New Homes in Colchester, Essex, CO2 9HZ

 A recent survey has shown that the greatest shortage of housing in the UK is for semi-detached and terraced homes, despite reports that these properties are in the highest demand.* Traditional developments such as The Green at Fortuna Park, being developed by Countryside Properties and Annington, are helping towards easing this shortage. Two and three bedroom houses will initially be released for sale on 5th December at this popular development, which will provide further much needed family housing for buyers in the area.

The Green at Fortuna Park is an attractive and architecturally varied collection of apartments and two, three and four bedroom houses. The newly released houses all offer comfortable open-plan living spaces with modern amenities and all have allocated parking spaces or garages set in traditional terraces and courtyards.

Chris Crook, Subsidiary Managing Director, Countryside Properties, comments: “A combination of factors has produced a serious shortage of family houses in the UK, and this can be seen very clearly in Colchester.  At The Green at Fortuna Park we wanted to provide housing for a whole spectrum of buyers, which is why the development will include apartments right through to detached family houses. The high levels of interest in the new houses and the quick sale of the previous properties highlight how popular this type of community still is.”

Internally, the properties offer a high standard of contemporary specification and include a modern fitted kitchen with coordinating worktops and stainless steel integrated appliances. The sleek white bathrooms have chrome fixtures and fittings including heated towel rails.

Fortuna Park is located just 2.4miles from the centre of Colchester**.  Colchester offers a diverse range of high street and boutique shops as well as lively bars and restaurants. Ideally placed for commuters, train times from Colchester are approximately 22 minutes to Ipswich and Chelmsford and 55*** minutes to London Liverpool Street. The A12 and M25 are also easily accessible, providing direct links to Chelmsford, Braintree and Ipswich.

For further information contact the marketing suite on: 01206 549 760 or visit: www.fortunapark.net

Fortuna Park is being built by developer Countryside Annington (Colchester) Ltd., a joint venture partnership between Countryside Properties and Annington.

*Smart New Homes 2009 – http://www.yourmortgage.co.uk/news/3625865

** RAC route planner

***www.thetrainline.com

ENDS

Resourceful first time buyers, some of whom have been priced out of the property market are now pooling resources and buying with a friend. The main problem with this however, is that in most properties the second bedroom is much smaller than the master bedroom, making it an unequal partnership.

The generously proportioned two bedroom two bathroom apartments at Countryside Properties’ Fortuna Park development in Colchester offer a perfect solution to this dilemma. Starting at just £89,950 they are ideal for first time buyers looking to share with a friend.

Chris Crook, Subsidiary Managing Director of Countryside Properties, comments: “The current mortgage market requires larger deposits which can prove difficult for first time buyers. Buying with a friend is a great way to get on the property ladder and the apartments at Fortuna Park are ideal for sharing, as most have two similar sized bedrooms and two bathrooms. These apartments also offer the best value for money in Colchester, which is why 70% of the properties recently release have already been sold!”

Fortuna Park is an attractive and architecturally diverse development, which has been designed to enhance the surrounding natural and built environment. The two bedroom properties offer a comfortable open plan living space with modern amenities and all have an allocated parking space.

The interiors at Fortuna Park have been designed to a high, contemporary specification, with stylish features such as stainless steel kitchen appliances and sleek contemporary bathrooms.

Colchester offers a diverse range of high street and boutique shops as well as lively bars and restaurants. Ideally placed for commuters, train times from Colchester are approximately 22* minutes to Ipswich and Chelmsford and 55* minutes to London Liverpool Street. The A12 and M25 are also easily accessible, providing direct links to Chelmsford, Braintree and Ipswich.

70% of the new apartments that were released in September were reserved as soon as they came to market. Prices for two bedroom apartments start from £95,000. For further information contact the marketing suite on telephone: 01206 549 760 or visit: www.fortunapark.net

* www.thetrainline.com

Colchester school children have played a key role in the creation of a striking new permanent sculpture, for the town, which will be unveiled at Fortuna Park, a Countryside Properties and Annington Homes development in Colchester. The sculpture, 'Bricole di Venezia', created by Essex artist, Richard Layzell, will be officially unveiled on 18th September, 2008.

Over the past year, artist Richard Layzell has been working with local schools and the community in Shrub End to gain a better understanding of what the location means to them. Pupils have been involved from the outset, with tours of the development site, design competitions for the colours used in the work and visits to the local wood-turner.

The sculpture comprises 14 poles which have been designed to reflect connections to Colchester United Football team and the Garrison. The poles, reminiscent of the mooring posts for gondolas along the Grand Canal in Venice, in-turn inspired the title 'Bricola di Venezia', 'Bricole' being the Venetian name for these poles, and the colours on two of the poles being those of Colchester United football team as well as the Venetian football team.

Chris Crook, Managing Director, Countryside Properties comments: "We have worked closely with the Colchester Borough Council and the artist to create something that has connections with the local area and which residents at Fortuna Park can enjoy and appreciate. Public art is increasingly popular and we try to include it in all of our new homes developments as it gives them a landmark, helps to create an identity and gives the development a 'sense of place'. We wanted to include the community in the process, which is why we enlisted the help of the local school children. They now have something colourful and fun, which they can be proud to say they helped create."

Fortuna Park is an attractive development and offers a diverse range of one and two bedroom apartments as well as two, three and four bedroom houses. The properties are generously proportioned and built to the high standards synonymous with Countryside Properties. Exteriors offer a visually appealing combination of red and yellow brickwork, render, varying rooflines and weatherboarding. Houses are arranged along quiet cul-de-sacs with mature manicured lawns and blend seamlessly with the local Essex architecture. 

A brand new phase of one and two bedroom apartments will be released in October. Please register your interest at www.fortunapark.net

Two Essex-based site managers from Countryside Properties have recently been chosen as NHBC’s (National House Building Council) ‘Pride in the Job’ Quality Award winning Site Managers, making them two of the best site managers in the UK.

John Howarth, Project Manager at The Thatchams, in Prior’s Green, and Martin Haymes, Senior Construction Manager at Fortuna Park, in Colchester, won the awards following a year-long judging period. They will now progress to the next stage of the competition, the Seal of Excellence Awards; the winners of which will be announced in the autumn.

Conceived in 1980, the ‘Pride in the Job’ competition aims to improve quality and raise the standard of service to homebuyers by focusing on the day-to-day operation of building sites and the work of Site Managers. Entrants are judged on consistency, leadership, technical expertise, interpretation, health and safety and the ‘X’ factor, something that makes that particular Site Manager stand out above the rest.

Chris Crook, Subsidiary Managing Director, Countryside Properties, comments: “The NHBC Pride in the Job Awards are some of the most highly regarded in the industry. These awards recognise the extremely high standards the company’s employees aspire to. It is a fantastic achievement to win this award. We wish John and Martin the best of luck for the next stage of the competition.”

The Thatchams, at Priors Green, Essex, is arranged along tree lined avenues and is fronted by two newly created village ponds. The development comprises 11 different house styles and offers two, three and four bedroom houses. For further information telephone 01279 874973 or visit www.thatchams.net

Fortuna Park, in Colchester, Essex, is an appealing development and offers a diverse range of one and two bedroom apartments as well as two, three and four bedroom houses, all designed around mature landscaping and green open space. The properties are generously proportioned, built to the quality standards synonymous with Countryside Properties and all have a garage, carport or an allocated parking space. The sales and marketing suite is open Thursday to Monday from 10.00am to 5.00pm. For further information telephone 01206 549760 or visit www.fortunapark.net

A three story, four-bedroom townhouse is not the typical purchase for a first time buyer , but for Catherine Byrne, 39, just such a property proved perfect to accommodate her new family. Catherine, together with her partner, has recently bought her first property at Countryside Properties and Annington Homes new development, Fortuna Park , in Colchester.    

Catherine comments: “Being a first time buyer myself I was a bit worried about finally taking the plunge but the whole process was extremely easy and the sales consultants were very helpful. It’s great to finally own my own home and we can’t wait to move in a couple of month’s time. Pooling resources with my partner means that I have been able to buy a spacious, four-bedroom house, which I could otherwise not have afforded on my own.

“My partner and I needed to move from our respective homes to a property with more bedrooms, as I have a 14 year son and my partner has two children who stay with us every other weekend. We were specifically looking in the South West area of Colchester so that we could be close to work and the children’s schools. We also had a very specific checklist of things we wanted in our new house, like a garage or carport, a utility room and at least one, preferably two en-suite bathrooms. The house we bought at Fortuna Park was the only one we looked at that ticked all our boxes. The house has three floors and, with three growing children, it means that everyone has plenty of privacy which makes for a more peaceful household.”

Fortuna Park is a visually striking development of one, two, three, and four bedroom houses in a variety of styles, each of which takes inspiration from the local architectural vernacular. Set along quiet cul-de-sacs, exteriors feature red and yellow brickwork, oatmeal coloured render, weatherboarding and pitched gables. All properties include a garage, carport or allocated parking space. 

The interiors at Fortuna Park have been designed to a highly, contemporary specification, with stylish features such as stainless steel kitchen appliances and sleek contemporary bathrooms. The properties offer comfortable open plan living spaces with modern amenities and have been designed to enhance the surrounding natural and built environment.

Colchester is Britain’s oldest recorded town with a history dating back to Roman Times. The town offers a diverse range of high street and boutique shops as well as lively bars and restaurants. Ideally placed for commuters, travel times from Colchester are approximately 22* minutes to Ipswich and Chelmsford and 55* minutes to London Liverpool Street by train. The A12 and M25 are also easily accessible, providing fast links to Chelmsford, Braintree and Ipswich.

Fortuna Park is currently offering a five per cent of your deposit paid and Countryside Properties part exchange scheme**.

For further information contact the marketing suite on 01206 549 760 or visit: www.fortunapark.net

* www.thetrainline.com

** Subject to terms and conditions

ENDS

What are arguably the best value apartments in Colchester have just been released for sale at Fortuna Park, Countryside Properties' development, on Lordswood Road in Colchester, Essex. The 37 new one and two bedroom apartments showcase elegant architecture inspired by the traditional local Essex vernacular and are set behind extensive mature landscaping. 

Chris Crook, Subsidiary Managing Director of Countryside Properties, comments: "We feel confident that, even in a tough market, these new apartments will emulate the success we've seen to date at Fortuna Park and will be extremely popular with purchasers. We have invested a lot of time and care in the design of the apartments, which gives them an edge over the general run-of-the-mill apartment blocks. The development offers some of the most competitively priced, quality built properties in Colchester and this, together with the excellent location, makes them an extremely attractive opportunity for both individual buyers and investors."

Fortuna Park is an attractive development and offers a diverse range of one and two bedroom apartments as well as two, three and four bedroom houses. The properties are generously proportioned, built to the high standards synonymous with Countryside Properties and all have a garage, carport or an allocated parking space. Set in a quiet location, exteriors are a visually appealing combination of red and yellow brickwork, render, varying rooflines and weatherboarding.

The interiors at Fortuna Park have been designed to a high, contemporary specification, as one would expect from Countryside Properties, and offer comfortable light and airy living spaces. Every apartment is fitted with stylish features such as stainless steel kitchen appliances and sleek contemporary bathrooms.

Colchester is Britain's oldest recorded town with a history dating back to Roman Times. The town offers a wide range of high street and boutique shops, as well as lively bars and restaurants. Ideally placed for commuters, travel times from Colchester are approximately 22* minutes by train to Ipswich and Chelmsford and 55* minutes to London Liverpool Street by train. The A12 and M25 are also easily accessible, providing fast road links to Chelmsford, Braintree and Ipswich.

For further information contact the marketing suite on 01206 549 760 or visit www.fortunapark.net

Fortuna Park is built by developer Countryside Annington (Colchester) Ltd., a joint venture partnership between Countryside Properties and Annington.

* www.thetrainline.com 

Despite fears of a downturn in the property market, some experienced property investors are undeterred. Countryside Annington (Colchester) Ltd, a joint venture partnership between Countryside Properties and Annington, has recently sold a whole apartment building of 16 flats at Fortuna Park in Colchester to a single investor who is confident that now is the time to seize opportunities for long term capital gains.

Chris Crook, Subsidiary Managing Director of Countryside Properties, comments: “The purchase of this apartment building and several apartments from our first phase at Fortuna Park demonstrates that this is the best selling development in Colchester and that even in a tough market, experienced investors are still willing to buy into the right property. The quality schemes available, the location and the excellent pricing structure, represent an attractive offer to the investment community. Experienced investors are able to foresee a market upturn in the future and they want to invest capital into reliable property stock that will give them a return on their money in the long term.”

Fortuna Park is an attractive development and offers a diverse range of two, three and four bedroom houses and apartments. The properties are generously proportioned, built to high standards and all have a garage, carport or an allocated parking space. Set in quiet cul-de-sacs, exteriors are a visually appealing combination of red and yellow brick, oatmeal render, varying rooflines and weatherboarding.

The interiors at Fortuna Park have been designed to a high, contemporary specification, with stylish features such as stainless steel kitchen appliances and sleek contemporary bathrooms. The properties offer a comfortable living space with modern amenities and have been designed to enhance the surrounding natural and built environment.

Colchester is Britain’s oldest recorded town with a history dating back to Roman Times. The town offers a diverse range of high street and boutique shops as well as lively bars and restaurants. Ideally placed for commuters, travel times from Colchester are approximately 22* minutes to Ipswich and Chelmsford and 55* minutes to London Liverpool Street by train. The A12 and M25 are also easily accessible, providing fast links to Chelmsford, Braintree and Ipswich.

For further information contact the marketing suite on telephone: 01206 549 760 or visit: www.fortunapark.net

* www.thetrainline.com

ENDS

Recent statistics* have highlighted that an increasing awareness of green issues is contributing to more and more Britons leaving their car behind and travelling by bus.

Buses are beginning to be seen as a more convenient and social form of transport which can help alleviate congestion, and reduce the country’s ever worrying CO² emissions.  To further encourage this environmental trend, at Fortuna Park in Colchester,  Countryside Annington is offering up to four residents in each household a free month’s bus pass ** when they move into their new home. 

Yvonne Hudson-Green, Sales and Marketing Director for Countryside Properties, says: “Currently the road transport sector as a whole accounts for around a fifth of the UK’s annual CO² emissions.  Both Countryside Properties and Annington Homes are committed to protecting the environment, and encouraging more people to travel by bus will help to reduce these emissions.  Also, as there is a bus stop located right outside the development, not only is this an environmentally friendly travel option on your door step, but it will also make travel throughout the town easier!”

Fortuna Park is located on Lordswood Road, off Layer Road, and offers a collection of high quality one and two bedroom apartments , and two, three and four bedroom houses.  Fortuna Park is located less than two miles from Colchester city centre and just minutes away from picturesque countryside. The second phase of Fortuna Park has recently been released, after phase one sold out quickly.

These new homes in Colchester feature a variety of different internal layouts and every home is fitted with the latest sleek and stylish modern specification.  Subject to stage of construction, purchasers can choose the design of their fully fitted contemporary kitchen which features a stainless steel gas hob, electric oven, extractor and splash back as standard.

From traditional pubs to trendy bars and restaurants, residents at Fortuna Park can exploit the many different amenities offered by Colchester city centre, but also enjoy the numerous historic attractions and tranquil country locations nearby as a more peaceful alternative.

Prices at Fortuna Park start from £138,950.  For further information on the new homes available at Fortuna Park please contact the Sales and Marketing Suite on 01206 549 760 or visit www.fortunapark.co.uk

* Statistics published by Stagecoach.

** Subject to certain terms and conditions.

-Ends-

Over the next few years the market town of Colchester is set to be transformed with £1.5 billion being spent on regeneration in the area.  This includes major investment into transport infrastructure, including a new junction on the A12, better shopping facilities, a 500 space multi storey car park, potential for an improved town rail station and service, new community amenities, and both residential and mixed-use developments. 

Within five years, house prices in the area are likely to increase significantly, making Colchester a key area in the South East in which to buy a new property.  As such, budding property investors and home buyers should turn their attention to the new homes in Colchester at Fortuna Park.  This is a new development by Countryside Annington on Lordswood Road, off Layer Road, offering a collection of high quality one and two bedroom apartments, and two, three and four bedroom houses.  Fortuna Park is located less than two miles from Colchester city centre and just minutes away from picturesque countryside.

“The homes at Fortuna Park will benefit from all the new facilities which Colchester will soon have to offer, and as such the value of each property should rise substantially over the coming years,” says Chris Crook, Subsidiary Managing Director for Countryside Properties. 

Ian Hudson, Head of Annington Developments, adds: “Colchester will enjoy significant investment over the coming years with a major regeneration programme planned for the town centre that will see a transformation in the retail and leisure industries.  This, when combined with  the surrounding  high quality natural environment, proposed new jobs, homes and improved transport links, will make the town an even greater place to live."

The second phase of Fortuna Park has recently been released, after phase one sold out quickly. Offering a wide selection of two, three and four bedroom properties which boast interior space of up to 1,800 square feet, the homes are already receiving a great deal of interest from a wide variety of purchasers from first time buyers and young couples, to families and downsizers. 

The new homes feature a variety of different internal layouts and every home is fitted with the latest sleek and stylish modern specification.  Subject to stage of construction, purchasers can choose the design of their fully fitted contemporary kitchen which features a stainless steel gas hob, electric oven, extractor and splash back as standard.

From traditional pubs to trendy bars and restaurants, residents at Fortuna Park can exploit the many different amenities offered by Colchester city centre, but also enjoy the numerous historic attractions and tranquil country locations nearby as a more peaceful alternative.

As a further incentive to buy at Fortuna Park, up to four residents are entitled to a free month’s bus pass* when they move into their new home.  Not only will this offer an environmentally friendly travel option, it will also make travel throughout the town even easier!

Prices at Fortuna Park start from £138,950.  For further information on the new homes available at Fortuna Park please contact the Sales and Marketing Suite on 01206 549 760 or visit www.fortunapark.co.uk

* Subject to certain terms and conditions.

-Ends-

For ex-army wife, Valerie Mills, who has lived in Colchester for over 25 years, the local community is extremely important.  Having been surrounded by a traditional garrison community for many years, Valerie was keen to maintain the feel of Colchester’s well established community, but wanted an adaptable living space to suit her lifestyle.  Fortuna Park, the new joint development by Countryside Properties and Annington Homes, offered the perfect solution. 

Previously living in nearby Friday Wood Green, Valerie spotted the new homes at Fortuna Park on her way to work.  Comprising 96 homes, Fortuna Park offers one and two bedroom apartments and a selection of houses ranging from two to five bedrooms.

Valerie was interested in down-sizing and was attracted by the high quality specification of the Carver Apartments.  “This apartment is perfect for what I want right now.  I wanted somewhere smaller because I am not at home a lot of the time due to work “, says Valerie, who works anti-social hours as a Community Support Worker.  “With the kind of shift work that I do, it suits my needs and it is very convenient for work with a bus stop right outside my front door”. 

It was also important for Valerie to stay in the Colchester area, where she has lived in for many years, since her ex-husband first moved them to join the large army garrison.  “I didn’t want to move out of Colchester, but Fortuna Park is only just down the road from where I used to live, so I am still close to all my friends but now I have a fantastic spacious apartment, where I can relax.  I don’t have to worry about any problems with the apartment because everything is brand new and very high quality; so I have a much easier lifestyle with no DIY and less housework to worry about” explains Valerie. 

“My line of work makes my life so hectic that I just want an easy life when it comes to my spare time.  This is what was so fantastic about moving to Fortuna Park, all the decorating and fixtures had been fitted for me and I just needed to be shown how everything worked”, she continues.  “The fact that my legal fees were paid for and flooring was included in the price of home secured my decision to move as soon as I could into Fortuna Park.”

For further information on the new homes available at Fortuna Park please contact the Sales and Marketing Suite on 01206 549 760 or visit www.fortunapark.co.uk

ENDS

For further information please contact Joanna Bentley or Amy Lambert at Trimedia Harrison Cowley on 0207 404 6777.

With over 75% of the first phase already sold, Countryside Annington has recently launched a new phase of elegant family homes at Fortuna Park, its successful development in Colchester. 

Offering a wide selection of two, three and four bedroom homes which boast interior space of up to 1,800 square feet, the second phase is already receiving a great deal of interest from a wide variety of purchasers from first time buyers and young couples, to families and downsizers. 

Yvonne Hudson-Green, Sales and Marketing Manager for Countryside Properties says: “Fortuna Park is really starting to take shape and potential purchasers are now able to get a real sense of the living environment that is on offer. There have already been reservations for the new phase and we are expecting the high interest to continue in the coming months.”

Ian Hudson, Head of Annington Developments, commented: “The combination of design, variety and competitive pricing as well as the development’s ideal location, makes Fortuna Park a very desirable place to live. Purchasers can enjoy the best of both worlds with both town and country living on their door step.”

The new homes feature a variety of with a range of different internal layouts and the specification is synonymous with the Countryside Annington brand - every home is fitted with the latest sleek and stylish modern finishes.

Subject to stage of construction, purchasers can choose the design of their fully fitted contemporary kitchen which features a stainless steel gas hob, electric oven, extractor and splash back as standard.

The highly specified new homes at Fortuna Park are located less than two miles from Colchester city centre and just minutes away from picturesque countryside. From traditional pubs to trendy bars and restaurants, buyers at Fortuna Park can exploit the many different amenities offered by the city centre, but also enjoy the numerous historic attractions and tranquil country locations nearby as a more peaceful alternative.

Colchester mainline rail station provides frequent peak time rail services to London Liverpool Street in as little as 53 minutes, with services on the same line also stopping at Stratford and Chelmsford. Alternatively London, Norwich, Ipswich, Braintree, Southend and Stansted Airport are easily accessible via the A12 and its links to the A130, A120 and the M25. 

Prices at Fortuna Park start from £143,950.  For further information on the new homes available at Fortuna Park please contact the Sales and Marketing Suite on 01206 549 760 or visit www.fortunapark.co.uk

ENDS

For further information please contact Joanna Bentley or Amy Lambert at Trimedia Harrison Cowley on 0207 404 6777 or email Joanna.bentley@trimediahc.com

Getting onto the property ladder is an unreachable dream for the majority of wannabe first time buyers because of rocketing house prices. However, 22 year old Pratik Shah, a Graduate Management Trainee from South West London, was determined to turn his dream into a reality and get his foot firmly onto the property ladder.

“I thought that buy-to-let would be a good investment” says Pratik. “I had returned home to live with my parents after university to save up for a while, but in London I could only have bought a shoebox. I then heard about Fortuna Park in Colchester, where I could afford a two bedroom house with a garage and garden, and, more importantly, an ideal place to invest.”

Fortuna Park, a new joint venture by Countryside Properties and Annington Homes comprises of 196 homes with one and two bedroom apartments and a selection of houses ranging from two to five bedrooms. Prices start at £172,950 for a two bedroom maisonette.

“It is a fail safe way to get on the property ladder” explains Pratik, “I have bought one of the show homes at Fortuna Park and have leased it back to the developer so that they can continue to use it as a show home, keeping it spotlessly clean and maintained to the highest standards. The rent is guaranteed whilst Countryside Annington (Colchester) Ltd continues to build further phases at Fortuna Park. They are the perfect tenant!”

Colchester and the surrounding area is becoming more and more popular with buyers priced out of the London property market. Served by excellent road and public transport links, the development of Fortuna Park is ideally situated for commuters. From Colchester railway station, London Liverpool Street can be reached in under an hour.

“I am a Londoner through and through, but the more I visit my property, the more I fall in love with it” says Pratik. “I am not ready to move out of London yet, so the ‘sale and lease back’ arrangement is perfect for me.  Colchester is a lovely area and London is just a short hop away.”

The properties at Fortuna Park boast a contemporary specification , with features such as Paula Rosa kitchens with stainless steel appliances and sleek contemporary bathrooms.

Says Pratik, “All the bills are paid for and the rent not only covers the mortgage, but gives me enough to start saving towards my next property. All in all it couldn’t be a better investment.”

Fortuna Park offers modern living solutions with the benefit of beautiful countryside right on the doorstep. The second phase will be released for sale in April 2007. For further details, telephone the Sales and Marketing Suite on 01206 549 760 or visit www.fortunapark.co.uk

-ends-

Raised just outside Melbourne, in the wide open spaces of Australian’s wine country, 28 year old Michael Phillips just couldn’t imagine living in a city. But when he viewed the show property a Fortuna Park, a new joint development by Countryside Annington (Colchester) Ltd, it was love at first sight.  Set just minutes from rolling English countryside, the property’s open plan contemporary living space reminded Michael of home.

“The maisonette felt really spacious and was full of natural light” says Michael, a Computer Broker.  “In Australia I grew up in modern open plan housing and that is what I wanted here in the UK.”

“I also work from home” continues Michael, “so the maisonette had to suit my living and working life.  I thought the second bedroom would be ideal for my study.”

Comprising 96 homes, Fortuna Park offers one and two bedroom apartments and a selection of houses ranging from two to five bedrooms - with prices starting at just £172,950 for a two bedroom maisonette.

Previously renting in nearby Wivenhoe, Michael and his girlfriend Vicky wanted somewhere closer to Colchester where they both had friends and family living. “My sister lives in a similar maisonette down the road” explains Vicky, “Mum and Dad and my little brother are also round the corner and Mike has cousins living in Colchester”.

Vicky Helens, 23, an air hostess for Virgin Atlantic, grew up in the surrounding area and Michael has been based there since moving to the UK five years ago. “We wanted to buy in a new development because we liked the idea of being able to just move in without having to do any work, and with no onward chain” explains Vicky. “I looked on the Internet and found Fortuna Park. We were one of the first couples to view the show property and make an offer. The maisonette felt like home immediately, especially because, as one of the first buyers, we were able to chose the flooring ourselves”.

Served by excellent road and public transport links the development is ideally situated for commuters. From Colchester railway station London Liverpool Street can be reached in under an hour.

“Michael works from home so doesn’t have a daily work commute but he loves the fact that he can walk into town to meet his mate or pay about £5 for a taxi,” says Vicky. “When I am working I fly from Gatwick or Heathrow and the drive is just over an hour which is ideal. When I fly long haul I am away for two to five days. It is good to know that Michael has our friends and family to keep him company. After flying around the world it is heaven to return to our peaceful home.”

The properties at Fortuna Park boast a contemporary specification with features such as Paula Rosa kitchens with stainless steel appliances and sleek contemporary bathrooms, offering modern living solutions with the benefit of beautiful countryside right on the doorstep.  The second phase will be released for sale in Spring 2007. Prices are yet to be released for two, three and four bedroom houses. For further details telephone the Sales and Marketing Suite on 01206 549 760 or visit www.fortunapark.co.uk.

ENDS

For further information please contact Joanna Bentley or Amy Lambert at Trimedia Harrison Cowley on 0207 404 6777.

Fortuna Park, a new joint development by Countryside Annington (Colchester) Ltd, is proving to be a local favourite with eager homebuyers snapping up over 55% of the first sales phase in just a matter of weeks.  Four of the homes were immediately reserved on the first day.

Comprising 196 homes, the new development offers a collection of high-quality one and two bedroom apartments and a selection of houses ranging from two to five bedrooms.  Only five homes remain in the first sales phase and prices start at just £172,950 for a two bedroom maisonette.

Ideally located in a sought after environment, the fresh assortment of property types that Fortuna Park brings to the housing market includes six distinctive property designs. With such choice on offer, the development is appealing to a variety of buyers including first time buyers, young couples, families, down sizers and investors .

Ian Hudson, Head of Annington Developments, commented: “We are delighted to be back in this area and to be offering new and much-needed opportunities for homebuyers. There are enormous benefits to purchasing a new home here especially because of the development’s desirable location, which offers both town and country living right on the doorstep.”

Chris Crook, Managing Director of Countryside Properties, adds: “We are delighted by the growing interest in this development from local homebuyers. Fortuna Park offers a wide range of attractive new homes .  I think it is fair to say that we have something for everyone, and this is ensuring the development’s early success.”

The homes at Fortuna Park boast a high specification with features such asPaula Rosa kitchens with stainless steel appliances and sleek contemporary bathrooms.

The development is located just minutes from traditional English countryside, whilst being just two miles from the bustling centre of Colchester.  London, Norwich, Ipswich, Braintree, Southend and Stansted Airport are easily accessible via the A12 and its links to the A130, A120 and the M25. 

Served by excellent road and train links, the development is ideally situated for commuters. From Colchester railway station, London Liverpool Street can be reached in under an hour, with Chelmsford and Stratford also easily accessible on the same train line.

The second phase will be released for sale in Spring 2007. Prices are yet to be released for 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses. For further details telephone the Sales and Marketing Suite on 01206 549 760 or visit www.fortunapark.co.uk

ENDS

Colchester is one of the best-value investment hotspots in the UK.  According to a recent study predicting house price rises for the next year, Britain’s oldest recorded town has been hailed one of the top ten areas set to benefit¹.

Budding property investors and home buyers should turn their attention to Fortuna Park, a new development by Countryside Properties and Annington Homes on Lordswood Road where no less than four stunning new show homes have recently been opened.

Fortuna Park is a collection of 196 high-quality one and two bedroom apartments, and two, three, four and five bedroom houses.  A variety of designs are available to suit different needs, ranging from one bedroom apartments with modern open plan layouts, to five bedroom detached townhouses with two en-suite bathrooms.

The first phase of homes released for sale includes a collection of apartments with affordable prices starting from £142,000 for a 2 bedroom property.

Yvonne Hudson-Green, Sales and Marketing Director for Countryside Properties, says: “Colchester is ranked the seventh highest hot spot in the UK with house prices set to rise 3% in the next year.  This really does make the homes at Fortuna Park an excellent investment opportunity. In addition to these figures, the high specification and spacious design of the properties will ensure that they hold their appeal well into the future and will deliver good returns.”

James Hopkins, Chief Executive of Annington Homes, adds: “Fortuna Park offers a range of very attractive new homes .  There really is something for everyone, so whether you are an investor, a first time buyer, a young couple, downsizers or simply seeking room for a growing brood, you will find it at Fortuna Park!”

The homes at Fortuna Park boast a high specification with features such as kitchens from Paula Rosa with stainless steel appliances, and contemporary bathrooms.   

The development is located just minutes from the traditional dream of countryside views with the rolling hills of Essex and Suffolk, whilst being just two miles from the bustling centre of Colchester.  London, Norwich, Ipswich, Braintree and Southend are easily accessible via the A12 and its links to the A130, A120 and the M25. 

Served by excellent road and train links, the development is ideally situated for commuters.  From Colchester railway station, London Liverpool Street can be reached in under an hour, with Chelmsford and Stratford also easily accessible on the same train line.

Prices range from £142,000 for a two bedroom apartment to £295,000 for a four bedroom house.  For further details telephone the Sales and Marketing Suite on 01206 549 760 or visit www.fortunapark.co.uk

¹ Figures are from the Property Investment show and have been ranked in order of predicted house price inflation this year, based on current performance¹.