MUCH is made of the number of new homes that need to be built across the country to meet demand. But today, to many people, new homes bring to mind characterless boxes on uninspiring estates.

This need not be the case as demonstrated by a new publication Designing Homes for Life, launched by the New Homes Marketing Board. The 100 page glossy book is a showcase for the best in new housing design, featuring more than 60 development from across the country.

Sales and marketing director of Try Homes southern region, Nick Champness, said: "The developments featured in the publication show that, from small rural projects to large scale city regeneration, there are some fantastic new homes available today.

"We are delighted when our St Andrew's Park development in Maidstone was selected to be included in this year's publication.

"Try Homes specialise in individual Brownfield developments and conversion projects. We do not have any standard house types, but prefer to work with the unique qualities of each site to produce high quality, individual home."

Design lovers who would like to purchase a copy of Design Homes for Life can do so for £15 through the House Builders Federation website www.hbf.co.uk or by calling 020 7608 5100.