How to live in your very own chocolate factory this Christmas

Christmastime is officially upon us and this season is often synonymous with sweet treats – advent calendars, candy canes and Quality Street, just to mention a few. Given the festive season, the demand for something sweet is at an all-time high, with the UK alone consuming up to 208 million boxes of chocolates in the lead up to Christmas[1].

This chocolate-loving season, Barratt London is offering buyers the chance to live in their very own chocolate factory at Hayes Village newest homes, the Berg Apartments, built on the site of the former Nestlé factory. Not only can new buyers live out their chocolate factory fantasies, but they’ll also benefit from the new stretch of canal access at The Grand Union Canal towpath with all its potential for relaxation and recreation.

The factory founder, an eccentric chocolatier and bodybuilder, Eugen Sandow,[2] once called this canal side community his home. Originally named Friedrich Wilhelm Müller, Sandow, born in 1867, was known as the trailblazer for modern day bodybuilding. He travelled throughout Europe under his stage name Eugen Sandow, until he made his way to London, where he was encouraged to take part in a strongman competition, beating the reigning champion and achieving instant fame and recognition for his strength.

After a short acting career, Sandow invested his earnings into Sandow’s Cocoa Works. The factory opened in Hayes in 1913, where Sandow claimed chocolate was the source of his superhuman strength. In 1929, the factory changed hands to become the first factory outside of Switzerland to manufacture the Nestlé Milky Bar. The site is now being redeveloped by Barratt London as Hayes Village, part of a significant regeneration project which will deliver 1,500 new homes. The latest phase of this brand-new community includes 55 new desirable waterside properties, and the reopened canal now forms part of a vastly improved public realm surrounding the latest phase of new homes at Hayes Village.

Joseph Antoniazzi, Director of Sales and Marketing at Barratt West London, states: “The former Nestlé factory is now a much-loved local landmark, and it’s important that we honour its heritage.
In celebration of the factory’s unique history, we are meticulously redeveloping the project, allowing the building to play a significant role in the community’s future. Creation of a new canalside realm allows both residents of Hayes Village, and the public to enjoy the newfound serenity and recreation of the surrounding area. We have homes currently available with direct views of the canal.
Our newest Berg Apartments offers an excellent opportunity to be a part of this vibrant new community with an abundance of amenities, whether it be a calming walk along a 300m stretch of the canal, getting out into the water with convenient access or a quick coffee stop at the planned café.”
Due for completion in 2027, Hayes Village will provide a charming setting for residents with views across the Grand Union Canal and nine-acres of previously unused green open space. This includes a 1.3km walking trail, 200m running track, and a convenient footpath from the historic green to Hayes and Harlington train station – a key beneficiary of the Elizabeth Line. Residents can also take advantage of the on-site gym and outdoor play area with plenty of options within the grounds for people who want to keep fit.
This west London development is an exciting new prospect for Hayes, bringing a vibrant residential community to the area. With extensive amenities and excellent commuter links, it is perfect for both young families and city workers. Road connections are as good as the train connections from the development, with the M4 and M25 motorways within easy reach, and Heathrow Airport approximately 10 minutes away.
At Hayes Village, Studio, 1, 2 & 3-bedroom apartments are available from £327,000. The new Berg Apartments are ready to move into now, available from £309,000.