HOW about this for a view? York Minster in all its grandeur as you sip the morning’s first cappuccino on the balcony of your brand spanking new penthouse apartment.

On the other hand, perhaps hot chocolate would be a more appropriate drink of choice because this is the vista from The Residence, York’s most desirable new address, comprising an exclusive collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses set in the former Terry’s chocolate factory.

The conversion of this superb Grade II listed building by bespoke builders PL Livesey has been acknowledged as the finest new residential development in Yorkshire after winning a number of industry awards.

Better still, work is more than six months ahead of schedule.

When sales launched last April the developers anticipated an 18-month build programme.

However, interest in the converted apartments has been unprecedented and the building is now 75 per cent complete with only nine apartments left for sale.

“These are very special homes, but even so demand has exceeded our expectations,” says Georgina Livesey, director of PJ Livesey. “We have accelerated our build programme just to keep pace.”

Accessed via a beautifully landscaped boulevard leading to the famous clock tower, the building’s grand entrance reveals a stunning central foyer featuring restored original columns and a boutique hotel finish.

This amazing transformation re-defines luxury living in a historic setting and benefits from lift access and concierge service.

“We wanted the name to reflect the grand nature of the building, but also for the design of the branding and marketing to pay tribute to the Art Deco style of its architecture,” says Georgina.

“It was important that the re-born building distinguish itself in its new role as luxury residential, so we avoided any obvious references to chocolate in the name.”

But the company did find a much subtler and more sophisticated way to acknowledge the building’s history. The typeface, chosen for its discreet Art Deco feel, is TT Chocolates which seems entirely appropriate.

Graphic Designer Liz Brassington says the distinctive style and detailing to the building and facade provided an initial source of inspiration for the logo design.

“Further research into the stylised forms of the 1920s era and associated marks led to the development of the triple line used as a graphic device within the logo and a complimentary graphic pattern for a secondary use within the marketing collateral,” she adds.

The final release includes a collection of two-bed duplex garden apartments. Prices start at £274,950 and enjoy the convenience of a dedicated concierge plus wide terraces leading from the glamorous living space.

The real pick of the bunch is Apartment 22, in a fantastic position off the grand entrance foyer. This £339,950 apartment features open plan living at its finest and benefits from a south facing garden terrace and dual allocated parking.

All the apartments boast bright, open plan living / dining rooms, sizeable master bedrooms, complete with en-suite, and luxury bathrooms, featuring Villeroy and Bosch sanitary ware.

But what really sets this development apart is the attention to detail and sense of space. The contemporary fashion of bringing the outside in is evident throughout thanks to oversized or full height glazing together with French doors giving access to the garden terrace.

The feeling of light and airiness in all of these apartments is absolutely fantastic. But if that’s not enough what about those views? We’ve mentioned the Minster from the penthouse, but other apartments look over the racecourse, or the clock tower.

Speaking of which, development partners Henry Boot are looking to install a new mechanism that will enable the clock to run once more.

And that’s not all, if you miss out this time the tower and the adjoining boiler building will provide another 22 spacious apartments. Would be buyers are already registering their interest.

We sometimes overuse the phrase wow factor, but at The Residence it doesn’t come close to describing what an outstanding new development this is. York should be proud to have it as a new addition to the city’s high end property portfolio.

The Residence, Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 1DQ.

Phone: 0800 151 0960, email sales@theresidence-york.co.uk The marketing suite is open seven days a week, from 10am until 5pm. Viewing is by appointment only.