t: +44 (0)20 8421 9102
Can you tell us a bit about the company itself, how and when it started?
The company was established in 2002, by myself and my brother Jamie. We are very much a family business, and having been born and bred in Hertfordshire this is where our head office is in Bushey, and the majority of our developments. With over 50 years combined experience in the property sector, we specialise in building prestigious new homes of distinction in prime areas and ‘super suburbs’, taking pride in each and every home – the hallmarks of which are quality, fine design and attention to detail.
And how did you personally get into property? What was the appeal?
I have always loved construction, innovation and the creative process. I am a detail person who enjoys exploring new ideas using the latest materials and techniques and pushing new levels of design and quality. Many years ago I saw a gap in the market for downsizers. I like to think of it as a sideways move as a downsize most certainly doesn’t have to be a downgrade – after years of hard work and raising children why shouldn’t people have the homes they deserve and have always dreamed of. I am immensely proud of producing extraordinary, modern homes that people love and enjoy. It’s a passion that I never tire of and handing over the keys of a beautiful home to a satisfied purchaser is one of the best parts of the job.
What can buyers expect from a Heronslea home? Quality, design and well-planned homes with exquisitely crafted kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces. Our latest development The Residence encapsulates everything I have learnt over the years – it’s absolutely breath taking! Our professional expertise in all aspects of building bespoke new homes is unrivalled and we pride ourselves in providing an excellent personal aftercare client service. Our clients can be rest assured Heronslea will continue to be there to support them throughout the first two years of moving in. Handling all agreed remedial, no matter how small, as quickly as possible giving our customers complete peace of mind.
How have buyers’ expectations evolved in terms of luxury in and around North London? What are the demands these days? Buyers want the latest specification – under floor heating, air-cooling, wet rooms, utility rooms, fully integrated top of the range appliances. Security and secure underground parking is very important. Buyers want hotel style concierge and the latest “Smart Home” technology. This is delivered via wall inset iPads allowing programming and control of lighting, heating, air-con, sound, vision and security throughout the apartment. The remote access gives you the power to control it from anywhere, even abroad. However, the demands are always evolving and at our latest development, The Residence adjacent to Hadley Common even features private pools to our ground floor apartment suites!
How do you ensure a sympathetic approach when reviving existing buildings? It’s always vital to look at the landscape and be sympathetic to the environment, so they are in keeping with the traditional homes around them. We have a background in refurbishing period homes and manor houses. Of course it’s easier to start from scratch without compromises or have constraints, but I love a challenge!
How does the wider team of designers, architects and landscapers work together to create a Heronslea home? We have a very talented team at Heronslea who all share the same vision and enthusiasm for creating that unmistakable Heronslea feel from the moment you walk in. Testament to this is a host of awards wins over the last couple of years – Best Residential Development in Hertfordshire for Renaissance 2016-17 UK Property Awards, Best Residential Development in Hertfordshire for The Residence 2017-18 UK Property Awards, Best Apartment in Hertfordshire for The Residence 2017-18 UK Property Awards and Excellence Award Winner 2017 Apartment Scheme of the Year for The Residence.
What does this year hold for the New Homes in North London? Are things looking positive? The prime market has undoubtedly suffered in recent times, but this year we have seen more confidence with the market beginning to stabilise. London remains an attraction to international buyers, and investors are still very active. The Stamp Duty increases continue to work through the system, which has affected sales however, demand is good and it’s getting stronger.
Can you tell us about some of your current developments on the market? We have just two apartments remaining at our award winning development, Renaissance in Hadley Wood. This special collection of homes offers the ultimate in luxury lateral living in one of North London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods. Featuring eight three-bedroom apartment suites, Renaissance is built to the highest specification, with contemporary interiors and offers extremely spacious living at over 2,500 sq ft. Set in private, gated grounds, with underground parking and hotel style concierge its moments from Trent Park and a short walk from Cockfosters Underground Station.
And do you have any exciting new projects coming up? Last summer we launched The Residence in Hadley Wood, our most prestigious development to date. It is so luxurious it surpasses anything else like it on the market, with phenomenal interiors and out of this world interior design, I am extremely proud of the homes we created here.