Traditional, detached and new

May 4 2006

By Marsya Lennox, Property Correspondent

In a new build marketplace still dominated by apartments, David Wilson Homes has been studying buyers' needs. The housebuilder has come to the conclusion that larger, family houses are thin on the ground, particularly in popular locations. And as pressure continues on developers to "pile 'em high" and cram in more units per acre, it's the traditional family house that takes a back seat. A newly unveiled scheme in Moseley will fill a small gap in demand on the city fringe. Launched only last month, Woodland Park, off Yardley Wood Road provides just five larger detached properties, aimed firmly at families. Two of the group are already spoken for, including the largest of the designs, the six bedroom Sycamore House, a three storey property with 2,696 sq ft including two large top floor bedrooms. Liz Herring, regional sales director for David Wilson Homes said: "Large, detached, new build family homes are becoming increasingly hard to come by." Family buyers were often forced to compromise, accepting lesser locations for a bigger home, or settling for limited space at a desirable address. The company's new cul-de-sac scheme, formerly the side of a redundant church hall is 3.5 miles from the city centre. Closer are the area's facilities including local shopping, schools, bus services, leisure and a choice of parks. Now open as a show home is the five bedroom Birch Lodge which provides 2,255 sq ft of living space including two bedroom suites and three reception rooms, not counting conservatory or breakfast room. Fronting the development on Yardley Wood Road, Birch Lodge has been totally fitted out by interior designers Claude Hooper who have set the scene with lots of pastels and a traditional look. Tradition is also obvious in the designs of the five homes, only two of them the same, The Limes and The Cedars. There is a definite early 20th century look to the houses for their recessed porch entrances, some with arch detailing, reminiscent of the 1930s. Other subtle elevational details include stone architraving with keystones, multi-paned windows, some contrasting gables and decorative brickwork banding. Interiors, however, reflect modern family demands, notably the generous kitchens finished with granite surfaces, work islands, stainless steel appliances and easy access to eating and informal living space. David Wilson has allowed each of the homes a separate dining room in addition to the larger, main sitting rooms and front-facing studies. Two of the units have first floor bonus rooms in the shape of a small "library", reading room or spare single which opens off the landing. There is also double garaging for each property, integral in both The Cedars and The Limes. Each priced at £555,500. Of the remaining three plots, only Beech House has a detached garage included in the £574,950 price tag. This property has a large central staircase hall with cloakroom off, domestic run of kitchen, utility and family room, separate dining room with French doors to the garden, sitting room of more than 12ft by 19ft plus study and conservatory. Two of the five bedrooms have shower rooms en suite, the rest served by a full house bathroom with shower as well as tub. The show property is now open Thursdays to Mondays, 10.30am, to 5.30 pm. Details are available from 0121 420 3974.