The Gwel, Truro

The Gwel is a significant new build housing community located at Higher Newham Farm, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2SN, delivered by Countryside Homes, part of the Vistry Group, in partnership with Places for People. This comprehensive development is set to provide 242 new homes, with fifty percent of the total homes designated for affordable housing, encompassing both affordable rent and Shared Ownership tenures. The overall scheme is part of a larger planned community farm and village project, intended to foster a sustainable living environment. The total property mix includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5-bedroom houses and apartments, offering options for first-time buyers, families, and downsizers. The development is situated to provide views over the Fal Estuary and Truro Cathedral. The final phase of construction is currently projected for completion by Summer 2027.

Property Details The available homes at The Gwel include a variety of property types such as apartments, 2-bedroom coach houses, and detached and semi-detached houses. A three-bedroom semi-detached house, known as 'The Tristan' (available via Shared Ownership), exemplifies the design, featuring two private parking spaces, a separate living room with double doors opening to the rear garden, and an open-plan kitchen/dining area. Upstairs, this house type provides a master bedroom, a second double bedroom with built-in storage, and a single bedroom suitable for a home office or nursery. All new build homes are designed for modern, energy-efficient living, with Countryside Homes noting their properties use up to 64% less energy a year compared to older housing stock. The properties feature contemporary fittings and open-plan living areas. The wider development incorporates open green spaces and designated children’s play areas.

Location Benefits The Gwel is positioned approximately ten minutes from Truro city centre, providing easy access to the city’s amenities, including The Hall for Cornwall, the cathedral, and a range of independent shops and restaurants. The immediate Higher Newham Farm masterplan includes on-site community facilities: a community farm, allotments, orchards, a community hub featuring a restaurant, a cook school, and small-scale commercial units.

For connectivity, the site offers excellent road links with the A39 and A390 easily accessible, enabling travel by car to coastal towns such as Falmouth, St Ives, and Newquay. Truro’s mainline railway station provides regular services to Plymouth and beyond, connecting residents to the wider rail network. Cornwall Airport Newquay is also located nearby. Educational provisions include Kea School, which has been identified as the designated primary school for the development. Countryside Homes maintains a 5-star rating from the Home Builders Federation (HBF), reflecting a commitment to build quality and customer service, with over 90% of customers stating they would recommend the developer.

Practical Information A substantial proportion of the homes are available through Shared Ownership, a government-backed scheme designed to make home ownership more accessible, where a deposit starts from 5% of the share purchased. Pricing for the open-market 2, 3, 4, and 5-bedroom new build homes is available upon direct enquiry to Countryside Homes. Interested parties can visit the on-site sales centre (What3Words: spends.backed.flats) for viewing arrangements and to discuss specific plot specifications, which may include incentives such as the Key Worker Scheme.