Bellway has been welcoming the first visitors to its Barleywoods development in Oakham after opening two showhomes.

The first houses have now been completed at the site, off Braunston Road, where a new sales office and two detached showhomes – in Bellway's four-bedroom Jeweller and five-bedroom Watchmaker designs – are now available to view.

Michaela Perkins, Sales Manager for Bellway Eastern Counties, said: "Ever since we announced our plans to build here, there has been a great deal of excitement surrounding this development and this has continued since the opening of the new showhomes.

"Indeed, the launch event was incredibly busy and on the day we opened, one of our customers reserved a home here before lunchtime.

"Potential purchasers have been impressed with the new digital technology which allows our team to give them a 3D tour of the development from the comfort of the sales office.

"Visitors have also been keen to walk round the two showhomes. They have been particularly taken by the flowing spaces of the open-plan living designs and reassured by the high quality of the finish and build which comes as standard with Bellway – a five-star builder.

"We are also cementing our place within the local community here, and hired local caterer Farmer Lou, from Exton, to serve up pulled pork sandwiches at the launch, as part of our support for local businesses and suppliers." 

Bellway is building 62 new homes at Barleywoods, including 43 three, four and five-bedroom private properties and 19 affordable homes available for local people through low-cost rent or shared ownership.

Barleywoods is designed to be a sustainable development which will feature a central open space, three play areas and a wetland meadow. 

Michaela said: "We are building a new neighbourhood here which will not only complement its natural surroundings but will also be eco-friendly and provide new homes for local wildlife. Bird and bat boxes will be installed and new habitats will be created throughout the site.

"This connection with nature is further enhanced by the fact that the site is a short walk from Brooke Hill Wood and Gorse Field Nature Reserve. These are two easily accessible Woodland Trust sites which offer residents the perfect opportunity to walk the dog or explore the countryside.   

"Construction work is continuing apace here and we anticipate that we will be in a position to hand over the keys to the first residents in spring."

Barleywoods is Bellway's third development in the area in recent years after the company built 200 new homes at The Maltings in Barleythorpe, and 61 properties at Huntsman Drive, on the former Parks School site.

There's currently a selection of three, four and five-bedroom homes available to reserve at Barleywoods, with prices starting at £384,950.

For more information about the development, call the sales team on 01572 200038 or visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/eastern-counties/barleywoods.