The Wickets

Development Overview

The Wickets is a specific new build homes development by Ashberry Homes, located on Stoke Road, Desborough, Northamptonshire, NN14 2SR. This development is planned to comprise 350 new homes in total, including 280 properties for the private market and 70 affordable properties available through shared ownership or low-cost rent for local people. The current offering consists of two-storey, three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached new build homes.

Initial pricing for the three and four-bedroom properties at The Wickets starts from £265,000. Specific available properties include the three-bedroom semi-detached 'The Indigo', listed at £279,950, with similar three-bedroom house types ranging up to approximately £309,950. Prospective buyers should contact the developer for the current price list and final specification on four-bedroom house types.

Property Details

The homes at The Wickets are designed with high energy efficiency and modern flexible living in mind. Standard features for the new build homes include installed solar panels, Google Nest thermostats for efficient heating control, Google Nest doorbells, and electric vehicle (EV) charging points. A key design element is the focus on lifetime flexibility, with features like larger wet rooms, larger halls and landings, and the capability to convert downstairs cloakrooms into full wet rooms. All properties are offered with a 10-year warranty.

Show home layouts available for viewing include the three-bedroom 'The Salvia,' which features a high-specification kitchen/breakfast room to the front and a living/dining room extending across the rear with French doors to the garden. The four-bedroom 'The Robin' includes a kitchen/family/dining room with French doors, a separate living room featuring a bay window, and a utility room, with the main bedroom in both styles offering an en-suite.

Location Benefits and Transport Links

The Wickets is situated approximately one mile north of Desborough town centre, falling under the North Northamptonshire Council. The development is centrally positioned between the larger market towns of Corby, Kettering, and Market Harborough (located five miles southeast).

Road Connectivity: Direct road access to the A6 is available within a three-minute drive, leading to Leicester in approximately 28 minutes. The site is also well-positioned near the A14. Rail Commute: For commuters, the nearby train stations offer fast links to London. Kettering Station is an approximate 37-minute bus journey away, offering direct rail services to London St Pancras International with the fastest services completing the journey in just 46 minutes. Market Harborough Station, five miles away, also provides services to London St Pancras with a fastest journey time of approximately 54-56 minutes. Local bus routes, including the 17, 18, and 19, serve the Breakleys Road stop, a short 4-minute walk from the development.

Local Amenities and Education: Essential services are within walking distance, including a major supermarket and Desborough Leisure Centre. Desborough town centre provides a post office, surgery, pharmacy, library, community centre, and a selection of independent shops and pubs. Primary and secondary schooling options are available within a 10-minute drive. Loatlands Primary School (NN14 2NJ) is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted (2022). Leisure activities include West Lodge Farm Park and East Carlton Countryside Park, which is a 13-minute drive away.

Practical Information

Ashberry Homes, part of the Bellway Group, is the developer. While the company markets a commitment to five-star customer service and build quality, prospective buyers should note that customer reviews are mixed; some report positive experiences with site management, while others at various developments have detailed significant snagging issues and poor aftercare. Viewing of the show homes (The Robin, The Salvia, and The Honeysuckle) is by appointment. Completion status is ongoing, with a total of 350 new build homes planned for the site. For current availability, specific plot prices, and viewing arrangements, contact the developer directly.