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WhatHouse? Awards 2015 winners – Habitat First Group, Best House 

Posted 18 December 2015 by Keith Osborne

In fact, lightning struck twice for Habitat First Group at this year's WhatHouse? Awards, with two prizes for its Lower Mill Estate development...

Of the many awards which the Lower Mill Estate in Gloucestershire has won, few can be as prestigious as that for Best House which developer Habitat First Group collected at the WhatHouse? Awards 2015 in November.

Celebrity host David Walliams presented the Bronze for Best House at the Grosvenor House Hotel  at the 34th WhatHouse? Awards event in November, in front of 1,700 senior figures from the new homes industry.

WHA 2015 jusges report coverThe Award was given for The Water Garden, a boutique development within the Lower Mill Estate comprising 10 detached, four-bedroom homes in a distinctive contemporary style. The homes are set out around a central garden and linked by canals to the lakes within the 550-acre Estate.

The Habitat First Group team actually made it to the stage twice this year, as Lower Mill Estate itself picked up a Silver for Best Development.

Red Paxton, owner of Habitat First Group, says of the win: ”It is an honour to be recognised in the Best House category for The Water Garden in these prestigious awards as it is one of our most efficient and popular designs, combining open-plan living with great connectivity to the outdoors. 

“We are thrilled to be acknowledged for our efforts in providing buyers with the latest in cutting-edge architecture and eco-friendly design and it is awards like this that are so important in helping to cement our reputation for innovation. At Lower Mill Estate our whole ethos surrounds family-friendly living providing a beautifully safe, natural environment for our residents to make life-long memories in and houses that are built with sustainability in mind." 

The WhatHouse? Awards judges said of the company’s achievement for The Water Garden:

“These contemporary-style houses have been cleverly designed by Andy Ramus for Habitat First Group. All the homes are detached and arranged over two floors, each with its own private rooftop terrace providing sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. The sleek modern styling and the use of natural materials allow them to blend seamlessly into the rest of thedevelopment while still having their own distinctive character.

“The plans have been carefully thought out to work well for family holiday living and there is an added option for buyers to select bespoke layouts and finishes. The interiors are modern and flexible, offering good living accommodation.

“The Water Garden offers exceptional value for money, with fantastic green credentials. The specification is very good for the price.”


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