New apartments in Thames Ditton lead the way in eco-chic

Following the announcement that carbon-zero homes under £500,000 will be exempt from stamp duty, as well as the introduction of the Code for Sustainable Homes this month (April 2007), the emphasis for new homes is very much on their environmental credentials.

Knight Frank has recently sold a site to Michael Shanley Homes in the desirable village of Thames Ditton, Surrey, which the developer will be turning into 28 apartments, designed using energy efficient materials to create minimum impact on the environment.

The development, yet to be named, is situated in a mature residential area on the northern side of Embercourt Road and will incorporate a mix of contemporary one and two bedroom apartments. Designed with superior insulation materials and quality thermal glass, it has received a ‘very good’ EcoHomes rating – the current environmental rating for homes. Michael Shanley Homes is also considering installing light sensitive photovoltaic solar heating panels on the roof, further enhancing its energy efficiency.

Paul Hogarth, Partner and head of new homes sales and marketing in the south east, says: “This is a striking and unusual development which presents a rare opportunity to those who want to live in an energy efficient home set in a fantastic location. Thames Ditton is highly sought-after due to its riverside location, boutique shops and cobbled streets which give it a really chic, village feel. Situated in an unrivalled position adjacent to Thames Ditton railway station on the outskirts of the main village, we expect there to be fantastic demand for these apartments; there really is nothing else like them in the area.”

The development benefits from excellent communication links, with easy access to the A3, M3 and M25, as well as regular direct trains to London Waterloo from Thames Ditton station in approximately 35 minutes. Neighbouring towns include Esher and Kingston which offer a wealth of shops, restaurants and bars as well as excellent leisure opportunities.

For further information, visit knightfrank.com.