Berkshire Former Military Site Becoming Garden Village

As the nation marks Armistice Day, there’s an opportunity to look at what is happening at a place with a distinguished military history which is now becoming a new ‘garden village’ in Berkshire.

Arborfield Green will bring some 2,000 new homes across a 413-acre former garrison site which with over a century’s history. Originally established in 1904 as a Remount Deport during World War One, it was mainly used as a Horse Infirmary, treating injured horses throughout the war. Thirty years later, Arborfield Green was transformed into the Army Technical School for boys and became known as Arborfield Garrison. The Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME) also called Arborfield Green home until 2016.

Along with four other housebuilders, Crest Nicholson is creating a brand new community that complements the array of new apartments and houses with new public space, primary and secondary schools, a library, gym, retail and hospitality units and a new community centre. The Garrison’s historic buildings are being regenerated to form part of this vibrant, new community. The Horse Infirmary Stables, a listed scheduled monument, will be at the heart of the community. It is being lovingly converted into a vibrant public place for residents, overlooking a new village green. The Moat House, once the Garrison HQ, will be transformed into new offices for the community and the medieval moat will also form a key part of the new landscape.

Within easy reach of the shops, amenities and stations of Reading and Wokingham, Arborfield Green is just four miles from the M4, and within the catchment areas of a number of existing good local schools. As well as newly created places such as Hazebrouk Park and Waterman's Lake, homes here are close to many places to enjoy the great outdoors, and major attractions like Legoland and Thorpe Park.

Crest Nicholson currently has three phases of homes for sale there:

Nightingale Fields at Arborfield Green has been selling well but there are still a number of two-bedroom apartments for sale. Open market prices ranging from £299,950 to £305,000, but for qualifying buyers, there are a couple of units which are available through the Home Reach initiative, where they can buy a 50% share for £152,500 and pay monthly rent on the other half.

Barkham Place at Arborfield Green has a two-bedroom terraced house for sale for £375,000. Downstairs in ‘The Kew’ are a living/dining room with French doors to the garden, a separate kitchen, a cloakroom and some handy storage. Upstairs is the family bathroom and both bedrooms are doubles, one with a built-in wardrobe and an en suite shower room.

Waterman's Reach at Arborfield Green has a real variety of homes including apartments and houses with two, three or four bedrooms. Top of the range right now, at £629,950, is ‘The Cardinal’, with a welcoming hallway, WC, dedicated study and a very spacious, open-plan kitchen/dining/living room with two sets of doors to the rear garden, and a separate utility room. There are three double bedrooms, with bedroom one having an en suite, a single bedroom and a bathroom.

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