Manhattan lifestyle of New York in Old York

NEW YORK comes to old York… that’s the theme of the Yorkshire city’s latest major apartment project.

Developers The Skelwith Group are aiming to provide a magical Manhattan lifestyle right in the heart of York with the transformation of the former Aviva insurance offices on Rougier Street into a celebrity chic collection of contemporary homes.

Starting right at the front door where, shades of any number of New York movies, the apartment building will have its very concierge.

“Roman House will feature a dedicated 24-hour concierge in the entrance lobby of the apartment building that will deliver a superior residents service.

“From opening apartment doors and calling the lift to taking in packages, making dinner reservations and welcoming guests, the concierge will go above and beyond to deliver residents an outstanding service,” the group’s marketing brochure somewhat grandly tells us.

But is not just having an old-style concierge catering to your every whim. The development promises much more, including an amazing array of 21st Century technology.

“We think Roman House will be the highest spec development in York by a distance, there will be nothing like it in the city,” says Skelwith’s head of communications Ben Pilgrim.

That spec will feature iPad Mini (other tablets are also available) for the “intelligent control” of lighting, heating and sound and entertainment systems.

The fixtures and fittings will also feature the latest gadgets and will include bespoke luxury kitchens with a range of integrated appliances including stainless steel oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher (oh and, more New York style, some of the apartments will have Gaggenau coffee machines and wine fridges).

Bathrooms will include bespoke Italian marble, Villeroy & Boche units and ceramic or Amtico flooring.

Interior finishes will include wood veneer internal doors and hardwood or ceramic flooring to the living and kitchen areas.

All very impressive. And, if the computer generated images are anything to go by, also all very swish.

Again, the imagery speaks as much about lifestyle choice as it does about the finished product – all cool colours, subdued lighting and deep windows giving you a bright night cityscape view.

It’s not hard to see which market the developers are aiming for – although Ben insists this is not just a place for young and trendy professionals… “We think this is a development which will attract a range of age groups and people,” he says. “It is in a good location, close to the city centre and all that York has to offer and just a very short distance from the railway station.”

The developers are also hoping that Roman House will be just the start of a regeneration of the Rougier Street area – bringing new businesses and homes into an area that has been a little neglected in recent times.

The apartments themselves, and there are 47 in total, come in a wide range of style and sizes, spreading across four floors above a ground floor which will feature parking spaces and new retail units.

Prices start at £165,000 for a onebedroom, one bathroom apartment on the first floor up to a £550,000 for a large two bed, two bathroom penthouse.

We took a quick look at a couple of floor plans to give you an idea of that range… Apartment 401 is a penthouse suite which features an extensive open-plan living/dining/kitchen area with two bedrooms, both with ensuite facilities and with more than a thousand square feet of floorspace.

(That’s the £550,000 number).

Apartment 306 also has a spacious feel with an open plan livingdining- kitchen arrangement, a master bedroom with en-suite shower room, second bedroom with bathroom, a dressing room – and with the added advantage of a nice terrace from which you can enjoy the views of the city below. This one is priced at a very reasonable £275,000.

Further details

If you fancy the Manhattan lifestyle of New York in Old York then contact marketing Agents Ashtons on 01904 659222.