Case study: A new home in Bushey Heath is just the right size for the Spekers

Downsizing or rightsizing – there’s yet to be consensus on which is the better term to use, but the idea of selling up an old home and buying a brand new home that is smaller, with a higher specification and practically no maintenance costs is catching on with many older homeowners.

David Speker and his wife, retirees from Radlett, Hertfordshire, recently purchased a two-bedroom apartment off-plan at luxury new development, The White House in Bushey Heath, which has been built by local developer Heronslea Group.

Mr Speker says: “Our family home has become too big for us, we wanted a bungalow but couldn’t find anything we liked, so we started looking at apartments, we wanted something new with no maintenance. When we came across this development we were really impressed and knew straight away we wanted to live there.”   

The White House is a collection of just 16 one- and two-bedroom apartments, set over four floors in Sparrows Herne. These new homes have been designed on a generous scale, with well-proportioned rooms, ample storage and private outdoor space in the form of a balcony of garden terrace.

The interior specification includes a fitted kitchen and Siemens integrated appliances in the open-plan living space, underfloor heating throughout, lift access, video entry and an alarm system. There are two parking spaces allocated to each home in the underground car park. The homes benefit from views of the valley and surrounding countryside.

Mr Speker continues: “We have chosen to buy a two-bedroom ground floor apartment with a patio at the back and we are really looking forward to moving in soon. We liked the location and the area as well as the amenities that the development has - the basement parking with lifts and storage space both in the basement and apartment.

“Our only concern was buying off-plan, something we have never done before, but Heronslea have been really helpful and guided us through the process. We had seen other developments but were impressed with the quality and finish at The White House.”

Their new home puts the Spekers within easy reach of a number of local amenities in Bushey Heath, including shops, parks and transport links. The area has an abundance of green space to enjoy too, including Bushey Country Club, Mary Forsdyke Gardens and Bushey Rose Garden. Also nearby are the Aldenham Country Park and Hartsbourne Golf and Country Club.

Shelley West, sales and marketing director of Heronslea Group, says: “With property prices in the capital ever increasing, homes like these in the ‘super suburbs’ of Hertfordshire are appealing as people thinking of moving a bit further out can get a lot more for their money.

“The White House is perfect for people wanting to downsize their space but upscale their quality of life. We have been building for the downsizers market for many years, so over this time we have changed our designs to reflect what people are looking for.

“We have now sold 65% of the apartments here off-plan they have been very popular with downsizers like Mr and Mrs Speker seeking a newer home, in leafy surroundings with the added extras of interior designed specification, security and basement gated parking.”

Prices start from £415,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and from £550,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.

Find out more at www.heronslea-group.co.uk ; 020 8954 8626 (Preston Bennett)

Look at a range of new homes in Hertfordshire here.