Trustees Update – Strawberry Hill House

Here is a summary of the update given at our Autumn Fayre by the Trustees and the architects.

The presentation was opened by the architect, Mr Malcolm Cassam of Cassam Associates, who advised that full planning permission for ten apartments had been granted in October.  He explained that work was well advanced with the detailed planning of the apartments and that the Building Control application would be submitted this month. He explained we should be ready to tender the project in January 2016.  Building could commence shortly after this subject to confirmed interest in the apartments.

He then gave a detailed description of the development, describing the outdoor areas which include a secure, gated entrance, landscaped gardens, and parking for occupants and visitors.

He also described the interior of the House, beginning with the entrance hall and reception, which has stairs leading to the lower ground floor, where the communal kitchen, lounge and orangery will be situated. The communal areas can be used by the occupants for birthday celebrations and other events, or is a space to enjoy a coffee or read a book. All apartments on this floor will have their own private patio. All apartments on the first floor will have Juliet balconies. He also described the features included in each room of a typical apartment, with accompanying visuals.

Mr Stephen Jempson then spoke about the ‘Helping Hand’ service, which provides one hour of assistance per apartment per week, which is included as standard. Additional hours of assistance can be arranged as required. He then explained the Service Charge, and what this covers.

He announced that the prices of the apartments will begin at £189,000 for a luxury one-bedroom apartment, and the two-bedroom apartments will be priced from £279,000. These prices are around £60,000 – £70,000 less than market prices for similar properties in the area. To date the Charity has raised around £265,000 and these monies will be used towards purchasing apartments which the Trustees hope will be available to rent.

To get the project started, the Trustees are seeking for some apartments to be sold ‘off plan’, thus keeping the Charity’s borrowing as low as possible.

New brochures and information sheets, including Price Lists and individual apartment plans have now been produced. If you would like any of this information about Strawberry Hill House, or would like to register an interest (without obligation) in buying/renting an apartment, please let us know by using our contact form, or by contacting the Trustees on 01892 615600.  All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.

The Trustees.