Is Reading a Good Place to Live?
When software engineer David Mills, 29, was ready to step onto the property ladder, he had three things on his checklist: a balcony; a beautiful view; and, most importantly, a great commuter location in the South East to make travel to his office in London easy, without breaking the budget.
He was pleasantly surprised when he discovered Bankside Gardens in Reading, St Edward’s elegant waterside development, just a 25-minute drive away from his current property, which offered everything he was looking for and more.
Benefits of Living in Bankside Gardens in Reading
Comprising one- and two-bedroom apartments, hotel-style amenities and green spaces, Bankside Gardens provides exceptional value for first-time buyers looking for the London lifestyle without the price tag. David purchased his two-bedroom apartment off-plan for £480,000; 59% less than the average cost of a two-bedroom home in London of £808,164.
Access to Great Transport Links
Reading Green Park railway station – located on-site at Bankside Gardens – opened earlier this year, providing direct access to Reading town centre in just six minutes. Reading provides quick and convenient connections to London via overground services and the newly opened Elizabeth Line.
“I considered moving to London for the convenience of being nearer work, however for the price I have paid for my apartment at Bankside Gardens, I would have got something much smaller in London. Reading Green Park station will be a two-minute walk from my front door and gets me to Paddington in less than an hour, so it’s just as convenient here than if I were in an outer London neighbourhood.”
- David Mills, Berkeley Group homeowner
Paul Vallone, Executive Chairman at St Edward, shares his insight on how Reading’s excellent transport links have become a major selling point for homebuyers:
“Reading is a serious hotspot for those who are looking for an out-of-London property, especially with the launch of Crossrail. The homes at Bankside Gardens are popular with a range of people, from first-time buyers and families to downsizers, but not least with commuters thanks to the exceptional transport connections. These homes offer all the lifestyle benefits of urban living, from superb travel connections to on-site amenities, alongside the advantages of living out of the capital – lower price points and immediate access to plentiful outdoor space.”
- Paul Vallone, Executive Chairman at St Edward
Scenic Views and Luxury Amenities
David’s apartment is located on the fourth floor with views across a picturesque lake and tranquil gardens below. Residents will also benefit from an array of exclusive luxury amenities rarely found outside of London at this price point, including a concierge service, a gym, a co-working studio, and a cinema room.
“The facilities at Bankside Gardens are a huge bonus. The private cinema room is very cool, and having a resident-only gym which you know will never be overcrowded is fantastic. I also enjoy open water swimming and have discovered an open water swimming lake nearby which I look forward to trying.”
- David Mills, Berkeley Group homeowner
Close to Reading’s Vibrant Town
Having grown up in Reading, David already knows the town reasonably well. He explains:
“I’m looking forward to moving back. Having easy access to the large town centre with hundreds of shops, cafés and restaurants is great, and the connectivity couldn’t be better.”
- David Mills, Berkeley Group homeowner
New Homes Available at Bankside Gardens
The homes at Bankside Gardens form part of Green Park Village, which is centred around a nine-acre lake with walks, trim trails, play areas, green open space, a new Market Square, and Green Park Village Academy primary school. Green Park Business Park is just a short walk away from the development and is home to offices, a public gym, and a range of eateries.
Prices start from £357,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Homes at No. 6, an apartment building close to the lake with stunning views over the gardens.
Find Your Dream Home in Reading
The stylish new waterfront show apartment at Bankside Gardens is now open. For more information or to book an appointment, please contact our Sales and Marketing suite: 0118 391 4866 or register your interest in Bankside Gardens today.
We also have a range of stunning homes available to buy in Reading outside of Bankside Gardens, offering something for every lifestyle.
Find out more about Berkeley Group or get in touch for more information.