An outstanding collection of new homes goes on sale this weekend (May 21) in the grounds of one of Northampton’s landmark industrial buildings.
Part of the striking, Art Deco, grade II listed Pearce Leatherworks building is being retained, but behind it will sit 120 new properties by Lagan Homes.
The designs for those houses are a mixture of Art Deco and Arts Crafts styling; two architectural styles that were very much in evidence in domestic housing during the 1930s, when W. Pearce Co enjoyed the commercial success that saw the opening of their iconic headquarters at Billing Park in 1939.
In its heyday, W. Pearce Co was one of the fastest growing leather manufacturers in the country and the chief exporter of fancy leathers. The business thrived through the depression of the 1930s, when its owner realised that small-scale luxury and novelty items sold well in difficult economic times.
More than 70 years later Lagan Homes is offering home buyers a touch of luxury and something “a little bit different” at a time when the housing market has been depressed; although recent reports suggest a much brighter horizon. New home registrations by housebuilders reached their highest in March for three years according to NHBC (National House Building Council) and the average cost associated with buying a home in the UK is typically 14% lower than renting a property, according to new research by Halifax.
So the opening of a fully furnished show home and view home at Pearce Leatherworks this Saturday (May 21) could be a timely arrival.
Sue Blackman, sales and marketing director for Lagan Homes, says: “This development will be something special, with new homes unlike any others currently available in the Northampton area.
“The inspiration for our Art Deco style homes is obvious – the Pearce Leatherworks building is a stunning vision of white render, geometric shapes, clean lines and symmetry and this will be reflected in the design of our homes.
“However, Arts Crafts is one of the most enduring styles of domestic architecture and was also prevalent in the 1930s. The majority of homes in our first sales release are fashioned in this style and one of the ways in which the Arts and Crafts style is reflected is the use of coloured leaded lights in the bay windows, features which are rarely if ever found in new homes.”
The Arts Crafts movement emerged in the latter half of the 19th century, led by a group of designers and writers who wanted a return to well made, handcrafted goods instead of mass produced, machine-made items. Their influence is evident in the heart of Northampton, where the interiors of 78 Derngate were remodelled by Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, an icon of the Arts Crafts movement.
Sue added: “While both sets of homes at Pearce Leatherworks will have the external character rooted in two of the most evocative architectural styles of the past, internally they will be bright and airy, beautiful homes fashioned for 21st century life. Attention to detail is paramount, with fabulous fitted kitchens designed with modern day living in mind, carefully sourced glazing, internal doors, sanitaryware and other fixtures and fittings.”
Lagan Homes’ new venture, accessed via Fishponds Road, features two, three, four and five-bedroom homes and initial prices are from circa £160,000 to £380,000
The show home and view home opening this weekend have been styled by Northampton company Fiona Nix Interiors and feature one with Art Deco interiors and another that’s been inspired by the Arts Crafts movement.
To find out more visit the development from Saturday, May 21st – open daily from 10am to 5pm.