Lifestyle Your companion guide to contemporary living at Woodhurst Park Homes in harmony with nature A brand new community that offers the finest in every sense A natural vision comes to life Woodhurst Park, a place where community and the environment live hand in hand A pinch of perfection Exquisite living spaces in which to create a special style of living
Feel connected Neighbour to neighbour Friend to friend Parent to child Us to you It’s real Welcome to Woodhurst Park Superb new homes set within a mature country park setting where community is at the heart of everything.
A home made community Community has never been more prized: today we all cherish the sense of belonging and friendship that comes from being connected with others. At Woodhurst Park, not only have we built carefully designed homes alongside beautiful countryside, we have put people first and established a true community. Our residents are delighted by the warm welcome and neighbours quickly become friends. This community place making is combined with place keeping and, as the custodians of this beautiful Berkshire landscape, we have created a glorious 65 acre county park for everyone to enjoy, for generations to come. Woodhurst Park is a sustainable community which people of all ages are proud to call home. I hope you enjoy reading about some of the many things which make this place special and that you will want to be part of this thriving community. Steve Harrison Chairman Berkeley Oxford & Chiltern 4
Lifestyle 6. Where place making Pg 16, Life at Woodhurst Pg 46, Out of every room in a Park offers a sense of wider home, your bedroom is without becomes place keeping belonging, the perfect a doubt the most personal, 8. Homes in harmony antidote to the pressures discover how to transform with nature of modern life. your bedroom into a comfortable retreat. 16. It's about community Pg 24,The Woodhurst Park evolution, designed and 38. The beating heart of the village. ...meet the neighbours created so that communities Why we love a village school 18. Beautifully styled homes and nature can live hand 20. Behind the design 40. Interiors in hand. 42. Space to create. ...meet the architects Pg 36, Modern facilities and Kitchens 22. The masterplan a safe nurturing learning 24. A natural vision environment for Woodhurst 46. Sip back and relax. Park's youngest residents. comes to life Bedrooms and bathrooms 28. A place to make friends 48. Hello New. 32. Perfect for dog lovers ...meet the interior designers ...and cat people alike 50. A location demanding attention 34. Where the school run 52. Bracknell. A once in a is a walk in the park generation regeneration 36. A centre for learning 54. Out and about by day in the heart of the community and night Pg 8, Discover a community 58. World class neighbours growing and evolving 60. The Berkeley Difference. 62. An unrivalled alongside nature, providing homes for people at all customer experience stages of life. 64. Designed for life 66. Our commitment to the future 5
Wherever you live, people want the same thing. A home where they feel safe. Their own front door. A gentle view of the park or the trees. A community with character, friends and a sense of belonging. Tony Pidgley, Chairman of the Berkeley Group Where place making becomes place keeping At Woodhurst Park as in all our developments, we put people first. We create places that work for everyone, and communities where people are happy, connected and self-reliant. 6
7
Homes in har Woodhurst Park - a perfect blend of contemporary living surrounded by a picturesque 65 acre country park. A brand new community that offers the finest in every sense - elegant and beautiful new homes set in mature woodland and unspoilt countryside, yet just minutes from the amenities and attractions of Warfield, Bracknell, Windsor and Ascot. 8
mony with nature 9
At Woodhurst Park you will find Easter Bunnies 10
and furry caterpillars Every season brings its own unique opportunities to discover, to appreciate nature close-up, and to share special fun days with friends. 11
Coffee mornings Getting together over a good read - and a decent coffee - or making every joyful moment before bed-time count, enjoy every minute of the day. 12
and parkland sunsets 13
Racing hearts 14
and wise heads Run free to a soundtrack of birdsong or discover something new about the wonders of nature – it never stops surprising and inspiring. 15
It's about community ...meet the neighbours Woodhurst Park is an established, growing community. Here's what some of the locals have to say. Talk to grandparents or older the tightly packed terrace streets Berkeley initiated a Community people about the places they of the traditional town – it adds a Plan in order to connect neighbours used to live and they will often recall dimension that is positive in every with each other. A Woodhurst Park with real warmth and nostalgia the way. Studies now show that being resident's association has been sense of community they felt in a connected has a big impact on formed with newsletters keeping particular street or place. There is our happiness and that connected residents informed about up-coming no doubt that modern life makes communities help keep people well. events so that new arrivals can meet many demands on our time, with In turn this encourages us to engage like-minded people from the start. the result that after work and at with the community making it an With many active community clubs weekends we simply want to close the even more inviting place to be. and special events, from Wildlife door behind us. So, feeling a wider Four years on since the first in the Community with the Berks, sense of belonging can often be an residents put the key in the door Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust taking increasingly rare thing, but finding in 2016, a friendly neighbourhood residents on bug safaris in the it can be one of the most important and community has developed at woodland to Royal Wedding street and rewarding things in our life. Woodhurst Park, among people who parties, summer fêtes, open-air And while a sense of community already had ties to the local area as barbecues and festive Christmas grows in different ways in different well as those moving into it for the first carol concerts, Woodhurst Park settings - you can find it just as much time. A successful community grows really does have a true sense among the residents of scattered organically over time, but creating the of community at its heart. crofts on a Scottish island as in right conditions can be key. 16
A community is like a family – albeit a very much larger one – where all ages are valued and interact with each other and feel a wider sense of belonging. We moved from a few miles away as our children had left home and expected life to be a tad quiet, but we have found so many things to get involved in we’re busier than before. Moving here as a young family we immediately felt at home and part of a welcoming place. That was really important for us and for our children in the years ahead. 17
18
Beautifully styled homes and attractive street scenes blend seamlessly with their parkland setting to create a real sense of place. 19
From blank canvas to a place of character is quite a journey. We asked Sue Church, Associate at BHP Harwood architectural practice about the inspiration, challenges and desire to deliver something exceptional at Woodhurst Park. the evolution of an idea 20
Q. The landscape of Woodhurst Q We hear a lot about character Park has many varied natural areas nowadays. Why are features. In what way did these they so important? act as framework for the design? A . Each part of the site will have its A. The natural assets were used own inherent character simply as a starting point to develop a due to its location within the network of routes and spaces, development, its relationship linking existing features with to its immediate surroundings new spaces and creating green and the physical qualities of the pedestrian and cycle routes topography. Using these qualities around the site. So, the new homes to further develop a character for were able to take advantage an area helps give the residents a of a landscape that provides feeling of identity and ownership character, views and contact with within the overall scheme. It also nature, close to routes providing creates what is called ‘legibility’ activity and surveillance. which aids navigation for both residents and visitors alike. Q. Woodhurst Park has everything from detached homes, Q. There are houses at the apartments and coach-houses River Cut with wraparound to townhouses and cottage balconies overlooking the river terraces. Why did you want to and positioned to make the offer this range of choice? most of the sunset. To what extent was the importance of A. A successful community is aspect and position considered formed from bringing people of throughout Woodhurst Park? all ages together. The vision for Woodhurst Park was to create a A. Aspects and orientation were a unique place where people will really important consideration continue to live, play and learn. in the layout – providing south- To that end, the wide variety of facing gardens where possible homes allows opportunities for all and ensuring living areas take household types and aspirations. advantage of light and views for example. Features like terraces, Q. How do you balance a design bay windows and balconies create that relates to the local opportunities to maximize these character, such as dormers, benefits as much as possible bay windows, finishes like – and residents love them. clapperboard and render, but also has a fresh modern look? A. The architectural language for the site evolved from the traditional character of the local area. There are some sensitive areas where it was important that the design reflected closely the local vernacular but others where traditional forms and materials could be developed to create new details and a more modern feel, creating its own character, but still sitting comfortably within the setting. 21
Forest Road The Country Park Woodland Ride The Hill Fields The Village Green Swallows Corner The Woodland Walk Greenview & Westmorland 22 Apartments Rosewood Harvest Ride The Village Pond
Willows Grove The Riverside Cut Primary School Sopworth Road Orchard Walk Weir Valley Community Allotments Harvest Ride The Masterplan Surrounded by 65 acres of landscaped open space, Woodhurst Park features a delightful collection of character areas to suit everyone. The expansive Country Park is perfect for an early morning run or stroll with the dog, there are also play areas to create a safe and fun environment for children to play with their friends after school. 23
A natural vision comes to life Woodhurst Park has been designed and created so that communities and nature can live hand in hand Gently undulating woodland copses and winding watercourses offer a wonderful mosaic of natural landscape features that have inspired and informed how Woodhurst Park has evolved. Home to a wealth of landscaped areas which make the perfect open spaces to take a walk, clear your mind and explore with family and friends, this is a life within a place that is always in touch, in tune, and in harmony with nature. 24
The Woodland Walk The Village Green Awaken your senses amongst The traditional village green the colours, sights and sounds has been the heart and of the seasons, from birds in hub for events and the summer trees to autumn’s colours and scampering squirrels celebrations in communities for centuries and its appeal to crackling winter leaves. is as strong as ever. The Riverside Cut The natural watercourse is an important part of the landscape, its habitats enhanced with reedbeds, the water glimpsed from paths and boardwalks and crossing point The Splash. 25
Weir Valley The National Trust holds activities all year round to help everyone Carefully located throughout get in touch with nature, with a are a number of sites to allow week-by-week guide to activities from celebrating the first day wildlife to be a part of the of spring to a blossom watch community. Such as the Weir scheme. Try these: Valley that runs through the • Watch butterflies and bees heart of Woodhurst. in the garden or at the wildflower meadow Green space in all its forms is at the heart of the Woodhurst Park lifestyle, and that green space is an • Build a hedgehog home integral part of the community. These are the places where young ones explore the world, adults make new • Touch the bark as you pass friends on a morning walk, residents come together on a tree the Village Green for long summer days and neighbours greet you as you take the children or grandchildren • Go barefoot in the grass - to feed the ducks at the Village Pond. It is about the whatever your age qualities of a traditional way of life, of living in a safe, secure place where trees not traffic take priority, and Download – and even better, of taking the time to notice the nuances of the changing print out - your Rewild your Life seasons. Sitting amongst the fragrant springtime blossom guide at: nt.global.ssl.fastly. of the Orchard Walk fruit trees, or seeing the colours net/documents/national-trust- of the wildflower meadows in high summer recreate an noticing-nature-week-by-week- impressionist painting, it is worth knowing that recent guide.pdf research by the National Trust found that people who take time to smell the flowers and get close to nature The Hill Fields feel happier overall. But perhaps you knew it all along. A beautifully designed Local 26 Equipped Area of Play (LEAP), children will simply love it for its grassy hillocks to roll and slide down, and for its dens, tunnels and bridges.
The Country Park The country park of 65 acres, framed by woodland and meadows, is the wide expanse of green space close to home. Criss-crossed with paths on which to walk and cycle, there is a real sense of the openness, wide horizons, and feeling of freedom, that living at Woodhurst Park is all about – and will be appreciated by everyone from tots and youngsters with energy to burn to grandparents - and especially the family dog. 27
A place to m 28
make friends 29
Friendship within a community Friendship is hard-wired into our brains even earlier than many of us may think. Babies still too small to speak know how to make jokes and form friendships, and from six months of age use their social skills and make friends and each other laugh to a degree that has even surprised researchers. Interacting with each other through eye contact, hand gestures and humour, babies next to each other in highchairs playfully switch their bottles around, and toddlers invite others to be part of their group. 30
Then come the school years making - and falling out with – friends, the play dates, and sleepovers - and the teenager’s penchant for spending hours on the phone to friends to the ‘but you’ve seen them all day!’ refrain of parents everywhere. But throughout this time friendship is important to grown-ups too. Which is why mother and baby/ toddler groups and the like are always popular, just when you may be missing the conversation if not the politics of the office or work-place. Later on, making friends in adulthood can become more difficult, but the good news is the same factors that made striking up friendships at university, at the school gate or sports club so natural still stand. In fact, a shared interest is recognised as one of the best bases for making new friends. What’s more, as retirement approaches it can be reassuring to have established a network of friends and activities. At Woodhurst Park there are clubs for parents with babies and tots, for those who like to spend time on the tennis court or share a passion for gardening, and group walks to get to know others with both two and four-legged friends. Whatever your thing, what is certain is that friendship is something we never grow out of. 'Photography of residents' events at Woodhurst Park 31
Perfect for dog lovers Whether your dog is the sort who loves to keep moving and as fast as possible, a sniffer who stops and becomes absorbed every few metres, or the social type saying hello to every dog and person they meet, at Woodhurst Park it’s a dog’s life in the best possible way. 32
Cats love a lively play session, and especially if the toy has feathers or dangling string to make it even more tempting. Curious cats love to explore the outdoors too, but can get lost even in familiar territory so don’t forget to microchip. ...and cat people alike 33
Where the school run is a walk in the park With school conveniently close to home getting to class on foot, on a bike, or just scooting along, is a pleasure on traffic-free and imaginatively planned pathways.* 34
Healthy body, Despite its importance for childhood development many children have lost this sense of connection with nature and the National Trust talks of a ‘nature- deficit disorder’. Yet even simple everyday encounters with the outdoors such as on the way to school can make a difference for that important ‘daily dose of nature’ says the Trust. And with a growing body of global research showing that children who grow up feeling close to nature are healthier and happier, it is good news that something so impactful is also fun and free. Enjoy nature on the trip to... Last summer when the Duchess of ..and from school Cambridge unveiled her Back to Nature Garden co-designed with the Royal Horticultural Society and a landscape architect for the Chelsea Flower Show, its centrepiece tree-house with swing seat hanging from branches and features like the den made it a huge hit with children and adults alike. The design was inspired by a desire to encourage children to experience the pleasure that actively playing outdoors brings, and experience the benefits this can have on their physical and mental health. healthy mind *Admission to schools subject to admission policy of the Local Education Authority and school. 35
A centre of learning in the heart of the community Warfield Church of England Primary School has been educating the children of Warfield and creating happy memories for more than 200 years. Woodhurst Park is now home to this successful school’s second site and an exciting new era has begun. The new school in Sopwith Road at Woodhurst Park is The highly motivated youngsters of both already flourishing and welcoming young people who Warfield C of E Primary School sites clearly are just taking the first steps on their education journey. benefit from access to a well-resourced, The impressive purpose-built building will soon provide an simulating environment and high-quality education for up to 420 children from nursery age through teaching. They have even helped to define to 11 years. Together with the 210 youngsters at the their shared values of: Kindness, Warfield C of E Primary School All Saints Rise site, less Determination, Achievement Curiosity, Faith, than a mile away, they will be welcomed by Headteacher Teamwork and Respect. Anna Kennedy. The school’s core ethos is based on Christian values and Ms Kennedy is proud of the role her popular school beliefs and it is open to youngsters from all religious plays in this “vibrant and developing community”. She is denominations. With a host of after-school and holiday committed to making the school the first choice for parents clubs, as well as sports and activities to complement the and somewhere “that their children would want to be a curriculum, pupils have plenty to interest them while they part of; where children feel valued, secure and able to are learning and no doubt making friends for life. express their ideas and opinions”. 36
Good performance Join the club Warfield has an Ofsted rating of Good, with pupils Lego Club, Art Club, Gym Squad, or Code Club for who are motivated, making good progress in would-be coders or spies, at Warfield there is plenty mathematics, who read widely and often and are of activity going on outside school. keen to learn new skills all noted in the most recent Ofsted Report. School’s out A healthy start The Holiday Club for children from Reception to Year 6, offers school-holiday time fun in a friendly Modern lifestyles mean many parents work, so and stimulating environment, under the care and Warfield’s Breakfast Club caters for children from supervision of qualified and experienced staff. It can Reception to Year 6 with the WASPS and in2sport be booked for the whole day, morning or afternoon running a Wake-Up Breakfast Club Monday to sessions and is very popular. Fridays from 7.45. When lessons are over, there is an After School Club too. Photography of Warfield CofE Primary School Admission to Warfield Primary School is subject to the admission policy of the Local Education Authority. 37
The beating heart of the village. Why we love a village school Ask people to think of their ideal home to all age-groups to dormitory days and increasingly visit local care village and a local welcoming location for commuters and retirees. homes. Village schools tend to be hostelry, a village green, an historic It is no surprise then that many good schools too and that’s official. church spire, as well as a village commentators have observed that Just 8% do not achieve a ‘Good’ or school are the quintessential elements when a village school is closed, the ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating compared in the fabric of village life. A village ‘heart of the community goes with it’. with 11% nationally and 15% in school is now recognized as key in The reason is that village schools towns and cities. The nurturing keeping villages vibrant. A recent have traditionally been at the centre and caring education as well as the House of Commons discussion of the community, ‘its beating heart’ strong sense of belonging they are observed ‘you cannot overestimate as it has been described. They host renowned for all play a part and with the importance of a village school village-wide fêtes, strawberry fairs, a solid foundation that can stretch in ensuring that precious village and concerts, invite residents in to back hundreds of years, village life is maintained’. Indeed, the loss give talks, while pupils share their schools continue to build strong of a school from a village is a huge passion with other villagers for futures not just for their pupils but blow, often seeing a change from a wildlife and nature at special event also for their wider village setting. well-rounded community that is 38
When you stop learning you stop growing From nursery to higher education the opportunities for life-long learning are at the heart of rewarding and fulfilling careers and personal development. In addition to Warfield C of E Primary at Woodhurst Park there are several high performing local state schools as well as independent sector schools such as Meadowbrook Montessori two and a half miles away, as well as Lambrook Prep School for boys and girls aged 3-13. Primary Education Newbold School – Popeswood Whitegrove Primary – Whitegrove Papplewich School - Ascot Secondary Education The Brackenhale School – Bracknell The Ranelagh School – Bracknell Charters School – Ascot Further Education Eton College – Windsor Wellington College – Crowthorne Garth Hill College – Bracknell Universities University of London - Royal Holloway University of Reading - Reading University of Surrey - Guildford 39
Generously proportioned and always with an eye to bringing the outdoors in, there is living space, then there is space for living. 40
41
Space to create Weighing and measuring, stirring and mixing - don’t worry about the mess, cooking together is about creating something special in the kitchen. 42
Did you know? Memories involving food are more sensory than others as they involve all five senses, and often feel more evocative and nostalgic than other types of memories say scientists, as we recall where we were and who we were with, and the whole experience of being a family. 43
Photography of Woodhurst Park Show Home 44
Look for the Berkeley Difference A Berkeley kitchen is the perfect space for spending quality time. Light, airy, and well- planned, each home features an individually designed layout that feels as good to be in as it does to work in. Plenty of wall cabinets provide easily organised storage from food items to baking trays, and some of the larger homes feature a kitchen island to gather around. Our kitchens also come with integrated appliances including washer/dryer, fridge-freezer - larder freezer in some homes - as well as multi-function oven, hob and extractor hood, and an integrated microwave. As you would expect Berkeley choose only premium brands such as Bosch, with a reputation for the highest level of technological innovation, producing not only some of the most high- performing and dependable appliances in the world today but also some of the most eco-efficient. We look at every detail too, from dishwashers renowned for being incredibly quiet to ensuring the feature and the recessed LED lighting are perfectly placed, which is why a Berkeley kitchen is a very special place. 45
Sip back and relax Taking time to step away for some calm, quiet moments is not an indulgence but an essential counterbalance to modern living. When you find some precious relax is key, says Drew Cockton ylang ylang in their Calm range, time to relax make it of award-winning fragrance designed to promote a feeling quality time to reap the benefits experts Owen Drew England. ‘Of of wellbeing and accompany of feeling refreshed and re- all our senses, smell is the one mindfulness practices. Candles can energised. Replace the caffeine most closely linked to our mood also calm body and mind - choose with a tea infusion, preferably through the brain's limbic system.’ only natural ingredients such as organic. Ingredients like Lotus soy wax blended with natural oils. flowers or dusk-picked scented Lavender for example has ‘Candles bring both fragrance Jasmine buds add a luxury been used to soothe for millennia and the gentle flickering light that element - no need to travel to - the word comes from the Latin I think appeals on a primal level’ exotic climes, simply pop some in lavare meaning to bathe. It has an says Drew, ‘while your mist adds your basket at the supermarket. incredibly calming effect which an instant burst of fragrance. A The importance of engaging your can’t be achieved with a synthetic really good tip is to spritz your sense of smell when trying to product.’ Drew used the essential bedding to help you relax’. oil together with patchouli and 46
Look for the Berkeley Difference Master bedrooms with en suite shower rooms that feature leading brands like Villeroy & Boch and Hansgrohe, as well as recessed mirrored cabinets or vanity units with mirror above that are a Berkeley hallmark. Add chrome heated towel rails to recessed LED downlights for soft lighting, and luxury soft-to- the-foot vinyl flooring - and a Berkeley bathroom is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day. 47
HELLO NEW With a stellar reputation, Clayton and Co is a leading interior design company creating beautiful interiors for discerning clients, so they were the perfect choice for Woodhurst Park. We asked Sarah Thomas about the ideas behind the Show Home - and how you can adopt many of these in your own décor. Q. Woodhurst Park is surrounded by some impressive Q. Dining can be informal or formal nowadays countryside. Was this an inspiration? – how did you combine the two? A. The countryside is a big part of the appeal of Woodhurst A. Natural materials and woven textural weaves Park, and inspired us hugely. Natural materials featured heavily in the Show Home dining area and woven textural weaves featured heavily in the which is ideal for everyday dining. It is also the new collections at the furniture shows this year so perfect entertaining space achieved by breaking they were a natural for Woodhurst Park! You can the traditional seating arrangement opting for see it in the hall’s abstract leaf wallpaper and in the a bench as well as dining chairs upholstered in children’s bedroom with its playful nod to the country sumptuous fabrics like rich blue velvet, so this is a park in the tree wallpaper’s patterned trunks. space that really works whatever the type of meal. Q. We want our sitting rooms to be smart Q. How did you make the Master Bedroom special? yet comfortable and calming. How did you create that in the Show Home? A. A fabulous master suite is what you would expect from a Berkeley home, and we created a beautiful focus A. We layered soft textures such as a herringbone point to the room with vertical panels of bronze antique weave fabric on the upholstered sofa to create a soft mirror either side of the upholstered floor-to-ceiling neutral backdrop, with colour and pattern from the headboard, and the faux shagreen taupe finish of the cushions. The L shape sofa marks the separation bedside cabinets which look stunning against the bronze. between the living and dining area too, giving a feeling of spaciousness as well as cosiness. 48
Make a statement from the start A greener home Time for reflection The hallway is the first thing people see, and sets the tone. Plants add life to a home, Mirrors are practical but also Add focal points for interest – we placed wall hanging and bringing the outdoors a great opportunity to reflect basket plates on the stair wall in the Show Home. in is a current trend. Use light. In the Show Home the foliage as an accessory in hallway mirror illuminates your living room, or have the hallway corridor and also a row of different herbs entices you into the lounge. in pots in the kitchen. Do things by half A wall doesn’t have to be all one colour. For example, the half-height paint colour in the Show Home children’s bedroom gives it drama and depth. Lightbulb moments Low level lighting helps create a mood and feel, or create a truly glamourous decorative statement from over a dining table or in the Master Bedroom. All in the detail Artistic flourish World-class boutique hotels know the finishing Artwork is a great way for adding personality touches matter. In the Master Bedroom we to a space. Use it in different ways – several recreated this, the brass details on the table smaller prints on a wall add pops of colour lamps, drawer ironmongery and pendant light without being overbearing while a large fitting complementing the rest of the room, abstract print can add life to an otherwise and crucially creating a coherent premium look. bare expanse of wall. 49
A lodceamtaionndin Windsor Heathrow Gatwick Bracknell Ascot Airport Kensington Airport 3 mins 11 mins 19 mins 26 mins 46 mins 53 mins 1.2 miles 5.1 miles 9.1 miles 20.5 miles 31.2 miles 46.5 miles 50
Search
