EVERY new home at Ashbourne Grange, in Maidstone, has a conservatory. Prices at the Charles Church development range from £229,950 to £243,500.

Sue Burr, sales executive, said: "Everyone loves a conservatory, even if they decide to use it in an unusual way -Ð as a study area or a fitness room, for example. ÒTypically, visitors to the development head straight for this room; it attracts them like a magnet. Even the kitchen, which is traditionally a big selling point in a new home, seems to be taking second place.Ó

The sales office is on 01622 726424.

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THE British Woodworking Federation has compiled a guide containing tips on reducing the damaging effect of flood water on timber products within the home.

Handy hits include advice on drying saturated timber, as well as more detailed guidance on repairing and replacing affected areas, such as floors, staircases, doors and windows.

Procedures are also outlined for carrying out minor repairs to timber frame houses.

For a copy of the guide, contact the BWF on 020 7608 5050 or visit www.bwf.org.uk.

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WILCON Homes is reporting strong sales in Ashford, where it has three developments.

The housebuilder has announced that more than two-thirds of the homes at Knight Park - which comprises more than 200 properties - have been sold.

Wilcon has recently released the properties that form the central focus of the development. Located around The Courtyard, these detached four-bedroom properties are the highlight of the development.

The homes range in price from £184,995 to £229,995. The sales centre is on 01233 635973.

A new showhouse has opened at Pilgrim's Reach, the Wilcon site in Wouldham, near Rochester. Called the Arden, it is a three-bed linked property.For more details and prices, call the sales centre on 01634 861825.

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BOSSES at Alpine Homes are offering to pay stamp duty on selected plots for a limited period at its Hollywood Heights site in Frindsbury, near Strood.

To take advantage of the offer buyers should visit the development and choose a plot quickly. They must able to move in by the end of March.

The sales office is on 01634 297540 or the agents, RPC Land and New Homes, is on 01322 228891.