Greystones is a gated development of two identical, detached, flat roofed and very contemporary properties, built by local builder Barry McGrath. However, the whole project started rather strangely when Barry got lost in the Hertfordshire village of Radlett and discovered what locals described as a ‘building bombsite’. Another builder had bought the land, was granted planning permission, then demolished the site’s original bungalow and started work on the new homes – but went bust.
Confronted by a huge site, unfinished earthworks and a partially built concrete structure Barry decided that McGrath Construction would finish the project. Buying the land for £2.1 million, and working with the original design produced by Nicolas Tye Architects, the plan was to build two properties and for Barry to move into one of them.
The second property was marketed towards the end of its construction phase and quickly sold for £2.5 million.