Countryside Properties, Waterstone Park, Greenhithe, Kent
Waterstone Park is an imaginative development, sitting atop a quarry cliff between Bluewater and Greenhithe. It is nestled among seven acres of parkland, next to the landscaped grounds of a restored medieval castle.
At Waterstone Park, creating a green and pleasant ambience seems a priority for the developer, with tree-lined avenues, footpaths and cycleways planned in a newly planted woodland. Plus, there will be dedicated children’s play areas.
Space and light
Homes at Waterstone Park are characterised by strikingly modern exteriors and well-finished interiors. For instance, some apartment buildings have ‘unconventionally angled architecture’, and layouts with a difference, such as fan-shaped living areas and dual-aspect glazing.
Unusually for new-build homes, rooms feel well proportioned and boast pleasingly high ceilings and full-height windows to let in lots of natural light. 
Each property is finished to a high standard with Smeg appliances in the kitchen and classy American Red Oak internal doors throughout.
Patio and balcony spaces are larger than average, some of which include sliding sunscreens and ‘breeze soleils’ offering sun protection and privacy.
Although the first phase of Waterstone Park is now complete, a second phase has just been launched with a third phase planned.
Availability
Available for occupation in the Spring is the Elder house type, a four-bedroom, three-bathroom house with integral conservatory, first-floor balcony, second-floor terrace and private garden. It comprises a single garage with additional undercroft parking space, and is priced from £340,000.
One and two-bedroom apartments overlooking landscaped parkland will be ready for occupation in June, with prices for apartments start at £170,000. One and two-bedroom houses with garage and terrace start at £185,000 and £227,000 respectively.
Other house types are on the market now and available for occupation from September.
Currently first-time buyers can take advantage of a ‘Move in for £250’ scheme, which pays 5% deposit, stamp duty and legal fees.
Well connected
It currently takes around 45 minutes to reach London from Greenhithe, a figure set to be whittled down to a mere 17 minutes following the opening of nearby Ebbsfleet Channel Tunnel Rail Link later this year. This will offer a number of fast trains into the capital, while Paris will be accessible to passengers in just two hours.
Ebbsfleet is conveniently located close to the M25/A2 junction, the M2 and the A2, and will offer 9,000 car parking spaces to users.
The Maritime Kent coastline and Kent’s gorgeous countryside are close by, and Bluewater – a shopping and entertainment Mecca – is in fact surrounded by 53 acres of parkland, waterways and lakes to satisfy more active pursuits than retail therapy.
Property prices should increase once the area's infrastructure is improved. Kent Thameside is set to undergo a massive facelift in the run up to the 2012 Olympic Games, as part of the Thames Gateway regeneration programme .
Culture vultures should note that the Royal Opera House plans to relocate to nearby Thurrock. Dartford town centre will be redeveloped and the creation of a new market square is particularly welcome news for the town.
For more information, please see Countryside Properties' details page .
By Sarah Speight and Natalia Gameson