This autumn sees the unveiling of Forbury in Blackheath: the only new build development in the heart of the sought-after village and a rare opportunity to buy a brand new home in the traditional leafy suburb. Created by Berkeley, Forbury will introduce a collection of just 14 private apartments and 10 townhouses, offering a popular London village lifestyle with the quality and convenience of a modern new home.
Forbury will offer a broad choice of homes, from one to three-bedroom apartments through to four-storey, four-bedroom townhouses, all enjoying a prime location at the crown of Belmont Hill within the Blackheath Conservation Area. Situated on Lee Terrace, Forbury is just moments from the train station and the area's charming high street, Tranquil Vale, as well as the expansive Blackheath Common, one of the largest areas of common land in Greater London.
Less than 20 minutes by train to central London, Blackheath is proving an increasingly popular South London village location, representing good value compared to nearby Greenwich - the most expensive area within the borough last year, according to Rightmove.
A south London favourite
With a well-established café-culture and weekly farmers' market, Blackheath village is home to an eclectic mix of best-in-class brands and independent boutiques. Local favourites range from one of outer London's oldest bookshops, The Bookshop on the Heath, which specialises in rare books and collectibles; to highly acclaimed café, The Village Deli; microbrewery, Zerodegrees; and double AA Rosette restaurant, Chapters. Blackheath is also well known for its choice of traditional style pubs, serving a host of locally produced lagers and ciders.
The area benefits from a strong sense of community, maintained by the Blackheath Society - one of the oldest such societies in the UK - which organises activities to preserve the heritage and enhance the character of the area.
The heath, the 211 acre focal point of the village, not only provides an escape from the pace of the city but is also home to the well-known annual Bonfire Night fireworks display and, most recently, music and food festival, On Blackheath.
Although renowned for its abundance of green open space, residents of Blackheath also enjoy quick and easy transport links into London. Trains from nearby Blackheath station, less than a mile away, take 18 minutes to London Cannon Street and less than 25 minutes to London Victoria or London Charing Cross. The ideal mix of city and suburban living has made Blackheath an area popular with young professionals commuting to the City and Canary Wharf, as well as families attracted to the range of excellent schooling in the Borough.
Modern elegance inside and out
Forbury comprises a collection of just 14 private apartments and 10 four-storey townhouses thoughtfully-designed for modern life. Reflecting the architecture of the local area, the homes showcase characteristics of Georgian and Regency styles, including classically proportioned bronze framed windows and cast Portland stone features.
Interiors echo sophisticated styling, combining a high specification and flexible open plan layouts. Drawing on the architectural heritage of the area, properties incorporate complementary stepped architraves and feature cornices in living areas and entrance hallways, while matt black ironmongery and brassware provides a modern edge.
Homes are set within elegantly landscaped grounds, with secluded seating areas throughout. A central garden sits at the heart of the scheme, while traditional railings and brickwork details add to the village-like design. Every home at Forbury benefits from private outdoor space, in the form of a balcony, terrace or attractive garden.
Karrina Oki, sales and marketing director, Berkeley Homes, comments: "Forbury provides a rare opportunity to purchase a brand-new home in Blackheath, which offers the village location favoured by so many buyers, yet within easy reach of London.
"As the latest addition to one of south London's most charming locations, we've taken a traditional approach to create homes that echo Blackheath's wider property landscape. Forbury combines the area's rich heritage with the best of 21st century living, offering modern yet classically-styled homes finished to the highest specification."
Prices start at £530,000. To be the first to register interest and for further information on Forbury, please call 01732 809552 .