ONE of the most interesting trends in the property market in recent years has been the increasing number of people prepared to buy off-plan.

That is buying a home before it is even built – working on the blueprint plans provided by developers.

It has certainly proved to be a popular way to buy on a number of property projects in York in recent months – at least one developer reports having sold all of the homes on one site before the foundations were even laid.

And it has certainly worked for Ben Bailey Homes at their Royal Forest development in Huntington – with ten homes having been snapped up in the ten weeks since its official launch.

However, for many more of us there is still nothing like seeing what you are buying into.

Which is why showhomes remain such a strong driver of sales.

And, building on their initial successes, Ben Bailey have now opened the doors to a pair of splendid showhomes at Huntington which, says the company’s sales director Steve Rider, “give our customers a glimpse of the five-star lifestyle on offer here”.

The Royal Forest – so named as the land on which it sits was once a hunting ground for the aristocracy of the Middle Ages – is something of a flagship development for the Wakefield-based builders.

It is a smart collection of three, four and five-bedroomed homes in a good spot just two miles from the centre of York and in a village which has an extensive range of amenities in its own right.

And the showhomes are designed to do as the name suggests – show some of the excellent features which will be available across the range of homes on offer here.

The two showhome styles now open to view are the Kilmington and the Kirkham, both offering a brilliant mix of flexible, bright and light living spaces and traditional touches (such as high ceilings) with contemporary styling.

The Kirkham has a number of wow factors, including a superb fitted kitchen and family area which runs the full width of the house and has bi-folding doors opening out on to the garden – and in the process adding to that light, bright and airy atmosphere. Appliances including fridge/freezer, dishwasher, oven, hob and microwave all come as standard. A tremendous place for entertaining!

The first floor also includes a cloakroom off the hall and a separate living room facing front.

Upstairs, there are four spacious double bedrooms, two served by en-suite facilities, a luxurious family bathroom and a useful fifth bedroom/study. The package is wrapped up in gardens and with an integral double garage.

The Kilmington, meanwhile, is another thoughtfully designed house. In this instance the living room is to the back of the house and has bi-folding doors leading to the garden. while there is also a fitted dining kitchen and useful ground floor cloaks.

There are two double bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs – with the master bedroom having sliding wardrobes and an en-suite shower room.

So two super examples of what is on offer at Royal Forest where, it seems, seeing really is believing!

FURTHER INFORMATION

The marketing suite and showhomes at Royal Forest, Huntington, are open daily from 11am-5pm. You can call the sales team for further information on availability and a price list on 08442 579306.