APRIL 2009
GRAND DESIGNS WINS HIGH PRAISE
A new development on the seafront at Bognor has recently won high acclaim from some of its harshest critics – its new owners. The first residents to move into the lavishly appointed apartments at Esplanade Grande have been singing the praises of the Edwardian-style building built by Worthing-based, family owned developers, Roffey Homes.
Ted and June Love decided to buy their apartment while visiting Butlins with their grand-daughter. “We were settled for life” explained former policeman, Ted, aged 67. “We had a lovely home in a little cul-de-sac in Ickenham, Middlesex and were very happy. We’d lived in the area all our married life but when we saw Esplanade Grande we knew it was the perfect place to retire to. It’s our fifth brand new home and it’s ten times better than anything we’ve bought before.”
A keen golfer, Ted has already joined the local golf and bowls club. The couple used to have a caravan nearby where they had many happy holidays with their six grandchildren. “We can’t criticise anything or anybody. The finish is brilliant and nothing is too much of a problem. We’re thrilled to bits and so proud to have our home here. Every day you see people walking along the promenade admiring the building. It’s made the seafront lovely.” added Ted.
June, aged 66, agrees: “I’ve had a permanent smile on my face ever since we moved in. Everyone has been really helpful. They’ve even recommended local companies to us and they have all been very good.”
Neighbours, John and June Court, both in their sixties, are equally impressed. “We’re very critical but haven’t found anything to criticise. This is our third new home and we’ve never experienced anything like it” commented John. “Roffey don’t just hand you the keys and leave you to get on with it. They give you an information manual, which is really terrific as it explains how everything works, and the workmen have been very helpful. Any minor problems we’ve had have been sorted out straight away.”
The couple who lived in Fareham, Hampshire, for forty years moved to Bognor to be nearer to their daughter. Retired shipyard manager, John, had always wanted a flat by the sea but June took a bit more convincing. They started to look at bungalows last year and couldn’t find anything they liked.
John said: “It was our daughter who suggested we look at Esplanade Grande and we were pleasantly surprised. It was just an empty shell but even then it was light and bright. We sold our bungalow straight away and then the chain collapsed. It took a few months to sell it again by which time we’d lost the apartment we’d originally seen. But it all worked out well in the end because June doesn’t like heights and this one is exactly the same but on the floor below. It’s the same size as our bungalow so we haven’t had to downsize at all.”
Joint selling agents Michael Jones and Henry Adams say interest in the two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses has soared since the scaffolding covering the façade was removed last month. Over 50% of the apartments priced from £225,000 - £595,000 have been reserved and work is due to be completed on the £8m development by autumn.
To arrange a viewing contact: 01243 868682. The Marketing Suite is open Monday – Saturday from 10am – 4pm.