Q&A WITH TAI HUSSAIN, SALES CONSULTANT AT BROADOAKS PARK
Tai started his career working for the new build division of a national agency, becoming well acquainted with ‘desirable’ Surrey locations. Living only a mile away from West Byfleet, home to luxury housebuilder Octagon’s flagship development, Broadoaks Park, Tai was well versed with the Octagon name.
Arriving at Broadoaks Park in November 2020, a year after it launched, Tai spends most of his time on site at the award-winning development. An exclusive collection of 126 homes – a mix of Grade II Listed conversions and new build homes – set in 25 acres, the parkland estate offers vast areas of communal green spaces for residents to enjoy.
With less than 20 homes left available, Tai looks back at the Broadoaks Park journey – from the early days on a building site, to winning one of the property industry’s most prestigious awards – and the hearts of a new community.
What is it that sets Broadoaks Park apart from other developments?
Where to start! Broadoaks Park is completely unique. The blend of historical buildings with newbuild homes gives the development an aesthetic that is rarely seen. Having an in-house team that specialises in both Listed and newbuild homes is a rarity, and it offers a synergy you otherwise wouldn’t find. The new houses have taken inspiration from the Mansion House, from brickwork detailing through to bespoke stonework, with the overall effect seamless and the connection between design and finish evident.
Everything has been carefully considered and expertly delivered with the community in mind, from road layouts through to the landscaping, expansive green spaces and the LEAP play area.
If the fast train links into London aren’t enough of a draw for a lot of our residents, the surrounding countryside, exciting redevelopment of West Byfleet town centre and proximity to some of Surrey’s best schools really helps seal the deal.
There is something special about Broadoaks Park, you can feel it as soon as you drive through the gates.
Has demand always been high at the development?
The level of interest from prospective buyers was extraordinarily high since the pre-launch event held at the Mercedes Benz World in Weybridge in 2019, where 350 people attended and reservations were made before building works had even started.
I have never experienced anything in my entire career as the pace at Broadoaks Park. Having worked previously for the new build division of a national agency, Surrey was familiar to me, and particularly the West Byfleet area, as I live close by – which is a huge benefit when talking to prospective purchasers about the local area.
I am just delighted to have been part of the journey.
In the early stages of development, how did you help clients envision what was to come?
Helping buyers visualise their new home, community and lifestyle can be difficult, especially during the early stage of construction, where much of my time was spent on site – videoing the progress being made for our eager clients, several of who were based overseas. The CGIs, 3D model, VR tours and specification tools were really helpful, but they really appreciated the visual updates and the on-the-ground insight I could offer and are still thanking me to this day.
We are blessed here at Broadoaks Park with a first class build and design team who go the extra mile as well, so we know the end product is always going to be fantastic. Clients know the Octagon name and trust it, which goes a long way.
What is your Broadoaks Park highlight?
I love watching a wonderful new community grow. We have hosted a few events and ran initiatives, including a Residents Summer picnic last year and Christmas Event . New residents have started a book club, and are planning their own events, which take place on the magnificent village green.
What’s next for the award-winning development?
We were thrilled to win GOLD at the What? House Awards for Best Luxury Development in November – it was a great moment for the whole team who have worked so hard over the past few years.
Looking ahead, Broadoaks Park is nearing its completion, and we are now showing the last phase of newbuild houses and apartments – there are less than 20 homes still available.
There has been a growing amount of interest in the Grade II listed Mansion House, from residents, prospective purchasers, press and historians. The award-winning Coach House in Phase 1 was converted into six apartments, and the two Listed lodges (one of which is currently our Sales Suite) are fantastic single-storey homes. Seeing these finished with happy clients now moved in has created some excitement for the development’s centrepiece.
The transformation is well underway, converting the house into two expansive family homes. . The homes will be incredible – richly enhanced by beautifully restored features such as fireplaces and decorative cornicing, but filled with all the modern requirements we couldn’t live without.
Any final words?
It has been a huge privilege to have played a part in the Broadoaks Park success, and to hear time and again residents tell me ‘we feel so lucky to live here’. It’s a truly unique development, and I know our clients will love living there for years and years to come.