Canal side living offers comfort and class

People might like to be beside the seaside, but they will love being next to the canal at Redrow’s picturesque development in the historic market town of Garstang, Lancashire.

Canal View in The Toppings has a collection of properties available, including a number of three-bedroom dormer bungalows which ooze style and comfort - and oodles of space.

“We have three Bournemouth dormer bungalows on the far side of the development, right next to the canal,” says Julie Hamer, sales consultant for Canal View. “They are in the most beautiful position with lots of green space around them and so conveniently positioned with just a three minute walk via the canal p001ath into town.

“We have already had a lot of interest, much of it from clients looking to downsize to something that’s new, energy efficient and easier to look after, with the majority of the accommodation on one level. But the Bournemouths are ideal for a cross-section of purchasers, including families and couples who want something modern, spacious and just a little bit different.”

Forget the idea of bungalows being tiny and twee, the Bournemouth offers spacious accommodation that’s sure to change the way people look at bungalow living.

There are three double bedrooms, including one with en-suite, an extensive open plan living, dining and kitchen area and an integral double garage, so there’s plenty of space for everyone, from growing families to visiting grandchildren; and French doors to the garden enhance that even further.

And The Bournemouth, which sells from £394,995, is as luxurious as it is large, with a fully-fitted kitchen with top of the range integral appliances, fitted wardrobes to all the bedrooms and a ground floor bathroom which boasts a bath and a large walk-in shower.

Julie adds: “Although people often see bungalows as being for older people, to me this is perfect for a family too, especially perhaps where there are teenage or grown up children. The master bedroom with en-suite, which spreads across the entire dormer floor, would be wonderful as a retreat for mum and dad, or a child who wants a little more privacy and independence. And older or younger, they will all appreciate the lower bills and less maintenance offered by an energy-efficient brand new home.”

There had been claims bungalows were falling out of favour and suggestions some builders were more intent on creating two-storey homes which offered greater profit. But a report in the Daily Telegraph in July this year said bungalows were still in high demand, despite construction of them slowing down - the NHBC says only one in 63 new homes built are bungalows compared with one in six in the 80s - and Redrow is now helping to meet that demand at a number of locations around the country.

As well as the Bournemouth it also has the two-bedroom Hadleigh from £324,995, a true bungalow with all of its accommodation on one level. It too has an en-suite to master bedroom and a garage.

Bungalows are often favoured by older buyers because they are more accessible, especially when mobility becomes an issue. “But they are great for families too,” says Claire Jarvis, sales director for Redrow Homes (Lancashire). “Living on one level or mostly on one level gives the feeling of more space than ever.

“High demand also means they are a good investment and a survey by Halifax General Insurance in 2005 declared bungalows were the most popular type of property, not just with would-be buyers but those who had enjoyed single storey living for years.”

Garstang is a superb location, with all the amenities of the traditional market town to hand, yet surrounded by the lovely Lancashire countryside and close to the Fylde.

Canal View also offers four-bedroom detached family houses from £314,995, along with a selection of two-bedroom properties from £143,995, the latter sold under the Advantage banner which means eligible purchasers from the local area can buy at 80% of the market value.

For more information on The Bournemouth and Hadleigh bungalows and other homes at Canal View, visit redrow.co.uk/canalview for details and opening times.