It's been a busy start to the year for our team down at Urban Ridge, The Thorne Group’s land development division. Since showcasing the architecturally designed homes in stage two, that were launched last October, there has been 9 new homes started, and 4 to start shortly. Now these homes are all in varying build stages with floors going down, roofs being finished and keys being cut for handover.

It never ceases to amaze me watching the building transformation. From paper plans and bare plot to the physical reality,

Today it's like a hive of industry along the street with a variety of tradesmen working amongst our crews. Bell Plumbing are onsite, their green shirts intermingled with our guy's blue ones.

It's going to be a busy time so I will keep posting progress shots and aim to include some as each of the homes complete. They are all unique and individual in their design and specification. so watch this space....

The team from eco insulation are installing wool insulation to keep the homes healthy and well insulated. 

The Granmarbello van has just been unloaded as they work to install another gorgeous benchtop.

After sheer will alone did not hold off the rain - who would have guessed the long range forecast would actually happen exactly as predicted!  However, that did not stop people coming to what transpired to be a great day out.  We had a series of presentations and Peter Blakeway christened the home with its first meal (incidentally, his new cooking book does look divine!).  

After opening weekend we have now 9 homes sold or under contract, which speaks for itself. However just as important is the feedback from people about the area, the design and the interior design of the home.  Congratulations Wendy on yet another superb effort.  The show home is open nearly every day, just check the opening hours on our Urban Ridge page for the following day.

If you missed MoreFm this morning, congratulations to Judith for winning the $1000 prize draw of vouchers from Harvey Norman. 

Celebrity chef Peter Blakeway with his cooking demonstration

The lovely Belinda cooking up a storm for the MoreFM BBQ.  Our little rascal Hugo enjoying the bouncy castle before the rain set in.

After lots of hard work by the entire team (check out of the photo of Bob helping Wendy put the beds together), the next Urban Ridge show home is officially opening this Sunday with loads of activities.    You can feed and entertain the kids for free with a bouncy castle & sausage sizzle and for the big people there is 3 great seminars starting with how to create a material palette, a cooking demonstration by celebrity chef Peter Blakeway finished off by a how to create best landscape a small garden space. 

I was reflecting with a someone the other day as to why Urban Ridge is so successful.  We came to the same conclusion that aside from the obvious - low maintenance homes, high quality finish, high specifications, and all for what is an exceptional price, there is also a less obvious reason.  It is the residents themselves that have created a real sense of community.  People from all age groups and situations together have created a community spirit that is not often replicated in other neighbourhoods.  Our residents are also our biggest advocates, and for this we are truly grateful.