'Thrilled' couple first to move into Chalkdene Developments’ Centennial Gate in Welwyn Garden City

Senior representatives from Chalkdene Developments welcomed the first customers moving into its new development at Centennial Gate, Welwyn Garden City. Chalkdene Developments is a joint venture between Morgan Sindall Group and HLL, with Lovell, the contractors, on site.

First time buyers, Richard Tilbury and his partner Hayley Emslie, received the keys to their three bedroomed link detached home which boasts a garage and generous garden from Programme Director Justine Fancy and said they were ‘thrilled’.

Centennial Gate, a development of 21 contemporary 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms, has seen excellent interest with the majority of homes now sold, many off plan.

Property manager, Richard, 34, said: “We are both thrilled with our new home. Both Hayley and I love the exclusiveness of the development and also how Chalkdene Developments has landscaped the site so creatively, adding greenery and planting that gives Centennial Gate a very established inviting appearance.”

The couple were no strangers to the leafy area of Panshanger in Welwyn Garden City. Before lockdown their daily journey into work, from their two bedroom rented house nearby, would take them past the development site at Centennial Gate.

Hayley added: “We first noticed that the site was under development in July 2020. The plan for just 21 contemporary homes immediately caught our eye. There  is very little opportunity for new building because most of the area has already been developed.  Richard and I were really interested to find out more about Centennial Gate and, in fact, we were the first people to make an enquiry to Chalkdene Developments.”

Hayley and Richard viewed the show home at the end of summer and didn’t hesitate to reserve off plan. They took advantage of the Help to Buy scheme and also benefited from the Stamp Duty holiday.

Hayley said: “The layout internally really works for us as I can use the third bedroom as an office now that my job as a project manager means I’m working from home. The whole house is well proportioned in its design and layout.  There’s been thoughtful attention to the size of windows, for example, in our master bedroom, which maximises the airy, bright feel.  Outside, having a garage and a drive way works well.  In fact, I’m thinking of converting the garage into a gym!”

Richard added: “We love the spacious kitchen and utility room. We have a large south facing living/dining room which gets lots of natural light and looks out over our garden.”

The couple have also been impressed with the high-quality extras throughout the house – integrated Bosch and Zanussi appliances and white goods, a tasteful neutral colour palette throughout and beautiful Amtico flooring with carpets upstairs. They both agree that, ‘Chalkdene Developments has definitely created a sense of luxury’ as well as eco efficient homes with low running costs.

Homes at Centennial Gate also include electric charging points which Richard was particularly pleased to see. He commented: “I’m about to take possession of a new electric company car very soon, so it is very convenience to have a charging point already in place.”

Justine Fancy, Programme Director at Chalkdene Developments, said: “Our team is really proud of the Chalkdene homes which is reflective of the great feedback we have received from prospective purchasers.  They are bright and spacious inside, whilst the development itself provides a fantastic environment to live in.  We are delighted Richard and Hayley are thrilled with their home.”

Steve Faber, Managing Director at HLL, said: “We are really chuffed with the interest in the site, and the look and feel of the development. We hope the new residents and their neighbours are happy with Centennial Gate.”