Property: 9 incredible coastal homes to snap up
Every day could be a holiday if you switch to a home by the sea. According to the latest Halifax Seaside Homes Review, the average UK coastal property costs £304,460, and the priciest spot is Salcombe in Devon, where you’ll typically pay over £1.2m. "For many, owning a home by the sea is an aspiration, with coastal living offering beach walks, clean air and other health benefits, but this comes at a price," says Kim Kinnaird, Halifax’s mortgages director. "When we delve deeper, it’s clear that there is a broad spectrum in house prices. Whilst million-pound properties are abundant in the south west of England, in contrast, homes in Greenock in Scotland are valued on average at less than £100,000." Find something to suit your budget in this selection of seaside properties currently on the market.
1. Southwold, Suffolk, £85,000
For a seafront home that doesn’t cost the earth, how about a traditional beach hut? This one’s located on Southwold’s sandy North Beach and a short stroll from the restored Victorian pier, cafes, seafood restaurants and shops. It’s being sold subject to a 30 year lease from 2006, which incorporates a right to renew for a further 30 years and has been well-maintained. The only catch is that overnight stays aren’t allowed. Find out more from Durrants.
2. Cromarty, Highland, overs over £465,000
Five-bedroom Belleview House is the central portion of a handsome B-listed Georgian property that was divided into three separate dwellings in the 1980s. The tall house opposite was built by the brother of the original owner to block his view of the sea after the pair fell out, but he wasn’t entirely successful as the upper floors gaze out over Cromarty Firth and the Sutors (the headlands at its entrance). Although perfectly liveable, it could do with modernisation. For sale through Galbraith.
3. Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire, offers over £600,000
All the main rooms in Grade II listed Rokeby House enjoy panoramic views across the bay and out to sea. Dating from the mid-17th century, it’s on a picturesque cobbled street a short walk from the beach. The ground floor comprises a kitchen/breakfast room and a separate dining room, and the main bedroom and living room – which opens onto a terrace – are the first floor, with three further bedrooms and a bathroom on the second. Contact Carter Jonas.
4. Salcombe, Devon, £725,000
A spacious one-bedroom ground floor apartment in The Salcombe, a recently upgraded former hotel in a prime waterfront site looking out over the harbour and estuary to the beaches on the East Portlemouth shore. The property has its own front door and sun terrace, and residents have access to private communal gardens, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a landing stage and mooring pontoon. Get in touch with Marchand Petit.
5. Ogmore-by Sea, Vale of Glamorgan, £1.2m
This contemporary three-storey, five-bedroom house has been designed to make to most of its position overlooking the Bristol Channel. Bi-fold doors in the kitchen/diner and adjoining lounge open onto a wide balcony with a glass balustrade, and there are further balconies on the first and second floors. The low-maintenance south-west facing garden is Astro-turfed and incorporates a deck and outdoor room. Through Watts & Morgan.
6. Littlestone, New Romney, Kent, £1.25m
Built at the beginning of the 20th century, Romney Hard is on the seafront with far reaching views over the English Channel. It includes a kitchen/breakfast room, sitting room and dining room on the ground floor, three reception rooms at lower ground level, seven bedrooms and four bathrooms arranged over the first and second floors and a swimming pool. There’s scope to upgrade, and a plot at the side of the house can be purchased separately. Through Jackson-Stops.
7. Théoule-sur-Mer, French Riviera, €15.95m (approx. £14.05m)
Picasso, Noël Coward and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor are among the famous names believed to have stayed in this secluded waterfront estate, which dates from 1925 and sits high above the Mediterranean sea. Newly refurbished, it has four bedroom suites, two further guest or staff bedrooms, a roof terrace, infinity pool and a private beach. Via John D Wood International.
8. Nassau Paradise Island, The Bahamas, $18.45m (approx £14.6m)
Most of us can only imagine what it would be like to live in Sundara, a 19,500 square foot mansion in the ultra-luxurious Ocean Club Estates community. Looking out towards Nassau harbour and the Atlantic Ocean, the palatial property features eight bedrooms, a library, a games room, a temperature controlled wine cellar, two formal dining rooms and a playroom. Outside, there’s a pool, outdoor kitchen, dining and entertaining area, and a private dock big enough to accommodate a 120 foot yacht. Dream on. Via Sotheby’s International Real Estate.
9. Sandbanks, Dorset, £15m
With miles of golden sands and Europe’s largest natural harbour, it’s easy to work out why Sandbanks was Britain’s priciest coastal location until Salcombe stole its crown. If you want to live right on the water and money’s no object, don’t miss the 8,000 square foot Flag House. As well as direct beach access and breath-taking views, it boasts a state-of-the-art kitchen, a cinema/games room, a gym studio, a huge principal bedroom suite, four more bedrooms, a lush tropical garden and infinity pool. Contact Fine & Country.
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