Interiors: The real point of living exclusively

Mar 27 2008 by Debbie Johnson, Liverpool Daily Post

Debbie Johnson looks at the stylish new Burbo Point development

VISITORS to Crosby’s waterfront can hardly have failed to notice a stunning new development springing up near to Antony Gormley’s famous iron men.

The iconic sculptures, stretching out into the seascape, will soon have some new neighbours – the residents of Burbo Point.

Comprised of 22 apartments, with prices starting at £550,000 for a two-bed, two-bath home, it is fair to say that Burbo Point falls into the fairly exclusive bracket.

But, according to new owner Jackie Taylor, the apartments are worth every penny. In fact, she and her husband Nigel were so impressed when they went to look around the development’s gorgeous show home that they actually bought it.

Jackie says: "We just fell in love with it. I think you always know when you walk into a place straight away if it is right for you; if you get the right feeling from it, whether you could picture yourself living there. And that’s what happened with us."

The couple, who have three grown-up children and eight grandchildren, were looking to downsize from their large detached home nearby.

"The children have flown the nest, and we simply don’t need a large house any more. But one of the things that can be hard about downsizing is the fact that you have to move a lifetime’s worth of stuff into a smaller home.

"One of the reasons we loved this was the sense of space. We have gone for a three-bedroomed apartment, so we still have plenty of room if we have guests, but there is a real spaciousness to these places. You walk in and there is a large hallway, and the lounge is very large, so you don’t get the same feeling of claustrophobia you can get with some modern apartments.

"That, combined with clearing out huge amounts of stuff, has helped make the transition much easier."

The couple visit their new home regularly, but can’t move in properly until May – and neither of them can wait.

The other attraction of the show home was that it was on the ground floor, which is very important to Jackie, and has its own terrace with views out to the golf club behind, and views of the Welsh hills as well.

A view, and being near to the sea, were both essentials for the couple.

Another big bonus was that the show apartment is, of course, fitted out to an amazing specification. The interior design is modern, but beautifully thought out, a perfect combination of style and function.

The large living area is decorated in neutral shades, with white and cream, and an accent wall in a deep brown retro design. The walls are adorned with abstract paintings in similarly toned colours, and the room is flooded with natural light from the patio windows.

The bathroom is tiled throughout in modern dark colours, with a huge walk-in shower, downlighters, recessed shelving and under floor heating.

Fittings throughout the home are of high quality – Porcelanosa in the bathrooms, Miele in the kitchens.

Jackie says: "You can just feel the quality. No corners at all have been cut with this place. It’s just gorgeous. Even things like the light fittings and curtains are beautifully chosen."

Jackie is particularly taken with the beautiful en-suite to the master bedroom. The bedroom itself is done out in creams and pale browns, with a floral design wallpaper on one wall, and stylish built-in cupboard space and candelabra-style light fittings.

The guest bedrooms are both equally striking, using bold colours and modern designs.

The kitchen is again done in a sleek modern style, with walnut veneer units and granite worktops. There is a dining island where Jackie and Nigel can sit and eat, and top-range appliances throughout.

"We have a real sense of excitement about it," says Jackie, "from day one, the developers have been really helpful, and now we feel like we are embarking on the next stage of our lives, and we are absolutely thrilled."