on old sidings, is completed, Chesterton’s residential appeal is likely to increase still further.

Some developers, quick to spot Chesterton’s potential as the “better value location just north of the river,” as David Bentley puts it, have already set to work. In 2001, Bryant and Laing homes were the first to unveil the first major development close to St Andrew’s Park. In the last ten years, further schemes have followed, he explains, “with David Wilson Homes and Redeham both adding to the regeneration of this city suburb with volume schemes.”

As the range of properties widens, homebuyers, too, are an increasingly diverse bunch, from Science Park employees to families drawn by the prospect of getting more space for their money.

So far, however, values have remained relatively steady. Bidwells’s latest databook for the city will, says David Bentley, show capital value increasing for Cambridge generally in the first quarter of 2013.

And although Chesterton has not, so far, seen any dramatic price rises, “I would certainly feel it is one to watch,” he says.

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IMAGE: When, in 2015, the brand new £26 million train station, located on old sidings, is completed, Chesterton’s residential appeal is likely to increase still further.

Property Edition | May 2013 | 19

PROPERTY

Chesterton is described as a village within a city – and a booming city at that

WHAT CAN I GET FOR MY MONEY?

£325,000 1) Pakenham Close

2) Pepys Court

A three-bedroom, semi-detatched, contemporary styled and brand-new townhouse on Pakenham Close with a rear garden. Finished to a high standard with external features including brick and timber elevations, as well as stone windowsills. Contact Tucker Gardner. www.tuckergardner.com

A smart duplex apartment over two floors, situated close to the river on Pepys Court, within the Vie development. Two double bedrooms with en suite wet room to the master, open plan living/dining room, contemporary kitchen and balcony off the master bedroom. Contact Tucker Gardner. www.tuckergardner.com

It is a prime location for redevelopment, and things will only improve “It has always held a strong draw from the science parks and ease of access to the north side of the city, and the newly planned railway station will certainly lift the location further and ultimately impact on prices. It is a prime location for redevelopment, and with the planned changes ahead, things will only certainly improve further.”

Ed Meyer agrees. “History shows us that when a new transport hub goes in, values often go up,’’ he says. “Anything that’s positive to an area is going to have an influence on the prices,” thinks Jamie Curtis. “Although I wouldn’t say I’ve seen an obvious change, as things swing into motion… the area will be considerably more sought after.”

After being twice voted one of the top places to live in the UK, our area is in no danger of losing the sought-after status. “It’s the place to be,” says Ed Meyer. “While other parts of the city have traditionally attracted more attention, it’s more than likely that the spotlight will, in future, cast its beam over Chesterton as well.”

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£315,000

£450,000

£695,000

3) George Street

4) Montague Road

A charming and well-proportioned end of terrace property in a sought after location.

The property has three double bedrooms, a good-sized sitting room, family room, open plan kitchen, recently refurbished bathroom and a spacious west facing garden. Contact Savills. www.savills.co.uk

A four-bedroom inner terrace townhouse which extends to some 1795 sq ft of accommodation over three floors.

Retains various attractive original features including fireplaces and sash windows and boasts a good sized, south facing rear garden. Contact Savills. www.savills.co.uk

Improved links to the centre of Cambridge mean Chesterton is only getting more attractive

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1 MILLION FAMILIES SET TO MOVE HOUSE THIS YEAR

IN THEIR LATEST SPRING FORECAST, accounting firm, Ernst & Young, has revealed its latest prediction that this year will see 1 million families move house. The report suggests that the housing market is seeing a rise in disposable income and increasing affordability, which it believes will be encouraged by the ‘Help to Buy’ scheme that was introduced at the start of the April.

Housebuilder Barratt Homes is offering Help to Buy at its Trumpington Meadows development in Cambridge and is encouraging local homebuyers to make the most of the recently launched scheme. Part of a £3.5 billion scheme to underpin up to 100,000 mortgages for any purchaser of a new home, Help to Buy will help those who are struggling to build up larger deposits to purchase with as little as a 5% upfront.

Jason Colmer, Sales Director at Barratt Eastern Counties comments: “It comes as no surprise that over the coming year more homebuyers will be looking to move again, especially given the arrival of Help to Buy. The scheme has already attracted a huge amount of interest with buyers at Trumpington Meadows and we expect this to increase as more people find out about it. The magic of Help to Buy is that not only is it available to first time buyers, but also to other movers who may have less equity in their property, meaning that those people who want to move to a larger property are able to do so.”

Help to Buy has already generated huge interest from homebuyers in Cambridge.

With the scheme, creditworthy buyers spending up to £600,000 on a new build property will also gain access to 75% loan-to-value mortgages, thanks to a 20% interest free loan for five years. This will dramatically reduce their monthly mortgage repayments, be they first time buyers, young families or people just looking for a larger home.

Homebuyers who reserve a property at Trumpington Meadows using Help to Buy in May will also receive a luxury flooring package for their new home.

Mr Colmer adds: “The combination of this exciting new scheme and the fact that people feel more confident about buying a bigger property is great news for the local housing market. Help to Buy is available across England and so we are encouraging homebuyers in Cambridge to get in there first and make the most of this unique homebuying opportunity.”

Available at its Trumpington Meadows development, located on Hauxton Road in Cambridge, Barratt Homes currently has a superb range three and four-bedroom houses all available through the help to Buy scheme. Prices start at £374,995.

For further information please contact the sales team on 0844 811 4888 or visit www.barratthomes.co.uk

PROPERTY

WORDS JENNIFER SHELTON

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN

All the latest from Cambridge's new property developments

PARKSIDE PLACE The new fire station at Parkside Place, Cambridge’s stylish new city centre development overlooking Parker’s Piece, is due to open next month (June).

Brought to us by developers Grosvenor, work began on Parkside Place in 2011 when the old fire station was demolished to make way for a new station, with modern apartments above.

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The building includes a collection of 99 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, including some duplex apartments and a penthouse with stunning views of the city.

The prospect of living above a working fire station hasn’t deterred buyers – far from it. Within 30 minutes of the launch two years ago, four flats had been reserved, and within ten days, the number had been bumped to

16 – including the £1.2 million penthouse.

In fact, all the units were sold off plan (by Savills). The central location is a big pull, with the independent Mill Road shops and the city centre chains all within equally easy walking distance, as well as the train station, and, of course, the green space of Parker’s Piece, being just a stone’s throw away. www.parkside-place.com

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PROPERTY

Skanska’s Seven Acres site picks up national award A striking residential development in Cambridge has won a national award for its show home, just six months after its launch.

Homes by Skanska picked up the top prize in the Ideal Home of The Year Over £500k category at The Blue Ribbon Awards 2013 for its Seven Acres show home in Great Kneighton, Trumpington.

The Blue Ribbon Awards reward excellence in home design, celebrating the achievements of architects, interior designers, housing associations, housebuilders and developers.

Magnus Andersson, president of Homes by Skanska, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this award – it’s a true testament to the passion and hard work of everyone in the

team... It’s particularly welcome given the relatively short period of time that we’ve been present in the UK market.

“The ethos behind our Seven Acres development is to offer a unique blend of Scandinavian modernity with English tradition and we are proud to receive industry recognition for bringing this concept to the UK market.”

Seven Acres is the first UK development by Homes by Skanska and has proved incredibly popular with house-hunters in Cambridge, who have already snapped up some of its properties off-plan. Offering 128 new homes, ranging from one-bedroom apartments (£235,000) to three-storey townhouses,

designed specifically for families; each of these homes is built to a high standard with high-quality finishes.

A focus on sustainable living means homes are equipped with higher than usual insulation and energy-efficiency levels. News of this accolade comes hot on the heels of the housebuilder being commended by the government as one of only five new-build communities in the UK to be an exemplar of well-designed homes and neighbourhoods by Building for Life 12.

In addition to government recognition, the Seven Acres development was recently recognised for being Best Development Multiple Units UK in the UK shortlist of the International Property Awards. homes.skanska.co.uk

Public art at The Marque The votes have been cast and a decision made on the public art which will adorn The Marque, Cambridge’s tallest residential building, situated on the corner of Hills Road and Cherry Hinton Road.

Developer Almaren held a masterclass with over 20 local art students from Hills Road Sixth Form College to view public art proposals from three leading international contemporary artists. The art will be embedded into The Marque’s architecture, and stand at the heart of the city’s key regeneration zone, designed to bridge the past and future.

The proposals ranged from lighting the entire building, through sculptural lighting panels across The Marque’s façade, to an

interactive urban park.

But it was Dutch artist Jennifer Tee’s soft, elegant design for oriental-style panelling which won out.

“I wanted to bring in an element of nature,” says Jennifer, whose series of screens will be painted with images inspired by the Herbarium at the Botanic Gardens, providing a nice nod to Cambridge’s heritage.

“I am delighted that my proposal was chosen – it is an exciting and dynamic project and looks set to become a real focal space for Cambridge.”

The panels will be created in a golden colour, with cut-out shapes which will be gently illuminated at night.

“I also wanted to bring a warmth to the

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building, and to create an impression of oriental screen dividers, which are something very domestic.”

A panel of invited experts from Kettle’s Yard and the Cambridge Junction, alongside local residents and the Mayor of Cambridge, were also asked to judge, and work on the design is expected to start on the artwork later this month. www.themarque-cambridge.com

Property Edition | May 2013 | 25