Lock up and leave – the ultimate solution…

As increasing numbers of Brits elect to invest in property abroad, the demand for low maintenance homes in the UK has seen a renaissance. The ‘lock up and leave’ phenomenon is still going strong, but for many finding the right property to meet their needs at home proves a challenge. Often, a compromise has to be made between space and style and the convenience of having a home that you can leave for months at a time.

But at ‘The Courtyard’, Essendon Park, Millgate Homes has created a selection of apartments and courtyard houses that could provide the perfect solution. In addition to beautifully finished, spacious accommodation and landscaped communal gardens, residents at ‘The Courtyard’ will benefit from a gated environment, their own garage and a concierge who, in addition to keeping an eye on things while residents are away, can arrange access for specialist staff such as cleaners and gardeners, so that properties will remain exactly as their owners left them.

When Peter and Angela Smith began the search for a new home in the UK that would allow them to downsize comfortably and spend more time at their apartment in Tuscany they never imagined it would take them three years to find the perfect property, as Peter explains:

“Having spent the past four years creating our perfect home in Italy, we now plan to make the most of it. Downsizing has always been on our agenda - we aim to spend roughly six months in the UK and six months abroad, either in Italy or Angela’s native Australia, and our large family home in Harpenden just didn’t suit this new lifestyle.

“However, finding the right property has not been easy. We have been looking for the past three years and have visited numerous properties in and around Harpenden, but found that they lacked style – something which, as an interior designer, is important to Angela.

“Having made the decision to look further afield, we were introduced to Essendon Park by Statons estate agents. We initially looked at the apartments, but I needed convincing that apartment living was for us – our previous property had a large garden and I just wasn’t ready to give up my outdoor space. We really liked the ambience of Essendon Park, with its gated environment, concierge service, communal grounds and rural surroundings, so when we viewed the courtyard houses with their charming gardens we were sold.

“Now we’ve moved in, we’re looking forward to making the most of our new lifestyle – this is a really unique development and it was worth waiting 3 years to find!”

And in addition to peace of mind while they are away, the Smiths will benefit from delightful rural surroundings, a year’s playing membership to the golf courses of the Hatfield London Country Club that surround Essendon Park and use of the residents’ tennis court within the communal gardens – enjoying a holiday lifestyle even when they’re at home.

Just four 2 bedroom apartments, each with a study/third bedroom and 2 bathrooms and one, 4 bedroom townhouse remain at ‘The Courtyard’ with prices ranging from £695,000 to £850,000. To discover for yourself the outstanding opportunity these homes present, visit the Sales and Marketing Suite, open daily from 10am – 4pm Tel. 01707 663502 and browse around the beautiful new Show Apartment. Outside of these hours, call Lawrence Henry of Statons Estate Agents on 020 8441 9555 or visit www.essendonpark.co.uk.

Peter and Angela Smith at The Courtyard, Essendon Park

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Press Enquiries:
Lorraine Morrissey/Charlotte Rhodes at MMS on 01889 584808

Millgate Homes:
Millgate Homes is a quality-driven, premium house builder reputed for its excellence in design and for the exacting standards it applies to each of its exclusive developments. As Berkshire’s leading developer, this vibrant company is focused on seeking out the most desirable sites, optimising planning, designing with passion and building with integrity. Its achievements in these areas are demonstrated by the numerous industry awards won since its launch in 1988. Now, Millgate Homes has established an enviable reputation as a dynamic, high quality house builder. For further information on Millgate Homes, and details of current and forthcoming developments, visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk

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