Listed apartments in Wantage provide unique way of living

The Grade II listed converted apartments at The Courtyard at St Mary’s in Wantage are proving popular with discerning homebuyers of all ages. Thames Valley Housing have reported mixed buyer profiles interested in these properties, from first time buyers to downsizers, all looking for a unique new home.

No two apartments are the same at The Courtyard – some have exceptionally high ceilings and tall windows, while others have exposed beamwork or original fireplaces and doors. The Courtyard is part of the historic St Mary’s Girls School, a school associated with the town since the mid-nineteenth century, and the building adjoins a beautiful listed Chapel.

Niki Turner, Assistant Director (Sales and Marketing) at Thames Valley Housing says, “Buyers at The Courtyard are attracted to these homes because they are unique and have a distinctive history linked to the town. Our sales strategy is different to that of your average new build developer, as we listen to the requirements of each buyer to match them up with a suitable apartment. For example, if having their own front door and an open plan kitchen is important to them we know exactly which properties to show them”.

“We have been keen to retain and incorporate the details and charm of the old building into the refurbished apartments, as it means these new homes remain truly individual.”

James Mott, expert on listed and period buildings and founder of ProjectBook, adds, “It is important on large projects such as these that the period of the property is considered in any design-based decisions. This will ensure that the character of the property is consistent both inside and out and will create a tasteful home, true to its heritage. Getting planning permission to refurbish listed buildings is notoriously difficult, so The Courtyard offers a very rare opportunity to buy an already refurbished property without the hassle.”

“I often find that owners of listed buildings are very interested in, and proud of, their home and its history. Thames Valley Housing are not only selling new homes, they are selling a property with a past, which adds a unique dimension to home-buying,” concludes Mott.

With such a limited number of these truly exceptional properties available, Thames Valley Housing are advising early viewings and registration to avoid any disappointment. Turner advises, “As there are only a handful of these refurbished apartments remaining, interest is expected to be high. These aren’t your usual new-build apartments – once one is sold there won’t be another chance to get the same again.”

The Courtyard at is the only refurbished section of the St Mary’s development.

St Mary’s is a development of one, two and three-bedroom apartments as well as two, three and four-bedroom houses available through the New Build HomeBuy scheme. The Courtyard is a selection of refurbished one, two and three-bedroom apartments within the development, also available through the New Build HomeBuy scheme.

Built by Berkeley Homes, each property at St Mary’s will be finished to an exceptional standard with floor coverings throughout and fitted kitchens including fridge / freezer and washer / dryer, oven, hob and extractor hood, contemporary fitted bathrooms. Each property has allocated parking.

St Mary’s is just a short walk from Wantage’s historic market square and high-street shops. The town is a 15 minute drive from Didcot Parkway train station which has parking facilities for up to 1,127 cars and also secure bicycle storage. Didcot Parkway station provides direct services to London Paddington in less than 50 minutes, Swindon in less than 20 minutes, Oxford in approximately 15 minutes and Reading in approximately 25 minutes.

By car Wantage is approximately 9.5 miles from the M4, 21 miles from Swindon and 16 miles to Oxford.

The Courtyard show apartment is available to view from Wednesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm.

Prices for an apartment in The Courtyard start from £38,750 for a 25% share in a property with a full market value of £155,000. Estimated monthly rent and service charges start from £385.42.

For more information on St Mary’s or other New Build HomeBuy developments, visit: tvha-stmarys.co.uk