SHORTAGE OF FAMILY HOMES IN PORTSMOUTH MEANS DANDARA’S HOUSES ARE SNAPPED UP

A new development by independent housebuilder Dandara in Drayton, a suburb to the north of Portsmouth, is selling fast – thanks in part to its provision of attractively designed, larger family homes. The housing mix at Novo, in Station Road, Drayton, includes 67% homes of three or four bedrooms – a type of housing that is short in supply in the area.

According to Portsmouth City planners, the scheme makes a “positive contribution towards meeting a recognised need for family homes within the city”, so it’s no surprise that the development is already 85% reserved – with just 12 of the stylish new homes still available.

Set on the six-acre brownfield site of a disused dairy farm, the new development comprises two-, three- and four-bedroom houses with private gardens and garages or parking, along with two-bedroom apartments, larger houses, and a bungalow for social housing. With a mix of terraced, semi-detached, and detached houses, over two or three storeys, families of all sizes can find a suitable home at Novo.

Drayton is an extremely desirable area for families thanks to its well-regarded selection of schools – within a two-mile radius of the development there are three Ofsted-rated Outstanding and seven Good primary schools, and half a dozen Good or Outstanding secondary schools. Families are also catered for on site, with a pocket park and play area with natural features including wooden structures and low earth banks to encourage creative play.

Cosham railway station is a half-hour walk or five-minute drive away and offers excellent services for commuters who can be in central Portsmouth in 10 minutes, at Southampton Central in just half an hour or at London Waterloo or Victoria in less than two hours. Road links are also superb, with the A27, A27M and M27 all within easy reach.

Nicki Dennis, Head of Sales & Marketing at Dandara’s Southern division, comments: “Novo has so much to offer families – and the rapid sales on this site show that these generous, open-plan contemporary homes are proving extremely popular. The local area is packed with things to enjoy, whether you want to paddle on the beach, explore the local nature reserves, enjoy amazing shopping, and fine dining in Portsmouth, visit the historic harbor and battleships, or even hop on a ferry for a day out to the Isle of Wight, there’s something for everyone. With local shops, schools, GP, and a hospital close by, along with days out to last for decades, the area really has everything you need at hand.”

The homes at Novo have been designed by architects Boyle and Summers in a striking contemporary style, with red, brown, and buff bricks contrasted by terracotta and slate-effect roof tiles. Weatherboarding, stepped brick detailing, grey windows and doors and unusual projecting corner features all add visual interest throughout the site and help it to create a modern identity.

Inside, the properties are equally modern – contemporary Symphony fitted kitchens can be specified in a variety of colours, Zanussi ovens and induction hobs are fitted as standard, and bathrooms have white Roca sanitaryware and Porcelanosa wall tiles. Outside, gardens are turfed to front and rear and feature high-quality fences, paved patios, an outside tap and even a timber garden shed.

Properties currently available at Novo start from £360,000 for a three-bedroom link-detached home with parking space. For more information visit www.dandara.com/novo or call 02394 276 738.