It’s many people’s long-held dream to move to a waterside property, and it’s easy to see why. From the spectacular scenery and unique wildlife which can be enjoyed along Britain’s coasts and rivers to the fantastic array of fresh seafood which is readily available waterside, there are many things to love about living by the water.
Below, we explore a few of our favourite waterside towns to offer inspiration to anyone considering a move to their dream waterside home.
Poole and Sandbanks
Famed for its beautiful natural harbour, this stunning section of the Jurassic Coast is an incredible place to live. Amateur palaeontologists can enjoy exploring the cliffs and sand dunes, on the hunt for undiscovered prehistoric treasures…
Poole’s array of blue flag beaches make it the perfect place to enjoy being on or in the water, and there are endless opportunities on your doorstep to swim, sail, kayak and surf.
There are a plethora of fantastic restaurants in Poole, particularly along the seafront, with panoramic views across the water. With a long tradition of pottery making, there are also plenty of opportunities to buy striking ceramics from the range of boutique galleries and studios.
On a narrow spit extending into Poole Harbour, you’ll find Sandbanks, an upmarket community stacked with beautiful hotels and stunning homes. Many Sandbanks properties feature impressive modern architecture with glorious vistas across the crystal blue waters. If you want a waterside home which feels both contemporary and luxurious, Sandbanks could be the perfect place for you.
Emsworth
Emsworth in Hampshire is a beautiful old fishing village nestled at the north end of Chichester Harbour, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). With narrow streets, Georgian houses, walled gardens, and two millponds, Emsworth is one of our favourite waterside towns. Emsworth is particularly well-known for being the home of comic novelist, short-story writer, lyricist, and playwright, P.G. Wodehouse. For fans of Jeeves and Wooster, a visit to the local museum in North Street is a must.
As well as an array of pubs, restaurants, and cafes, including 36 On The Quay and Fat Olives, both Michelin guide-recommended, Emsworth has long been a popular spot for artists, reflected in the abundance of galleries and pop-ups one may encounter. With sublime coastal walks offering views over Chichester Harbour, it’s easy to see why so many artists find this space particularly inspirational.
With a railway station running regular trains to London Victoria and an arterial road network offering easy access to London and the major towns along the south coast, Emsworth is ideally positioned to attract a diverse range of residents.
The village has some truly spectacular homes, with its Georgian townhouses and 17th-century fishermen’s cottages proving particularly popular with buyers. Houses with views of the river are especially sought after thanks to their enviable location, with the higher value homes found on Beach Road and along the waterfront overlooking Slipper Millpond and Emsworth Millpond.
For those with young and growing families, Emsworth is within easy reach of a great choice of state and independent schools.
Christchurch
Do you find yourself torn between countryside and coast? Then Christchurch in Dorset could be the answer! With the New Forest on one side and the sea on the other, Christchurch really does have the best of both worlds. From hiking with wild ponies in the forest in the morning to swimming in the sea in the afternoon, or enjoying an evening cocktail on the waterfront, each day spent in Christchurch presents you with an endless array of enjoyable opportunities.
As well as a natural harbour, local golf courses, and a town centre filled with independent boutique shops, Christchurch has great cafes, pubs and restaurants, many with a view of the water. There are also excellent schools in the area, both state and private, and plenty of activities for children, including a water park.
Christchurch enjoys a fantastic and diverse choice of styles when it comes to property. From seaside cottage boltholes to large country homes, there’s something for everyone in and around this brilliant seaside haven, making it one of our favourite waterside towns.
Lymington
The cobbled streets of Lymington are lined with some fantastic shops and restaurants, and its rich maritime heritage means the town is full of historical sites of interest.
Nestled on the edge of the Solent, Lymington boasts three marinas which are great places to sit with a drink and watch the yachts go by. Like Christchurch, Lymington’s proximity to the New Forest means it enjoys the best of both countryside and coast. Many of the lovely homes in Lymington are Georgian or Victorian, though the town also still enjoys touches of earlier medieval architecture, and the weekly market has a charter going back to 1250.
Near the yacht club is Lymington’s celebrated sea water baths which opened in 1833, a great place to bathe on a hot day. Just 10 miles down the road is Keyhaven Nature Reserve, where you can spot many interesting and rare species of birds as well as enjoying stunning views towards the Isle of Wight.
If you’re interested in moving to a waterside property and would like to learn more about how the Bradbourne team can help you find your perfect home, get in touch with us today.