ATTRACTING THE 'INN' CROWD - 4th December 2007

A Dudley development is proving the 'inn' place to be for savvy homebuyers looking for contemporary style at an affordable price.

Built on the site of the former Selborne Inn on Selborne Road, Insight is an exclusive new development of 19 luxury townhouses and apartments.

As a fitting reminder of its past, developer Selbourne Homes has rescued and restored the original signpost and recreated special pub signage. Selbourne's site manager Ian West said: "The pub was a landmark here for almost 70 years and we wanted to mark the site's heritage.

"We chose to restore the post and bracket rather than skip it and had the pub style sign specially made as a permanent reminder of the pub's existence on the site.

"We've invested time and effort to create a stylish scheme that will appeal to first and second time buyers and the emphasis is firmly on relaxed urban living."

It is a sentiment that would have struck a chord with the Liberal MP behind the old Selborne Inn name.

Elected as MP for Dudley in 1906, Dixon's Green resident Mr A G Hooper lived in a house called Selborne. To celebrate his entry to Parliament, Dudley's great and good decided to name a new road in his honour and shortly afterwards, Selborne Road was born.

Thirty three years later, in 1939, a new public house was built on the corner of Selborne Road. In the same year, Mr Hooper died and to commemorate his long service to Dudley, landlord George Poole decided to name his new pub The Selborne Inn.

"Although today's visitors won't be able to buy a pint, they'll be able to visit our three-bedroom showhouse, admire the views over Buffery Park and get a real feel for what life at this development could be like," added Ian.

"They can also see site plans and browse through fixtures and fittings ranging from tile samples to kitchen units."

Prices range from £118,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and from £168,000 for a three-bedroom townhouse. Two-bedroom townhouses are also available from £135,000.

Black Country homebuyers searching for cutting edge style and down-to-earth sales advice need look no further than Capitol Hill in Dudley.

Designed by award winning property developer Selbourne Homes, this stylish scheme comprises 30 one and two-bedroom apartments and 19 two and three-bedroom houses.

Classic brick exteriors blend seamlessly with 21st century interiors and according to sales consultant Penny Doney, who was recently recruited by Selbourne Homes to help meet increasing customer demand, prospective purchasers have been quick to recognise the site's potential.

"Capitol Hill offers something for everyone whether you're a first time buyer after a trendy apartment or a family looking for your dream home," says Penny, who has over 16 years experience in the property sector.

"Within walking distance of Dudley town centre and just 10 minutes drive from Merry Hill, every home has been cleverly designed to maximise all available space, with top-of-the range fixtures and fittings adding an extra touch of luxury. All in all, it's a winning formula."

Available as either a two or three storey option, the town houses start from £178,000.

The two-storey town houses comprise a large master bedroom, two further double bedrooms, a family-sized bathroom, spacious living room, downstairs cloakroom and large open plan kitchen and dining area.

The three-storey units comprise a large kitchen diner on the ground floor, together with a cloakroom and a study, which has the potential to be used as a fourth occasional bedroom.

On the first floor, a generously sized bedroom sits alongside a large bathroom and separate living room, with the final storey being devoted to two further bedrooms and a bathroom. As an added bonus, many of the first and second floor rooms are also able to take full advantage of the panoramic views over the Malvern and Clee Hills.

In the case of the remaining apartments, large open plan living areas have been combined with good sized bedrooms and the emphasis is firmly on relaxed, urban living.

Porcelanosa tiles give an instant 'wow factor' to bathrooms, whilst the fully fitted kitchens have been carefully designed to create a sexy, but functional space that has instant appeal.

Every kitchen includes design classics such as a stainless steel oven and hob and a stainless steel chimney cooker hood and splashback. Upstands have also been chosen to match work surfaces, with purchasers being given a choice of units and handles.The show apartment joins Capitol Hill's existing 3-bedroom showhome in demonstrating Selbourne's trademark 'urban chic' style.

The development, which occupies a commanding hilltop position with panoramic views towards the Malvern Hills and Clee Hill, is the last remaining brownfield site in the Milking Bank area, which is now an established residential location offering desirable new homes.

Capitol Hill offers homes ranging from one-bedroom apartments at £100,000 to three bedroom houses at £178,000.

SELBOURNE OFFERS INSIGHT TO LUXURY LIVING - 20th November 2007

Second time buyers are being offered the chance to upgrade their home for a luxurious, contemporary lifestyle at an exclusive new development in Dudley.

Developers Selbourne Homes are offering part exchanges on stunning new three-bedroom town houses available at Insight, its latest chic development on Selborne Road overlooking Buffery Park.

First time buyers can also benefit from exciting incentives at the cosmopolitan style scheme, with two-bedroom apartments being available for an initial down-payment of just £99.

Selbourne's managing director Gavin Warr said: "We recognise that there are a lot of costs associated with buying a property for the first time so we want to make it as easy as possible

"For an initial down-payment, we're offering to pay the 5 per cent deposit for first time buyers and what's more we'll pay all legal and survey fees."

Purchasers can see for themselves what life can be like at this cutting-edge scheme of townhouses and apartments by visiting the stunning new showhouse.

As well as getting a feel for the three-bedroom townhouse which boasts a good-sized family bathroom and kitchen, open plan living and dining area, ensuite facilities to the master bedroom and a separate downstairs cloakroom, visitors can view site plans and browse through fixtures and fittings ranging from tile samples to kitchen units.

Prices range from £118,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and from £168,000 for the three-bedroom townhouses. Two-bedroom town houses are also available from £135,000.

NEW SHOW APARTMENT AT CAPITOL HILL - 9th October 2007

There is now even more to see at Capitol Hill, Selbourne Homes' stylish development on Dibdale Road, Dudley, with the opening of a brand new show apartment.

The apartment opens this Saturday (October 13th) and features two bedrooms, master en-suite, open-plan living area, fitted kitchen and bathroom, all stunningly kitted out by professional interior designers to give prospective buyers an aspirational feel for how their new home could look. Every visitor will be welcomed with a glass of bubbly and canapés.

The show apartment joins Capitol Hill's existing 3-bedroom showhome in demonstrating Selbourne's trademark 'urban chic' style.

The development, which occupies a commanding hilltop position with panoramic views towards the Malvern Hills and Clee Hill, is the last remaining brownfield site in the Milking Bank area, which is now an established residential location offering desirable new homes.

Capitol Hill offers homes ranging from one-bedroom apartments at £100,000 to three bedroom houses at £178,000.

FIRST-TIME BUYER APARTMENT BOOST FOR CRADLEY HEATH - 24th September 2007

A derelict Cradley Heath eyesore is about to receive a 21st century makeover courtesy of award winning property developer, Selbourne Homes.

The Hagley-based firm has just started demolition work at a 1.3 acre plot on Lower High Street, with a view to transforming it into 40 stylish one and two bedroom duplex apartments.

Formerly home to AS Rolling Mills, the site is located opposite Cradley Heath train station and Selbourne's architects have worked closely with the local authority to create a truly individual three-storey development that reflects the landmark status of the site.

Top floor apartments will benefit from large walk-out balconies and the scheme has been given an 'eco-feel' as a result of coloured render being combined with wood panelling on exterior walls.

"As soon as we saw this site we recognised its potential and we're confident we've come up with a scheme that will genuinely enhance the surrounding area," said Gavin Warr, managing director of Selbourne Homes.

"The site's proximity to the train station makes it an ideal location for Birmingham commuters looking for city-living without the hefty price tag and it's well positioned to take advantage of the numerous retail and leisure facilities on its doorstep."

Designed with first-time buyers in mind, the scheme will showcase some of the latest interior design trends and it has been welcomed by the community.

Councillor Bob Badham, cabinet member for regeneration and transport at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council said: "This scheme is a good example of how, if a developer works well with the council right from the start, a development can be forthcoming that meets everybody's aspirations.

"It shows how we can work together to transform old industrial sites that are no longer suited to today's needs to create accessible and good quality living environments."

Prices are expected to range from £120,000 to £125,000 for a two-bedroom apartment at the site and the first completions are scheduled for early 2008.

'FIRST LADY' FOR CAPITOL HILL - 3rd September 2007

A Black Country mum has become the 'first lady' of Selbourne Homes' Capitol Hill development in Dudley after receiving the keys to her new three-bedroom home.

Together with her two teenage children and partner, Julie Hill is the first person to take up residence at Selbourne Homes' cutting edge scheme on Dibdale Road.

"Moving house is always chaotic, but it's great to be in and we're delighted with our new home," said Julie.

"As soon as I saw the plans, I knew Capitol Hill was right for us. The designs were impressive and we liked the combination of traditional exterior and contemporary interior."

Another deciding factor for Julie and her family was the flexibility offered by the three-storey town house.

Cleverly designed to maximise all available space, the ground floor comprises a large kitchen diner, together with a cloakroom and a study, which has the potential to be used as a fourth occasional bedroom. On the first floor, a generously sized bedroom sits alongside a large bathroom and separate living room, with the final storey being devoted to two further bedrooms and a bathroom.

"I've got two teenage children and I fully appreciate that they need their own space. The design of our new home makes it possible for them to have their own floor at the top of the house and they love the feeling of independence this gives them."

Julie's house is one of 16 three-bedroom properties on the sought after site, which comprises 30 one and two-bedroom apartments and 19 two and three-bedroom houses.

The scheme occupies a commanding hilltop position with panoramic views towards the Malvern Hills and Clee Hill, and prices start from £179,000 for a three-bedroom property.

"It's strange to think of myself as a 'first lady' but I'm enjoying it while it lasts," joked Julie. "Even though we've only just moved in, it already feels like home and the help we've received from the team at Selbourne Homes, in particular Judy Beddows, has made it even easier to settle in. As far as I'm concerned, this is it now - I'm never moving again!"

An interactive information point containing copies of plans and details of the remaining available properties at Capitol Hill is open daily from 11.00am - 6.00pm. For more information on this scheme or other Selbourne developments, please call 01384 456430

MOVE FAST AND MOVE IN FOR £99 - 6th June 2007

A leading Black Country property developer is offering fast-moving homebuyers a final chance to secure a state-of-the art apartment in Oldbury for less than the price of a Sony MP3 player.

For an initial down payment of just £99, prospective purchasers can move into the last remaining apartment at Gravity - Selbourne Homes' contemporary development on Bristnall Hall Road.

Designed to appeal primarily to style-savvy first time buyers, the trendy two-bedroom home features some of the latest contemporary design trends including stainless steel kitchen appliances and ash veneer doors.

It also comes equipped with an integrated washer/dryer plus neutral carpets, stylish light fittings and window dressings.

"We recognise that there are a lot of costs associated with buying a property for the first time so we wanted to make it as easy as possible," said Gavin Warr, Selbourne's managing director.

"Our research has shown that the majority of first time buyers are no longer content to move into run down properties that require lots of TLC. Instead, they want homes they can be instantly proud of with minimum hassle and maximum enjoyment.

"Gravity fits this bill perfectly and the fact that only one of the original 26 properties remains available is testament to its appeal. By offering people the chance to move into this stylish, part furnished home for just £99 we're helping potential home owners get a foot on the ladder - all they have to do is bring in the furniture!"

As an additional bonus and for a limited time only, Selbourne Homes is offering to pay the required 5% deposit and cover purchasers' legal fees.

Househunters interested in finding out more can view Gravity's show home every Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 6pm. The last remaining apartment is competitively priced at £118,000.

YELLO SPRINGS TO LIFE - 24th April 2007

The transformation of a Dudley eyesore into a cutting-edge development of contemporary apartments has been given the seal of approval by MP for Dudley North, Ian Austin.

An advocate of quality, affordable housing, Mr Austin took time out on 23 April to visit ‘Yello’ – the name given to a 0.5 acre site on New Rowley Road which is currently enjoying a 21st century makeover by award winning Black Country developer Selbourne Homes.

Formerly home to the Cross Keys public house, which fell into disrepair after its closure, the derelict site is being transformed into 24 stylish one and two-bedroom apartments and Selbourne’s managing director Gavin Warr says site neighbours will be in for a welcome surprise.

“Since the Cross Keys closed, residents living close to this site have had to put up with looking at a dilapidated building which quickly became a magnet for anti-social behaviour,” said Mr Warr.

“Our scheme will breathe new life into the area and our architects have worked hard to come up with a design that not only reflects the character of the surrounding area, but also offers city living chic at a realistic price.”

It’s a view shared by Mr Austin. “I regularly meet young people in Dudley who are desperate to get a home of their own but who just can’t afford to do so.”

“We have over a million new home owners in Britain since 1997 but we must make sure the government helps hard working young people on to the housing ladder. Young couples struggling to make ends meet on average or low incomes are desperate to buy their own homes and I really think that developments like this will really help.”

Designed to appeal primarily to first time buyers and young families, Yello is all about relaxed urban living.

As well as showcasing latest interior design trends, apartments will benefit from being located close to local amenities such as restaurants, parkland and Merry Hill.

“Yello is the scheme for savvy buyers looking for a stylish, low maintenance home,” added Mr Warr. “In an area crying out for quality, affordable housing, we’re confident we’ve come up with a real winner and the scheme is a natural fit with the Black Country’s desire to create sustainable urban communities.”

Due to be released for sale late spring, prices start from £100,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. First completions are expected in early 2008.

“We’ve already had a considerable number of enquiries and for people registering interest by phone or internet prior to the scheme going on general release, we guarantee to send details in advance, giving them an immediate head start on other potential buyers,” added Mr Warr.

SELBORNE INN GETS NEW LEASE OF LIFE - 24th April 2007

The site of the former Selborne Inn on Selborne Road, Dudley, will be re-opening to locals this Saturday (28 April), but instead of pulling pints, they’ll be serving units of contemporary urban living as doors open on a brand new development.

Award winning Black Country developer Selbourne Homes will be unveiling its new show home at Insight, a cutting-edge scheme comprising ten two-bedroom apartments and nine two and three-bedroom town houses.

Professionally kitted out in contemporary style by Birmingham-based Connections in Design, the three-bedroom show home will give prospective purchasers an ‘insight’ into what life could be like at this stylish development.

As well as getting a feel for the three-bedroom townhouse which boasts a good-sized family bathroom and kitchen, open plan living and dining area, ensuite facilities to the master bedroom and a separate downstairs cloakroom, visitors will be able to view site plans and browse through fixtures and fittings ranging from tile samples to kitchen units.

Prices range from £118,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and from £170,000 for the three-bedroom townhouses. Properties in the first phase are ready for immediate occupation

The showhome is open from 11.00am to 5.00pm Thursday through to Monday