Open up to let the spring sunshine in

Gartcosh designs enable owners to embrace life outdoors, says Kirsty Mcluckie

Open-plan living has become increasingly popular over the last few decades, with many homes now being adapted to include the garden in the living space.

But some house builders are including specialised bi-fold doors as standard, meaning homes are designed for making the most of the outside space, when the weather allows.

Avant Homes are one of the companies to include the design feature as standard, and the popularity of the home styles is apparent.

The company was named Large Housebuilder of the Year at the 2018 Scottish Home Awards and currently has 15 developments in its portfolio stretching from Newtonlees in Dunbar to Dargavel Village in Bishopton.

It has reported strong sales at its Badenheath development in Gartcosh, following the launch of the final phase of homes after high demand from buyers. Just 14 homes remain available at the site.

Launched in 2017, the development currently offers four-bedroomed homes across three different highspecification house types, ideal for a range of buyers including first-time buyers, families, professionals and downsizers. Situated in the village of Gartcosh, just off Lochend Road, the development offers easy access to Glasgow, making it ideal for commuters while its quaint setting

– on the doorstep of the Seven Lochs Wetland Park– provides a peaceful backdrop.

The site has views of Johnston Loch, and Gartcosh Local Nature Reserve is home to the largest great crested newt colony in Scotland.

All homes at Badenheath come with Avant’s customer-inspired specification, with features such as open-plan living areas, bespoke kitchens and bathrooms, which buyers can customise, and bi-fold doors all included within the price.

The detached Norbury is one of the signature homes at Badenheath and is proving popular at other developments too.

The home has been designed with an open-plan layout, four spacious bedrooms, two designer bathrooms and a garage.

It also features Hotpoint appliances, fully-fitted wardrobes and a designer kitchen available in 19 different styles. All are included within the £318,995 purchase price, and it is available with part exchange.

Theresa Barbour, Avant Homes Scotland sales and marketing director, says: “There’s still a number of homes available at Badenheath, designed to suit the needs of a variety of buyers, with a series of offers and packages making it a simple, straightforward process, which could see people move by spring.

“Badenheath has proved popular since its launch, with buyers attracted to our design-led homes and the location providing an ideal rural and urban blend which many may crave.”

Over in the east of Scotland, the Norbury house type is available at Balfour Park, Newcraighall Road, Edinburgh, priced at £399,995 and at Hawthornden in Rosewell, Midlothian from £349,995.

The Norbury at Newtonlees, Dunbar, East Lothian starts at £338,995.

A new development near Penicuik, Carnethy Heights will see three, four and five-bedroomed semi-detached and detached homes launched soon and is open for registration.