New homes in Welwyn Garden City: Art Deco-style flats for first-time buyers with a 35-minute commute to King's Cross

Founded 100 years ago by urban planner and social reformer Ebenezer Howard, Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire was part of his dream to create a healthy, green housing Eden for London’s bulging population.

Designated one of the first New Towns in 1948, by the Fifties there was a waiting list of thousands wanting to move there, many enticed by its close proximity to the A1(M) and fast trains into the capital — these days King’s Cross trains take an average 35 minutes.

The town is laid out along tree-lined streets with a neo-Georgian centre, and has five schools, a hospital, three golf courses and a mile-long scenic parkway with shopping mall.

Close to the town centre and train station is the new neighbourhood of Times Square, where flats in Chrysler House, the conversion of handsome Art Deco offices, cost from £215,000, with shared ownership available.

Call SO Resi on 020 8607 0550.