SUNDERLAND’S newest housing development – overlooking the historic Hylton Castle – has welcomed its first residents.
Castle Rise, at Downhill, is a collection of 88 newly built two, three and four bedroom houses and bungalows, developed by Gentoo.
And they are being snapped up by buyers keen to live within easy access of the city.
The development offers eight, high specification, property types – from the two- bedroomed the Ash and the Pine to the four-bedroomed the Hemlock and the Larch – each of which has been designed to provide highly flexible living space. As part of the development, 51 affordable homes will be available to rent.
Two of Castle Rise’s first new customers, Dave and Lorraine Patterson moved last week. Mr Patterson said: “We are really impressed by the overall internal and external finish of our home, especially the high quality of the kitchen and bathroom fittings.
“It is very clear that care has been taken in every step of the build. Our advisor Michael has also been excellent throughout the whole buying process, helping us every step of the way by ensuring we were kept informed of the build progress whilst we were still living in Kent. We are very happy in our new home and enjoy living back in Sunderland.”
New Home Advisor at Castle Rise, Michael Ford, said: “Castle Rise is the ideal choice for first time buyers, growing families or those looking to downsize.
“And its location, less than five miles from the city centre, means heritage sites, such as Hylton Castle, Roker Beach, the National Glass Centre and the Stadium of Light are right on the doorstep.”
The £11.2m development was built with just over £900k of Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) grant funding as part of the current HCA affordable homes programme.
John Craggs, Chief Executive Officer at Gentoo Group, said: “Building affordable new homes in Sunderland and the surrounding area is a main priority as a housing association and developer.
“It was lovely to meet Mr and Mrs Patterson and Archie their dog and see them enjoying their new home so much already. We wish everyone who moves to the development will be as happy as they are.”
Within easy access of the A19, the A1231 and the new Wear Crossing, Castle Rise is one of four Gentoo developments currently underway in the city. Others are at Thurcroft, Doxford Park, Hillcrag at High Ford and Meadow View, Houghton-le- Spring.
Prices at Castle Rise start from £117,950 and each house comes with a two-year Gentoo customer care guarantee along with a 10 year NHBC warranty.
Details of the Castle Rise development can be found at www.gentoohomes.com/our-developments/development/castle-rise- sunderland/.