The only way is Essex: Harlow's new award-winning address features homes with double-height spaces and spiral staircases - just 30 minutes from London

Beautifully designed new builds are springing up in Harlow, just 30 minutes from London Liverpool Street by train...
This development in Harlow offers four-bedroom houses from £464,500
David Spittles2 August 2016

On the outskirts of Harlow in Essex, Newhall is a new address being built on farmland, with a forward-thinking design approach that has scooped Royal Institute of British Architects and Royal Town Planning Institute awards.

Homes at this 280-acre neighbourhood meet a strict overall design code, but have architectural variety and a modern twist, while fitting neatly into a semi-rural landscape with pedestrian-friendly zones, woodland, streams, lakes and hedgerows.

Roads are tree-lined and homes have bay windows, domed or steep pitched roofs, timber-clad walls or powder-coated aluminium coloured panels.

Copper, steel and glass façades mix with Welsh slate and even thatch. Many homes have double-height space, spiral staircases and extensive glazing.

There will be 2,800 homes eventually, while old farm buildings have been remodelled into a community centre and there are advanced plans for a primary school, doctor’s surgery, art studios and a performance venue.

Fusion, above, the latest phase, offers four-bedroom houses from £464,500. Call 01279 436046. Harlow is a Stansted Express stop, putting it 30 minutes from Liverpool Street. The M11 gives direct Stratford and Canary Wharf access.