It's been said that the smell of freshly poured coffee or baking bread helps sell a house.

Now this strategy is being pursued on a larger scale by builder Crest Nicholson at its new £6 million development in the heart of Warwickshire.

Crest Nicholson, which already boasts four sites in Solihull, is creating 23, twobedroom apartments in Kenilworth.

And each room at the Clarendon Road scheme will contain its own aroma, ranging from afternoon tea in the lounge to a rich coffee smell in the kitchen.

The smells, which are created by atomiser devices in each room, are available in the show home, but can be bought as extras with the completed properties.

Marilyn Richards, regional sales manager, said: "We have conducted research which revealed visitors like the total sensory experience when going around our properties.

"The idea is to recreate the journey of a typical day, with coffee and toast in the kitchen in a morning, afternoon tea smells later on and Champagne and candles if people want something more alluring in the evening.

"People can also create their own smells, or turn it off. It is about being creative and rather than just looking at the design of the property, visitors are having their other senses stimulated."

The scheme's show home has already proved popular with potential purchasers looking to get a first glimpse of 1960's Manhattan glamour.

Designed with a Breakfast at Tiffany's theme, the 915 sq ft apartment is bedecked with Audrey Hepburn memorabilia, feather pillows and lush greens, creams and blacks.

The project is already attracting visitors from across the region, many of whom are looking to downsize or secure a second UK home.

It is the latest project from Crest Nicholson Midlands, which has recently become the largest division in the Crest Nicholson group.

The luxury home developer, which employs 80 people at its Tamworth head office, expects to build 500 units in the region this year, taking turnover past the £100 million mark for the first time in its 18 year history.

Ms Richards added: " Warwickshire is a fantastic location and one that Crest Nicholson view as being fundamental in the company's expansion in the Midlands.

"The Kenilworth development will be the fifth one we have launched in the last 18 months in the area, including our scheme at Knowle."

Prices will range from £195,950 to £275,950 at Crest Nicholson Kenilworth, which is expected to be completed by December.

Ms Richards said: " Kenilworth is proving a much sought after location for buyers and, at the moment, there are no other developments that are situated within just a few minutes walk of the high street.

"Combine this fact with the luxury design, high quality specification and spacious nature of the apartment and you've got one of the most exciting developments the area has seen for years."