When Simon and Gail Davidson* decided to downsize from their four bedroom house, they had a very specific wish list.
Simon explained, “We were looking for a flat with secure parking, a lift and private outside space, located in the quartile just outside the M25 between the M4 and M1 for easy access to our other home in the West Country. And although our children are now adults, we wanted three bedrooms to make sure that they felt welcome to come back if they ever needed to.”
Their requirements proved quite a challenging combination with few such properties coming to the market. Simon and Gail saw many great houses within their price bracket but the whole point of moving was to have an apartment as a low maintenance base in the area.
So when they discovered Vicinia, a bespoke development of 23 apartments by Oakford Homes in Henley, they instantly recognised the limited opportunity to acquire a high quality penthouse apartment which ticked all the boxes on their wish list.
“Originally we visited last August in 35º heat but the apartment we liked hadn’t been released for sale yet so we just kept an eye on it and as soon as it became available, we reserved it.
“Oakford Homes are very refreshing to deal with. We’ve bought a couple of new homes before, from both large and small developers, and Oakford Homes are absolutely head and shoulders above any others. They do what they say, they’re pragmatic and the standard of finish they produce is excellent.
“Everyone we’ve met, including contractors, has been very helpful and very knowledgeable, they’re all very proud of what they’ve set out to achieve and that shows.
“The sales staff know what they’re talking about, especially Coralie. They all clearly have experience and weren’t at all pushy so we were able to make our own informed decisions. Even though our completion was high drama at a time when we were on holiday abroad, we all kept closely in touch and we found Oakford Homes were very straightforward and pragmatic.
“As for aftercare since completion, Amy is very capable and just deals with everything. There’s no need to be constantly pushing as we’ve got the confidence in everyone at Oakford Homes so we know it will all be fine.
“You walk into each room and it’s the little things they’ve thought about. For example, the way a door hangs or the position of switches and sockets. It’s also nice to have an ensuite with both a bath and a separate shower, where it hasn’t all been squeezed in to limited space.
“In the past we’ve had open plan living areas where we’ve hated having a washing machine and tumble dryer within the kitchen section but Oakford Homes have designed the apartment so that those are positioned more discreetly. And we’re obviously wowed by the outside space which is very low maintenance.
“The communal areas are beautifully finished and the corridors are not echoing or over-carpeted, which makes a difference to the quality of the entire building. And of course access by lift means the apartment is future-proofed.
“It’s been very refreshing to deal with such a professional company and to have found the new home with everything we were looking for.”
Already 60% of the apartments at Vicinia have been reserved and current availability includes spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments available from £339,950. For more information about these outstanding new homes in Henley on Thames, visit oakfordhomes.co.uk.
*names have been changed to protect purchasers’ privacy