A new luxury housing development in Hertfordshire is aiming to tap into growing demand for more personalised homes by allowing buyers to custom design large parts of their property before completion.
UK Property Developments has launched St James View in Goff’s Oak – a scheme of 14 five-bedroom homes where purchasers can either customise interior specifications or fully design layouts and finishes themselves.
The developer says the project reflects increasing buyer demand for homes that move beyond the “one-size-fits-all” approach associated with many mainstream new-build schemes.
The first six homes have been released in what the developer calls a “Blank Canvas” format, priced from £1.47m. These properties are handed over wind and watertight, allowing buyers to complete the internal design and fit-out themselves with the support of the developer’s design team. Fully finished homes are available from £1.795m.
FIVE HOUSE STYLES
The development comprises five different house styles, including The Farm House, The Coach House, The Barn, The Grange and The Mill House, with each property sitting on plots of up to 14,000 sq ft and offering internal living space of around 3,100 sq ft.
Located in Goff’s Oak, around 18 miles from central London, the development is targeting buyers seeking a semi-rural lifestyle while remaining within commuting distance of the capital.
Residents will also have access to Sopers House, a residents’ leisure facility featuring a gym, pool and restaurant terrace.
Under the custom-build model, buyers work directly with interior designer Claire Hudson-Clements and her team to shape layouts, room sizes, kitchens, flooring, tiling and finishes.
Those opting for the Blank Canvas route will typically require a custom-build mortgage to fund the final stage of works.
FLEXIBILITY AND DESIGN FREEDOM
Andy Morrison, Director of UK Property Development, says: “If you can spec a car with custom paint and interiors, or tailor a suit to your exact cut and cloth, why shouldn’t you be able to do the same with your new home?
“Our Custom Build model puts creative control in the hands of the buyer, not a junior architect in a volume builder’s head office.
“We’re bringing flexibility, design freedom and individuality back to the housing market and St James View is our first development to reach the market using this bespoke house approach, proving that luxury can sit within reach for those who don’t have a multi-million pound budget.”
