5 minute read
y A new life in Bengeo
The Stiles combines rural tranquillity with modern town living
New development in Bengeo offers stylish family homes in a beautiful setting
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When it comes to our next home, how many of us wish we could have it all? On the one hand, we crave the peace and tranquillity of rural life, on the other we long for the hustle and bustle of nearby coffee shops and eateries, and the chance to connect with friends. If the pandemic has achieved one thing over the last year, it has really crystallised for many buyers what matters in a home – from access to green space, to nearby places to meet and socialise – and, for some, the now almost critical consideration of a separate workspace within the home. In a beautifully landscaped setting in Bengeo, a new development aims to achieve that almost impossible balance between rural tranquillity, community spirit and modern town life. The Stiles is a vibrant new neighbourhood developed by Durkan, providing a selection of traditionally styled two, three, four and five-bedroom homes to suit a range of lifestyles. Surrounded by countryside and allotments, the development is in an attractive private setting. There are leafy streets, mature trees and dedicated play areas with the quintessential village amenities of a couple of local pubs, a church, cricket club and independent store just down the road. An excellent choice of infant, primary and secondary schools are
An aerial impression of The Stiles. Below: two of the house types and the idyllic surrounding countryside
within easy reach too. Just over a mile away is the county town of Hertford which of course combines picturesque Georgian and Medieval architecture and a rich history and culture with stylish restaurants, cocktail bars and coffee shops. The homes themselves are thoughtfully designed for modern living and supreme comfort. The spec is fresh and contemporary, with Amtico flooring and stylish fitted kitchens with premium stone worktops. The space throughout is light, calming and elegant – relaxed family rooms meet more formal entertaining spaces, and many homes have a home office. For more information on The Stiles, visit durkan.co.uk.
THE ASCOT
A luxury 4 bedroom semi-detached family home with west-facing garden, set within an exclusive private, gated development in Hertfordshire. Prices from £975,000.
Designer kitchens with Siemens appliances • Elegant fixtures and fittings throughout • Home office and integral garage Idyllic location between Cuffley and Goff’s Oak • Short walk to Cuffley Station and local amenities • Less than an hour to The City*
CALL US TODAY AND BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TO VIEW OUR BRAND NEW ASCOT SHOWHOME WITH FURNISHINGS BY HERTFORD-BASED INTERIOR DESIGNERS, BELLE MAISON
104 Cuffley Hill | Goff’s Oak | EN7 5EY
Hannah launches Greenhill Estates, Hertford’s new Green estate agency
Hertford has a new estate agency – Greenhill Estates. Its founder, Hannah Green, who is now in her mid-20s, has worked in local estate agency since she was 16, developing a solid background in all aspects of the industry before deciding to take the plunge on her own. Hannah wants her new agency to be Hertford’s first truly “green” one – and she has developed an almost paperless business model which she hopes will make its own contribution to looking after the environment. Greenhill Estates will be covering Hertfordshire and north London and Hannah said: “My company ethos is to be forward-thinking and current. “With 99 per cent of people starting their property search online, the importance of online marketing and social media is paramount and that is why I have decided to invest heavily in all the latest industry tools.” Hannah will cover all aspects of
Hannah Green and two of her instructions: Left, Stable House at Balls Park and below, townhouses off Gascoyne Way, Hertford
property including sales, lettings, new homes and land. Hannah’s early instructions include the launch of seven new townhouses in the centre of Hertford, on the former Gates site off Gascoyne Way, which will be coming in 2022 and with prices from £850,000. For more information, visit greenhillestates.co.uk.
Stamp duty savings can still be made until the end of September
Despite the much-publicised end of the maximum stamp duty holiday a month ago, local estate agent Mullucks is reminding buyers that there are still significant savings to be made until the end of September. The stamp duty holiday was introduced by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak in July last year, enabling buyers to pay no stamp duty on the first £500,000 of a property’s purchase price, as long as the transaction completed before the end of June. But even though that deal has now ended, no stamp duty will be paid on the first £250,000 of the purchase price for the next two months. Mullucks’ senior valuer and negotiator Oliver Pottrill explained: “Everyone’s been talking about the nil-rate band up to £500,000 coming to an end. But what seems to be less often mentioned is that the nil-rate will continue to be maintained at twice the standard level until 30th September.
Oliver Pottrill and, right, a house for sale at £400,000 offers a stamp duty saving of £2,500 until September
“So, instead of paying stamp duty as soon as the property price rises above £125,000, buyers will not pay any stamp duty on the first £250,000 – which means that they can still make a saving of up to £2,500.” Oliver says that the experience of the booming market suggests that the Chancellor should consider making the stamp duty holiday permanent. He added: “Without question, the property market has been turbo-charged by the tax break. So much so, that the sheer number of property transactions taking place meant that there was more income for the Treasury as a result, not less.” Oliver also stressed that even if people are buying property over the £250,000 threshold, they will still stand to benefit. He explained: “Buyers must remember that UK stamp duty now operates under a ‘slice’ system, where successive bands of the purchase price are taxed at increasing rates. “So, no matter what the total price of the property you are buying may be, there are still savings to be had.”
