THE old family home of the Musselwhites has been razed to the ground to make way for 12 contemporary apartments, but the developers have retained the name of Fieldways.

An August open event brought some strong interest from people living in the Russell Road area of Basingstoke who want to downsize from family homes into smaller accommodation, according to Tom Bateson, regional director of new homes for selling agent Connells.

He said: "The open weekend produced half-a-dozen interested parties wanting to move from the established residential roads in the area."

The apartments, where there is now a show unit, are nearing completion, and two on the ground floor are being offered on a shared-equity scheme, for which the developers are offering a 15 per cent interest-free loan, which brings the price down to £159,950. Without the shared equity, the price would be £200,000.

Fieldways is being built by Southampton-based developer Cranbourne Homes, which was started by brothers Rav and Jet Atwal in 2001.

Rav Atwal, an accountant, said: "This is our first site outside the Southampton area. We pride ourselves on trying to develop smaller, bespoke developments.

"We are finding the location here is almost like a bubble, as people living in the area want to stay in the area."

All the apartments have two bedrooms and either an en suite shower room or bathroom. The bathrooms have whirlpool baths fitted.

The living accommodation is open plan with an island, inset with the hob, creating a division between the kitchen and reception area.

The ground-floor apartments have bay windows, with French doors to the outside, and the upstairs units have the same design, but the doors open to a Juliet balcony.

A special feature of the apartments on the top floor of the development are partly-domed ceilings in every room to give a real feel of spaciousness.

The show unit has solid-wood flooring running through the main areas, but the other apartments will have tiling and carpets included in the price.

Granite work surfaces are included in the kitchens, which are equipped with an oven and hob, washer dryer, dishwasher and fridge-freezer.

Fieldways is a special development for 28-year-old Becky Allen. It is her first development since being promoted to Connells' new homes manager for Hampshire and South Wiltshire.