Aspirational homes at affordable prices

Often stated, but rarely achieved, is the promise of ‘aspirational homes at affordable prices’. However, there is always the exception, such as the beautifully crafted development, Bellside Brae, by Clydebrae Homes, where the stunning Tay showhome has just been launched.

Situated within the delightful, semi-rural setting of Bellside Village, close to Cleland, this aptly named development is a first for Clydebrae Homes, where every consideration has been taken to ensure each home sets the benchmark for the quality clients can expect from this niche family developer.

Working again in partnership with builders, Strongwood Ltd, Clydebrae Homes has created a select development of only 27, four and five-bedroom detached family properties at Bellside Brae, in three different styles – the Tay, the Tweed and the Spey.

Strongwood Ltd is a builder often commissioned to do bespoke, one-off high-end projects. This is clearly evident from the attention to detail within the Tay showhome, ensuring that buyers of all properties at Bellside Brae will be taken aback by the specification and finish that comes as standard as well as the sheer size of the properties.

Robert Kirk, managing director of Clydebrae Home, comments: “The Tay showhome is the first property we completed at the development, as we felt buyers really need to view one of our homes to fully appreciate exactly what they are getting for their money. As a family business, we pride ourselves in giving our customers added value and were determined from the outset to provide inspiring homes that have been realistically priced. The positive feedback we have received from customers so far demonstrates that this is precisely what they are looking for too.

“Strongwood Ltd is committed to best practice and has approached the building of each property as if they are individual commissions. Therefore, the quality of craftsmanship is second to none. Although this our first development, our ethos will remain the same with successive projects - to provide beautiful homes that have been competitively priced, ensuring that local buyers have the opportunity to buy a family home that they can happily remain in for a number of years.”

From the moment buyers enter the five-bedroom Tay showhome, they will instantly be aware that this is something a little different, as Clydebrae Homes commissioned renowned interior designer, Deborah Bell to dress the house in order to illustrate the potential of all the properties at the development.

Deborah Bell, says, “The vision for the Tay showhome was to keep it very subtle and use fresh colours and tones to coincide with the start of Spring. Traditional elements, particularly in the kitchen, have been given a contemporary twist, with signature colours of olive green and citrusy limes being used within several of the rooms to ensure that the living space flows together effortlessly.”

On entering the property, via the large Swedish wood door, the spacious hallway leads in to the delightful, bay windowed lounge. On entering the lounge, viewers’ eyes will be immediately drawn to the natural stone fireplace and surround, a colour that Deborah Bell Interiors has subtly matched in the wall coverings, giving the room an Etruscan feel and suggesting Mediterranean influences.

The sumptuous taupe velvet sofa invites one to sit down, relax and fully take in the ambience of the lounge. Citrus green armchairs set the accent colour of the room, which is also picked up in the stylish glass vases on the mantle-piece, vibrant landscape paintings and scatter cushions. The large mirror above the fireplace, with its chrome swirling frame, evokes an exciting whirlwind. The vigilant eye of the potential buyer will also be drawn to the impeccable cornice that comes as standard in the lounge and dining-room.

Moving from the lounge into the adjoining dining-room, a huge lampshade over the dining table evokes childhood memories of a fluffy dandelion head, enticing viewers to instantly make a wish. This room is perfectly balanced, as the simple lines of the walnut wooden dining table with glass top, which comfortable seats six, match with the side board. The dining room benefits from substantial window that looks on to the garden, which floods the room with natural light.

Elegant, oak doors with glass panels, imported from Spain, lead from the dining-room into the kitchen – where the Tay really comes in to its own. Large Amtico floor tiles suitably demonstrate the scale of the kitchen’s floor-plan. The units are by Kitchen International and include walnut cabinetry that houses the integrated fridge freezer and AEG oven. In striking contrast, black granite work tops, white polished fitted kitchen units and a dramatic central island, with a chrome five burner-hob and adjoining breakfast bar, ensure this room has all the requisites for culinary creativity. Other thoughtful characteristics include the integrated wine cooler, again a thoughtful feature than comes as standard within the Tay style property. Adjoining the kitchen, and further adding to this room’s appeal as for social gatherings, is an adjoining sunroom, which only a select number of properties have at Bellside Brae.

The sunroom is a bright and airy space due to its innumerable windows – however, buyers can control the amount of rays that stream in via the dark wood, plantation style blinds. In contrast to the olive green of the kitchen, the white walls of the sunroom create a seamless flow between the inside of the property and the outside. The soft lime coloured sofa is where buyers are sure to spend inordinate amounts of leisure time, such is the appeal of this room.

Completing the ground floor of the Tay is a downstairs cloakroom and the fourth-bedroom or home office. Having a bedroom on the ground floor of the property has appealed to several visitors to the showhome, especially those buyers looking to purchase a new home that can cater to the needs of having an elderly relative to stay or visit.

Moving to the upper floor of the Tay, the visual spectacle continues within the four-bedrooms, presenting potential buyers with the difficult task of trying to decide which one is their favourite. Bedrooms two and three share a ‘Jack and Jill’ en-suite, a highly convenient feature for those with young children. This can also be converted into a single en-suite, depending on the stage of the build programme, for those who prefer.

Bedroom three continues the olive green scheme, through the colour on the walls and also the vibrant green and black bedspread, with the walnut bed-frame and bedside tables giving the room a natural earthiness. The main feature wall provides a strong display of silver wallpaper infused with delicate yellow and green blossoms. Bedroom two is altogether different from the rest of the property. Dressed to impressed young teens, bold reds add a splash of colour to the fawn bed-covers.

One more surprise awaits potential buyers on the upper level of The Tay – the master-bedroom. Firstly, purchasers will be suitably impressed by the grand taupe panels of the velvet headboard, charming off-white Chateau style beside cabinets and ebony beside lamps, fashioning a French-style boudoir. Their eye will then be drawn to the sliding wardrobe doors – and here is where the magic awaits. On sliding back one of the doors, viewers are given access to a secret and substantial walk-in wardrobe, which then leads in to a chic en-suite.

The upper floor of the Tay is where the main family bathroom is found. Grey mosaic Porcelanosa tiles surrounding the bath and black slate flooring highlight the streamlined bathroom suite by Villeroy and Bosch. The main wall of the bathroom, which is a block of colour in brick tones, black Amtico flooring and ebony walnut units harmonise this room with the signature colour and natural materials predominately used throughout the property.

Robert Kirk, says: “The interior of the showhome has struck a chord with a number of buyers. Deborah Bell Interiors has created the perfect balance. The subtle use of incorporating similar tones throughout allows customers to view the Tay as a whole, rather than focusing in on individual elements. This makes it easier for potential purchasers to envisage themselves living within one of our homes.”

At a time when many house hunters are aware that a number of fixtures and fittings come as optional extras, they will be delighted that this is not the case at Bellside Brae. Not only does the standard specification include beautiful internal Spanish doors, cornicing, a fully-fitted kitchen and all integrated appliances, but Procelanosa tiling to the bathrooms and en-suites, and the suites are from renowned company Villeroy and Bosch. The only optional extras featured with the Tay showhome are the fire and surround in the lounge and the choice to up-grade the kitchen worktop if so desired. In addition, the company is also giving free floor coverings* up to the value of £3,500.

Situated off the A 73 Carlisle Road, Bellside Brae is only a short drive from both Wishaw and Motherwell. The development also has excellent road links to the M8 making Glasgow and Edinburgh a reasonable commute, either by car or train, as Cleland station is less than half a mile away and provides a regular service to both cities.

With prices released from £215,000, homes at Bellside Brae, in terms of quality and square footage, must be the most reasonably priced in North Lanarkshire. For further information on the development, visit the marketing suite, open Friday through to Monday from 12 noon to 4pm.

* Clydesdale Homes’ £3,500 giveaway of floor coverings is available for a limited period only.