Bellway’s showhome gets royal seal of approval
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who know a thing or two about good taste, especially with Kate just crowned the ‘British Queen of Style 2011’, were recently captivated by the stunning interior of the Newcastle showhome at Bellway Homes’ Duchess Park (Phase II) development in Dalkeith.
To truly showcase the exceptional design layout of each of the homes available at Duchess Park, award-winning Bellway Homes invited Royal lookalikes to open the doors of the striking four-bedroom detached Newcastle. At just under 1,500 sq ft, this impressive home is undoubtedly fit for a future king and his queen.
Fraser Conn, Sales and Marketing Director at Bellway Homes, says: “The Newcastle in terms of interior design is a bit of a departure for Bellway Homes. A house this size predominately appeals to family buyers and so there is a tendency to create a more homely interior. However, we’ve been a bit bolder, fashioning a layout that’s perhaps more urban than suburban. We still wanted the rooms to remain refined, but be slightly edgier.
“Feedback from viewers has been extremely positive. The house has a very grown-up feel and allows visitors to see that this is a home that has the flexibility to change with their requirements over the years.”
From the moment prospective buyers walk through the canopied covered, pillared doorway they are not just in for a visual feast, but an optical royal banquet. The design of every room has been carefully thought out, ensuring that an accent of colours and subtle tones allows the property to come together as a whole.
The large hallway leads into a beautifully presented lounge, where the linear symmetry in the furniture pieces give the room a very elegant and streamlined look.
The soft, slate colours used throughout the lounge contrast with the white wallpaper and its geometrical pattern. The distinctive charcoal grey velvet armchairs and smoky ethereal curtains work well with the mustard blocks of colour provided by the robust rectangular shaped sofa. Light radiates this room via the French doors and also the glass coffee, side and ornamental tables, creating a transparency throughout. Three black and white prints adorn the main wall, while two large silver mirrors hang either side of the state of the art plasma screen, further adding to the symmetry of the room.
The separate, bay windowed dining room looks like the set of a classic Hollywood Film Noir. Similar to the lounge, a palette of smoky grey, charcoal and slate has been used in the soft furnishings. A large oval shaped and ebony coloured table takes centre stage and is surrounded by six high-backed chairs, each covered in a canvas of Egyptian gold. The light above the dining table is a stylish sphere made up of small individual circular globes. The showpiece of the dining room has to been the glass display cabinet set against a smoke-screened glass wall panel, where an array of ornaments have been thoughtfully chosen, adding to the ambience of a room for fine dining.
The kitchen is a visual triumph of symmetry in motion. White lacquered units are broken up by functional stainless steel appliances and fixtures. The fine grey lines of the pale Amtico flooring complement the muted grey dining chairs and chrome brushed cooker hood. The glass circular dining table ensures that family meals can be enjoyed in this room as well as more formal gatherings, as this is a kitchen you will want to show off.
A separate utility room and cloakroom complete the lower level of the Newcastle, while on the upper floor, four well planned bedrooms ensure that every member of the family has a sanctuary for some ‘me time’.
As the en-suite master-bedroom sits directly above the dining room, it too benefits from a beautiful five panelled bay window. The black, solid wooden bed frame harmonises with the crisp white bed linen and the gold coloured satin headboard is framed by ebony edging. On the bed, the zigzagged pattern of the scatter cushions and throw further add to an interior that equally appeal to both male and female. The master-bedroom has the added advantage of a bank of fitted wardrobes, complete with frosted panelled sliding doors. Two black armchairs are ensconced in front of the bay window, making this the perfect corner to curl up with a good book.
The second bedroom would make a delightful guest room. Again, greys and whites dominate in terms of colour, with the accent tone being a rich honeycomb, used in both the headboard and scatter cushions. Two boxed shaped, mirrored bedside tables each display an ebony lampshade with silver base, which don’t just provide light, but look like pieces of modern sculpture in their own right. A mock, black beaded chandelier hangs over the bed and adds a touch of old world glamour.
The remaining bedrooms are a little different from the rest of the property. Bedroom three provides a more quirky and playful interior. At first glance, sky grey bed linen and golden ochre cushions suggest a design similar to the other rooms. However, on closer inspection, the main feature wall is papered with a motive displaying images of retro TV sets. The bedside lamps mimic stereo speakers and the yellow football and sports clothes on top of the bed suggest that this is a room for the teenage son of the house.
In bedroom four, the champagne coloured bedcovers and soft yellow feature wall create a room that is mature in style, but also has warmth. Painted on to the main wall is a charming mural of a scene from ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ in which Audrey Hepburn sings ‘Moon River’, clearly illustrating that this room is intended for a sophisticated young lady.
An integral double garage, with access from the rear garden, completes the Newcastle and the property is priced from £272,995.
In addition to the Newcastle, Duchess Park offers a choice of well-appointed three bedroom semi-detached homes and expertly crafted four-bedroom detached villas.
A former market town, Dalkeith is a picturesque location with a rich heritage, including a 12th century castle and 18th century Dalkeith House as well as its own country park.
From its bustling high street, with a good selection of well known and independent retailers, to the recently completed Dalkeith Community Campus, the town is very much on the radar of today’s family buyer. The new campus is close to Duchess Park and is also home to Dalkeith High and St David’s secondary schools as well as providing a range of leisure services.
Situated off the A68, Duchess Park is well placed for an accessible commute to and from Edinburgh. Newcraighall Station is only four miles from the development, with ‘park and ride’ facilities off Sheriffhall roundabout, and operates a regular service to Waverley Station.
Prices at Duchess Park are currently released from £178,995. For further information on the development, visit bellway.co.uk.
