Cosmopolitan café culture in Brentford

When Marnie Readman bought a one-bedroom apartment at Great West Quarter, a Barratt West London development in Brentford, she was purchasing not only a brand new home, in the sympathetically restored Wallis House, but a brand new lifestyle as well.

"From the very beginning, I absolutely loved the concept behind the development," said Marnie, "The cafés and central piazza will be fantastic for socialising and, with brilliant transport connections, Great West Quarter will become a must-see destination in its own right. I have friends living nearby who are very envious of my new home."

"I am moving office and, when I do, it will only be a ten minute walk from my apartment. Even so, it is very convenient having a concierge on-site to deal with deliveries while I am at work or seeing my friends," said Marnie.

"I first saw Great West Quarter when I was driving past with a friend. I didn't think I would have the funds to buy anything in West London, but with the help of some Barratt purchaser assistance schemes, I was delighted to discover that I was able to afford one."

For others interested in Great West Quarter, with ‘Buyer Power,' Barratt will match the deposit paid on any new apartment; up to five per cent of the property's value, enabling prospective buyers to purchase a home that might otherwise have been out of their price bracket. This offer, which is ideal for first time home buyers, is currently available on apartments in the Grade II listed Wallis House.

After Wallis House narrowly escaped demolition in 1993, Barratt engaged in extensive public consultation to ensure it retained its sense of history throughout the regeneration process, while still fully integrating within the new community of the Great West Quarter and the wider environs of Brentford.

Though Wallis House, an Art Deco icon, is an impressive reminder of past times, the apartments themselves embody modern sophistication and pragmatism. Buyers are clearly finding Wallis House an attractive prospect, as the first phase of the development is already more than 75% sold.

When complete, Great West Quarter will provide 773 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including both private and affordable homes, shops, restaurants, a bar, a health club, an art gallery, a crèche, a hotel and serviced apartments.

The central piazza, extending to over an acre, has been designed as a venue for public events and will provide the setting for a number of creative art installations. This piazza, along with courtyards and play areas, will create a focal point for community activities. The landscaping has been designed by Whitelaw and Turkington and will include a green corridor for wildlife, while bat and bird boxes constructed on the site will enhance natural biodiversity.

"I have previous experience in property - I own apartments in Manchester, London and even South Africa - and I think Great West Quarter will be a fantastic investment. In the meantime, I will be taking full advantage of living near the city centre and the airport," said Marnie.

Studio apartments in Wallis House are available from £199,995, one-bedroom apartments are available from £256,500 and two-bedroom apartments are available from £360,000. For further information, log on to Barratthomes.co.uk.