Fulwood Park, Preston, Lancashire
Set in mature woodland and landscaped grounds, Fulwood Park is an award-winning scheme designed to recreate a traditional village feel in Fulwood, Lancashire.
The exclusive development includes a number of bespoke properties such as large townhouses based on an Edwardian theme, typically associated with upmarket London boroughs. All properties meet the 'very good' Eco Homes standard, while the scheme features a village green and pond. The location also offers excellent transport links.
It is these distinctive and charming characteristics that set Fulwood Park apart from the more conventional concept of what a modern housing development should be. The materials used, the building techniques employed, the environmental awareness, the utilisation of space - both interior and exterior - they all combine to create properties with the unique combination of a traditional appearance and modern-day functionality.
Fulwood Park is also one of the first BRE Eco Homes developments to be built - meeting stringent criteria to ensure both the homes themselves and the development as a whole has long-term sustainability.
The houses themselves have been designed to reflect the scale and character of buildings often found in a traditional village - from the 'Georgian townhouse' nestling behind wrought iron railings to the 'old school house'. Many of the properties echo the elegant lines of the Georgian era and rooflines vary in height to create an eclectic mix of properties and an interesting and pleasing street scene. Distinctive turreted buildings also provide a number of focal points throughout the site and we have been careful to use a variety of materials to enhance this effect, from feature brickwork and render detail to 'slate effect' roofs.
Fulwood Park even accommodates a number of features not normally associated with contemporary developments - a village pond and meandering stream punctuated by a small rustic stone bridge, landscaped areas and space to accommodate a piece of public art - all with a backdrop of mature woodland. These are distinctive characteristics of a site where the centuries-old, traditional concept of a village has been given a new, thoroughly modern and totally unique lease of life.
Preston - a great new city....
To mark Preston's outstanding development and increasing status as the administrative centre of the county of Lancashire, the Queen awarded it city status in 2002 as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The award of city status wasn't solely dependant on what is happening in the future. Preston's heritage is longstanding, with stunning architecture as well as a constantly changing programme of touring contemporary exhibitions.
For nights out...
The Guild Hall and Charter Theatre also provide venues for a year-round variety of attractions, ranging from ballet and drama productions to classical and rock and pop concerts. For a lively night out or a quiet meal, Preston doesn't disappoint. The city's restaurants, including the prestigious 'Heathcotes', offer a range of cuisines and dining experiences. The traditional pubs and growing number of café bars provide the perfect setting for socialising - especially in the summer with an ever increasing number of pavement seating areas generating an al fresco, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
To shopping....
If retail therapy is required, Preston, with its two major shopping centres, (St. Georges and Fishergate) markets and wide selection of small specialist outlets, has the choice to satisfy even the most selective shopper. Preston's famous open market is open four days a week and prides itself as much on its character and charm as it does on the quality and
To days out....
But Preston is not all about urban development. Within its boundaries are several fine parks where peace and quiet can be enjoyed to the full. Avenham Park, which incorporates a stretch of the River Ribble, stands out as one of the finest examples of traditional Victorian parklands in the North West. Moor Park is the city's largest open space and boasts excellent facilities for bowling, cricket, tennis and football.
Overlooking the Great Lancashire Plain, Beacon Fell Country Park offers spectacular panoramic views and is perfect for family outings. Preston is criss-crossed with over 150 miles of footpaths and walks, including the footpath of the Lancaster Canal and the famous 'Round Preston Walk' which follows the borough boundaries.
Preston Sports Arena has state-of-the-art facilities, including a first class running track, cycling track, floodlit netball and tennis courts and allweather floodlit football pitches. Deepdale, the home of Preston North End, not only provides the chance to see one of the founder members of the Football League in action, but is also the home of The National Football Museum.
And Preston's close proximity to the M6, M55, M65 and M61 Motorways means that the attractions of places such as the Lake District, the Fylde coast, Greater Manchester and Merseyside, are all within an easy drive.