About Dandara

Storage space is adequate especially by new-build standard – utility cupboard, very large mirror cabinets in both bathrooms, a lot of kitchen storage and fitted wardrobe in the master bedroom.

Balconies are of decent size, and are east facing and west facing respectively, so the flat gets a lot of natural light throughout the day. Floor to ceiling windows/balcony doors also introduce a lot of natural light into the rooms, plus the views from the windows/balconies are in my opinion quite nice.

The windows/balconies do not face other flats so there was no issue of looking into your neighbours’ flats. We thought the flat was well insulated. Windows/balcony doors appear to be triple glazed (or maybe double), we hear no outside noise in the flat, and I have never heard our neighbours when inside the flat.

There were unfortunately some execution issues inside the flat – missing sealant at some places, floor is un-level at certain places, hence 4 stars instead of 5. But the snagging company that looked at the flat thought the build quality was good.

Another minor thing that we did not like was that the bathrooms do not come with handheld shower head, only overhead shower.

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

The local area is excellent, diverse, quiet and feels safe. Plenty of grocery shopping choices nearby – a large Sainsbury’s down the road, and another Tesco express and Waitrose just 1 minute walk away. Two gas station in close proximity. We also love the cafes and takeaways nearby. There are a number of parks nearby – so far we have only been to Grovelands Park but have found it quite nice.

There is no tube service within walking distance, but a train directly to and from Moorgate now with 6 trains an hour during peak hours, and it’s only a 30 mins ride. Buses (with a station literally downstairs) can take you to Piccadilly line stations (Southgate/ Wood Green).

There is secured underground parking but limited spaces – not all the flats come with a parking space I believe. The development is on Green Lanes which is part of A105, but this part of Green Lanes is not very busy.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Slightly torn on this question – kind of wish I could tell from flat viewing (we did not buy the flat off-plan) that the floor was un-level, but if we could, we probably wouldn’t have chosen this flat/development, out of all flats that we have viewed. I thought the choice worked out nicely for us.

What is the best feature of your home:

The area feels safe, has everything you need, a lot of green spaces/parks and provides decent connections to the City. A lot natural light in the flat because of floor-to-ceiling windows. Plenty of storage inside the flat. Good noise insulation.

4

Facilities

5

Design

5

Location

5

Value

4

Management

The design is very contemporary and functional, compared with other developments nearby. Dandara has made full use of the floor space strategically, the flats are all open plan inside and feel very bright and spacious.

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

Transport links in the area are fantastic there are plenty of bus stops nearby and a train straight into central London within 30mins just a minute walk away.

Plenty of choice with restos, bars and pubs.

Noise in the evenings is non existent the building is fantastically sound proofed, including the balcony doors which are triple glazed.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

That the balcony leaked water onto the one below….ideally before we watered the plants.

What is the best feature of your home:

The gorgeous view from the balcony overlooking the river and fields.

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

The local area is wonderful. It is not surprising that it has been voted the number one place to live in Scotland. It is a small town which retains a rural and rustic vibe. There are a range of independent shops on the high street, a number of bars and restaurants and larger chain supermarkets. Transport links to Edinburgh via train and bus, make it a fantastic commuter town into the city. There is a parking issue within the town, I do believe that enough noise is being made for action to be taken on this soon.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish that I had ascertained the anticipated degree of the garden slope. By which I mean to nail the developer down to an actual figure in degrees. The development has been built on a hill and consequently, the gardens are far from flat.

What is the best feature of your home:

The best feature of the Laurel is the open plan kitchen/Diner. This is where we spend most of our time as a family and it has become the real hub of our home.

Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:

Ive lived in Aberdeen all my life and needed to downsize last year my new semi detached home is amazing the area is lovely 4 minute walk to get to hazlehead park a brand new Aldi opening next month is a 10 minute walk away very nice neighbours and the insulation is great. My adjoining neighbour said the other day she never hears me and I said the same to her plus i have a dog.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The solar panels were a nightmare to get my energy company to recognise but again the help was great also it would be good to have it pointed out that there are post Behind the plaster board in all the rooms ready for curtain poles or rails. I had to ask the neighbour.

What is the best feature of your home:

For me the underfloor heating down stairs and the south facing garden won me over