News
Click here for the latest City & Country Group news and press updates.
8th June 2011
This weekend (11th and 12th June) will see award-winning restoration and conservation specialist, City & Country Group, unveil its next collection of eagerly awaited properties at the Grade I Listed Balls Park in Hertford. The Grade II Listed Coach House, built in 1902, which sits alongside the famous 17th century mansion, has been transformed into a range of nine breathtaking apartments, which blend with and enhance the original fabric of the building.
7th June 2011
Despite nearly a third of potential first-time buyers saying they have given up on the idea of buying a home, and most expecting to not be able to secure a mortgage until they are 38*, a lucky few teens and twenty-something’s are tearing ahead, prepared to spend big to secure their dream home. City & Country Group’s Old Saint Michaels development, which was this week featured on screen on BBC Three’s latest television series ‘Young, Rich and House Hunting’, showing some of the country’s most affluent young people as they hunt for their perfect pad, boasts a collection of beautifully restored period apartments duplexes and mews houses that make extra special homes for first-time buyers.
25th May 2011
Consistently ranked amongst the best cities in the world, London is an undeniably popular place to live, but as demand for housing increases, property prices have been pushed up to nearly double the national average for the rest of the country*, and many city workers are being priced out of the market. Commuting into the city has become an increasingly logical practice, with over 700,000 people travelling into the capital every day**. This allows many young professionals to out-smart the London property market, such as Richard Sandlan and his girlfriend Jessica Johnson, who looked to City & Country Group’s development The Galleries, in Brentwood, to provide a commuter home which, though a little further away from work, provides far better value for money than its inner-city alternatives.
24th May 2011
With the average age of a first time buyer now 38 and requiring an average deposit of £33,883* - a big ask for even the most stringent saver – first time buyers are looking for properties with incentives to help them find their first home. Award-winning conservation & restoration specialist, City & Country Group is lending a helping hand to young house hunters this Bank Holiday weekend (Thursday 26th – Monday 30th May) at its Balls Park development in Hertford, offering valuable incentives, in a bid to provide them with ample opportunity to purchase their dream home on the stunning Grade I Listed country estate.
19th May 2011
Architect George Clarke, has joined forces with award-winning conservation and restoration experts City & Country Group, to help preserve Britain’s architectural heritage. The Channel 4 series ‘The Restoration Man’, sees George rescue some of the most architecturally important buildings in Britain by converting them into unique homes, a task which City & Country Group undertakes on a daily basis, fighting to save architectural treasures across the south east of England and transform them into innovative and sensitively realised and individual contemporary homes.
18th May 2011
Stansted-Mountfitchet based developer, City & Country Group, is proud to announce that it has won another property industry accolade, at this year’s esteemed London Evening Standard New Homes Awards. The company, which specialises in the restoration and conversion of historic and listed buildings into luxurious, new homes, was Highly Commended in the category of Best Conversion for its Old Saint Michael’s development in Braintree, Essex.
21st April 2011
As excitement builds in the run-up to this month’s Royal Wedding, all eyes are fixed on the exclusive lifestyle enjoyed by Prince William and his bride-to-be, as the nation is left wondering what living in a palace would be like. Award-winning restoration specialist, City & Country Group, is making these royal aspirations a reality for budding house hunters, presenting the opportunity to enjoy a slice of the regal lifestyle at its range of stunning properties at Balls Park in Hertford, a converted 17th Century mansion.
18th April 2011
Despite falling house prices, it’s still tough to get on the property ladder according to recent research from the National Housing Federation, with first-time buyers in London in particular struggling; and reports of the average 21 year old being 52 before they can buy their first home*. For aspirational youngsters, like Monika Jones, who is in her twenties, and is one of a number of young graduates working in the capital city hoping to buy their first home, more affordable pockets of the capital’s commuter belt, like Brentwood in Essex, are increasingly worth considering, particularly with its fast transport links into the city
12th April 2011
A stunning property complete with high vaulted ceilings and views across to the City has been released for sale at City & Country Group’s beautiful Grade II Listed Brentwood development, The Galleries; perfect for those seeking a stylish pad, from which to enjoy the exciting lifestyle that Essex has to offer. Having been dressed by City & Country’s experienced Interior Designer, 8 Kendall Court sits on the first floor of the striking Victorian hospital conversion, ready to bring instant glamour into its owner’s life.
8th April 2011
A spectacular one-bedroom apartment overlooking historic parkland has been released for sale at City & Country Group’s beautiful Grade I Listed Hertfordshire development, Balls Park; providing the perfect opportunity for those wanting to enjoy a life of tranquil elegance in a show-stopping home. Located on the first floor of the Grade II Listed section of the development, 9 The Stables has been dressed to a superior standard by City & Country’s own interior design specialist, boasting a unique blend of historic opulence and modern glamour that makes it a truly luxurious home.
7th April 2011
As The Galleries, City & Country Group’s stunning converted hospital in Brentwood, transformed into a sought-after range of luxury homes, continues to prove popular with a wide range of homebuyers, five years after its initial launch; the award-winning developer has taken a closer look into the different types of people who have bought there, in its very own Buyers Gallery.
14th March 2011
Budding interior designers can indulge their creative side this weekend at an exclusive Interiors Day at the stunning Grade I Listed Balls Park development in Hertford. The event, hosted by award-winning conservation and restoration specialist, City & Country Group, will take place on Saturday 19th March, from 10am to 5pm, when an experienced interior designer will be on hand to offer advice and direction on how to bring out the very best in a period property, as demonstrated at the Balls Park development itself.
7th March 2011
Whilst official figures recorded a 0.3% drop in house prices for February, recent announcements that it takes eight years for the average first-time buyer to save the money needed for a deposit* suggest that getting a foot on the housing ladder is an ever-challenging task. As a result, the number of struggling house-hunters looking to rental properties as an affordable living option has increased by 40% in recent years*, providing a unique opportunity for those with greater financial backing to buy property as an investment with the mind to lease it out to this burgeoning group.
3rd March 2011
Following a lengthy period of consultation with the local community, conservation specialist City & Country Group has submitted its plans to restore the former Domestic Site, Skimmingdish Lane, Caversfield – more recently known as the MOD Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S).
16th February 2011
The renovation of Bentley Priory, which will see the 57-acre Grade II* Listed estate restored to its former glory, and delivery of a museum and improved visitor attraction, has come a step closer this week; with City & Country Group having now completed on the purchase of the 17th century mansion house; one of the most important buildings of the Battle of Britain and the Second World War.
15th February 2011
The average age of first-time buyers has climbed to 37 according to a recent study by the Council of Mortgage Lenders, with prospective purchasers needing a deposit of over £37,000 to get their foot on the first rung*. In order to help first-time buyers secure a home, City & Country Group is hosting a special weekend on the 19th and 20th February 2011 at Old Saint Michaels, their stunning conversion of a Victorian hospital in Braintree, Essex. This event is specifically tailored to help address the issues that can prevent first-time buyers taking their initial steps on to the property ladder.
14th February 2011
With bonus season upon us again, and the Centre for Economic and Business Research predicting that City workers will take home £3.8billion* this year, of which £1bn will be spent on property**, many will be left with the dilemma of where to buy, and what kind of property. City & Country Group’s award-winning development at The Galleries provides the perfect answer for bonus buyers looking to invest their City paycheck in a tangible asset, whether it’s a commutable luxury home or a shrewd investment in the buy-to-let market.
14th February 2011
Award-winning restoration and conservation expert City & Country Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Dave Walker as its new Head of Sales & Marketing. Dave has joined the Stansted-Mountfitchet-based residential development business after setting up and managing the New Homes team at Bidwells in Norwich. During his nine years with Bidwells, Dave had experience of dealing with a diverse range of developments, including Fellowes Plain in Norwich, a Grade II Listed building, which underwent a careful and sensitive refurbishment and conversion into apartments.
14th January 2011
Planning permission and listed building consent has been unanimously granted for City & Country Group, the award-winning restoration and conservation specialist, to deliver a high quality mixed-use development at Angel Court in Colchester.
5th January 2011
With the recent, overwhelming success of ITV Sunday night costume drama ‘Downton Abbey’, and the real star of the programme being the beautiful stately home itself; it led conservation and restoration expert City & Country Group to ask, which is the nation’s ultimate favourite stately home?
4th January 2011
The current economic climate has meant tough times for graduates looking to find work. With graduate employment statistics published this year highlighting that; one in four graduates face unemployment* and for every graduate job available there is a scramble of 270 applicants**. However one resourceful graduate is Ben Mackett who was fortunate to gain employment with City & Country Group as a Trainee Site Manager at their residential heritage development; Balls Park, in Hertfordshire
14th December 2010
Arguably one of the most renowned British literary figures of all time; this Friday (17th December) marks what would have been Jane Austen’s 235th birthday. Famous for her portrayals of aristocratic life in the 18th century, Jane Austen brought iconic love stories to life, and set them against the backdrop of upper class Regency England. Balls Park, the historic Grade I Listed Jacobean mansion in Hertford, which is believed to be the inspiration for Netherfield, a pivotal location in the plot of Pride and Prejudice, is currently being transformed by City & Country Group into 40 breathtaking apartments; and provides the perfect location for those housebuyers seeking their very own slice of Austen’s Regency world.
18th November 2010
With residents of the countryside living on average two more years than their city dwelling counterparts, according to recent research by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra); increasing numbers of homebuyers looking to ditch cramped city centre living, in favour of rolling fields, unspoilt villages and fresh country air, are looking to Hertford as the ideal solution. Located less than ten minutes away from Hertford North and East Railway Stations, the recently launched Balls Park development by City & Country Group is proving a popular address for commuters, looking to reap the benefits of countryside living, whilst being able to commute to the office in central London in just 45 minutes.
26th November 2010
STANSTED-MOUNTFITCHET based developer; City & Country Group, is proud to announce that it has won two more property industry accolades, at this years hotly contested, What House? Awards. The company, who specialise in the restoration and conversion of historic and listed buildings into luxurious, new homes, won the Gold Award for Best Renovation at its Old Saint Michael’s development in Braintree, and the Silver Award for Best Small Homebuilder.
17th November 2010
With the new, eagerly awaited Harry Potter film set to hit cinemas this Friday (19th November), the gothic splendour of Hogwarts Castle, will be dominating our screens once again. The magnificent castle, its façade decorated with towers, turrets and spires, is one such architectural gem that provides a fine example of Gothic style, and will surely leave many viewers looking for their own type of Hogwarts-inspired home.