Jasper Wharf, part of Weston Homes’ landmark development, Abbey Quay, is the tallest residential tower overlooking the river Roding in Barking, with spectacular views, beautiful interiors and amazing transport links. Editor Lynda Clark went to take a look and was more than impressed.
I don’t go to east London very often, so when I looked at my route to Barking I was pretty impressed that it offers the underground, Overground and National Rail. Barking is buzzing – with a busy high street and a bustling market with so many stalls you would be spoilt for choice.
Just a 10-minute walk from the station, I arrived at Abbey Quay, which overlooks charming Abbey Green on one side and the river Roding on the other of this beautiful development. Standing proud is Jasper Wharf, a 29-storey tower offering 37 one bedroom apartments and 130 two bedroom apartments plus a six metre tall hotel-style lobby. It’s pretty awe-inspiring and with a Residents Hub, Community Hub, supermarket, landscaped green spaces plus a proposed café and forthcoming Anytime Fitness gym, it ticks every box.
Inside, the apartments are very special with Weston Homes’ premium specification as standard, featuring designer kitchens, bespoke bathrooms with built-in Smart technology and flooring throughout. The kitchens come with high-end integrated appliances including a microwave and I loved the quartz stone worktops and splashback. The bathrooms really have the wow factor! You simply set the water temperature to what you want, touch the screen and the water just turns on. This is 21st century bathing – I really wanted to try it out! The rooms are spacious and light with plenty of storage and the bedrooms include a generously sized mirrored wardrobe.
But it’s the amazing views which literally took my breath away! The apartments have large windows and most have a big balcony or terrace and I could happily sit with a coffee or drink and look at the skyline all day. For those who work from home, the private Residents Hub is the perfect spot to bring your laptop for a change of scene, or just a quiet space to relax and meet the neighbours. There is also a concierge service where you can collect your deliveries and if you are hosting an event you can hire out the Community Hub too.
Selected two bedroom apartments are available with Discount Market Sale, where buyers benefit from a 20% saving on the full market value. Weston Homes’ First-Time SecureBuy Scheme is also available subject to the stage of construction. This scheme allows buyers to reserve a home off-plan for a £500 reservation fee and a 5% exchange deposit, with a full refund if the buyer’s circumstances change prior to completion.
I’m always fascinated by the history of an area and in the nearby park you will find the medieval ruins of Barking Abbey alongside pretty St Margaret’s church dating back to the 13th century. Royal ships were repaired here too during the reign of Henry VIII and eventually the riverside was transformed into a flourishing fishing port. Now, Barking is undergoing a large regeneration project and apart from new homes, businesses are setting up, especially in the creative sector, and Riverbrook Studios is one of London’s largest TV and film studios.
There are bars, cafes and restaurants nearby, plus Asda, Tesco and Lidl superstores. There is also a theatre, leisure centre and spa in the heart of Barking, while for something completely different, watch out for the classic concerts in the ruins of the Abbey – sounds great fun! But you don’t have to go far, as Abbey Quay has pretty landscaped green spaces, tree-lined walkways which wind down to the river’s edge and a lovely podium garden creating a special calming oasis between the apartment buildings.
This really is the perfect location for commuting, with Fenchurch Street just 14 minutes away, Stratford and Canary Wharf taking only 20 minutes and Liverpool Street reached in 25 minutes.
I so enjoyed my visit and was very impressed with Abbey Quay and Jasper Wharf. It’s the new heart of Barking and combines the convenience of city life with the friendly feel of a new neighbourhood. It’s riverside living at its very best.
Prices at Abbey Quay start from £319,995 for a one bedroom apartment and £439,995 for a two bedroom apartment for open market sale. Two bedroom Discount Market Sale* apartments start at £348,000 (price includes 20% saving). Shared Ownership two bedroom apartments (in partnership with Sage Homes) start from £79,000 for a 25% share.*
For further information contact Weston Homes at Abbey Quay on 020 4502 9854 or visit weston-homes.com/abbey-quay
*T&Cs, eligibility criteria apply
First Time Buyer is an exciting bi-monthly glossy which takes a stylish and comprehensive look at all the options available, setting them out in an entertaining and informative way, and helping potential customers navigate their way through what is often a daunting and complex process. We dispel the myths, reinforce the facts and arm the reader with the tools necessary to make their homeownership dreams a reality.
