62 | UK Enterprise Awards 2023 Apr23263 Best Individual High-End Property Developers 2023 - East Midlands Independent Rutland-based property development company, Kaybee Developments Limited, is passionate about creating high-quality homes in desirable locations. The company, founded in 2017, delivers properties that are functional, aesthetically pleasing and in keeping with their local surroundings. We take a look at property development in the area and chat with company director, Justin Bell about upcoming projects. Rutland, despite being England’s smallest county in both area and population, is well known for its captivating landscapes. Nestled in the heart of the East Midlands countryside the county is renowned for its rolling hills and idyllic villages. Rutland Water, a prominent feature of the county, is a stunning nature reserve that offers a range of outdoor activities including cycling, walking, and sailing. In Oakham, one of Rutland’s charming market towns, you’ll find a property development company with a reputation for prestigious construction and attention to detail. Kaybee Developments is a small company with a huge amount of expertise in its field. Justin tells us, “We work with local, skilled craftspeople wherever possible. Our approach is to deliver incredible properties whether it be new builds or our specialty of converting and restoring barns. We always construct viable, sustainable and energy-efficient homes that enhance their setting. Every one of our Kaybee homes is unique and designed to enhance the lives of the people who live in them.” Rutland’s traditional architecture showcases a distinctive style of construction featuring beautiful Rutland limestone. This sedimentary rock has been used as a core building material in the county for centuries. Recognised by its warm, honey colour, the stone is durable and weathers incredibly well. Historically used to build churches and manor houses, today the stone is still used by developers, such as Kaybee Developments, to give properties that distinctive, Rutland character. Providing a sturdy foundation, Rutland limestone also has excellent insulation properties, keeping buildings cool in summer and warm in winter. Building homes with Rutland limestone requires an intricate combination of traditional and modern craftsmanship. Expert stonemasons select stones with care. They shape the stones to fit together to form seamless walls and architectural features. Each stone is unique in shape, colour and texture giving a bespoke finish – meaning no two homes are identical. Due to the handcrafted nature of this method of building, the process is often slower than conventional methods, but the end results are stunning. Houses built or renovated in this fashion blend effortlessly into the surrounding landscape, retaining the Rutland character and charm. Although Kaybee Developments is open to all development possibilities, the company has one stipulation. Justin says, “We only build properties that we’d be happy to live in ourselves. We build to a very high-end specification and work with the new owners to tailor the property to their needs. We pride ourselves on being available to help the owners years after we sign the properties over should the need arise.” One of Kaybee Developments’ signature products, sustainable barn conversion, is an innovative approach to repurposing traditional agricultural buildings into energy-efficient living spaces. By transforming existing structures into eco-friendly homes, the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and transportation is much smaller. Take for example one of the company’s flagship barn conversions, Teigh View Barn , in the quaint village of Teigh. The property, which dates back to 1862, sits on 2.8 acres of land. Kaybee Developments transformed the barn into a modern, luxurious, 6-bedroomed home. The sensitive conversion retains many of the building’s original features including old stone detailing and exposed timber beams. The use of large windows and bi-fold doors throughout enables the property to maximise its use of natural light. Many sustainable barn conversions also incorporate energy-efficient features such as insulation, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting systems. This reduces energy consumption and reliance on non-renewable resources. Justin says, “By preserving the character and history of the original building and embracing sustainable practices, a barn conversion demonstrates how modern living and environmental responsibility can coexist in harmony.” Since the COVID-19 pandemic, patterns of economic migration have seen radical changes. With the rise in remote and hybrid working arrangements, many have sought to move to areas where housing is more affordable. One area known for its diverse range of industries is the Midlands. Add to that a lower cost of living and accessibility to all major cities, and the area has become the new home of many former residents of London and the Home Counties. Rutland, with its old-English charm, beautiful countryside and attractive price tag, has become understandably popular. Currently, Kaybee Developments is focusing its attention on 3 new developments: A stunning new 5-bedroomed property measuring over 5000 square feet and sitting on a 0.4-acre plot in the charming village of Uppingham. The village, which dates back to the 16th century, is a bustling market town packed with independent shops and cafes and known for its local crafts and produce. This new home is due for completion in Autumn 2023. Across the county border in Leicestershire, Kaybee Developments is also busy building 4 luxury homes in Great Easton. The village, known for its traditional cottages, historic buildings and strong community vibe, is a peaceful setting for this new development. Potential buyers are sure to find Great Easton a charming countryside setting for their new home.
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