House hunters will have the opportunity this weekend to view two family-focused show homes at Wavensmere Homes' £130m redevelopment of the 58-acre former HMS Ganges, on the Shotley Peninsula,

Barrelman's Point is delivering around 300 eco-efficient houses, set amongst scheduled ancient monuments, listed former Royal Navy buildings and extensive Public Open Space.

Barrelman's Point is in the Shotley Gate Conservation Area at the southern end of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB. 45% of the first phase of 81 high specification homes have already been matched with buyers at the off-plan stage.

Two-bedroom semi-detached and terraced Baker, Hayes, and Nicholson houses are priced from £280,000 to £285,000.

Three-bedroom Luttrell, Truscott, Archer, and Brisbane houses are priced from £365,000 to £375,000. Four-bedroom detached Boston homes are priced at £450,000, while five-bedroom executive Campbell houses are priced at £525,000. Each house features an air source heat pump, a 7kW EV car charging point, and has been designed using a fabric-first approach to retain heat energy.  

James Dickens, Managing Director at Wavensmere Homes, said: "The completion of the first collection of family houses at Barrelman's Point is a very proud moment, as HMS Ganges had lain derelict for 46 years before we commenced construction last year. The former Royal Navy Training Establishment holds so many memories to people living across the UK, and now with the first residents moving in, this historic site will start to become a thriving community once again. 

"The houses have been sensitively planned alongside the Grade II listed 142ft mast, and the other features we are in the process of restoring, such as the main gates, the parade ground, Nelson Hall, the former swimming pool building, a mid-19th Century fort, and a Martello tower. We are excited to unveil our three-bedroom show homes, which illustrate energy-efficient contemporary interiors perfect for family life." 

Steve Hird, Director of Edward Thomas Interiors, said: "We have drawn inspiration from the landscape of the beautiful Shotley Peninsula to style the Barrelman's Point show homes. They have been designed to appeal to house hunters looking to make the most of life on this scenic coastline. Perhaps a young professional couple, single parent family, or even grandparents seeking beautiful space for visiting grandchildren.

"Both three-bedroom houses feature traditional coastal colourways of blues, soft greys, and white, alongside contemporary design treatments to add individuality and personality. 

"The 1,052sq ft Luttrell includes plenty of natural materials like rattan, washed wood, wicker, and linen, alongside soft voile window dressings to maximise this property's ample natural light. Wall treatments incorporate on trend styles such as half-height panel effects, colour blocking and some striking patterned wallpapers, including sketched sailboats in the study and a pampus grass mural in the downstairs cloakroom that is so lifelike you can almost feel the fresh sea breeze.

Bedrooms follow a similar 'smart seaside' aesthetic, the main introduces a sea green to the colour palette and features a bespoke picture and peg rail as a statement behind the bed, while the second bedroom is designed for a teenager who enjoys sailing and rowing. 

"The neighbouring 1,067sq ft Truscott home adopts a bolder take with its coastal décor, encompassing chrome accents, glass or gloss furniture, and seaside detailing in the artwork and accessories – don't miss the seashell lampshades and wood plank wallpaper in the guest bedroom. This home also has a playful children's bedroom with an under the sea/ship's captain theme. Hand-painted waves adorn two walls, while a suspended fishing net above the bed keeps sea creatures contained.

Each bedroom in this property has a bespoke headboard; the main and guest have wave and scallop-edged designs respectively while the child's has an upcycled and whitewashed wood pallet." 

More than 160,000 Royal Navy recruits passed through the gates of the HMS Ganges training base, until its closure in June 1976 and the symbolic mast – which is in the final stages of restoration – is the best-known landmark across the entire Shotley Peninsula. Made of iron, steel, and timber, it dates back to 1865, and was erected in 1905 where HMS Ganges, a 74-gun 18th Century ship had stood, before retiring to Chatham Dockyard in Kent two years prior.  

The name for the development – Barrelman's Point – gives affirmation to the person who would be stationed in the barrel of the foremast to aid navigation of the vessel.

HMS Ganges Museum and Shotley Marina are both only a few minutes' walk from the new development. The village of Shotley also includes a primary school and local facilities. 

The historic Nelson Hall – a former drill hall – will be restored and redeveloped to create a potential public library facility and café, together with a meeting hall. A convenient store, racquets centre, co-working office space, creche, and museum are also proposed on site. The amenities for residents' use will be managed with a low service charge across the 58-acre development, alongside several landscaped public open spaces, new biodiverse meadow planting, tree lined avenues, and children's play areas.

The B1456 leads to the A137, with the A120, A12, and A14 also easily accessible, providing convenient travel across the county and beyond. The historic town of Ipswich is 10 miles away, which includes a host of town centre amenities and visitor attractions. There are frequent services from Ipswich and Manningtree train stations to London Liverpool Street, which take an hour. 

Wavensmere Homes is delivering Barrelman's Point in partnership with Galliard Homes. Headquartered in Edgbaston, Birmingham, Wavensmere Homes has close to 3,500 properties in production, or in planning. 

The Barrelman's Point show homes will be open daily from 10am – 5pm, located off Nelson Avenue, Shotley, Ipswich, IP9 1FF.

For further information, or to book a viewing, call 01473 233 966, or email [email protected].