Reducing floorspace should not compromise style
3 Park Crescent, Roundhay, Leeds
Price:From £295,000 to £735,000.
Contact: Knight Frank, tel: 1423 530088, www.knightfrank. co.uk DOWNSIZING from a large family home into something more manageable is a difficult business and those who have tried it have found a paucity of properties to suit their needs.
Christine Yorath spotted the gap in the market for the perfect baby boomer pad and is putting the finishing touches to five luxury flats that offer everything needed along with some fabulous added extras.
American-style lifts that open direct into your apartment, sound and lighting systems, remote control curtains, instant boiling water taps in the kitchen, a TV in the bathroom and climate control that offers both heating and cooling are part of the package.
“I know a lot of my friends have looked to move from a larger house but they don’t want a flat with a kitchen in the living room and very little storage space. They want something better and more manageable that they can lock up and leave without worrying about security.
“So that’s what we’ve done here. You can move from your family home that might need re-wiring and constant maintenance to something with wow factor that has lots of new toys like the TV in the bathroom and the remote control curtains. We have put a lot of thought into the layout, security and storage,” says Christine, who has converted the Edwardian house with the help of Newmason Properties.
The period villa has also benefited from a contemporary rear extension that has created space and light.
“That gave us the opportunity to create a new building inside an old one and I am thrilled with it. Newmason have paid amazing attention to detail,” says Christine, whose TV presenter daughter Gabby Logan unwittingly played a part in the development.
“I’ve put a steam oven in every kitchen because Gabby got one and they are amazing. Buyers might think they don’t need it but when they try it they’ll be delighted and that’s all part of the experience I’m trying to create.”
The apartments start from £295,00 for a two bedroom to £595,000 for a duplex and £735,000 for the penthouse.
“I bought the house because of its location in Roundhay, close to the restaurants on Street Lane and park and I put in everything I’d like to have,” says Christine.
“Downsizing isn’t always about releasing equity, it’s about changing your lifestyle.”