In periods of change and uncertainty, we naturally pivot towards the familiar. For respected and established brands like the award-winning developer of luxury new homes, Octagon, 2021 proved to be a year of record success, as both domestic and international buyers continued to reassess their living arrangements, seeking out a property to suit their ‘new normal’.
‘The UK property rush of 2020 was well documented,’ says Tim Banks, CEO of Octagon, ‘however, clients in the luxury market take a little longer to consider major purchasing decisions such as a new property. Consequently, it was 2021 rather than 2020 that was the year of tremendous activity for us. Last year, we saw enquiries, reservations and completions reach their highest in our 40-year history.’
Combining aspirational design with more than four decades of architectural expertise, Octagon specialises in building prestigious houses, mansions and apartments in premier locations in London and the Home Counties. While best recognised, and perhaps best loved, for its timeless neo-Georgian architectural style, Octagon saw notable diversification of its architectural portfolio in 2021. Significant projects over the past year included both a contemporary glass-cube property on the river Thames and an ultra-minimalist modern property built in black brick with matching mortar.
At-home facilities are growing in scale and ambition too: one of Octagon Bespoke’s clients is currently looking to install a saltwater wild swimming pool alongside ground-breaking wellness facilities and adjoining indoor tennis and squash courts.
Broadoaks Park, Octagon’s flagship development of 125 homes in West Byfleet, saw a steady flow of new residents and sales in 2021, cementing its place as Surrey’s newest country estate. At the heart of the 25-acre site is the Grade II-listed Broadoaks Mansion and its characterful outbuildings, all of which are being converted into residential properties and providing the source of inspiration for the exterior design of the 115 new-build properties. This year will see the fourth phase launched, providing a collection of large, detached five-bedroom houses.
Located near Octagon’s headquarters in Hampton Court is Chapel View, an exclusive collection of nine two-bedroom apartments. 50 per cent of the apartments were reserved within weeks of the collection’s launch, undoubtedly spurred on by Octagon’s excellent reputation on its home turf.
Continuing Octagon’s architectural and geographical expansion, Hadfield Place in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, is set to be a major development in 2022. Comprising five unique dwellings with handsome wood lap and flint exteriors, and characterful interiors to match, the properties offer the ultimate in luxurious country living.
The brand saw demand grow rapidly for its Octagon Bespoke service, making 2021 one of the most exciting years in the company’s history. Octagon Bespoke provides one-of-akind custom homes, combining classic elegance with the finest contemporary materials.
‘The new standards of luxury property, inspired by 12 months being cosied up at home, have inspired a new swathe of clients to seek the very finest homes,’ says Tim. ‘Looking ahead, we expect demand to continue to accelerate, as clients push the boundaries in what they want from their home.’
