Unparalleled quality from the best in the business

By Heather Rose
Posted: 2008/10/24

LUXURIOUS Austrian homes with a very high specification level are surfacing on the Scottish landscape, with a finish that precisely matches the needs of individual buyers.

Garrion Bridge in North Lanarkshire is playing host to the striking new designs thanks to a tie-up between Milligan Gray, who are regarded as one of Scotland's most innovative developers, and Austrian firm Griffner.

The development, known as Edgewood, will feature 17 homes which are being constructed in Austria, shipped to Scotland, then assembled on site by the Austrian firm's own skilled team.

Four house types are on offer, with accommodation ranging from 3,950 sq ft to 5,150 sq ft, and up to five bedrooms. Being marketed by agents Savills, prices range from £825,000 to £1.3million.

Clearly the agency is delighted to have this unique project on their books. Andrew Perratt, head of Savills' new homes division in Scotland, commented: "I don't think I've ever seen build quality like it." That is quite a compliment because the agency specialises in the top end of the market, an area where first-class quality is the norm.

Edgewood is being created as a riverside community in the Clyde Valley, an area that is not only tranquil and scenic but is also well placed for commuting to Glasgow, 20 miles away.

Four of the homes have river frontages and fishing rights.

Others have rural views. Each house is set in generous grounds and a great deal of thought has gone into the development's appearance. But it is the interiors that make these homes so notable. This is evident as soon as you step inside. Entrance halls are double height. There are sweeping staircases, large open-plan living areas, folding glass doors connecting inside with outside, and garden rooms.

Buyers can also opt to have cinema rooms, home gyms, laundries, large dressing rooms, and en suite bathrooms.

Bathrooms are complete with the latest in wetroom shower technology. Kitchens have limestone floors, granite worktops and top-of-the-range appliances. And each home is pre-wired with a network of cabling so that future occupants can enjoy the luxury of music or video throughout the house.

And, as Jennifer Goldie, an associate with Savills, points out, these properties also have environmental benefits.

"Buyers are becoming increasingly conscious of the environmental credentials of their homes and Edgewood ticks all the right boxes here, without compromising on style in any way, " she said. "Every effort has been made to make the homes healthy buildings.
For instance, the insulation material used is Homatherm, which is made from cellulose, recycled paper and jute.

"The unique way in which the houses are designed and built ensures that they are among the most energy efficient on the market." These houses may have fartravelled foundations but the luxury they offer coupled with their scenic setting makes them very much at home here.

CARRONVALE Homes reckon their Kirkton Mews development in Bathgate, where they have two-bedroom apartments selling from £119,995, could be the perfect buy for first-time purchasers.

Buyers might be able to reap the benefits of the Government's shared equity scheme, part of the low-cost initiative for first-time buyers known as LIFT.

"The LIFT scheme allows first-time buyers on low incomes to purchase a percentage of the property, with a housing association funding the rest as an equity loan, " explained sales director Graeme Macfarlane, "and our new homes fall within LIFT criteria."

INFORMATION:
01506 654831; 01324 666899; www.carronvalehomes. co. uk


ZOOM Developments have introduced a rent2buy deal at their St Mungo's Gate apartment development in Cumbernauld.

It enables prospective buyers to rent a two-bed flat for up to three years prior to purchasing, although they can buy within this period if they wish, or walk away at the end of the three-year period. Those going on to buy can get a cashback of up to 10 per cent of the price, which can be used towards the deposit.

Prices for the second phase at St Mungo's Gate start at £134,000.

INFORMATION:
01236 729259; www. zoom developments. com