Oh we do like to be beside the (British) seaside
IF there’s one thing in property that never goes out of fashion, it’s a sea view. Coastal views – wherever you are in Europe – are in fierce demand and often, limited supply. “The National?Trust owns so much of our coastline in?Britain, that there’s always going to be a shortage,” says Jonathan Cunliffe, of Savills in Cornwall.
Cunliffe reckons a “front row” (unblocked) coastal view adds between 50 and 100 per cent to the value of the property, whether in a holiday home destination like Cornwall, or in Kent.
“I normally sell houses on the water side of the road for twice as much as inland side of the road,” he says. “Having ownership of water frontage makes a tremendous amount of difference.”
It does, of course, depend on location. As shown by Cook’s?Shipyard, pictured right, a water view need not cost the earth. Essex is not ritzy Rock in Cornwall, but it still offers sea breezes – and a quick shot into the City.
Kent, however, has some of Britain’s most desirable coastline properties, all the more so for being within commuting distance of London.
COASTAL CHIC
Folkestone combines affordablity with views across the Channel. For more upmarket views, try Sandgate or Seabrook to the west of Folkestone – both ten minutes’ drive from the high speed link to London.
If you fancy something really refreshing, head for Jersey, where houses tend to be grander, and the epitome of coastal chic. It helps to have some spare cash if you’re going for your view here, as you’ll be commuting by plane – just 35 minutes to Gatwick.
THE BEACH HOUSE, ST OUEN, JERSEY
Price: £1.35m
Easy air travel has extended the London commuter belt as far as Jersey and this spacious, modern property is set on the island’s north-east coast. It’s only 35 minutes by plane to Gatwick from this Channel Island.
Contact Savills on 0534 722227, www.savills.co.uk
COOK’S SHIPYARD, WIVENHOE, ESSEX
Price: From £179,995
These smart two-bedroom luxury flats with balconies offer a quiet, waterfront setting within easy reach of the City and nearby Colchester.
Call Taylor Wimpey on 0845 026 5602 or visit www.taylorwimpey.co.uk
CLIFTON CRESCENT, FOLKESTONE, KENT
Price: £360,000
For uninterrupted sea views across the Channel, try this three-bedroom penthouse on the Kent coast. High speed rail means it’s under an hour to St Pancras.
Contact: Ward & Partners Folkestone on 01303 256505, www.wardandpartners.co.uk