As we navigate our way through the governments plan for exiting lockdown restrictions, UK residents have revealed the top things that they are looking forward to doing. Enjoying a meal out, a spot of retail therapy and drinks with friends and family top the list – for homebuyers seeking a location that offers easy access to a selection of amenities moments from a stylish new home, Welwyn Garden City is an ideal choice. Delivering a contemporary collection of apartments available to buy with Shared Ownership, St. Arthur Homes’ latest development, Willow Place is situated just over a mile from Welwyn’s buzzing town centre.

Known as England’s second garden city, Welwyn Garden City delivers a superb balance of city and countryside, fast becoming a sought-after location amongst first time buyers looking to capitalise on the vibrant mix of local amenities and efficient transport links into London just over a mile from the development. For those who enjoy being able to take a stroll into town and book a meal and drinks with friends, the town centre is just a 20-minute walk away and offers a pleasing collection of chic restaurants, cosmopolitan cafes, gastro pubs and cocktail bars to enjoy once government restrictions allow. If shopping is the plan for the day, The Howard Centre provides a hub of retailers including John Lewis and Waitrose, or less than a 15-minute drive away is Hatfield’s Galleria – an outlet shopping centre with a restaurant complex and cinema, or slightly further afield is Atria Watford, where shoppers have more than 140 shops, restaurants and leisure attractions to choose from – perfect for a full day away from home.

For those who like to embrace getting outdoors and soaking up a daily dose of fresh air, there is plenty to do. Welwyn Garden City boasts three golf courses and a number of green spaces and parks to enjoy. Nearby Lagoon Park is less a mile from Willow Place and Stanborough Country Park offers 126 acres of stunning green space to explore, two beautiful lakes with a range of watersports, open water swimming, nature trails and walking routes. Gosling Sports Centre is host to plenty of indoor and outdoor activities including tennis, football, a velodrome and trampoline park. For those who want easy access to a local gym and fitness classes, Anytime Fitness is located within The Howard Centre, which is an easy 6-minute cycle ride away.

St. Arthur Homes’ collection of Shared Ownership apartments comprises a collection of one and two bedroom apartments that all include a private car parking space and extra bays for visitors. Each home has been finished to a high specification with versatile open-plan layouts that elegantly combine traditional style and contemporary living. Bespoke Symphony kitchens are sleek in design and come complete with high-quality integrated appliances, bathrooms and ensuites are finished with Kaldewei sanitaryware and chrome detailing. Bedrooms are well sized and come with space-saving fitted mirrored wardrobes and are carpeted. Residents will be surrounded by attractive tree-lined boulevards, grass verges, impressive landscaped communal gardens and secure onsite cycle storage.

Louise Mills, Sales & Marketing Director for St. Arthur Homes comments: “As we tentatively move into the exciting phase of the government restrictions easing, homebuyers are looking forward to bringing normality back into their lives. Willow Place is perfectly placed to enjoy all the exciting venues that Welwyn Garden City has to offer, as well as being only half an hour away from London. This is incredibly attractive for first time buyers who are looking for a location where they can affordably step onto the property ladder without losing connection with the capital. Using Shared Ownership buyers here can secure a two-bedroom apartment using a deposit of just £7,750 – with more than a third of the homes now reserved, prospective purchasers should book their viewing as soon as possible to avoid missing out.”

For those who need to travel, the local area is well served by road, rail and bus links. Welwyn Garden City train station operates a direct service into London Kings Cross every 30 minutes with a journey time of just half an hour or into London Waterloo in under 60 minutes, where underground services can also be picked up. Other travel routes include Cambridge and Peterborough in less than an hour. For those who prefer to travel by car, the A1 and A414 are a short distance from Willow Place and offer easy access to the M25.

Prices for Shared Ownership homes at Willow Place start from £155,500 for a 50% share of a two-bedroom apartment valued at £310,000. For further information visit www.starthurhomes.com or call 020 7224 3066.