Construction begins on landmark homes scheme
Hampshire-based Metis Homes has commenced construction at Farriers Court, a rare development of 18 new homes located in the heart of the highly desirable village of Easebourne, in the South Downs National Park. This is the first of three schemes to be developed, in a major partnership between Metis Homes and the prestigious Cowdray Estate.
Positioned on Egmont Road, the 0.7ha (1.7 acres) site is well underway with foundations being laid.
Adam O’brien, Managing Director of Metis Homes, met with Jonathan Russell, Chief Executive of Cowdray Estate, to show him around.
Farriers Court is perfectly situatedinthehubofthevibrant community, approx. 250 metres from the village centre with the renowned Cowdray Farm Shop andcaféanditsaward-winning, locally sourced produce. Also within easy walking distance is Easebourne Park, filled with nature trails for dog-walks, running and cycling. The Cowdray Estate, famed for its numerous premium country pursuits and hoststotheprestigiouspoloclub andchampionshipgolfcourse,is moments away. The neighbouring town of Midhurst is on the doorstep too.
The new development will deliver 10 two-bedroom characterfulterracehomes,eachwitha separate study, west-facing garden to capture the evening sunlight,andenergyefficientextras such as solar PV panels and EV car charging points. A further two-storey apartment building will offer eight one and two bedroomapartments.50%ofthedevelopment will be allocated for much-needed affordable housing.
Adam O’brien from Metis Homes,said:“wearedelightedto havestartedconstructiononthe first of our prized Easebourne sites, which are being delivered in partnership with the Cowdray Estate. This is a landmark scheme in an iconic destination and will leave a lasting legacy. These homes have been sensitively designed to be in keeping with the heritage of Easebourne village and protect the listed buildings, but at the same time deliver much needed housing to this area of West Sussex.
“Workingalongsidetheteam at Cowdray Estate is an honour and our Farriers Court development is focused on enhancing the legacy of high-quality homes that the Estate has maintained through generations.”
The architecture of the scheme, by JTP Architects, has taken inspiration from the surrounding area but will feature a moderncontemporarystyle.the exteriors of the modern mews style homes will feature red bricksandplainredtilehanging, some with projecting brick features, along with plain red roof tiles. The apartments will be a similar style with red brick and red tile hanging, but with dark grey window frames and matching dark weatherboarding for a striking contrast.
Green infrastructure has beencarefullyintegratedaspart of the development plans, the houses will have green roofs on the flat roof above the rear elevationwithopengreenspaces,rain garden, ponds and new planting of shrubs and native trees, to enhance wildlife corridors.
The development is expected to take around 12 months to complete.