London Commuter, Neil Shah, Secures His Long Term Home at the Arches in Watford

Having lived with his parents in Queensbury, London, Neil Shah decided it was time to find a place of his own. 

Neil, an accountant, had built up his savings and was looking to purchase a property within commuting distance to London that also offered a diverse and vibrant local lifestyle. After searching in nearby locations, Neil discovered The Arches, St William’s popular development in Watford, where he purchased a stylish two-bedroom apartment.

Neil says: “I’d been living with my parents for a long time and I wanted to have my own space. I’d managed to save enough to look into buying a home of my own. I was looking at a range of different properties elsewhere, but they were all out of my budget when, by chance, an agent rang me and told me about The Arches. I booked a viewing and fell in love instantly.”

Perfectly placed for a range of lifestyle needs

Home to a collection of 92 suites, one and two-bedroom apartments and set within a gated community, The Arches provides a private oasis for residents.

The new development is ideally located moments from Bushey train station and within easy access to Watford’s town centre, which appealed to Neil 

“The location is brilliant – it’s just a 10-minute walk from the town centre, the station has very fast trains into London – much faster than where I used to live - and there’s a number of convenience stores and gyms nearby. Plus, there are some fantastic parks to explore, such as Cassiobury Park, and Top Golf is available nearby too, which I can play most evenings. There are also very good schools here, including Watford Grammar, which is great for the future if I want to raise a family.”

A boutique development 

Although he was initially looking to buy a house, Neil was immediately converted when he visited The Arches.

“I liked that it wasn’t another high rise block of apartments - it was a smaller, more intimate development and I loved the gated community aspect – it adds to the level of exclusivity when you know that people can’t just walk or drive in.

“The atmosphere is so good here and I knew St William had a good reputation for the quality of their homes. I decided an apartment was much cosier, especially when it’s just me living here.”

Space for entertaining

Neil opted for a two-bedroom apartment located on the second floor, which he secured using Help to Buy.

“I decided to buy a two-bedroom apartment as I’m looking to ask a friend to live with me, plus if I want to get married, we can use one of the rooms as a home office. The rooms are all very generous sizes and I love the open-plan living space, it makes it very easy to host events with my friends. We can get lots of people in the apartment with the balcony too.”

Additionally, residents at The Arches also enjoy exclusive access to beautifully kept landscaped gardens, which Neil has enjoyed.

“Part of the reason I chose my apartment was that it was facing the gardens – it offers a lovely outlook and being on the second floor I find really takes advantage of that.”