Kent development drives renaissance of weatherboarding

A Kent development has sparked a renaissance of one of the region's most traditional and best loved architectural features. Leading developer, Countryside Maritime, has made extensive use of a modern interpretation of weatherboarding at its development, The Fishing Village at St. Mary's Island, Chatham, in Kent. The stylishly designed properties are proving a hit with purchasers especially with their uninterrupted views across the Medway Estuary.

Chris Crook, Subsidiary Managing Director, Countryside Properties, comments: "Once a common sight on old Kentish barns and fisherman's lofts, properties at The Fishing Village showcase a modern version of traditional weatherboarding, using a self-coloured composite material. This ticks all the boxes for housebuyers, as well as developers, because it creates an extremely attractive external finish, is very low maintenance and it is also extremely durable. Also, when added as cladding, it provides an extra layer of insulation which helps thermal efficiency and, ultimately, can contribute to reduced energy bills for residents.

"Feedback from visitors to The Fishing Village at St. Mary's Island is that they love the style of the properties, finding them characterful and contemporary, yet appreciating the fact that they retain such charming design features, redolent of traditional Kentish properties."

St. Mary's Island is a joint building venture between Countryside Properties and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). The Island has been transformed since the closure of the Royal Naval Dockyard to a thriving, sustainable community with some of the most eco-friendly homes in the country. The two current phases of development on St. Mary's Island are The Fishing Village and Ventura Riverside.

The Fishing Village is the latest development of one and two bedroom apartments at St. Mary's Island. The properties are located on the waterside and their design incorporates pitched and gabled roof lines on a variety of levels up to five storeys, including lift access and secure basement car parking.

Ventura Riverside comprises a range of innovative two bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom houses. These homes are being built to achieve the highest EcoHomes rating of "Excellent". Externally, the properties feature red brickwork, coloured rendering and timber cladding and successfully marry elements of classic and contemporary architecture to striking effect.

St Mary's Island is located just off the A289 and is approximately one mile north of Chatham town centre. The M25 and A2 are easily accessible from the Island. There are frequent train services to London Victoria from Chatham, with a journey time of approximately 44** minutes.

Prices for current availability at The Fishing Village are from £172,000. For further information visit Thefishingvillage.net.

Prices for current availability at Ventura Riverside are from £195,000. For further information visit Venturariverside.net.

*Subject to terms and conditions
** National Rail