It’s the biggest apartment in Solihull – and an award winner, complete with waterside views and the best spot in the village.

It is probably the best apartment to be found at the heart of Dickens Heath. Solihull’s showpiece “village by design”.

Number 12, Customs House is the crowning glory of Parkridge Homes’ Waterside phase, taking two top levels of the neo-Classical building that overlooks the magnificent water feature.

The Penthouse was sold quickly on completion two years ago, hardly leaving time for a market airing.

At the same time, it took the top title in the Birmingham Post & Mail House Design Awards – judged to be the best luxury offering and scooping the overall title for developers Parkridge.

At 2,193 sq ft it is easily the largest apartment for sale in Solihull, and newly available with a guide price of £575,000.

For that, one acquires big double bedrooms and a whole series of living spaces spread over two floors.

There is a vast kitchen opening into living and dining areas with full height glazing to a private balcony on the lower level.

And upstairs is the principal bedroom suite with access to another wrap round terrace, complete with a privately situated hot tub haven, tucked at the top of the building – completely out of sight.

Alongside this is an entertainment room with surround sound, ideal as home cinema or snooker room. There is also plenty of plumbing including a house bathroom and en suite facilities.

Neil Kentish of the selling agents, Knight Frank said this week: “The Cusoms House penthouse really is a unique opportunity within the borough of Solihull.

“At Knight Frank we see many prestigious properties appear on the market but this has to be one of the most exciting we’ve seen for a long time.

“The low maintenance appeal and combination of a relaxed and spacious home – which can also double up as a fantastic entertainment space would make an ideal home for many affluent buyers who may not have even considered apartment living.”

The major selling point for many will be the astonishing outlook – over the smart, European-style piazza with its cascading waters – man made modern artistry running down to the more traditional waterside – the canal bank.

The views beyond are of protected countryside with the added interest, in between, of a glimpse of the other smart apartment buildings and their balconies.

But this is no isolated development. People who have not taken a closer look many not realise that a few steps from the Customs House is the village centre with its restaurants, bars, designer shops and daily necessities such as food, dentist, hairdressers and doctors.

Dickens Heath has also lived up to its promise as a fully fledged real community for the 21st century. Community extras here include a school, church and library too. Lin Hanks of Dickens Heath developer Parkridge said: “Buying here isn’t just about choosing the property to suit you, it’s about buying into a vibrant community.”

Existing residents frequently aim to move up the property ladder within the village rather than moving out, she added.

“We are placing bets as to whether someone who already lives at Dickens Heath will be the eventual buyer of the penthouse, although it could easily be a newcomer to the Midlands who wants to find a really special, status home.

“This property would suit a high flying business executive or many even a footballer as the Village really has the perfect combination – exclusivity, privacy and a wealth of amenities on hand.”

The Penthouse comes with two car parking spaces and private lift access. Details of how to view Number 12 are available from Neil Kentish at Knight Frank, 0121 200 2220.