Every now and then something happens property-wise that has everyone talking.

Herts Advertiser: Three of the Oak Tree Gardens houses are already under offerThree of the Oak Tree Gardens houses are already under offer (Image: Archant)

St Albans standouts over the past few years have been the arrival on the market of mega-mansion 53 The Park, the sale of Wick House for £7.1m and anything and everything to do with Gabriel Square.

This week it’s a humble Victorian cottage that’s got everyone pressing the ‘share’ button on Facebook, and one local man couldn’t be happier about that.

Ben Bryant’s decision to market his Inkerman Road home with drone footage of the St Albans area has gone down a storm on social media and the video has already been viewed more than 50,000 times. Whatever your thoughts on Ben’s approach, you’ve got to commend him and fiancée Amy for trying. Fingers crossed some of these virtual views translate into actual offers.

Another development that’s caused a stir is Oak Tree Gardens. The 10 homes being built on the site of the former Museum of St Albans on Hatfield Road are coming along nicely, and the first residents are expected to be moving in by the end of November.

As a fan of the old museum, I’ve been watching this one closely, and am glad that the original façade has remained in situ. While the rest of the development is brand new, it’s sympathetic to the original and I think it will look lovely when finished.

As someone who generally favours period properties, the only problem for me would be whether I should go for one of the two three-bed homes that are being built behind the original shell, right onto the road, or one of the brand new builds at the back with views over St Peter’s churchyard. Three of the properties, including the one behind the original entrance, have been snapped up however, so my fantasy house shopping options may be limited.

Check out my video tour if you’d like to see how the site’s looking now – and join me in tipping your hard hat to the builders still labouring away in gloves, hats and protective glasses in 30-plus degree heat.