London Trent Park: Restored heritage icon prepares to welcome residents
Berkeley is launching its first phase of exclusive homes in over 400 acres of parkland within easy reach of Central London
[Sponsored Article]
From the Houses of Parliament to Buckingham Palace, London's prestigious heritage is a major draw for residents and investors. Outside the busy city center, a new development by Berkeley Homes is giving overseas property investors and would-be Londoners the rare opportunity to buy homes in a renowned heritage site, where modern apartments stand harmoniously alongside restored Grade II-listed buildings.
A 56-acre historic site surrounded by over 400 acres of parkland, Trent Park has played a pivotal role in British and world history. A favorite of socialites in the early 20th century, famous figures from Charlie Chaplin to Sir Winston Churchill and a young Queen Elizabeth II visited the stately home and admired its million-bulb Daffodil Lawn before it was requisitioned by the military during the Second World War. It was here that incarcerated German officers were eavesdropped on to discover Hitler's secret plans, information that contributed to the Allies winning the war.
As such a significant site, Berkeley's redevelopment of Trent Park into a residential village has been carried out with appropriate sensitivity and respect for the original architecture and landscape. Among the new and restored heritage homes, new trees and living roofs will provide habitats for local wildlife and a new museum will celebrate the area's history, now embarking on its next chapter.
Heritage reimagined
The new residential development is nestled in the heart of Trent Country Park, a former hunting ground surrounded by lakes and ancient woodland, teeming with wildlife. Landscape architects Murdoch Wickham took inspiration from the Garden Suburbs movement to integrate each new neighborhood with its surroundings, from the vibrant Daffodil Lawn to the changing seasonal colors of the Wisteria Walk.
The centerpiece of the development is the Mansion House, which is being painstakingly restored to its former glory and renovated to offer luxury apartments along with other amenities. Nearby, newly built two- to five-bedroom homes have been designed by award-winning Purcell architects to blend seamlessly with the heritage architecture on the outside, while offering the conveniences of 21st century living throughout their spacious, light-filled interiors.
John Sanders, Managing Director of Berkeley Homes (North East London) Ltd, explains: “A landmark development, Trent Park offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for buyers. With its collection of intelligently designed homes, ideal for modern living, amidst an historic landscape, Trent Park has been devised to bring a long lasting, sustainable community to life.”
First-class amenities
Residents at Trent Park will have access to exclusive on-site amenities and more activities in the surrounding parklands and the nearby high streets of Oakwood and Cockfosters, just a mile distant. Central London is just 26 minutes on the Underground from Oakwood station, with shuttle buses running from Trent Park seven days a week.
The village community atmosphere of Trent Park will be enhanced by private leisure facilities, including a gym, tennis courts and restored outdoor swimming pool. Walking and cycling routes open up the surrounding nature, while the nearby Enfield Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service and Go Ape Cockfosters tree top adventure are perfect for families with kids, who'll also be spoiled for choice by local schools and nurseries within a few minutes' drive.
Investors in Trent Park property can look forward to strong capital growth. Research by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) found that house prices in Enfield grew by 53 percent over the last five years, well above the London average. Rental rates are predicted to rise by 19 percent over the next five years, making the development a good opportunity for investors.