Category: Uncategorised

• Spotlight on…The Marbill Residences

  

   

  With our final family moving into The Marbill Residences at Victoria Fold, Sabden, this week, we thought we’d share a few photos of these unique homes with you.

  There are three Marbill Residences housed within a mews-style structure we built from scratch, but based on the industrial building that previously stood in its place. This explains the Marbill’s distinctive footprint – it curves along the course of Sabden Brook, which once powered the mill that gave Victoria Fold its name – and made for a build project that was challenging at times, with our team needing to work in the Brook to create the foundations. We’ve retained the original building’s name too, commemorating it in the carved stone that’s built into an exterior wall, and reused its original natural stone.

   

  

   

  Being on the banks of Sabden Brook means the Marbill Residences enjoy beautiful views of the water, as well as far-reaching views towards Pendle Hill and into the Lancashire countryside from different vantage points. The building’s curved layout makes for large rooms with interesting shapes, including the huge top floor living spaces.

   

  

   

  The homes have island kitchens leading to open plan dining spaces, and separate sitting rooms. The four bedrooms include master suites with integrated wardrobes either side of spacious shower rooms, plus bedrooms that could be used as home offices, studios or cinemas instead. Large windows flood the rooms with light and provide the aforementioned views, while high ceilings add to the airy feel.

   

  

  

   

  We finished the Marbill Residences to our usual high standards and with lots of high quality details, including oak handrails for the stairs, which match the cottage-style doors; these are finished with contrasting black ironmongery. Outside there’s further contrast, with dark window frames and slate house numbers set against the warm natural stone elevations.

   

  

   

  We couldn’t be prouder of these distinctive homes, which perfectly frame the entrance to Victoria Fold. At time of writing there are just two homes still available at the development, the four-bedroom Cobden and the five-bedroom Radcliffe, which, like the Marbill Residences, is part of a characterful mews that references the industrial building which stood there previously. Take a look at both homes here.

   

  

  23rd October 2020

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  Skipton Properties

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  Uncategorised

• A closer look at The Bridge apartments

  

   

  The Bridge apartments in Haworth officially opened for viewings a week ago and the response has been fantastic, with almost one third already reserved. Take a closer look at the specification and see what makes the homes we’re creating here so special.

  There’s a variety of different one and two bedroom apartments to choose from, all constructed with care by our expert craftsmen. The Bridge apartments have spacious open plan living areas with integrated kitchens, which can be customised with your choice of door fronts, handles, tiling and laminate work tops. The kitchen in our View Apartment, which features a long, galley-style run of units as well as an island, has a pale colour palette, while the corner kitchen in our Show Apartment has a stylish two-tone scheme, with dark grey base units and pale grey wall units. Kitchen units have oak effect interiors, and all kitchens come with integrated Zanussi appliances, including dishwasher, ceramic hob, oven and fridge/freezer.

   

  

  

   

  All apartments have house bathrooms and some have additional en suite bathrooms. Half tiling to bathroom walls, and full tiling to baths and showers, is included in the purchase price of our apartments, as well as Hansgrohe taps and showers, contemporary white sanitaryware and chrome towel radiators.

   

  

   

  Flooring and carpeting is also included in the purchase price of The Bridge apartments. We’ve chosen versatile mid oak effect Karndean flooring, as seen in the kitchen and bathroom shots above. Soft carpeting is available in a choice of three colours for the bedrooms, as seen below.

   

  

   

  The Bridge apartments have the perfect blend of modern and historic features. All apartments are fitted with Honeywell energy-saving and secure audio entry systems, and all have access to shared EV electric car charging points. The handsome exteriors are a blend of reconditioned and sourced natural stone, which is perfectly complemented by the huge feature aluminium windows. Inside the windows are just as striking, flooding the apartments with light, and have very deep sills that lend themselves to being used as extra seating, book shelves or places to display favourite objects.

   

  

   

  Each apartment has lift access and its own parking space, with additional spaces for visitors. We’ll also create a tranquil communal green space with seating and a herb garden for all residents to enjoy.

  The Bridge apartments are open for pre-booked viewings from Thursday – Monday, 10:30am – 5pm, so why not book a tour to come and see all these beautiful details for yourself? Contact us on 01535 288002 or the [email protected], and take a look at the available apartment styles here.

   

  
  16th October 2020

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  Skipton Properties

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  Uncategorised

• Planning permission granted at Ebor Mills, Haworth

  

   

  Did you know that in late August we were granted planning permission for two historic sites in Haworth? Apartments in the former Bridgehouse Mill building at The Bridge are already on sale, as you may have seen, and work is already underway at the second site: Ebor Mills.

  We acquired the Grade II listed Ebor Mills site in 2018 and have since worked tirelessly to create a housing scheme that fits into its historic surroundings and the local area. Our final plans have evolved quite dramatically from the plans previewed during the public consultation in July 2019, with the final approved scheme taking feedback from local residents into account.

  The Ebor Mills site dates back to 1819, and we will transform existing, listed buildings that once housed important mill functions, including the spinning mill, warehouse, economiser and boiler house, into 14 unique and modern homes. We’ll also restore the original chimney, maintaining the site’s distinctive silhouette and roof line. The weaving sheds will be demolished, but in their place we will build 24 new homes in a variety of styles designed to pay tribute to the site’s industrial heritage. Our homes will have between two and four bedrooms and we will only be building on brownfield, previously industrial land.

  We’ll carry out a substantial programme of road improvements to Ebor Lane, with the aim of improving visibility and creating safer routes for pedestrians, and on-site parking for residents and visitors will be provided. Public access to the site will also be included, so that Haworth’s rich industrial history can be enjoyed and appreciated by all.

  Work is already well underway and we anticipate that the first homes at Ebor Mills will be ready for customers in Spring 2021. We’ll be releasing information on our homes soon – make sure you’ve registered to receive updates here.

  Sarah Barraclough, our Managing Director, said: “I’m delighted that long-awaited planning permission was granted for two developments we feel so passionate about. We’re glad to have been given the opportunity to deliver a proportion of the 400 much-needed new homes that the council has committed to provide in Haworth by 2030.

  “Winning permission for these landmark regenerative projects after months of uncertainty is a testament to the hard work, thought and care put into the applications by many members of our team. We hope the beautiful homes we will create and the works we will carry out to enhance the surrounding area, especially at Ebor Mills, will help to reassure residents, and that these two completely rejuvenated sites will be places everyone can feel proud of for years to come.”

  Register here to receive updates on Ebor Mills and be the first to find out when we release homes off-plan. View our apartments at The Bridge, also in Haworth, here.

  14th October 2020

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  Skipton Properties

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  Uncategorised

• Historic Haworth

  

   

  Not only have our apartments at The Bridge been created from the careful conversion of a mill dating back to the 1700s, they’re located in historic Haworth, which has a rich heritage of its own.

  Famed as the birthplace of the Brontës, who lived and worked at what is now the Grade I listed Brontë Parsonage Museum on Church Street, the rugged, romantic landscape surrounding this charming hill village inspired masterpieces of English literature including Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights.

   

  

   

  Within Haworth’s conservation area and along its steep cobbled streets are several churches and chapels, including the church where the Brontës’ father once served as curate, along with weavers’ cottages, workshops and mills that, with Bridgehouse Mill (the building we’re converting and conserving to create the apartments at The Bridge), act as a reminder of the region’s industrial heritage.

   

  

   

  The Bridge Apartments are adjacent to (and several enjoy views of) Bridgehouse Beck and the Keighley and Worth Valley Steam Railway, which famously appeared in the iconic 1970 film, The Railway Children. The railway first opened in 1867 and was predominantly funded by wealthy local mill owners: the owner of Bridgehouse Mill would quite possibly have been amongst them! Nowadays the railway is run almost entirely by volunteers, and Haworth station is one of six stops along its five-mile line, which sweeps through the Pennine valleys. This picturesque landscape is right on The Bridge’s doorstep and easy to explore, with many walking routes accessible from the rear of development.

   

  

   

  Come and experience the modern, luxury apartment lifestyle we’re creating at The Bridge amid such historic surroundings. View our available homes here and find out how to book an appointment to view our Show and View Apartments.

  8th October 2020

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  Skipton Properties

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  Uncategorised

• Looking back on some favourite developments

  

   

  As we prepare to launch our latest homes in Skipton, we’ve been reflecting on projects we’ve worked on over the past couple of years.

  We thought we’d share a few favourite developments that showcase our talent for creating ‘New Homes, Re-imagined’ of the highest quality that blend seamlessly with their surroundings and enhance their locales, just as our homes at St. Stephen’s Place will.

   

  Kearns Village, Rossendale, Lancashire

  

   

  Winner of the LABC North West Award for Best Small New Development, the 22 detached luxury homes that comprise our Kearns Village development were built on the site of a former mill in Rossendale, Lancashire. This site has provided much inspiration for subsequent developments, particularly The Sycamores in Coniston Cold, thanks to its similar compact size and stunning rural location, and we’ve returned to some of its most popular design details, including the bespoke aluminium windows.

  Completed: 2019

   

  Victoria Fold, Sabden, Lancashire

  

   

  Like Kearns Village, Victoria Fold is located on the site of a former mill in Lancashire, this time in the village of Sabden. 30 natural stone and slate homes sit on the banks of picturesque Sabden Brook, surrounded by rolling countryside. Due to be completed later in 2020, it’ was a finalist of the LABC North West Award for Best Small New Development. Just two homes are still available at Victoria Fold – find out more here.

  Due for completion: 2020

   

  The Green, Glusburn, North Yorkshire

  

   

  The 39 homes we created in Glusburn make the most of their Airedale Valley location; cascading down the hillside in a way that maximises the size of the plots and the views they enjoy. As with many of our sites, the works we carried out enhance the area, in this case by improving access and providing much-needed parking and a public green space and play area for existing residents.

  Completed: 2020

   

  Elsey Croft, Skipton, North Yorkshire

  

   

  A larger site for us, and one that’s also located in our company’s hometown. Elsey Croft comprises more than 100 homes in our trademark natural stone, designed with an abundance of windows to maximise natural light and framed with traditional dry stone walls to help the development sit harmoniously within the natural landscape.

  Completed: 2016

  Find out about our latest development, St. Stephen’s Place, and register your interest in the homes we’re creating here.

  27th August 2020

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  Skipton Properties

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  Uncategorised

• Introducing St. Stephen’s Place: welcome to our hometown

  

   

  Our latest homes in Skipton are launching in the next few weeks, and we can’t wait to show you around! In the meantime, we thought we’d give you a little tour of the town itself…

  Welcome to our hometown! We’re proud to call Skipton home and very excited to be building again in a town that is often ranked amongst the happiest in the UK and rated one of its best places to live. It’s known as the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and it really is the perfect base for exploring ‘God’s own country’, whether you’re taking in the waterfalls at Gordale Scar, walking Elslack Moor or paying a visit to the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The picturesque waterways of the River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, including Skipton’s own Springs Branch, also run through the town itself.

   

  

   

  The area is historically significant as well as naturally beautiful. Skipton prospered as a market town thanks to its history of trading sheep and woollen goods; in fact its name translates as ‘sheep town’, and a sheep fleece features on its coat of arms. The town’s eponymous castle dates back to the 11th Century and there’s more local history to discover at East Riddlesden Hall, Cliffe Castle and the striking ruins of Bolton Abbey and Priory. Broughton Hall Estate, which will be forever linked to St. Stephen’s Place thanks to the Tempest family, has also been revitalised by its current custodians, with an on-site wellbeing centre, bistro and more.

   

  

   

  The location of St. Stephen’s Place could hardly be more convenient, thanks to its close proximity to notable schools, useful amenities and excellent transport links. St. Stephen’s Primary School is just next door, with Water Street Primary, Ermysted’s Boys’ Grammar and Skipton Girls’ High School all within a couple of minutes’ walk. Several major supermarkets have a presence in Skipton alongside many independent shops (Keelham Farm Shop, located further up the road towards Gargrave, is a particular highlight) and a bustling market still takes place several days a week. Skipton train station is a short walk away and has regular connecting services to Leeds, Carlisle and beyond. York, Leeds and other major towns and cities are within easy reach via road, as is Leeds Bradford Airport.

  Find out about the homes we’re creating right on our doorstep at St. Stephen’s Place and register your interest here.

   

  13th August 2020

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  Skipton Properties

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  Uncategorised

• Introducing St. Stephen’s Place: 170 years of history

  

   

  We’re preparing to launch our latest homes in Skipton, created from the renovation of the former St. Stephen’s School and Presbytery, in the next few weeks. In the meantime we thought we’d share some of the history of these wonderful old buildings.

  In 1836, on a tree-lined piece of land in Skipton then known as Sycamore Hill and surrounded by cornfields, construction began on St. Stephen’s Church. Brothers Thomas and Charles Tempest were prominent local Catholics instrumental in funding and planning the church. The Tempest family has roots in this part of Yorkshire dating back to 1097 and the brothers’ direct descendants still run nearby Broughton Hall Estate, the family’s seat. The Tempest coat of arms and motto, ‘life as thou finds’ is carved above the school’s eastern entrance, which was once the entrance to the infants’ school.

  The church’s eventual consecration in 1842 was an important moment in Skipton’s religious history, as it was the first official place of worship for the local Catholic community, and in 1850 plans were drawn up to build a school and presbytery (house for a parish priest). They were to be built around an existing building, Holywell Cottage, which dates back to earlier in the century. In contrast to the cottage’s simple Georgian architecture, the school and presbytery are designed in the Gothic Revival style, an ornate, romantic style that was inspired by Medieval architecture and very popular in the Victorian era. Typical Neo-Gothic features include the steeply pitched rooves and gables, pointed arches and lancet and clover windows seen at St. Stephen’s.

   

  

   

  The school and presbytery opened in 1854, as commemorated in the date stone above the main entrance on Gargrave Road. The school was run by various orders of nuns for more than a century (St. Monica’s Convent, which later became a girls’ school, opened nearby in 1861). Holywell Cottage was home to the school master before becoming part of the school in the 1950s. Thomas Tempest, one of the local brothers responsible for the creation of St. Stephen’s, acted as the first parish priest, while the first priest to live in the presbytery, Father George Bridges, arrived in the 1850s. He was followed in 1874 by Father Richard Sharp, who served the parish for 40 years.

  St. Stephen’s School was based in the original complex of buildings until the early part of this century, and many local residents have memories of attending school there. A new complex of buildings next door now houses the school, while the original buildings had lain empty for several years when we took ownership of them.

  We’re delighted to honour 170 years of history at St. Stephen’s Place’s and conserve these historic buildings for future generations to enjoy – find out more about the homes we’re creating and register your interest here.

   

  

  13th August 2020

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  Skipton Properties

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  Uncategorised

• A new way to find our developments: what3words

  

   

  what3words is a really simple way to talk about location, and we’ve recently started using it to offer visitors a more accurate way of navigating to our developments. Here’s how this clever bit of tech works!

  Each 3m square in the world has been assigned a unique and unchanging three word reference by what3words, enabling easy and accurate navigation to wherever you want to go. It’s particularly useful in locations where many, if not all, of the homes share the same postcode – The Sycamores, our development in the tiny village of Coniston Cold, is a good example – and people also use it for things like finding friends’ tents at festivals. You can use what3words here, but the easiest way to use it is via the app – download it here. Happy navigating!

   

  

   

   

  13th August 2020

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  Skipton Properties

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  Uncategorised

• Skipton Properties announces new Construction Director and NFB membership

  

   

  During the uncertainty caused by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Skipton Properties has taken decisive action to strengthen and consolidate its leadership team and amplify its voice and influence amongst industry peers and policy makers.

  The family-owned company is pleased to announce the promotion of John Edwards from Construction Manager to Construction Director. Edwards leads a team of 65 long-serving, skilled craftsmen employed directly by the company, as well as more than 100 external contractors. He oversees the construction of more than 100 new homes every year, with a focus on quality, longevity and sustainability. He joins Chairman Brian Verity, family Directors Sarah Barraclough, MD, and Caroline van Niekerk, Sales, Marketing and Design Director, and Finance Director Luke Davis on the company’s Board. All four Board Directors are in their 30s.

  John Edwards has more than eighteen years’ experience in the construction industry and, prior to joining Skipton Properties, he held managerial roles at Persimmon Homes for a decade. Of his recent promotion, he said: “I’ve learnt a lot working with Brian, and the combination of his principles and years of experience plus the modern methods and techniques I bring to the table seems to be a great mix, and one that encapsulates the Skipton Properties difference. My promotion to Construction Director is an exciting prospect, and I’m glad of the opportunity to work closely with my fellow Directors and take the business forward.” Managing Director Sarah Barraclough commented: “Since joining Skipton Properties six years ago as a Site Manager, John has become a pivotal member of the team. The wealth of construction experience and expertise and the informed decision-making perspective he brings to the Board will be invaluable as we build for the future.”

   

  

   

  Red tape and an inefficient planning system are a permanent obstacle for many UK property developers (a fact acknowledged by politicians and think tanks); and that’s without factoring in the seismic impact COVID-19 is having across the construction industry. Skipton Properties MD Sarah Barraclough is advocating for change to the planning system; lobbying politicians and policy-makers at both the local and national level. As part of her efforts, Skipton Properties recently became a member of influential trade body, the National Federation of Builders (NFB). Barraclough said of her decision to join the NFB: “We’re keen to do all we can to help drive meaningful change in the construction industry; endeavouring to simplify the process for all parties whilst delivering the new homes this country needs. Being part of the NFB will amplify our voice within the industry, give us the opportunity to shape policy and provide access to influential groups such as the House Builders’ Association. It’s also reassuring to have their support and guidance during the pandemic. I look forward to collaborating with the NFB to benefit not just my business, but the industry as a whole.”

  Mark Barber, the NFB’s Business Development Manager, commented: “The National Federation of Builders exists for one reason and that is to support its members. Over the last few years the federation has made improvements to make a step change and make sure it is fit for continuing to add value to members in the future. This is being recognised: more and more and new members are joining as they can see the tangible benefits of being part of the NFB.”

  21st July 2020

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  Skipton Properties

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  Uncategorised

• Take a Stamp Duty ‘holiday’ this year

  

   

  You might be debating whether or not to take a summer holiday this year, but for a ‘break’ that won’t disappoint and offers fantastic value, the Government’s just-announced Stamp Duty ‘holiday’ is hard to beat…

  From now until 31st March 2021, property purchases up to the value of £500,000 will not incur any Stamp Duty, a tax that’s usually payable on top of the purchase price of a home. For buyers, that represents a seriously significant saving of up to £15,000 off the total cost of buying a home.

  Whilst previous Stamp Duty incentives have often benefited first time buyers, this latest initiative applies to all buyers. So if you’re looking to downsize, own rental properties and are looking to add to your portfolio or are looking for a cost-effective way to get onto to property ladder, we’re sure you reacted with as much interest as we did to today’s announcement!

  We’re here to help our buyers in every way we can, not least with tailor-made incentives packages that make purchasing from us even easier and more cost-effective: there’s never been a better time to buy a Skipton Properties home. We have several homes across Yorkshire and Lancashire that are eligible for the Stamp Duty cut – contact us to find out more.

  We now have just one home available at The Rise in Harden. The Hartwith, our beautifully-appointed former Show Home, has four bedrooms, a south-facing garden, garage and close to 2,000 sq. ft. of living space and is priced at £490,000.

  The Bay is also the last home remaining of our Kings Mill Residences in Settle. This natural stone, detached home also has four bedrooms and a garage, and huge feature corner post windows that make the most of the development’s views and idyllic location next to the River Ribble, right at the edge of the Dales.

  Over in Sabden, Lancashire, all of the three homes remaining at Victoria Fold are thoughtfully designed and offer views across Sabden Brook, as well as no Stamp Duty to pay – discover these unique properties here.

  8th July 2020

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  Skipton Properties

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  Uncategorised