University Graduate Finds Her First Home at New North London Development

Having originally moved to the UK in 2019 from China to study at Kings College London, Aurora Li fell in love with north London. After graduating, she was keen to stay in the area and has now bought her first home at Clarendon, Berkeley Group’s major regeneration development in Hornsey. 

Aurora explains: “I always had my heart set on purchasing a home after graduating, in a safe London location where there was lots to do and a strong community feel. I was introduced to Clarendon through my parents’ friends who bought here when it first launched - they highly recommended it to me, and I’m so pleased I took their advice!”

The Perfect North London Location

Clarendon is a new 12-acre city village in Zone 3 and along with bringing 1,800 high quality new homes to the area, there will be exclusive resident facilities, landscaped gardens, and community spaces, and Aurora was excited by the wider plans of the scheme. 

She comments: “Personally, one of the key selling points of Clarendon for me was that it felt very safe – I’m very comfortable walking around the area at night, especially with there being lots of people around.”

“There is also a lot of choice within the surrounding area to eat, drink, walk and shop. Since moving in, my weekends have been spent visiting local coffee shops, independent shops and walking around Alexandra Palace Park, where you can enjoy views all across London – it is such a convenient place to live.”

Clarendon is just a ten-minute walk to Hornsey station for direct trains to Old Street and Moorgate, and a ten-minute walk to two stations on the Piccadilly line, meaning central London can be easily reached in under 35 minutes. The swift public transport is a major benefit to Aurora, who explains:

“I work for a bank in Central London so having quick and easy access into The City was really important. There are four stations within walking distance meaning I can get to work in around 35 minutes, door to door.”

Why Buying New Was the Perfect Choice

Whilst Aurora wasn’t willing to compromise on location, she was open to viewing both new and older properties. It wasn’t until she realised the benefits of buying new, that she set her sights on a new build.

“After I viewed Clarendon, the idea of buying into a new community with new facilities and amenities, but positioned within part of a wider, mature community was very appealing – there are very few places that offer this.” 

“When buying at Clarendon you also get access to a range of resident facilities – I frequently make use of the temporary gym and I’m really looking forward to the pool and other facilities opening next year. The facilities have also been a great place to meet the wider residents at Clarendon and mean we truly have everything we need on site.”

However, it wasn’t just the location, community and facilities that appealed to Aurora. With many of us entertaining in our homes more than ever before, the open plan layout of her studio apartment was also something she loved. 

Aurora adds: “Growing up in China, it was very unusual to have an open plan layout, so I’m really enjoying it. When entertaining my family and friends, it is much more social. I’m also very lucky to have a large balcony which provides views of the playground and new green spaces within the development.”

Visit our website to find out more about Clarendon or book an appointment here 0203 002 9464.