When it comes to summing up the 2024 zeitgeist, the phrase that springs to mind is undoubtedly 'work life balance'... and one business is helping make that aim a reality for homeowners.
IF you thought hybrid referred only to cars then think again. For ever since lockdown introduced us to working from home and the joys – not to mention health benefits – of long, coast and country walks, hybrid has come to encompass far, far more.
Increasingly, employers and employees alike are navigating flexible work patterns, enabling people to split their working week between their own home and the office.
And, while this can benefit both sides, it has led an increasing number of people to question whether their home is, actually, cut out for hybrid working.
Thankfully, one of the region’s leading housebuilders is already ahead of them. Miller Homes Norh East – which has 10 sites in development across the region – is designing flexible living spaces into every house it builds now.
And, mindful of the need to be within easy commuting distance of urban centres, from Durham and Sunderland to Middlesbrough and Gateshead, it is bearing access and connectivity in mind with each new development.
Its latest, at Blakeney Green, Chapelgarth, Sunderland – set to launch in coming weeks – is a case in point.
Four miles from the centre of Sunderland and just off the A19, Blakeney Green is fringed by a ‘panoramic park;’ a purposebuilt green area of walkways and activity zones for new residents to enjoy the space to relax and unwind, and views of the coast to the east.
After all, buyers want hybrid living, too – with facilities, along with opens spaces and great walks, all close to hand.
The development offers rapid access to Durham, Sunderland and Newcastle and to all major road, Metro and rail transport networks.
And amenities within half a mile include Doxford International Business Park, supermarkets, pharmacy, Post Office and spa and leisure facilities such as sports centres, pubs and restaurants.
The 165, three to five bedroom, new build homes are set to appeal to buyers of all ages and among the housing styles central to the scheme are the four bedroom Skywood, and Kirkwood and five bedroom Denford and Grayford.
Each features open plan kitchen and dining spaces with French doors leading to the garden along with separate laundry rooms and flexible space for home working.
All homes incorporate a variety of high specification energy saving features such as external electric vehicle charging points, flue gas and waste water heat recovery systems and solar PV diverters which divert excess electricity to the hot water cylinder.
Sales director Lauren Angus is confident demand will be high for homes at Blakeney Green.
“It comes down to location, location, location every time,” she said, “and Blakeney Green’s location simply couldn’t be better.
“Not only is it close to both coast and countryside, but it is within exceedingly easy travelling distance of major cities within the region and beyond.
“You can step off a train at Durham or head home from work in Sunderland and be home, surrounded by nature, within half an hour. But it’s not just about what surrounds your home – the inside space is crucial.
“We pride ourselves on providing spacious homes with areas specifically designed to be home offices and workspaces. And, once you no longer need or want to use them in that way, they make equally gorgeous reading or tv rooms.”
For more information about Blakeney Green and other Miller Homes properties across the North East visit www.millerhomes.co.uk
