Linden Homes, Water Colour, Redhill, Surrey
Water Colour is a new sustainable community with an emphasis on water and wildlife, and where priority is given to pedestrians.
This waterside oasis on the edge of Redhill is designed around two lagoons, and will also feature a canal, a stream, fountains, a series of reed beds, and communal gardens.
Linden Homes has donated 25 acres out of the 67-acre site to Surrey Wildlife Trust in order to establish a ‘wildlife corridor’. It is hoped the rare ‘bittern’ bird will return to the area, as well as attracting many other species.
Channel 4’s Phil Spencer launched Water Colour last autumn, and there is a variety of accommodation available, starting at less than £200,000.
What’s on offer
Homes at Water Colour are remarkably light and airy, with large windows, mezzanine floors and double-height conservatories affording a feeling of space.
‘The Haven’ is a collection of two, three and four-bedroom houses that are available to purchase off-plan. They come with a garage, car barn or car parking, and are ready for occupation in August 2007.
‘Reflections’ is situated on the banks of the lagoon, and was launched in December. There are seven four-bedroom, detached houses set over three storeys. Each house boasts uninterrupted views of the lagoon and nature reserve from balconies and top-floor bedroom windows.
They also back on to a ‘secret garden’ only accessible by residents on foot. Each property comprises two bathrooms and large balconies from the en suite master bedroom. Four of these houses are currently available starting at £599,995, including a garage or parking space.
‘The Artist’s Quarter’, launched in January, comprises 36 one and two-bedroom apartments due for completion at the end of Summer 2007. It includes two luxury top-floor duplexes with private roof terraces and en suite master bedrooms.
The apartments include bicycle storage and parking, and all homes are fitted with fully integrated appliances and video-entry systems. Prices start at £189,995, with legal fees paid and buyers receive £1,500 in interiors vouchers at Linden’s store, The Furnishing Touch.
Nature’s way
The nature reserve consists of two lagoons, surrounded by woods, scrub and wildflower-rich grassland.
The wetland habitat will encourage wildlife through the planting of shrubs and aquatic plants to attract insects such as dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies.
The North Lagoon features mainly open water with reed fringes and floating reed islands, attracting otters and water voles, while the western end will act as a nesting site for sand martins.
The South Lagoon is a wetland habitat, with extensive reed beds and areas of wet woodland containing willow, alder and birch.
Already, birds such as Waders, swans and wildfowl can be found on the water, and it is hoped a variety of warblers and the extremely rare bittern bird will make a comeback to the area.
There will be a series of walkways and viewing platforms around the site for residents of Water Colour, as well as a circular nature trail.
A well-served community
Amenities will include a doctor’s surgery, fitness centre, nursery, food store and a veterinary surgery. There will be a dedicated local bus service for residents, and many footpaths and cycleways around the site – in fact, Water Colour has been designed to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists over the car.
Water Colour sits between Redhill and Merstham, both of which have rail services to London in around 35 minutes, as well as sports centres and schools. There are a couple of shopping centres in Redhill but for a bit more choice, Reigate is four miles away.
The site has good road access too, with the M25, M23 and the A23 London Road all nearby.
For more information, see Linden Homes’ website or call 08452 606 606.
www.lindenhomes.co.uk
By Sarah Speight
This article was published on 10 April 2007