AN historic Durham landscape, unchanged for centuries, has inspired the design of the North East’s most prestigious new housing development.
The 107 homes at Lambton Park, near Chester-le Street, sit amid parkland owned by the Earls of Durham for almost 1000 years.
And developer, Miller Homes North East, has revealed their design – and that of the entire estate – was inspired by natural features such as the curve of the River Wear and the surrounding open green spaces.
Following the huge success of the development’s first phase of homes, selling is well underway on its second phase – a selection of one, three, four and five bedroom properties inspired by the Victorian Arts and Crafts Movement.
The movement developed in the late 19th century as a response to the damaging effects of industrialisation and the growth in the number of items being made by machines.
Society began to place high importance on the decorative arts with artists, sculptors, designers and craftspeople looking to nature – and a romantic interpretation of rural life – for their inspiration.
And the team at Lambton Park has taken those core values to develop an estate, which echoes HM The King’s Poundbury development at Dorset.
Among its features are wide streets with a circular ‘village green’ and all parking spaces and garages are at the rear of the properties to ensure views from homes are not interrupted by cars and other vehicles.
The homes themselves have a wealth of traditional features such as multi-paned sash and bay windows, elaborate wood detailing on porches and the combination of grey bricks and red terracotta roof tiles favoured by the Arts and Crafts Movement.
Owners can also enjoy exclusive access to private areas of Lambton Estate with around 11.5km of footpaths through some of the most unspoilt woodland in Britain and the Grade II listed Lambton Castle – the ancestral seat of the Lambton family – at its heart.
The intention is that Lambton Park – which has excellent regional and national transport links – will become a self-sufficient community and plans are in place for the construction of Bowes Gate.
This ‘community hub’ will consist of a Pavillion café bistro and a range of independent stores such as a delicatessen, butcher, florist and baker.
Lindsey Oliver, Sales Manager at Miller Homes North East, said the Lambton Park development “really has been designed to complement the historic landscape around it.
“Great care has been taken, not just to embrace the natural world in the design but also to recreate a style of village life that has all but faded from memory.
“There is a sense of calm and beauty here that everyone remarks on when they visit and I think that’s part of what makes Lambton Park so special.”
For further information about Lambton Park, visit https://www.millerhomes.co.uk/new-homes/north-east/lambton-park-lambton-park.aspx
