London & South East NHBC Awards Premier Construction

John fulfils a tall order

Written by Roma Publications

Grove Villas, London

Achieving the standard of construction and workmanship required to build two of London’s more exclusive new homes – priced from £8.95 million – is something of a tall order for any site manager.

But Octagon Homes’ John Cuffe not only made the grade, but won a coveted Pride in the Job Quality Award for his site at the same time!

Backed by the efforts of a first-class site team, John Cuffe, an Octagon Homes site manager for 15 years, achieved his victory at the company’s development on The Grove in Highgate Village.

The Grove, probably one of Highgate Village’s most beautiful unspoilt roads, has understandably attracted a clutch of illustrious residents. Literary geniuses Samuel Taylor Coleridge and JB Priestly lived here in the past, with Jude Law, Kate Moss and George Michael currently owning homes in the street.

The new properties have already earned the approval of the fiercely critical local residents. Each house is built in the style and proportions of a Georgian villa to harmonise with the surrounding architecture of this sensitive conservation area.

The external elevations feature white stucco exteriors to the lower and upper ground floors and London brick storeys above under a natural slate roof. Inside, the latest building technology ensures supreme comfort and high energy efficiency.

The front is approached from the tree-lined avenue via steps to an imposing classic portico. The rear of the house faces west towards the garden and features triple aspect bay windows with an upper ground floor terrace overlooking the garden.

6,200 square feet of living space is spread over six floors, to create a contemporary home of classic proportions.

The exterior design is undeniably period, but interiors are light-filled and contemporary. Both houses have exceptionally spacious accommodation, including five double bedrooms, five bathrooms, a cinema and entertainments room, gym, wine cellar, a separate studio apartment, and a sleek glass lift connecting the main living and bedroom floors.

Richard Galland, Octagon Regional Managing Director, commented:

“Nearly every other property in this historic location is a listed building, so this is an opportunity unlikely to ever be repeated. The two new houses have been designed sympathetically to respect the existing character of the village.”

HighgateVillage sits on a London hill-top from which residents enjoy panoramic views over the city. Bounded by the open spaces of Hampstead Heath to the west and Waterlow Park to the south-east, the village with its independent shops and café culture is arguably the most charming in London.

Grosvenor Plastering Services

With over 25 years of experience, Grosvenor Plastering Services is a company based in Weybridge, Surrey, offering various plastering services for private residential customers as well as larger construction companies.

Priding themselves in being a friendly and reliable establishment, Grosvenor Plastering Services remain conscientious in their work, whether for a large contract or a single day’s work. Their range of services include plastering, drylining, suspended ceilings, floor screeding and rendering including Monocouche.

Premier Construction caught up with Julie Wallis, of Grosnevor Plastering Services, to find out some information on the company and their involvements with The Grove site developments. Julie commented:

“Our involvements with The Grove entailed completing full plastering services. We enjoy working for Octagon as they are a well organised company and we haven’t worked in this area of London before so we welcomed the opportunity to add this project to our portfolio.”

She added:

“We believe we are very competitive in our prices and offer good value for money.”

The plastering company boast an extensive portfolio, having worked for various sized building contractors and often delivering one off bespoke property developments on prestigious estates such as St George’s Hill in Weybridge, Burwood Park in Walton on Thames, and The Crown Estate in Oxshott.

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Roma Publications