Coastlines

The United Kingdom coastline – from the tip of the Scottish Isles to the toe of England and beyond to the Isles of Scilly, the fenlands of East Anglia running smoothly to the waterfront and the Welsh mountains, not forgetting Northern Ireland’s stunning coastline and Ireland itself.

Dramatic cliffs falling into the Atlantic Ocean and North Sea, the sublime south coast embracing the English Channel with beaches where family holidays create memories and a myriad of estuaries and creeks which are a haven for sailors.

I’ve been kindly invited by the new editor of this magazine, Andy Cooper, to explore the coastal property scene in the coming months. With half a century of experience and knowledge in the residential property sector it is a pleasure to share my findings with the readers of Coast.

I’ll be looking at the many varied regions around our wonderful coastline and exploring the property opportunities specific to the areas, whether out of pure interest or for those seeking a new life, a second home or maybe upsizing or downsizing as life unfolds. The choices are endless so a small insight into the individual regions may trigger a line of thought – who knows where that may lead?

So, where to start? According to Google the coastline of the UK is 7,723 miles and Ordnance Survey argues it could well be 11,072 miles depending on how it is measured. For this column, no matter the definitive answer, that’s a lot of places to discover so we will focus on a small area at a time.

The place to start a search is in a regional city – book a city break and off you go. As an island we are never really that far from the coast – but many cities are within striking distance – Plymouth in the south, Norwich in the east, St David’s in the west and Aberdeen, The Granite City, on the north east coast of Scotland

Then there is The Garden of England – Kent has 350 miles of coastline and is accessible to London for work and maybe a quick hop across the Channel to France.

Here’s my selection this month of the coastal property in these areas which catch the eye:

The Windmill, Charing, is a grade II listed early 19th century windmill with panoramic views towards the coast at New Romney and Rye. It’s the perfect antidote to city life and a great investment to let as Airbnb. It is offers quirky accommodation retaining the original workings with further potential. All in all, a unique opportunity to own a bit of local history. Andrew and Co are the selling agents – andrewandco.co.uk 01233 632383.

In Sutton Harbour, Plymouth, is The Terrace at Harbour Arch Quay looking across Plymouth Harbour and Marina. This is a stunning penthouse with an expansive kitchen, living-dining space, an accessing roof terrace, and three bedrooms, all with balconies. It is close to the vibrant Barbican and excellent restaurant choices. The perfect location to explore this busy city. Attwell Martin – attwellmartin.co.uk 01752 202121.

Life and budgets will dictate what to do – let your head dictate the region that suits you best but let your heart choose the property – it’s where life happens. Because, after all…“It’s all about coming home.”

By Nigel Bishop

Founder & Managing Director