The cockpit of a 1950s Canberra Jet bomber is now safely back home thanks to its owners Mr and Mrs Buddle who recently purchased a property at the former RAF Upwood military base, now named Valiant Square near Ramsey in Cambridgeshire. Here a collection of officers houses have been restored by developer Storey Homes to provide spacious family homes at affordable prices.

Matthew Buddle explains: “I am a great aviation enthusiast and research the history of RAF Upwood. So when I saw the cockpit of a former RAF Upwood Canberra for sale on Ebay, I seized the opportunity to combine both interests. It had been rescued from a skip at Basingstoke and was in very poor condition which seemed a great shame.”

Matthew continues: “Canberra WH887 had started life as a B2 bomber being built by Short Brothers at Belfast. It was delivered to the RAF on 29th January 1954, and was issued to 1323 Flight (Flt) at RAF Wyton, which was primarily a Canberra PR.7 Unit. In October 1955, 1323Flt was merged with RAF 542 Squadron (Sqn), and WH887 was absorbed into the combined fleet as a result, moving with it to RAF Weston Zoyland, but it was later transferred to RAF 21 Squadron at RAF Upwood in Cambridgeshire and also later became a part of the station flight. It was one of the last Canberra jet bombers to fly out of RAF Upwood in 1961. After WH887's time at RAF Upwood, WH887 was converted to a TT18 and transferred to the Royal Navy serving until 3rd December 1992, when the aircraft was grounded and finally scrapped in 2004.

Matthew adds: “At the time I lived in the former married quarters at RAF Upwood and stored the plane in one of the hangars at the base. However, Beccy and I had always wanted to upgrade to one of the former officer’s houses, so when we got the chance to move thanks to Storey Homes’ part exchange scheme, we grabbed the opportunity, especially as they kindly gave us permission to store the Canberra in our back garden!”

Matthew continues: “As well as providing a permanent and easily accessible location for the Canberra, our new home at Valiant Square is ideal for Beccy, myself and our baby daughter Philippa. With two reception rooms, a fully fitted kitchen and four bedrooms there is plenty of space for us all. Also thanks to its’ location, we have a spacious front, side and rear garden which Storey allowed us to redesign to ensure we could park our three vehicles and the plane. Most importantly, due to the property’s position, we are not overlooked and our neighbours are more than happy with our unusual garden feature!”

Matthew continues: “Because the Canberra is now at home, I can work on the restoration programme whenever I get the chance. The electrics are now working and the cooling fans and lights are working in the cockpit, which is quite a feat considering it was found in a skip. It has also been a great way of meeting other enthusiasts, including former crew members. I regularly show the Canberra at events including the Cockpit Fest where I won the Spirit of Cockpit Fest the first time I exhibited the Canberra at Newark airshow in 2009.”

Matthew adds: “Valiant Square also proved the perfect choice due to its location. I work locally and Beccy works in Peterborough, which is only about 15 miles away. In addition, the local schools have a great reputation and will be perfect for our daughter in a few years’ time.”

Valiant Square formerly provided accommodation for married officers serving at RAF Upwood, which originally opened in 1917 and closed in 1995 and which played a major role in the character and recent history of nearby Bury and Ramsey.

Due to the success of the development t, there is currently only one property available. This four bedroom detached house has been recently refurbished to include a newly fitted kitchen, utility room, dining room and a lounge on the ground floor. Upstairs there are four spacious bedrooms and a newly fitted bathroom. This property also benefit from a garage and rear garden.

The refurbishment and upgrading of existing houses means that Valiant Square offers all the contemporary comforts of a brand new home in a development that has already matured into its rural setting. The development features a woodland/country walk that meanders through the development, creating a residential enclave that blends with the beautiful open countryside that surrounds it.

Ramsey is a historic market town founded around the Benedictine Abbey in the 10th Century. The Medieval Gatehouse remains today. The bustling town provides a selection of shops, cafes and public houses, amply accommodating everyday needs. For fitness enthusiasts, a Sports Centre, bowls club, a tennis club and Ramsey Golf Club are within easy reach. Families are also well catered for, with a good selection of primary, secondary and sixth form schools.

Situated just a few minutes from the A1, running north and south and within 15 minutes of the A14 running east and west, Valiant Square provides easy access to surrounding towns and villages. Huntington is around 20 minutes away and Peterborough can be reached in 25 minutes; both are served by mainline railway stations into London.

The remaining four bedroom house in Phase 1 of Valiant Square is currently available at £255,000. The sales office and show home are now open Friday to Monday, between 11am and 4pm. For further information call 01487 710710.

Having completed and sold all but one property at its exclusive, and first ever development, Lansdowne Villas in Bedford, Storey Homes is thrilled to announce that planning permission has now be granted for Phase 2 comprising 222 houses and apartments.

“We are very excited about this next phase. By gaining this permission it can only confirm that the work we have carried out so far, in the refurbishment of 20 Victorian Villas on Lansdowne Road and 2 new build 4 bedroom luxury houses, is highly regarded” comments Matthew Storey, Director of Storey Homes. “Using quality materials and traditional build we have created homes that compliment and reflect the surroundings.”

Matthew concludes, “not only will Phase 2 help regenerate the area but with 1.1 acres of landscaped public open space with children’s play park, we are helping to improve the local facilities. Also, with approximately £20 million being invested into this site over the next 4 years, hundreds of jobs will be created”.

Carrying on with the Victorian style grandeur that made the first phase so popular, these homes will offer other couples and families, who are looking to move into the Bedford area, an excellent opportunity of owning a stunning new home in this leafy conservation area.

Although work is not due to start on Phase 2 until the latter quarter of 2012, there is still the opportunity to purchase the last remaining and thoughtfully designed three storey 4 bedroom Villa at £499,950. Featuring elegant brickwork, sash and bay windows, pitched roofs, and situated along the sought after Lansdown Road, this sophisticated home offers modern energy saving specifications and comfort.

On the ground floor the extensive open planned modern kitchen and dining area, with magnificent bay window, is fitted with granite worktops, integrated dishwasher, wine cooler and microwave and a five-ring gas hob and extractor hood. To complete, there is a spacious lounge with doors opening out onto the landscaped garden, a separate utility room and cloakroom.

The first floor has the master bedroom featuring en-suite shower room and fitted wardrobes, and two further double rooms with access to a separate family bathroom. On the top floor another double bedroom with en-suite shower room and airing cupboard.

Less than half a mile away from Lansdowne Villa, Bedford mainline railway station can get you into St Pancras in approximately 40 minutes, whilst Luton Airport is within close proximity.

For those who like to meander around the shops, the shopping centre in Bedford, with its supermarkets, pubs and restaurants, is a mere half a mile away. Sporting enthusiasts are well catered for in the local area with rowing and bowling clubs, 2 golf courses and 3 gyms. Whilst Priory Country Park is a couple of miles away, and there is a cinema, theatre and museums all within easy reach.

Famed for the quality of their education, the Bedford based Harpur Trust collection of private schools is close at hand.

For further information on the last remaining property and to take advantage of the Part Exchange scheme, please contact agents Urban and Rural on 01234 272282.

Purchasers dreaming of a perfect Christmas snuggled up in their new dream home, surrounded by family and friends enjoying a glass of mulled wine and opening presents by the Christmas tree, should hurry along to Landsdowne Villas by Storey Homes. Here, they will find a stunning four bedroom Victorian style townhouse that could be the answer to all their Christmas wishes.

Matthew Storey from Storey Homes comments: “At this time of the year, many homebuyers think it’s too late to find and move into a new house before Christmas. However Storey Homes can help you move in 4 weeks to ensure your family can enjoy the yuletide festivities in your new home.”

Matthew continues: “We may even be able to part exchange their former home with the three storey villa at Landsdowne Villa, which could make the whole moving experience as easy as possible.”

Designed to recreate the surrounding Victorian townhouses, reminiscent of the period properties featured in old Christmas movies, the new build three storey, four bedroom villa is situated in a handsome conservation area on Lansdowne Road. Features include elegant brickwork, sash windows, high ceilings, bay windows and pitched roofs.

Imagine waking up on Christmas morning in your new home and going downstairs to the spacious lounge where a large Christmas tree is surrounded by lots of exciting presents! For the perfect festive meal, the dining room is open plan to the substantial fully fitted kitchen for cooking and then eating roast turkey with all the trimmings!

The kitchen has been designed to an excellent specification with granite work surfaces, integrated fridge freezer, dishwasher, a wine cooler and microwave, and an oven with five-ring gas hob and extractor hood. There is also a separate utility room for the cooking preparations and the clean-up mission afterwards.

For overnight guests, there is an en-suite bedroom on the second floor where they can unwind and relax in between the festivities. The master bedroom suite on the first floor also includes an en-suite shower room, while the second and third bedrooms are situated next to the family bathroom.

The location of Lansdowne Villas makes it ideal for guests travelling from Central London and across the country. Bedford mainline railway station is less than half a mile away, with trains into London St Pancras taking approximately 40 minutes, whilst international travellers will benefit from the close proximity of Luton Airport.

Lansdowne Road is also close to the centre of Bedford, with the main shopping centre, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants offering different types of cuisine under half a mile away. Sports enthusiasts are well catered for; as well as local rowing and bowling clubs there are 2 golf courses within 1.5 miles and 3 gyms, the nearest less than 0.5 mile away. Priory Country Park is a couple of miles away, and there is also a cinema, theatre and museums within easy reach.

Schooling is excellent, with the Bedford based Harpur Trust collection of private schools famed for the quality of their education at all ages close by.

The property at Landsdowne Villas is available for £499,950. For further information, please contact agents Urban and Rural on 01234 272282.

Rural property usually comes with a hefty premium, according to new research by Halifax. But Valiant Square, Storey Homes’ stunning collection of 27 four-bedroom detached homes on a former Ministry of Defence site at Ramsey, proves that spacious family homes in a stunning rural setting need not be out of reach of first-time buyers.

The Halifax research shows that average property prices in the country are, on average, £27,000 higher than in urban areas – that’s a 16% premium. In 2001 the premium was 20%, making the current differential 35% higher than it was a decade ago. The average price of a home in the country is now £196,316, compared with £169,353 in urban areas.

Valiant Square, with its own woodland walk and outlook over undulating countryside, offers a perfect setting and an unbeatable amount of living space for its price: each detached house boasts a newly fitted kitchen with utility room, dining room and sitting room on the ground floor plus four spacious bedrooms and a newly fitted bathroom upstairs.

With prices for properties at just £234,950 and £239,950, they comprehensively beat the rural premium. Of the properties sold, 56% of purchasers have part exchanged their former homes whilst 21% have taken advantage of the shared equity scheme. Both options are still available on the remaining three homes.

“Valiant Square proves that buying into the ultimate rural dream needn’t be a financial nightmare,” says Matthew Storey, Director of Storey Homes. “Each beautifully upgraded property offers the kind of accommodation, in the kind of setting, that you’d expect to pay a hefty premium for. But our prices are genuinely within reach of first-time buyers, even without the added help of our shared-equity scheme, through which a detached four-bedroom house worth £239,950 costs just £203,957 for an 85% share.”

Valiant Square formerly provided accommodation for married officers serving at RAF Upwood, which opened in 1917 and closed in 1995 and which played a major role in the character and recent history of nearby Bury and Ramsey.

Each detached property has been carefully refurbished and upgraded to provide superb family homes that offer all the contemporary comforts of a brand new home in a development that has already matured into its rural setting.

Phase 1 includes two different styles, all with new kitchens and bathrooms and most with a garage. A striking feature is the woodland/country walk that meanders through the development, creating a residential enclave that blends with the beautiful open countryside that surrounds it.

Ramsey is a historic market town founded around the Benedictine abbey in the 10th Century; the Medieval gatehouse remains today. The bustling town provides a selection of shops, cafes and public houses, amply accommodating everyday needs. For fitness enthusiasts, a sports centre, bowls club, tennis clubs and Ramsey Golf club are within easy reach. Families are also well catered for, with a good selection of primary, secondary and sixth-form schools.

Situated just a few minutes from the A1 running north and south and within 15 minutes of the A14 running east and west, residents have easy access to surrounding towns and villages. Huntington is around 20 minutes away and Peterborough can be reached in 25 minutes; both are served by mainline railway stations into London.

Prices of the three houses remaining in Phase 1 of Valiant Square start at £239,950 for a four-bedroom detached home. For further information contact the show home on 01487 710710.

At Valiant Square in Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, Conrad Mascall and his husband Nick Tooke have taken advantage of Storey Homes' part exchange scheme to upgrade from their former soldier's family home to an Officer's four bedroom detached property.

Conrad explains: "We have lived at former RAF Upwood since 1997 and simply love it here. We watched Storey Homes refurbishing the properties at Valiant Square and decided that we simply had to upgrade from our soldier's home to an officer's property. Our next step up would be the Station Commander's former home!"

Conrad continues: "We have found former military homes to be a brilliant investment and offer excellent value for money. Our new home is even bigger than the one before, is set off road and is surrounded by miles of countryside with a coppice at the back of the house, making it the perfect place for our two cats. We are also really lucky that a close community has developed at Valiant Square and we have some great neighbours."

Conrad adds; "Valiant Square is the perfect location for us both as Nick works as a supervisor at a local retail outlet and can walk to work. My work as a Business Development Manager for the local government is based in Cambridge but the local road network makes it easy for me to commute."

Conrad finishes: "The part exchange scheme provided a great opportunity to easily upgrade properties without the inconvenience of having to sell our former house ourselves. The sales team at Storey Homes were amazing, Kerry couldn't have done anything more to help, making the whole experience really easy. We moved in at the end of April and still can't believe this amazing four bedroom house is ours."

Valiant Square formerly provided accommodation for married officers serving at RAF Upwood, which originally opened in 1917 and closed in 1995 and which played a major role in the character and recent history of nearby Bury and Ramsey.

Currently available in Phase 1 are a number of four bedroom houses which have all been recently refurbished. Each property includes a newly fitted kitchen, utility room, dining room and a lounge on the ground floor. Whist upstairs there are four spacious bedrooms and a newly fitted bathroom. Most properties also benefit from a garage.

The refurbishment and upgrading of existing houses means that Valiant Square offers all the contemporary comforts of a brand new home in a development that has already matured into its rural setting. The development features a woodland/country walk that meanders through the development, creating a residential enclave that blends with the beautiful open countryside that surrounds it.

Ramsey is a historic market town founded around the Benedictine Abbey in the 10th Century. The Medieval Gatehouse remains today. The bustling town provides a selection of shops, cafes and public houses, amply accommodating everyday needs. For fitness enthusiasts, a Sports Centre, bowls club, a tennis club and Ramsey Golf Club are within easy reach. Families are also well catered for, with a good selection of primary, secondary and sixth form schools.

Situated just a few minutes from the A1, running north and south and within 15 minutes of the A14 running east and west, Valiant Square provides easy access to surrounding towns and villages. Huntington is around 20 minutes away and Peterborough can be reached in 25 minutes; both are served by mainline railway stations into London.

Properties on the former Ministry of Defence site cost from just £234,950 for a four bedroom house. The sales office and show home are now open Friday to Monday, between 11am and 4pm. For further information call 01487 710710

Over 60% of purchasers at Lansdowne Villas, Storey Homes' gracious development of period-inspired homes in Bedford, have cited the area's excellent schools as a prime reason for buying.

Now only one of the substantial villas remains unsold, and it's not likely to be left for long. The prospect of a traffic-free walk through one of Bedford's smartest areas to one of the superb schools for which the town is famous has proved irresistible to numerous buyers who have spotted that Lansdowne Villas is the ideal location for family life.

Lansdowne Villas is close to the Harpur Trust collection of private schools, famed for the quality of their education at all ages. The Trust has run schools in the area for centuries, notably Bedford School for Boys, and Bedford High School and the Dame Alice Harpur School (now merged to form Bedford Girls' School). Now it is also expanding into state education, supporting the Bedford Academy. With the excellent Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School also close by, Lansdowne Villas is the ideal location for all a family's educational needs, from primary to higher education.

Matt Storey, Director of Storey Homes, comments: "Lansdowne Villas has been a huge success with the family market, thanks to its combination of gracious accommodation and proximity to a range of superb schools. There is bound to be plenty of interest in the last villa available, but disappointed buyers can still buy a new, period-style villa in the next phase of the development."

Situated in a handsome conservation area on Lansdowne Road, Lansdowne Villas has created a gracious enclave in Bedford's smartest location. The initial collection of 18 redeveloped Victorian villas set the style for the new phase, which features grand homes newly built in the period style of their neighbours.

The last remaining property - a three storey, four bedroom Villa - boasts elegant brickwork, sash windows, high ceilings, bay windows and slate roofs. Finished to the highest specification, it is completely ready to move into.

On the ground floor is an extensive open-plan kitchen and dining area. Spaciously designed, the kitchen has granite worktops, a fridge, a freezer, an integrated dishwasher, a wine cooler and microwave, and an oven with a five-ring gas hob and extractor hood. At the rear of the house, the spacious sitting room has French doors that open to reveal a landscaped rear garden. A separate utility room and w/c complete the ground-floor accommodation.

Upstairs, a spacious master bedroom with an en-suite shower, two further double bedrooms and a separate family bathroom occupy the first floor. On the top floor, another double bedroom is provided with an en-suite shower room and airing cupboard plus additional storage space.

The location of Lansdowne Villas makes it ideal for both city commuters and those embracing local life. Bedford mainline railway station is less than half a mile away, with trains into London St Pancras taking approximately 40 minutes. International travellers will appreciate the close proximity of Luton Airport.

Lansdowne Road is also close to the centre of Bedford, with its main shopping centre, supermarkets, and pubs and restaurants offering different types of cuisine less than half a mile away. Sports enthusiasts are well catered for; as well as local rowing and bowling clubs, there are two golf courses within 1.5 miles and three gyms, the nearest less than half a mile away. Priory Country Park is a couple of miles away, and there are also a cinema, theatre and museums within easy reach.

The price of the semi-detached, new-build villa is £499,950. For further information, please contact the agents, Urban and Rural, on 01234 272282.

First time buyers looking to secure a new home in Ampthill, Bedfordshire now have a helping hand thanks to 'FirstBuy'. The new initiative provides purchasers with the opportunity to secure a new home at The Limes in Ampthill by Storey Homes for just 80% of the full value of the property, meaning two bedroom apartments at the development are now available for just £159,960! The remaining 20% is paid by a shared equity loan funded by Storey Homes and the Homes and Communities Agency.

Gareth Jacob, Head of Sales and Marketing at Storey Homes comments: "This initiative offers an excellent opportunity for first time buyers to turn their dreams of owning their own home into a reality. The apartments at The Limes are ideal for young couples, offering spacious, modern homes designed to a high specification."

To be eligible, the applicant's household must earn less than £60,000 per year and be unable to finance a property in the area where they currently live or work. An equity loan of up to 20% of the property price will be provided meaning the purchaser only needs to arrange finance for the remaining 80%, which can be done by arranging a market rate mortgage in addition to the 5% deposit. The buyer can then purchase up to 100% equity of the property in installments after they have moved in, or proportionally share the remaining equity of the house when it is sold at the current market rate.

Perfect for first time buyers, The Limes offers a stunning collection of 26 two and three bedroom contemporary designed apartments, including three penthouses. Situated behind the Georgian style former headquarters of Mid Beds District Council which will be transformed to provide 10,000sq.ft of office space, the apartments are situated over the top three floors of the adjoining 1990's building. Each property features floor to ceiling windows which provide a light and spacious atmosphere and enjoy views over the surrounding countryside.

Designed for modern living, the apartments are all open plan with lounge, dining and kitchen areas that are ideal for entertaining. The penthouses also enjoy large terraces that wrap around each property to provide extensive external living space and amazing views.

The specification afforded to these homes is unmatched, from the well equipped kitchens, fitted with high quality units and worktops and complete with a selection of built-in appliances as standard, to the luxury bathrooms furnished with hi-end white suites and chrome fittings. All apartments have underfloor heating and high quality flooring throughout. The master bedrooms have the advantage of stylish ensuite facilities adding a further touch of sophistication and the three penthouses benefit from large terraces.

The Limes is situated in a leafy, predominantly residential area, yet is only a few minutes' walk from the town centre. All homes will have a full 10 year building warranty and will benefit from secured, allocated parking.

Ampthill is a historic market town located between Luton and Bedford. The town boasts several lively pubs, a wide variety of restaurants and a selection of small independent shops. For commuters to London, Flitwick station is just down the road, providing frequent services into London St Pancras in under an hour.

Prices at The Limes currently start at £159,960 through 'FirstBuy' for a two bedroom apartment. For further information, please contact the Sales and Marketing Suite, which is open from 10am until 5pm from Thursday to Monday, on 0845 223 2448.

The Mayor of Ampthill, Sally Bacon and husband John recently met with Storey Homes to perform the 'Topping Out' ceremony of its new homes development, The Limes in Ampthill. Welcomed by directors of Milton Keynes based Storey Homes, the Mayor was given an overview of the development, a tour of the stunning show apartment and the exclusive opportunity to be the first to preview the penthouses, walk around the extensive terraces and take in the fantastic views!

Comprising the magnificent transformation of the Georgian style former headquarters of Mid Beds District Council, which will be transformed to provide 10,000sq.ft of office space, the apartments are currently available to purchase off plan. Designed over the top three floors of the building, these properties feature floor to ceiling windows which provide a light and spacious atmosphere and enjoy views over the surrounding countryside.

The Mayor of Ampthill, Sally Bacon comments: "I found my visit to The Limes very informative and it was extremely valuable to discover how Storey Homes is redeveloping the former headquarters of mid-beds district council. The penthouses will be fantastic when complete, the views really are breathtaking."

Gareth Jacob, Head of Sales and Marketing for Storey Homes comments: "We are very proud of The Limes and grateful for the opportunity to show the Mayor how the development is progressing. Our intention for the site is to provide first time buyers, downsizers and couples with the opportunity to purchase an apartment in Ampthill that provides plenty of space and great value for money."

The tradition of topping-out goes back more than 1,000 years and over the course of time it has involved the use of a yew branch to ward off evil spirits, the hoisting of crested flags to announce the success of the building's owners, and the use of flags on the roof of a building to alert those on the ground to the need of more materials.

Offering a stunning collection of 26 two and three bedroom contemporary designed apartments and penthouses, properties at The Limes are proving popular due to their high specification, spacious layout and unique location.

The specification afforded to these homes is unmatched, from the well equipped kitchens, fitted with high quality units and worktops and complete with a selection of built-in appliances as standard, to the luxury bathrooms furnished with hi-end white suites and chrome fittings. All apartments have underfloor heating and high quality flooring throughout. The master bedrooms have the advantage of stylish ensuite facilities adding a further touch of sophistication and the three penthouses benefit from large terraces.

The Limes is situated in a leafy, predominantly residential area, yet is only a few minutes' walk from the town centre. All homes will have a full 10 year building warranty and will benefit from secured, allocated parking.

Ampthill is a historic market town located between Luton and Bedford. The town boasts several lively pubs, a wide variety of restaurants and a selection of small independent shops. For commuters to London, Flitwick station is just down the road, providing frequent services into London St Pancras in under an hour.

Prices at The Limes currently start at £195,950 for a two bedroom apartment. For further information, please contact the Sales and Marketing Suite, which is open from 10am until 5pm from Thursday to Monday, on 0845 223 2448.

Purchasers looking for a period style new villa carefully designed with a modern specification that can be tailored to their own style, need look no further than Lansdowne Villas in Bedford. Perfect for budding Lawrence Llweyn-Bowens or Kelly Hoppen's who like to add their own glamour and sophistication, Storey Homes is providing purchasers with the opportunity to select the kitchen design, bathroom, flooring, tiling and lighting.

Situated in a handsome conservation area on Lansdowne Road, the three storey, four bedroom villas have been thoughtfully designed to reflect the surrounding Victorian townhouses. Features include elegant brickwork, sash windows, high ceilings, bay windows and pitched roofs.

Providing excellent family homes, each of the two new villas feature an extensive open plan kitchen and dining area on the ground floor which is ideal for entertaining family and friends. There is a wide range of kitchen designs available and features include granite worktops, a stainless steel fridge freezer, an integrated dishwasher, a wine cooler and microwave, and an oven with five-ring gas hob and extractor hood.

At the rear of each house, the spacious lounge has bi-folding doors that open to reveal a landscaped rear garden. A separate utility room and w/c complete the floor.

Upstairs to the first floor, a spacious master bedroom features an en-suite shower room and fitted wardrobes. Two further double bedrooms are located on this floor, both of which have access to a separate family bathroom. On the top floor, another double bedroom is provided with an en-suite shower room and airing cupboard.

Gareth Jacob, Head of Sales and Marketing at Storey Homes comments: "The two new villas at Lansdowne Villas offer the perfect combination of Victorian style architecture complete with a modern specification that can be tailored to purchaser's own designs."

A next phase of new homes at Lansdowne Villas is expected to be launched in Summer 2011 which will provide a further 220 new homes designed to reflect the local vernacular.

The location of Lansdowne Villas makes it ideal for both city commuters and those embracing local life. Bedford mainline railway station is less than half a mile away, with trains into London St Pancras taking approximately 40 minutes, whilst international travellers will benefit from the close proximity of Luton Airport.

Lansdowne Road is also close to the centre of Bedford, with the main shopping centre, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants offering different types of cuisine under half a mile away. Sports enthusiasts are well catered for; as well as local rowing and bowling clubs there are 2 golf courses within 1.5 miles and 3 gyms, the nearest less than 0.5 mile away. Priory Country Park is a couple of miles away, and there is also a cinema, theatre and museums within easy reach.

Schooling is excellent, with the Bedford based Harpur Trust collection of private schools famed for the quality of their education at all ages close by.

Prices for the two new build villas start from £549,950. For further information, please contact agents Urban and Rural on 01234 272282.

22nd June, 2011

Doncaster based artist Michael Johnson has been selected as the winner of an open competition to design and create a unique piece of public art for The Limes, a new homes development in Ampthill, Bedfordshire by Storey Homes which includes the redevelopment of the 1960's listed former town hall building.

Having come through the first stages of the competition, Michael was one of three artists short listed to make an initial visit to The Limes in order to gain a better of idea of the project from Gareth Jacob from Storey Homes and take a look around the new development Three weeks later the three finalists presented their ideas to the Public Art Commissioning Panel comprising Mark Storey and Gareth Jacob from Storey, Cllr Mike Blair and Hilary Western (Central Bedfordshire Council Arts Team), after which Michael was appointed as the outright winner of the commission.

In the coming months, Michael will run workshop sessions with The Firs Lower, Russell Lower, Alameda Middle, and Redborne Upper schools as well as residents from Ampthill to encourage their contribution to the shape of the artwork or surface design elements.

Michael Johnson, winner of the competition comments: "I welcome this opportunity to create a sculpture in an area where I haven't previously worked and look forward to developing the design through dialogue and workshops with the local schools, a local artist and the community."

Gareth Jacob, Head of Sales and Marketing for Storey Homes comments: "We would like to thank everyone who entered this open competition for their enthusiasm and professionalism. We selected Michael Johnson as the winner as he has an amazing portfolio of previous commissions and presented ideas that will create a masterpiece for The Limes which will pay tribute to the former town hall whilst providing a vision for the future."

Hilary Western, Youth and Community Artsworker for Central Bedfordshire Council comments: "Mike Johnson presented work that was both elegant and accessible; a perfect match for the beautiful Limes building designed by renowned architect Sir Albert Richardson"

Cllr Mike Blair, Central Bedfordshire Councillor representing Ampthill comments: "I felt that Mike Johnson's proposed work is striking and well thought out, without being over complex. It has a sense of permanence and elegance, which will not only engage those taking part in its final appraisal, but also the community, within which it will be a landmark for the future."

Stainless steel and bronze are the signature materials of the artist but many of his works incorporate glass, stone and found objects. Therefore, an exciting piece of modern art is expected for this former town hall regeneration scheme.

Michael has been making artworks for public spaces since 1991. His first commission, for the Duchy of Cornwall, a 25 foot sculptural work in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, won the Birmingham Design Award. He has completed over 100 commissions for both rural and urban sites throughout the UK and his clients range from national institutions and banks to local authorities, landscape architects, community groups and schools.

Michael has held a number of Lead Artist positions in large regeneration schemes, responsible for designing the arts input, commissioning other practitioners, and project managing the implementation of the artworks. For 'Turning the Tide' the reinstatement of the East Durham coastline after 150 years of industrial spoil the scheme won the interpretation of Great Britain award, achieved heritage status and was opened by the Queen in 2002 by the unveiling of one of the artists sculptures.

Offering a stunning collection of 26 two and three bedroom contemporary designed apartments, including three penthouses, the properties at The Limes are proving popular due to their high specification, spacious layout and unique location.

Situated behind the Georgian style town hall building which will be transformed to provide 10,000sq.ft of office space, the apartments are currently available to purchase off plan. Designed over the top three floors of the building, these properties feature floor to ceiling windows which provide a light and spacious atmosphere and enjoy views over the surrounding countryside.

The Limes is situated in a leafy, predominantly residential area, yet is only a few minutes' walk from the town centre. All homes will have a full 10 year building warranty and will benefit from secured, allocated parking.

Prices at The Limes currently start at £195,950 for a two bedroom apartment. For further information, please contact the Sales and Marketing Suite, which is open from 10am until 5pm from Thursday to Monday, on 0845 223 2448.

8th February, 2011

A successful new duo has quietly taken the property market by storm during their first year of trading. Mark and Matthew Storey formed Storey Homes at the end of 2009 following a number of successful bids on plots of land in the South East. The brothers are well known for their success in building and running confectionary and grocery goods company M & M (UK) Ltd - which is currently worth £40m. Together, they had always shown a keen interest in property and thus created Storey Homes which sold 21 properties with a value of £8.5million last year.

Matthew Storey comments: "The only thing we suffered from during the recession is the growing pains of our business. Keen to get the business moving, we have established ourselves fairly quickly and hope to build upon this success. Our business model is based on undertaking developments which encompass new build as well as the sympathetic conversion of existing buildings. We are not afraid of taking on schemes which other developers may cite as 'tricky' - in fact, it gives us all the more opportunity to thrive as a developer."

This year the brothers anticipate completing at least 50 units with an estimated value of circa £15 million. With 101 units fully consented and a further 234 due to come through the planning process, together with in excess of 100 acres of land, the potential growth for Storey Homes is looking fruitful

Mark Storey comments: "Our low borrowing position and strategic land purchases over the last year combined with the recent change in the market place will hopefully see significant rewards during the forthcoming months."

Bringing together talented individuals from within the property industry, who offer a wealth of experience of building, Storey Homes ensures that all projects are completed to the highest possible standards. Homes are finished to the highest specification and, depending on timescale of reservation, there are opportunities to buy off plan, allowing purchasers to personalise their home to their own requirements.

Much of the success of the Milton Keynes based housebuilder has been as a result of its re-development of a collection of derelict Victorian family houses which previously served as a campus for De Montfort University. The sizeable three storey homes based on Lansdowne Road in Bedford were in need of considerable attention. Storey Homes worked with David Coles Architects to restore the properties back to their former glory and successfully sold all 18 villas with prices ranging from £495,000 to £980,000.

Current developments include the former MOD site Valiant Square in Ramsey, near Cambridgeshire and the conversion of a former 1960s listed town hall building in Ampthill, Bedfordshire.

3rd February, 2011

Storey Homes is pleased to announce the launch success of The Limes it's redevelopment of the 1960's listed former Ampthill town hall building in Bedfordshire, where over 90 prospective buyers visited during the recent launch weekend.

Offering a stunning collection of 26 two and three bedroom contemporary designed apartments, including three penthouses, the properties proved to be extremely popular due to their high specification, spacious layout and unique location.

Situated behind the Georgian style town hall building which will be transformed to provide 10,000sq.ft of office space, the apartments are currently available to purchase off plan. Designed over the top three floors of the building, these properties feature floor to ceiling windows which provide a light and spacious atmosphere and enjoy views over the surrounding countryside.

Designed for modern living, the apartments are all open plan with lounge, dining and kitchen areas that are ideal for entertaining. The penthouses also enjoy large terraces that wrap around each property to provide extensive external living space and amazing views.

Built to a high specification, all of the apartments have well equipped kitchens fitted with high quality units and worktops complete with a selection of integrated appliances. Bathrooms have luxury white suites and chrome fittings, and all master bedrooms have en-suite shower rooms. For that extra bit of comfort, each apartment also features under floor heating throughout.

Gareth Jacob, Head of Sales and Marketing at Storey Homes comments: "We have had an exceptional level of interest in The Limes which was reflected in the high numbers of visitors to the development over the launch weekend. Ideal for all types of buyers, these unique apartments offer the best in contemporary living allied with the historic architecture of the former town hall. I would recommend that all interested buyers visit the development soon to avoid disappointment".

The Limes is situated in a leafy, predominantly residential area, yet is only a few minutes' walk from the town centre. All homes will have a full 10 year building warranty and will benefit from secured, allocated parking.

Ampthill is a historic market town located between Luton and Bedford. The town boasts several lively pubs, a wide variety of restaurants and a selection of small independent shops. For commuters to London, Flitwick station is just down the road, providing frequent services into London St Pancras in under an hour.

Prices at The Limes currently start at £195,000 for a two bedroom apartment. For further information, please contact the Sales and Marketing Suite, which is open from 11am until 6pm from Thursday to Monday, on 0845 223 2448 or click here.

4th January, 2011

Storey Homes is pleased to announce the launch of its redevelopment of the 1960s listed former town hall building in Ampthill Bedfordshire, will take place over the weekend of 29th and 30th January. Visitors to the development, named The Limes, can secure a new home off plan from the sales office where they will be able to view the floor plans for available properties as well as the model of the whole development.

The new development will include the transformation of the Georgian style town hall building into 10,000sqft of office space. In addition, the adjoining 1990s building will be restored to provide 26 apartments, the first phase of which will be released for sale during the opening weekend.

Available properties will include a collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments with penthouses on the top floor offering exceptional views of the surrounding countryside. Offering a wide variety of different layouts, there is something to meet the demands of all types of buyers. As with all Storey Homes developments, the kitchens will feature a range of integrated appliances to compliment the high specification in which the homes have been designed.

Gareth Jacob, Head of Sales and Marketing at Storey Homes, comments: "The Limes has already proved extremely popular and we have an increasing database of interested purchasers. With this in mind we would encourage those who haven't yet made their interest known to us, to do so as quickly as possible in order to avoid disappointment."

This unique development is situated in a leafy, predominantly residential area, yet is only a few minutes' walk from the town centre. All homes will have a full 10 year building warranty and will benefit from secured, allocated parking.

Ampthill is a historic market town located between Luton and Bedford. The town boasts several lively pubs, a wide variety of restaurants and a selection of small independent shops. For commuters to London, Flitwick station is just down the road, providing frequent services into London St Pancras in under an hour.

To register your interest please call 01908 363411 or click here.

17th December, 2010

Ian and Amanda Tomlinson love living in London. In fact, they would not have thought of leaving the capital if they hadn't discovered Lansdowne Villas, Storey Homes' glamorous revitalisation of 18 substantial Victorian villas that is creating Bedford's most desirable enclave of gracious living.

'We are happy in the city,' says Ian, 39, 'but we are thinking about the children's long-term schooling and we need more space - we are really crammed in at the moment.' The Tomlinson's currently live in a three-storey townhouse in Docklands, which they share with their children, Lucy, 7, Harry, 5, and Luke, 2.

'The problem was finding a big enough property that we could afford. We hadn't even considered looking in Bedford, but we knew we wanted to be closer to Amanda's family in Hertfordshire and mine in the Midlands. I found Lansdowne Villas by chance on Rightmove, while searching the whole of Bedfordshire. I thought it looked fantastic.'

Ian could hardly believe the price of the six-bedroom semi-detached villa they chose: 'When Storey told me it was £495,000 I nearly bit their hand off! You'd pay over £1million for something similar in not such a nice area of London.'

The Tomlinson's purchased a six bedroom villa with a huge living/dining room and a similarly large eat-in kitchen, three bathrooms and a wine cellar. One bedroom will be used as a study, for Ian and Amanda, 37, a former pediatric nurse who works for the diagnostics support system Isabel Healthcare.

Ian works for American Express in London where he is going to commute to for two days a week from Bedford Railway Station, which offers regular, direct services into London in around 30 minutes - another major attraction for the Tomlinson's.

'The best bit has been being able to choose the lighting, electrics, kitchen design and bathroom. Storey has shown unique flexibility in allowing us to amend the design, which has really kept us focused on the house and excited about it,' says Ian.

And Lansdowne Villas solved a conundrum for Ian and Amanda: he wanted a period house, she prefers contemporary living. But the villas, built in the 1880s, are being redeveloped with one eye on their impressive period detail and one very much on the requirements of luxurious contemporary living, neatly providing the best of both worlds.

Lansdowne Villas is breathing new life into a handsome conservation area of Bedford. In the early-20th century the houses, in Lansdowne Road, were acquired by Bedford PE College, later to become De Montfort University, and used as student accommodation.

The houses feature the high ceilings, open fireplaces and magnificent bay windows that typify the very finest Victorian domestic architecture. All include a designer kitchen featuring a choice of granite worktops, a stainless steel American-style fridge freezer, an integrated dishwasher, a wine cooler and microwave, and an oven with five-ring gas hob and extractor hood.

Ideal for both commuters and those wanting a lively local scene. Bedford mainline station is less than half a mile away, with trains into London St Pancras taking approximately 40 minutes, and Luton Airport is nearby.

There are currently only two new build villas available with prices starting from £549,950. For further information, please contact agents Urban and Rural on 01234 272282.

2nd December, 2010

Leading developers Storey Homes recently asked Bedford residents to give their views on its re-development proposals of the former De Montfort University site which consist of Extra Care facilities, a residential care home, new housing and a new public park.

During the two day consultation, over 40 residents met with representatives from Storey Homes and its consultancy team to discuss plans for the 5.5 acre site. Overall, responses received were positive with several visitors returning on the second day to seek further information following their initial visit.

Feedback forms were given to all those who attended, which presented some interesting results. The majority of respondents favoured the more traditional design approach to the homes over the contemporary alternative as they felt this was more in keeping with the local character of the area. Other comments received included: Really impressed with the high standards of the villas and have every confidence the developers will do a fantastic job', 'The villas in Lansdowne Road by Storey Homes appear to be done to a very high standard'.

Gareth Jacob, Head of Sales and Marketing at Storey Homes comments: "Our proposals for the former De Montfort University site have been designed to complement the design of the local vernacular, in keeping with the street scene. We also hope the development will play a vital role in the integration of the local community."

As well as a collection of over 130 houses and apartments, proposals include the development of a 47 unit Extra Care facility which is designed to offer people independent living with as much care available to them as and when they need it. In addition, a residential care home is proposed for those who need 24 hour care support as well as those who suffer from conditions including dementia and Alzheimer's.

With its initial focus on the care facilities at the development, Storey Homes has been working in conjunction with a local housing association to develop plans for the new facilities. The proposals for the Extra Care facilities have been designed around two central buildings, both of which have a communal lounge. Residents will also have access to the main residential care home's communal facilities which include a large dining room, multi-purpose meeting rooms to cater for activities, meetings and other functions, a launderette, hairdressing salon, massage therapy centre and buggy garage.

Besides the resident's communal facilities, plans include separate staff rooms with lounge areas and kitchen facilities, staff rest rooms on each of the four floors of the residential care home, staff changing rooms as well as offices to accommodate staff in their new headquarters.

Storey Homes' proposals for the site have been prepared with the help of David Coles Architects who were also involved in the design of Lansdowne Villas, Storey Homes' restoration project in Lansdowne Road. Here, homes are almost complete and have all been sold apart from two of the newly built villas which have only recently been released for sale.

To register your interest please call 01908 363411 or click here.

18th November, 2010

The Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson, recently joined builders Storey Homes to commemorate Bedford's forgotten polar connection, Apsley Cherry Garrard. The Antarctic explorer, who joined Captain Scott on his Terra Firma Expedition of 1910 and wrote 'The Worst Journey Of The World', was born at 15 Lansdowne Road, one of the 18 detached mansion houses which Storey Homes has just finished refurbishing.

To mark Apsley's birthplace, a blue plaque was officially unveiled by Mayor Dave Hodgson alongside Directors of Storey Homes, Matthew and Mark Storey. Commenting on the blue plaque, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "Today marks a great moment in Bedford's history and I am delighted to be involved. Apsley Cherry Garrard will continue to be remembered by our local community and those who visit."

The new owners of the property Mr and Mrs Delaney also joined in with the celebrations. The couple purchased the spacious three storey property from Storey Homes a few months ago and are due to move in shortly. Mr Delaney comments: "I have a particular interest in Antarctic exploration during the first 20 years or so of the last century. I was therefore aware of the connection with Apsley Cherry-Garrard before I ever looked at the property and indeed the historical association was of great interest to me so we were more than happy to have the plaque installed. I am sure Apsley would have been delighted to see the property restored to its original splendour and brought back into use as a family home"

Located on the former De Montfort University site, Lansdowne Villas has been sympathetically redeveloped by Storey Homes and completed to a superior, contemporary specification, giving the unique opportunity to combine the elegance of the past with the style of the future.

In addition to the refurbished homes, two newly built villas will be unveiled in January. The spacious three storey homes provide a rare opportunity to secure a brand new home in the area, prior to the next phase of new homes which is due to be launched in Spring 2011.

The location of Lansdowne Villas makes it ideal for both city commuters and those embracing local life. Bedford mainline railway station is less than half a mile away, with trains into London St Pancras taking approximately 40 minutes, whilst international travellers will benefit from the close proximity of Luton Airport.

Lansdowne Road is also close to the centre of Bedford, with the main shopping centre, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants offering different types of cuisine under half a mile away. Sports enthusiasts are well catered for; as well as local rowing and bowling clubs there are 2 golf courses within 1.5 miles and 3 gyms, the nearest less than 0.5 mile away. Priory Country Park is a couple of miles away, and there is also a cinema, theatre and museums within easy reach.

Schooling is excellent, with the Bedford based Harpur Trust collection of private schools famed for the quality of their education at all ages close by.

Prices for the two new build villas start from £549,950. For further information, please contact agents Urban and Rural on 01234 272282.

1st November, 2010

Storey Homes is pleased to announce its redevelopment of the 1960s listed former town hall building in Ampthill Bedfordshire, is well under way with plans for the official launch of the development set for January 2011.

The new development, named The Limes, will include the transformation of the Georgian style town hall building into 10,000sqft of office space. In addition, the adjoining 1990s building will be restored to provide 26 apartments, the first phase of which will be released for sale in the New Year with further new build apartments and houses to be built later in the year.

The first phase of properties to be released will include a collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments with penthouses on the top floor offering exceptional views of the surrounding countryside. Offering a wide variety of different layouts, there is something to meet the demands of all types of buyers. As with all Storey Homes developments, the kitchens will feature a range of integrated appliances to compliment the high specification in which the homes have been designed.

This unique development is situated in a leafy, predominantly residential area, yet is only a few minutes' walk from the town centre. All homes will have a full 10 year building warranty and will benefit from secured, allocated parking.

Gareth Jacob, Head of Sales and Marketing at Storey Homes, comments: "The Limes will offer the perfect opportunity for downsizers, first time buyers and young couples to secure a new apartment in this popular location. To date, we have had an overwhelming amount of interest in the development and look forward to opening in January and meeting interested purchasers."

Ampthill is a historic market town located between Luton and Bedford. The town boasts several lively pubs, a wide variety of restaurants and a selection of small independent shops. For commuters to London, Flitwick station is just down the road, providing frequent services into London St Pancras in under an hour.

To register your interest please call 01908 363411 or click here.

20th October, 2010

Valiant Square, Storey Homes' collection of detached houses at Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, offers a bargain every month. That's because the monthly outgoings after buying one of the four-bedroom homes are nearly £200 less than the average monthly rent for a similar sized property in Ramsey.

On average, monthly repayments for a property at Valiant Square costing £225,000 are £839; the rent for a similar property in Ramsey is £1,031*. That's a saving of £192 a month.

It's not only the long-term cost of living at Valiant Square that is low: properties on the former Ministry of Defence site cost from just £209,995, compared with an average price of £264,000 for four-bedroom houses in the area*. The properties currently available are priced between £209,995 and £235,000.

Gareth Jacob, Head of Sales and Marketing for Storey Homes comments: "Storey Homes is offering a true bargain at Valiant Square, where buying really is cheaper than renting. Buyers should always remember that affordability is as much about monthly outgoings as initial capital outlay, in which case Valiant Square makes owning a substantial family house much more achievable than many people think."

The refurbishment and upgrading of existing houses means that Valiant Square offers all the contemporary comforts of a brand new home in a development that has already matured into its rural setting.

Phase 1 comprises 27 detached houses of two different styles, all with new kitchens and bathrooms and most with a garage. A striking feature is the woodland/country walk that meanders through the development, creating a residential enclave that blends with the beautiful open countryside that surrounds it.

Valiant Square formerly provided accommodation for married officers serving at RAF Upwood, which originally opened in 1917 and closed in 1995 and which played a major role in the character and recent history of nearby Bury and Ramsey.

The refurbished homes feature a newly fitted kitchen, utility room, dining room and sitting room downstairs; upstairs are four spacious bedrooms and a newly fitted bathroom.

Ramsey is a historic market town founded around the Benedictine Abbey in the 10th Century; the Medieval Gatehouse remains today. The bustling town provides a selection of shops, cafes and public houses, amply accommodating everyday needs. For fitness enthusiasts, a sports centre, bowls club, tennis clubs and Ramsey Golf Club are within easy reach. Families are also well catered for, with a good selection of primary, secondary and sixth form schools.

Situated just a few minutes from the A1 running north and south and within 15 minutes of the A14 running east and west, Valiant Square provides easy access to surrounding towns and villages. Huntington is around 20 minutes away and Peterborough can be reached in 25 minutes; both are served by mainline railway stations into London.

For further information contact Thomas Morris estate agents on 01487 814666

*according to nestoria.co.uk

5th October, 2010

Following the resounding success of Lansdowne Villas, Storey Homes has just released two newly built villas located on Lansdowne Road in Bedford. The spacious three storey homes provide a rare opportunity to secure a brand new home in the area, prior to the next phase of new homes which is due to be launched in Spring 2011.

Here, future phases will see a further 220 new homes designed to reflect the local vernacular and built to the same high standards as the villas. Gareth Jacob, Head of Sales and Marketing at Storey Homes, comments: "The two new built villas offer a fantastic opportunity to capitalise on the Bedford property market which has seen an average price increase of 14% per house in the last year, compared to the UK average of 6%."

The new homes have been designed to provide sumptuous family accommodation. On the ground floor the dining area is open plan to the substantial kitchen and features a magnificent bay window, ideal for window seats and extra storage. Featuring the latest in specification, the kitchens feature granite worktops, a stainless steel fridge freezer, an integrated dishwasher, a wine cooler and microwave, and an oven with five-ring gas hob and extractor hood.

Meanwhile a spacious lounge room features at the back of the house with bi-folding doors that open to reveal a landscaped rear garden. A separate utility room and w/c complete the floor.

Upstairs to the first floor, a spacious master bedroom features an en-suite shower room and fitted wardrobes. Two further double bedrooms are located on this floor, both of which have access to a separate family bathroom. On the top floor, another double bedroom is provided with an en-suite shower room and airing cupboard.

The location of Lansdowne Villas makes it ideal for both city commuters and those embracing local life. Bedford mainline railway station is less than half a mile away, with trains into London St Pancras taking approximately 40 minutes, whilst international travellers will benefit from the close proximity of Luton Airport.

Lansdowne Road is also close to the centre of Bedford, with the main shopping centre, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants offering different types of cuisine under half a mile away. Sports enthusiasts are well catered for; as well as local rowing and bowling clubs there are 2 golf courses within 1.5 miles and 3 gyms, the nearest less than 0.5 mile away. Priory Country Park is a couple of miles away, and there is also a cinema, theatre and museums within easy reach.

Schooling is excellent, with the Bedford based Harpur Trust collection of private schools famed for the quality of their education at all ages close by.

Prices for the two new build villas start from £549,950. For further information, please contact agents Urban and Rural on 01234 272282.

15th September, 2010

The stunning restoration of Lansdowne Villas in Bedford by Storey Homes reached a new stage recently as its first purchasers, Maureen Hanrahan and her daughter Jane moved into one of the 18 substantial Victorian villas.

To celebrate the occasion, Maureen and Jane were joined by Matthew Storey, Director of Storey Homes and Gareth Jacob, Head of Sales and Marketing, who presented them with gifts to welcome them into their new home.

Maureen and Jane, who previously lived the other side of Bedford, were simply so bowled over by Lansdowne Villas, they felt they had to live there. Maureen comments: "We were so impressed when we first visited Lansdowne Villas and have continued to be throughout the buying process. It really is a lovely development and the finish is excellent, particularly the remote control heating system, whirlpool bath and oven features. We really can't wait for the rest of the villas to be complete as the street scene will be spectacular."

Matthew Storey, Director of Storey Homes comments: "This is a very special occasion for Storey Homes too. As well as being the first purchasers at Lansdowne Villas, Maureen and Jane are in fact, the first purchasers of a property by Storey Homes. This is something that we have been working towards since the beginning of the year and we are so delighted to now be at the stage where purchasers are moving into their new homes."

Lansdowne Villas is breathing new life into a handsome conservation area of Bedford. In the early-20th century the houses, in Lansdowne Road, were acquired by Bedford PE College, later to become De Montfort University, and used as student accommodation.

The houses feature the high ceilings, open fireplaces and magnificent bay windows that typify the very finest Victorian domestic architecture. All include a designer kitchen featuring a choice of granite worktops, a stainless steel American-style fridge freezer, an integrated dishwasher, a wine cooler and microwave, and an oven with five-ring gas hob and extractor hood.

Bedford is ideal for both commuters and those wanting a lively local scene. Bedford mainline station is less than half a mile away, with trains into London St Pancras taking approximately 40 minutes, and Luton Airport is nearby.

There are currently only two new build villas available with prices starting from £549,950. For further information, please contact agents Urban and Rural on 01234 272282.

15th September, 2010

Storey Homes' highlights the value of detached properties has increased more than any other property type, according to a recent report published by the Halifax. The Property Type Review states that the value of detached properties has risen by 13 per cent year on year, compared with just eight or nine per cent for other types of property. With the average price of a detached house now standing at £299,295 (63 per cent higher than other types of property), that's an increase of £91 per day!

While many may consider a detached property to be out of their price range, Storey Homes is providing a collection of 27 four bedroom detached homes on the former Ministry of Defence site in Ramsey Cambridgeshire.

Gareth Jacob, Head of Sales and Marketing for Storey Homes comments: "With properties starting from just £209,950, purchasers are being offered a rare opportunity to snap up a well-planned, truly spacious family home at a surprisingly low price."

The refurbishment and upgrading of existing houses means that Valiant Square offers all the contemporary comforts of a brand new home in a development that has already matured into its rural setting.

Phase 1 comprises 27 detached houses of two different styles, all with new kitchens and bathrooms and most with a garage. A striking feature is the woodland/country walk that meanders through the development, creating a residential enclave that blends with the beautiful open countryside that surrounds it.

Valiant Square formerly provided accommodation for married officers serving at RAF Upwood, which originally opened in 1917 and closed in 1995 and which played a major role in the character and recent history of nearby Bury and Ramsey.

The refurbished homes feature a newly fitted kitchen, utility room, dining room and sitting room downstairs; upstairs are four spacious bedrooms and a newly fitted bathroom.

Ramsey is a historic market town founded around the Benedictine Abbey in the 10th Century; the Medieval Gatehouse remains today. The bustling town provides a selection of shops, cafes and public houses, amply accommodating everyday needs. For fitness enthusiasts, a sports centre, bowls club, tennis clubs and Ramsey Golf Club are within easy reach. Families are also well catered for, with a good selection of primary, secondary and sixth form schools.

Situated just a few minutes from the A1 running north and south and within 15 minutes of the A14 running east and west, Valiant Square provides easy access to surrounding towns and villages. Huntington is around 20 minutes away and Peterborough can be reached in 25 minutes; both are served by mainline railway stations into London.

For further information contact Thomas Morris estate agents on 01487 814666

25th August, 2010

A stunning collection of new apartments will soon be launched in Ampthill thanks to Storey Homes' redevelopment plans for the 1960s listed former town hall building. Designed by Sir Albert Richardson, an architect renowned for his enthusiasm for the Georgian period, the building will be transformed back to its original format to provide 26 apartments and 10,000 sq ft of office space.

In the 1990s, the building was extended and a new office block was added to the rear of the building. Storey Homes plans to demolish the link between the listed building and 1990s office block to reveal the original rear elevations of the listed building. In addition, further new build apartments and houses will be built at the rear of the development.

Gareth Jacob, Head of Sales and Marketing at Storey Homes comments: "As with all our new homes developments, The Limes offers purchasers high quality design and specification, supreme finish as well as exceptional attention to detail. This combined with the great location will appeal to a wide range of purchasers and has already proved popular with over 100 people registering on our website for further information."

Phase one will consist of the conversion of the existing office building to 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and new, modern office facilities. This scheme also includes penthouses on the top floor offering exceptional views of the surrounding countryside.

This unique development is situated in a leafy, predominantly residential area, yet is only a few minutes' walk from the town centre. All homes will have a full NHBC 10 year warranty, finished to a high specification and will benefit from secured, allocated parking.

To register your interest please call 01908 363411

3rd August, 2010

Storey Homes is presenting a rare opportunity to snap up a well-planned, truly spacious family home at a surprisingly low price at its Valiant Square development, a former Ministry of Defence site in Ramsey near Cambridgeshire. To ease the move for buyers, Storey will consider part exchange on their existing property or, in the event of a collapsed sale, on another property in the chain.

The refurbishment and upgrading of existing houses means that Valiant Square offers all the contemporary comforts of a brand new home in a development that has already matured into its rural setting. With four bedroom properties available for a limited period only at just £209,950, purchasers cannot afford to miss out.

Phase 1 of Valiant Square comprises the 27 detached houses of two different styles, all with new kitchens and bathrooms and most with a garage. A striking feature is the woodland/country walk that meanders through the development, creating a residential enclave that blends with the beautiful open countryside that surrounds it.

Phase 2, which has yet to obtain planning permission, will complement the refurbished homes with a new courtyard development of 14 three- and four-bedroom semi-detached, link-detached and detached houses. Plans for associated new walkways as well as a play area are also due to be submitted as part of this overall proposal.

Valiant Square formerly provided accommodation for married officers serving at RAF Upwood, which originally opened in 1917 and closed in 1995 and which played a major role in the character and recent history of nearby Bury and Ramsey.

'We are very proud of Valiant Square, Storey Homes' first development in Cambridgeshire,' says Gareth Jacob, Head of Sales and Marketing for Storey Homes. 'It is rare to find such a large home offering all the advantages of a newly built property and the character and gracious setting of a period one. When the development is complete, it will have achieved the reinstatement of this historic area in Ramsey to its original character, greatly improving the local vernacular.'

The refurbished homes feature a newly fitted kitchen with utility room, dining room and sitting room on the ground floor plus four spacious bedrooms and a newly fitted bathroom upstairs.

Ramsey is a historic market town founded around the Benedictine Abbey in the 10th Century; the Medieval Gatehouse remains today. The bustling town provides a selection of shops, cafes and public houses, amply accommodating everyday needs. For fitness enthusiasts there is a sports centre, bowls club, tennis clubs and Ramsey Golf club within easy reach. Families are also well catered for, with a good selection of primary, secondary and sixth form schools.

Situated just a few minutes from the A1 running north and south and within 15 minutes of the A14 running east and west, residents have easy access to surrounding towns and villages. Huntington is around 20 minutes away and Peterborough can be reached in 25 minutes; both are served by mainline railway stations into London.

Prices at Valiant Square start from £209,950 for a four-bedroom detached home. For further information contact Sharman Quinney estate agents on 01487 710345 or Thomas Morris estate agents on 01487 814666.

2nd August, 2010

For every 60 seconds further from London a property is, you will save up to £2,250 on its price, according to research from Savills and it seems new Bedford residents are indeed capitalising on the lower house prices and location of the popular commuter town. A prime example is Lansdowne Road, just a short walk from the train station where Storey Homes has almost sold its redevelopment of 18 Victorian villas where 50% of buyers have moved from London and commute to the capital each day.

Gareth Jacob, Head of Sales and Marketing at Storey Homes comments: "Bedford is ideal for commuters and offers families and city workers so much more property for their money. We have one purchaser who sold his apartment in Canary Wharf to afford a five bedroom detached home in Bedford which is almost three times the size but not price!"

"Canny Londoners who are more than happy to commute for 30 minutes each day know they can make their money go further outside the capital and places like Bedford, which may lack the glamour of Knightsbridge, more than make up for it in charm, character and quality of life."

Lansdowne Villas has been sympathetically redeveloped by Storey Homes and completed to a superior, contemporary specification. Only three of the three storey properties remain for sale, priced from £499,950 to £995,000 and providing 3558 sq ft to 6476 sq ft of living accommodation with an average of £173/sq ft - which would not easily be found in London.

The houses feature the high ceilings, open fireplaces and magnificent bay windows that typify the very finest Victorian domestic architecture. All include a designer kitchen featuring a choice of granite worktops, a stainless steel American-style fridge freezer, an integrated dishwasher, a wine cooler and microwave, and an oven with five-ring gas hob and extractor hood.

Lansdowne Road is also close to the centre of Bedford, with the main shopping centre, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants offering different types of cuisine under half a mile away. Sports enthusiasts are well catered for; as well as local rowing and bowling clubs there are 2 golf courses within 1.5 miles and 3 gyms, the nearest less than 0.5 mile away. Priory Country Park is a couple of miles away, and there is also a cinema, theatre and museums within easy reach.

Schooling is excellent, with the Bedford based Harpur Trust collection of private schools famed for the quality of their education at all ages close by.

Prices at Lansdowne Villas start from around £499,950 for a 3558 sq ft semi detached, £650,000 for a 3657 sq ft detached house and £995,000 for a 7 bedroom 6476 sq ft property. For further information please contact the sales office on 01234 261107.

20th July, 2010

Sales figures released by the property firm Savills show that most up-market properties in London are now being bought by foreign purchasers; according to Savills, they accounted for 55% of purchases over £750,000, compared with 45% during the property boom in 2007. Maybe that's because the canny UK buyer is looking further afield for high-end property, to locations such as Lansdowne Villas, Storey's sensitive and visionary redevelopment of 18 Victorian villas in Bedford's premiere residential enclave.

Savills' announcement is the first time that foreign buyers have accounted for over half an estate agent's clients. It is part of a trend that has seen overseas investors flocking to London to take advantage of the weakening pound and the plethora of ultra-luxurious property available in the capital. The top end of the London market is being held firm by the Russian and Middle Eastern super-rich, helping London prices to rise by 14% over the last year, compared with an average increase of 8.5% elsewhere in the UK.

But it is easy for British buyers to out-smart the international competition, which remains transfixed by the capital. Just a bit further out up-market homes offer much better value for money and are attracting a steady stream of UK purchasers.

Lansdowne Villas typifies the style and value that affluent homegrown buyers appreciate. The houses, built in Lansdowne Road in the 1880s, are being redeveloped with one eye on their impressive period detail and one very much on the requirements of luxurious contemporary living. Only three are still available, priced from £599,950 to £995,000. Similar houses in fashionable Wandsworth can fetch up to £3million.

'British buyers are flexible enough to look outside the wealthy enclaves of London,' says Gareth Jacob of Storey Homes. 'They know they can make their money go further in the comparatively unexplored areas outside the capital - places like Bedford, which may lack the jet-set glamour of Knightsbridge but more than makes up for it in charm, character and quality of life.

'The traditional market town has a universal appeal for the British, and Bedford has everything that many up-market buyers are looking for: fine historic architecture, a selection of markets, good schools and plenty of beautiful countryside.'

Lansdowne Villas is a unique and ambitious development that is breathing new life into a handsome conservation area of Bedford. In the early years of the 20th century the houses, in Lansdowne Road, were acquired by Bedford PE College, which later became De Montfort University, and were used as student bars and common rooms. Number 15, included in the Storey Homes scheme, was the birthplace in 1886 of Apsley Cherry-Garrard, the famous Arctic explorer who survived Scott's fabled expedition to the South Pole in 1912 and wrote the classic memoir The Worst Journey in the World.

The houses feature the high ceilings, open fireplaces and magnificent bay windows that typify the very finest Victorian domestic architecture. All include a designer kitchen featuring a choice of granite worktops, a stainless steel American-style fridge freezer, an integrated dishwasher, a wine cooler and microwave, and an oven with five-ring gas hob and extractor hood.

Bedford is ideal for both commuters and those wanting a lively local scene. Bedford mainline station is less than half a mile away, with trains into London St Pancras taking approximately 40 minutes, and Luton Airport is nearby.

Prices at Lansdowne Villas start from around £599,950 for a 3864 sq ft semi detached, £650,000 for a 3657 sq ft detached house and £995,000 for a 7 bedroom 6476 sq ft property. For further information please contact the sales office on 01234 261107.

2nd June, 2010

Renovating period properties is nothing new, but a whole street of them? Storey Homes' Lansdowne Villas development is creating what is set to be the most desirable enclave of gracious living in Bedford by rescuing a row of 14 Victorian villas from over a century of institutional use - and the development is so striking that 11 of the four, five, six and seven bedroom homes have already been sold or reserved!

The houses, built in Lansdowne Road in the 1880s, are being redeveloped with one eye on their impressive period detail and one very much on the requirements of luxurious contemporary living.

It is a combination that immediately appealed to Rosie Arnold and her husband Lyndon, who are relocating from Jersey with their four year-old daughter, Freya. 'I love the fact that we can take the décor either way,' says Rosie, 38. 'The interior specification is very contemporary, but the period detailing and the architecture mean that period taste would be equally appropriate.'

The Arnolds discovered Lansdowne Villas online. 'We saw other houses, but in reality we were always set on Lansdowne Villas,' says Rosie. 'We made the decision in ten minutes. It is such a relief to have found a period property that we don't have to renovate ourselves. But we can still choose some of the accessories and fittings, such as the kitchen, wall tiles and flooring.'

Rosie and Lyndon (39) have chosen a five-bedroom villa arranged over three storeys, for which they paid £535,000. 'It's a really lovely house for the money, compared with what we could have bought in Jersey or London,' Rosie says. 'Lyndon preferred a four-bedroom villa with particularly huge rooms, but I fell in love with the adorable playroom in the eaves of the house we eventually chose, and the fact that the rooms were more adaptable.'

'There's an element of risk for us - we don't know the area at all - but Bedford ticks all the boxes. Lyndon heads the technical services department of a private bank in Liverpool Street, so good rail links were vital. And I knew I wanted to live in the area when I saw Pilgrims School, a pre-prep that feeds into the excellent Dame Alice Harpur School in Bedford. I know it will suit Freya perfectly.'

The Arnolds are renting a two-bedroom flat in Bedford until their Lansdowne Villas property is completed in September.

Lansdowne Villas is a unique and ambitious development that is breathing new life into a handsome conservation area of Bedford. In the early years of the 20th century the houses, in Lansdowne Road, were acquired by Bedford PE College, which later became De Montfort University, and were used as student bars and common rooms. Number 15, included in the Storey Homes scheme, was the birthplace in 1886 of Apsley Cherry-Garrard, the famous Arctic explorer who survived Scott's fabled expedition to the South Pole in 1912 and wrote the classic memoir The Worst Journey in the World.

The houses feature the high ceilings, open fireplaces and magnificent bay windows that typify the very finest Victorian domestic architecture. All include a designer kitchen featuring a choice of granite worktops, a stainless steel American-style fridge freezer, an integrated dishwasher, a wine cooler and microwave, and an oven with five-ring gas hob and extractor hood.

Bedford is ideal for both commuters and those wanting a lively local scene. Bedford mainline station is less than half a mile away, with trains into London St Pancras taking approximately 40 minutes, and Luton Airport is nearby.

Prices at Lansdowne Villas start from around £499,950 for a 3558 sq ft mid terrace, £550,00 for a 3864 sq ft terrace and £995,000 for a 7 bedroom 6476 sq ft property. Two new build 'villa style' four bedroom, three storey homes will also be released for sale shortly. For further information please contact agents Urban and Rural on 01234 272282.

26th May, 2010

Storey Homes highlights house prices in Bedford are increasing faster than the national average according to a recent poll. The cost of the average house in the town has risen by 14 percent in the last year, compared to the UK average of six per cent.

The figures were published in the latest Rightmove Consumer Confidence Survey. According to the poll 53 percent of the region's residents are confident that prices will be higher in 12 months time. This is an increase on predictions made by respondents in 2009.

Testament to this is the success of Lansdowne Villas in Bedford where purchasers have taken advantage of Storey Homes' competitive pricing and excellent value for money. Should prices continue to rise by the same figures over the next year, purchasers will see an increase of around £75,000 to £150,000!

With only three out of the 14 restored villas remaining for sale interested purchasers should move quickly in order to avoid disappointment. Gareth Jacob, Head of Sales and Marketing at Storey Homes comments: "Confidence in the market is holding well and we hope it will continue. Purchasers at Lansdowne Villas have already benefitted from market growth and we anticipate it will continue to thrive. Our homes are well priced, offering great value for money compared to other areas in London and the South East. With only three properties remaining we are certain the restored villas at the development will soon be sold out!"

Sympathetically redeveloped by Storey Homes and completed to a superior, contemporary specification, these luxurious and historic period homes offer purchasers the unique opportunity to live in a property that combines the elegance of the past with the style of the future. Detail includes high ceilings, open fireplaces and the magnificent restored bay windows which were all very popular for the Victorian period.

Designed over two and three storey's, each property has a slightly different floor layout and all benefit from a designer kitchen featuring a choice of granite worktops, stainless steel American style fridge freezer, integrated dishwasher, wine cooler and microwave, oven with 5 ring gas hob and extractor hood plus 1 ½ bowl stainless steel sink.

The location of Lansdowne Villas makes it ideal for both city commuters and those embracing local life. Bedford mainline railway station is less than half a mile away, with trains into London St Pancras taking approximately 40 minutes, whilst international travellers will benefit from the close proximity of Luton Airport.

Lansdowne Road is also close to the centre of Bedford, with the main shopping centre, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants offering different types of cuisine under half a mile away. Sports enthusiasts are well catered for; as well as local rowing and bowling clubs there are 2 golf courses within 1.5 miles and 3 gyms, the nearest less than 0.5 mile away. Priory Country Park is a couple of miles away, and there is also a cinema, theatre and museums within easy reach.

Schooling is excellent, with the Bedford based Harpur Trust collection of private schools famed for the quality of their education at all ages close by.

Prices at Lansdowne Villas start from around £499,950 for a 3558 sq ft mid terrace, £550,00 for a 3864 sq ft terrace and £995,000 for a 7 bedroom 6476 sq ft property. For further information please contact agents Urban and Rural on 01234 272282.

23rd April, 2010

Milton Keynes based Storey Homes is pleased to announce the success of its Lansdowne Villas development in Bedford where 70% of its converted 19th century Victorian villas have already sold off plan!

Gareth Jacob, Head of Sales and Marketing at Storey Homes comments: "Naturally we are delighted with the response we have had to Lansdowne Villas. Off plan purchasers are coming back to the market with confidence and taking advantage of today's market prices, value for money and flexibility to have more input to their home at an early stage."

Launched in January this year, purchasers have been so keen to get their hands on one of the spectacular family homes at Lansdowne Villas, only four of the restored villas remain for sale. The four homes remaining include 3 five bedroom homes ranging in size from 3323 sq ft to 3864 sq ft. There is also one substantial seven bedroom villa for sale which stands at an impressive 6697 sq ft.

Sympathetically redeveloped by Storey Homes and completed to a superior, contemporary specification, these luxurious and historic period homes offer purchasers the unique opportunity to live in a property that combines the elegance of the past with the style of the future. Detail includes high ceilings, open fireplaces and the magnificent restored bay windows which were all very popular for the Victorian period.

Designed over two and three storey's, each property has a slightly different floor layout and all benefit from a designer kitchen featuring a choice of granite worktops, stainless steel American style fridge freezer, integrated dishwasher, wine cooler and microwave, oven with 5 ring gas hob and extractor hood plus 1 ½ bowl stainless steel sink.

The location of Lansdowne Villas makes it ideal for both city commuters and those embracing local life. Bedford mainline railway station is less than half a mile away, with trains into London St Pancras taking approximately 40 minutes, whilst international travellers will benefit from the close proximity of Luton Airport.

Lansdowne Road is also close to the centre of Bedford, with the main shopping centre, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants offering different types of cuisine under half a mile away. Sports enthusiasts are well catered for; as well as local rowing and bowling clubs there are 2 golf courses within 1.5 miles and 3 gyms, the nearest less than 0.5 mile away. Priory Country Park is a couple of miles away, and there is also a cinema, theatre and museums within easy reach.

Schooling is excellent, with the Bedford based Harpur Trust collection of private schools famed for the quality of their education at all ages close by.

Prices at Lansdowne Villas start from around £495,000. For further information please contact agents Urban and Rural on 01234 272282.