A collection of 34 uniquely fashioned homes in Welwyn Garden City
Through meticulous renovation and craftsmanship this Grade II Listed heritage building, familiar to many local residents as the Roche factory, is being transformed into 34 distinctive homes, every one different but all reflecting the style and streamlined elegance of the original building.
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Property description
This unique art deco building with a special place in the history of Welwyn Garden City is being returned to its full glory.
Roche had commissioned Swiss modernist architect Otto Salvisberg, to design their buildings globally and all carry the architectural hallmarks of timeless elegance, clarity and balance. The building is the only example of his work in the UK and was honoured as 'Building of the Year' in the Architects Journal in 1939.
Roche became an important part of the town's development after the pharmaceuticals company opened its model factory in 1938, becoming one of the new garden city's major employers. During the War years Roche's offices became the home of the 4th Battalion Home Guard. Celebrated links with the WGC community were forged as many local people and families had an affiliation with the Roche building until its closure in 2005 and move to new premises elsewhere in the town.
Location
With its wide tree-lined avenues and open green spaces, well-planned, spacious housing and a town centre where everywhere is walkable including the train station, Welwyn Garden City has fulfilled the vision of its founder 100 years ago.
It was England's second garden city, founded in the 1920s by Sir Ebenezer Howard, whose idea was to combine the advantages of countryside and towns with none of the disadvantages, providing pleasant places for people to live, work and bring up families.
Welwyn Garden City is surrounded by glorious Hertfordshire countryside, yet it's only a 30 minute train ride to London, ideal for anyone wanting a fast commute. Despite its name it's actually a town, but one with excellent shopping including a large John Lewis and Waitrose, the Howard Centre full of high street names, an arts and entertainment centre with theatre and cinema and well-known restaurants such as Cote Brasserie and Zizzi's. Weekend walks and cycle rides are right on the doorstep, with idyllic villages and country pubs the ideal destinations.
The town continues to thrive and develop, with many of the industries and employers who built premises here decades ago moving on to bigger and newer sites, leaving some areas conveniently close to the centre ready for their next phase. Industrial units are being replaced by smart apartment buildings, and as residents move in, restaurants and shops will open to create regenerating neighbourhoods worthy of the original vision for Welwyn Garden City.
Key Features
- Landscaped Communal Gardens
- Stylish interior fittings
- High quality floor coverings
- Designated parking and cycle store
- Wifi connected underfloor heating
- 10 year LABC Buildings Warranty
- 35 mins by train to King's Cross
Location
Specification
Heating
Electric Underfloor Heating with WiFi connectivity via The neoHub Gen 2 which handles all of the network communication between the neoStat, neoAir and neoPlug and is very much the brain of the Neo System if you're looking to control your heating & hot water system from your Smart phone.
Telecommunications
Options for Broadband and TV will be via the latest BT Fibre and Virgin Media which are both available direct to each home, (services subject to subscription).
Ventilation
A Vent-Axia Sentinel mechanical extract ventilation unit will provide constant extract ventilation to the bathrooms and kitchen areas. The system will operate a continuous low speed extract to your home which when required can be switched to boost switch facility.
Kitchens
Streamlined, clean and uncluttered, where the living & dining area flow into the kitchen, you'll find offers fluid movement throughout the home, giving excellent feng shui. Stylish, hand crafted quartz worktops and upstands add that extra classy touch together with a pull-out larder and corner le mans unit to many kitchens.
Appliances
Your kitchen will come complete with a range of the latest bosch, built-in and integrated appliances will include: frame-less induction hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, washer/dryer, fridge & freezer.
Wardrobes
Space saving contemporary fitted wardrobes complete with bespoke internal fittings and voguish soft close bronzed mirrored glass doors fitted to most bedrooms.
Floor coverings
Elegant wood-mix engineered floor finishes to hallways and living/kitchen areas. Comfy fitted carpets to all bedrooms and exquisite tiling to all bathrooms.
Security
Access to both residents entrances will be via an electronic entry fob. A video entry system will be installed to most homes with an external call button to each apartment and secure door opening facility. Individual key operated Post boxes will be located inside entrances.
Bathrooms
Sanitary ware and tiling choices bring a touch of the art-deco period of the original building to every home. Our interior designer's range of designs will compliment bath and shower room size and light. Parquet, patterned and marble floor and wall tiling will offer that touch of period elegance.
Fire Safety
An integrated smoke detection system has been installed with detectors to all communal spaces and plant rooms. Dry risers and smoke vents are installed where applicable and doors fire rated in accordance with the latest fire regulations.
Main Entrance Foyer
The elegance of the main entrance foyer with its travertine limestone floor, sweeping staircase and reinstated geometric glass block feature set the tone for this wonderful 1930's building. Although providing access to just four apartments, all residents' will have exclusive use of the foyer which will also include the Roche archive room containing historic documentation and photographs endorsing the building's Hoffman Laroche heritage.
Basement Duplexes
(Plot No's 1-3): These exclusive and original two-storey homes have an elegant spiral staircase and benefit from a private access and small front terrace.
Lift
Serving the basement to third floor, a new 8-person lift provides easy access to a number of apartments and for all residents wishing to use the basement bicycle store.
Car Parking & Bicycle Store
Each home will be designated one numbered car parking space. The large basement bicycle store benefits from lift access and has a racking system in place for secure cycle storage.
Grounds
All Griffin Place residents will have the use of the estate access pathways the extensive newly laid lawns and landscaped seating area.
Warranty
Oakbridge Homes full 2-year aftercare service backed by a 10-year LABC Buildings Warranty.
The specification is intended for guidance only and does not form any part of an offer or contract. The developer reserves the right to amend any part of this specification at any time.
Price schedule & availability
Griffin Place is being marketed by Ashtons Estate Agents. For further information or to make a reservation, please contact Ashtons Estate Agents, Land & New Homes, on 01707 903456, visit the office at 29 Wigmores North, Welwyn Garden City or request an appointment to view below.
| Plot | Style | Floor | Sq.ft. | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 bedroom duplex | Lower Ground / Ground | 1300 | Sold |
| 2 | 2 bedroom duplex | Lower Ground / Ground | 824 | Sold |
| 3 | 2 bedroom duplex | Lower Ground / Ground | 851 | Sold |
| 4 | 2 bedroom apartment | Ground | 667 | Sold |
| 5 | 2 bedroom apartment | First | 1351 | Sold |
| 6 | 2 bedroom apartment | First | 663 | Sold |
| 7 | 2 bedroom duplex | First / Second | 1039 | Sold |
| 8 | 2 bedroom apartment | Lower Ground | 979 | Sold |
| 9 | 1 bedroom apartment | Ground | 568 | Sold |
| 10 | 2 bedroom apartment | Ground | 681 | Sold |
| 11 | 2 bedroom apartment | Ground | 834 | Sold |
| 12 | 2 bedroom apartment | Ground | 852 | Sold |
| 13 | 1 bedroom apartment | Ground | 458 | Sold |
| 14 | 1 bedroom apartment | Ground | 852 | Sold |
| 15 | 2 bedroom apartment | Ground | 648 | Sold |
| 16 | 1 bedroom apartment | Ground | 660 | Sold |
| 17 | 2 bedroom apartment | Ground | 947 | Sold |
| 18 | 2 bedroom apartment | Ground | 891 | Sold |
| 19 | 2 bedroom apartment | Ground | 762 | Sold |
| 20 | 1 bedroom apartment | First | 620 | Sold |
| 21 | 1 bedroom apartment | First | 578 | Sold |
| 22 | 1 bedroom duplex | First / Second | 669 | Sold |
| 23 | 2 bedroom duplex | First / Second | 832 | Sold |
| 24 | 1 bedroom apartment | First | 553 | Sold |
| 25 | 1 bedroom apartment | Second | 620 | Sold |
| 26 | 1 bedroom apartment | Second | 578 | Sold |
| 27 | 1 bedroom apartment | Third | 620 | Sold |
| 28 | 1 bedroom apartment | Third | 578 | Sold |
| 29 | 2 bedroom apartment | First | 622 | Sold |
| 30 | 2 bedroom apartment | First | 622 | Sold |
| 31 | 2 bedroom apartment | Second | 622 | Sold |
| 32 | 2 bedroom apartment | Second | 622 | Sold |
| 33 | 2 bedroom apartment | Third | 622 | Sold |
| 34 | 2 bedroom apartment | Third | 622 | Sold |
View floorplans
Click a plot below to view the property details.
Ground and Lower Ground floors
First and Second Floors
Third Floor
Siteplan
Click image to enlarge
