Open-plan living with a twist
The rise in demand in recent years for homes with open-plan layouts is revolutionising the way in which we all live and, whether you like it or loathe it, the benefits of an open-plan layout are undeniable – bright, open areas which give people the ability to keep an eye on the children, whilst cooking and socialising at the same time.
But, badly designed, the open-plan layout can turn a living space from ‘oasis’ to ‘chaos’ very quickly, as your home gives way to noise levels, no separate areas in which to escape the bedlam of daily life and subjects its owners to food smells omitting from the kitchen. That is one of the reasons why meticulous planning and attention to detail are such important aspects of making a success of the open-plan layout – qualities that developer Bewley Homes has in abundance as you will see from their newly launched Oakham Park development in Crowthorne.
‘The Dove’ one of the house-types is an excellent example of open-plan living done well. Bewley, renowned for the quality, care and devotion they take in the homes they create, have not done anything especially revolutionary but, what they have done is the difference between a successful new home and one which doesn’t quite cut the mustard.
Step over the threshold and prepare to be unexpectedly delighted by the quantity of light and amount of space that greets you. The sitting room which leads directly onto the garden leads directly into a large kitchen/dining/family room but is separated by double doors – so homeowners can choose to fully integrate or divide the space depending on what they are doing on any given day. This also helps soften noise levels between the rooms should this be desirable. Trickle vents on the windows and patio doors ensure there is good ventilation to help alleviate cooking related smells, without the need to open the windows or doors themselves.
There is a separate bonus ‘room’ which could either provide a tranquil retreat from the rest of the downstairs living space or as somewhere to hideaway the chaos often created by toys, books and homework.
Upstairs, you will find four well-proportioned bedrooms, en suite shower room and family bathroom (and a downstairs cloakroom for guests) – all come with mechanical ventilation which lessens condensation and provides excellent mould control. The ducts are insulated within the roof space so noise levels are kept to a minimum – important at night when others are trying to sleep.
Jane Bailey, Sales Manager at Bewley Homes, says: “’The Dove’ house-type has been incredibly well received since the launch of our show home with greatest interest shown from first time buyer families and downsizers and, for those who would rather opt for a more traditional layout, rather than open-plan, we have plenty of alternative housetypes also available.”
Guide prices for 3 bedroom properties start at £465,000, with 4 bedroom homes at £595,000. For more information, contact Bewley Homes on 01344 466011 or visit bewley.co.uk.