A major housing scheme to create lakeside apartments overlooking a beauty spot in East Staffordshire is proving hugely popular, a developer has said.

Family-owned Cameron Homes is building the 54 two-bedroom apartments at Barton Marina, in Barton under Needwood, and regular visitors to the area will now see that the building work is taking shape.

The scheme, called Lakeside Apartments, has attracted strong interest since its launch earlier this year and the first two blocks of homes are now almost sold out.

A peek inside a typical Cameron Homes showhome

There has already been strong interest in the new development, with several apartments, which start at £190,000, already reserved. A selection of "penthouse" apartments with double aspects are also included in the development.

Bev Coleman, sales manager of Cameron Homes, which is based near Lichfield, said: "This is one of our most exciting and popular developments.

"Some of the homes, which are being built in three blocks linked by a gatehouse in a carefully landscaped development, have views over the marina, which features 300 boats, restaurants, bars, a cinema and delicatessen. Other apartments face the large lake, woodland and towpaths.

Work on the new Luxury Apartments at Barton Marina

"The first 10 homes in our final block have recently been released for sale, including our last penthouse apartment, which has double aspects.

"A new community is being created at Barton Marina and we are delighted it is proving such a success. Its perfect position takes advantage of the vibrancy of the marina and the beautiful rural setting."

Anyone interested in arranging a tour of the show home complex is asked to contact the sales advisors on 01283 888190 or email thelakesdie@cameronhomes.co.uk to make an appointment.

When is the next Artisan Market at Barton Marina?

The Artisan Market has become a popular attraction for visitors to Barton Marina with food, drinks, accessories and gifts all on offer.

The next showcase of Staffordshire's artistic and culinary talents will be held on Sunday, September 24, from 10am to 4pm.

The showhome for the Luxury Apartments at Barton Marina

Each month the event welcomes a host of new stallholders in addition to all the old favourites. The market, which is run by events management company Sketts, is held on the last Sunday of every month and has handmade gifts, clothes, jewellery and food.

A spokesman said: "Barton Marina is proud to offer a platform for local independent businesses to build their brand and give our visitors a unique shopping experience.

"We are passionate about nurturing local talent and supporting independent crafts workers to develop and grow their businesses. Our Artisan Market is fast-becoming a must for those wanting something extra special that they can't buy on the high street."

History of Barton Marina

Barton Marina was very different before 1994 when a visitor would have found just wheat growing and cattle grazing. It was over the next three years that more than one million tonnes of sand and gravel were excavated to create the marina and two fishing lakes.

The Waterfront opened its doors for the first time in 2007. Other eating places, quality shops and a cinema quickly followed, all built in the same Victorian warehouse style using reclaimed timber and brick.

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