What a service!

Barratt Homes, The Gallery, Hove

Hove conjures up certain images in my mind and I wasn’t disappointed by the wide roads on the approach to the development and the proximity of the Heritage St Ann Wells Gardens, where I had a great light lunch (pity there weren’t more free parking spaces around).

But was I to be disappointed by my visit to The Gallery?  The exterior design of the apartments themselves are far removed from the adjoining residences of both houses and apartments, but surprisingly, I found they fitted in very well making a stark contrast.  Wooden balconies, eco-friendly roof top garden to the separate private gym building together with painted concrete and steel design gave me a sense of anticipation of what I might find internally.

Offered the choice of visiting two show apartments, my favourite was Plot 133 on the third floor – which overlooked what will be landscaped Japanese-style gardens and the private gym.  A sense of spaciousness greeted me the moment I walked through the front door.  Allied to this was a modern and chic décor, ceiling to floor windows giving natural light, generous en-suite and family bathroom and a well appointed kitchen with fittings – also in the knowing that I would have a private underground parking space!

I would have the pick of shopping amenities, with Churchill Square only 15 minutes away on foot, Hove Seafront within 10 minutes’ walk, Hove Station only 7 minutes’ walk, and still all the buzz of the restaurants, bars and shops in Church Road – all this so close at hand, but in a residential area.

I was very impressed by the ventilation system where automatic doors engage once the fire-alarm system was activated.  Generous cupboard space, pre-wired for sound, communal TV, satellite and FM Aerial satellite system, I might have missed the boat as all the 1 bedroom apartments had been sold, but I have the choice of 2 and 3 bedrooms.  My neighbours will be local and London buyers, many down-sizing, many with homes abroad and using The Gallery as a lock-up-and-go base.

The on-site sales negotiator was attentive from the moment I walked through the door, and accompanied me to both show apartments and was quick to point out all the benefits of the homes.  I was also told about the various incentives (which could be suited to be particular circumstances) and felt that I would really like to go back for a second viewing.

With 155 years’ lease, Ground rent of £275 and Maintenance Charges from £1,417 (which include window cleaning, communal areas) The Gallery is now 76% sold!

What you get for your money:
Prices from £299,995 to £628,995

Location, location, location:
Close to Hove railway station, Churchill Square, Seafront and Hove Cricket Ground.

Best feature:
Private underground parking, residents’ gym and available natural light.

Worst feature:
Open kitchen/lounge/dining room won’t appeal to all.

Contact the show home: 01273-719155 (open 7 days a week, 10-6 pm)

• Location:                           10 of 10 (I love Brighton & Hove’s buzz)
• Apartment Design:            8 of 10
• Sales Negotiator service:   9 of 10 (was really helpful, patient and knowledgeable!)
• Value for money:               Very good