A peaceful parkland setting in West Drayton

Like the vast majority of today's property-seekers, Andrew Hopkins shopped around carefully for his ideal home and location. As a train driver working in West London and the South, he had the pick of the region - and after casting a wide net, chose a brand new George Wimpey apartment at the leading housebuilder's Waterside Park development in West Drayton.

"I had actually been living in Hayes, not too far from Waterside Park, but looked at new homes in several other locations, including Farnborough in Hampshire. The main condition I had was that my new place needed to be near a station so that I could get the train to work!"

Andrew (43) was also looking to downsize his three-bedroom townhouse, and was keen to find a place where he could relax and unwind on his days off.

"I chose a two-bedroom, top-floor apartment at Waterside Park, overlooking the Grand Union Canal. What impressed me most about the development is that it includes 12 acres of protected parkland - a wonderful thing to have right on your doorstep.

"West Drayton station is only a 10-minute walk from home, and I'm also very pleased with the build quality of the homes compared with other new places I had looked at."

Andrew and partner, Jackie Givan (45) used George Wimpey's Options to add personal finishing touches to their new home together - choosing stylish carpets in a neutral shade for their two bedrooms, Karndean flooring for the kitchen, main bathroom and en-suite, and downlighters throughout to add to the contemporary feel their apartment enjoys.

"I think we'll be calling this home for some years to come," adds Andrew. "I'm not a big fan of moving home, but with George Wimpey's help, our move just before Christmas went very smoothly and they even assisted with marketing my old house and paid the estate agency fees. We're settling into our Waterside Park way of life very nicely!"

Andrew Hopkins and Jackie Givan relaxing at the Waterside Park development.

Customers can currently choose from the range of two-bedroom ‘Little Grebe' apartments at the development, priced from £194,995. Selected designs have balconies or terraces and views over the Grand Union Canal, while each benefits from allocated parking.

A selection of three-bedroom, three-storey homes are also available, starting at £299,995 with stamp duty paid, and four-bedroom, three-storey designs from £369,500. ‘Live-Work' apartments which combine living space with an additional 400 to 500 sq ft business area are also available.

Those choosing a home at Waterside Park will find their property is finished to a high standard specification including gas central heating, double glazing and a fitted kitchen with built-in stainless steel oven, hob and hood.

Waterside Park is located in a beautiful, tranquil setting close to the Grand Union Canal, laid out in a ‘home zone' to offer peace and safety away from busy streets, pollution and traffic noise.

Although it benefits from a parkland setting, the development is just a short stroll from high street shops and the town railway station - perfect for commuters heading to Central London, Reading, Slough and Bristol.

For more information, log on to Georgewimpey.co.uk.