Local dentist enjoys active lifestyle at Horizons in Colchester

Enjoying a healthy lifestyle is much easier when you live within walking distance of your work, a town centre and the local station. This is what Colchester dentist Dr Philip Burger found when he bought a one-bedroom apartment at Horizons in Colchester, a new riverside development by Barratt Eastern Counties. Horizons is within easy walking distance of Colchester town centre and the main railway station.

Philip, whose dental practice is in the town, finds this a great advantage: "Since I moved in last year I've walked or cycled into work every day, and it only takes me about seven minutes," he comments.

Travelling into London is also very convenient, with regular 40-minute services from nearby Colchester North Station into Liverpool Street. "I often travel into London to attend lectures and I find that the transport links are excellent," adds Philip.

Philip moved to England from South Africa six years ago. He was living in Writtle, near Chelmsford, when an opportunity arose to buy a dental practice in Colchester. He heard about Horizons from a friend who was already living there and, attracted by the idea of living within easy reach of his work, he quickly decided to buy a one-bedroom apartment. The purchase went very smoothly. "The sales office were very helpful and if there were any slight hitches, they'd be on the phone straight away to sort them out," he comments.

Philip's apartment is on the fourth floor and has a balcony overlooking the river. Smart and contemporary, it has an open-plan living/dining/kitchen area that makes the most of space. The kitchen is very well equipped for modern living with a fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washer/dryer.

"I enjoy living at Horizons very much," comments Philip, "The balcony is a real advantage and the specification is very good; I particularly appreciate the powerful shower."

One of Philip's sons, who lives on the Florida Quays, has already been to visit and is impressed with his father's waterside home.

Philip finds that Colchester is ideal for his active lifestyle: "There are plenty of cycle routes around the town and local parks where you can walk or cycle," he says. To encourage a ‘green' and healthy lifestyle, Barratt is giving a free bicycle to everyone who buys a home at Horizons and the development has its own gym, exclusively for residents.

Prices at Horizons start at £140,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Some apartments are ready for immediate occupation. A range of incentives is available and can be tailored to individual circumstances.

For more information, visit Barratthomes.co.uk.