Chester House, one of two large Octagon family homes in Reenglass Road, Stanmore, has been sold. Cavendish House remains at £2.4 million.

Octagon director Richard Galland comments: "These two houses are a rare find, being extremely spacious and in a great location. Both are just five minutes' walk from Stanmore tube station, so perfect for families seeking fast access to the City, first-class local amenities and excellent schools. No surprise then that viewings to Cavendish House, the remaining property, have recently accelerated."

Cavendish House, with five to six bedrooms, is individually designed but sharing the same high specification as Chester. Set well back on this quiet private road, it has more than 4,000 sq ft of living space, an integral double garage and a large secluded garden. Viewing is through sole agents Real Estates. Stephen Barnett, of Real Estates, says there is "further, serious activity" for the remaining Cavendish House.

Real Estates reports a good start to 2011.

"'Happy New Year' was certainly the right phrase for the beginning of January, according to several highly delighted vendors, as they celebrated the sales of their properties through Real Estates," says Mr Barnett.

With offices at Woodside Park and Totteridge Lane, north London, Real Estates has sold four detached properties in Totteridge ranging from £615,000 to more than £1 million, in Longland Drive, Laurel Way, Southway and Greenway, with exchanges of contracts taking place in the first two weeks of the year. The vendors of the property in Greenway purchased the larger property in neighbouring Southway.

"National media reports still insist that the property market is depressed and while endless articles speculate on possible interest rate rises, increasing unemployment and the continual doom and gloom of the economy in general, it is refreshing and somewhat inspiring to see a few green shoots of growth in our local area, as the demand for quality property is still thriving," says Mr Barnett.

"Furthermore, Real Estates confirms a renewed confidence in the property market in general, with prospective purchasers registering daily, along with a definite increase in viewings, prompting sensible offers and serious negotiations.

"This encouraging start to the new year will hopefully set the trend for further activity within the local property market as we look towards spring, and serious purchasers will note Real Estates' high profile on the national property websites, including www.findaproperty.com, www.rightmove.co.uk, www.zoopla.co.uk, www.primelocation.com and of course, its own up-to-date dedicated website, www.realestates-wsp.co.uk".