Yahoo Finance Life on the water: 8 wonderful waterside homes
Various studies have highlighted the benefits of blue space, a collective term for coastal waters, lakes and rivers. Exposure boosts our wellbeing and improves our mental and physical health, so it’s no wonder that living by the water seems such an attractive proposition. Although you’ll pay a premium for the location, it will also have a positive effect on your property’s future value, as estate agency Knight Frank reports that waterfront properties are on average worth 49 percent more than equivalent ones away from water. Check out these homes for sale and see if you’re tempted to splash out.
1. The Highland Club, Fort Augustus, Invernesshire, offers over £245,000
Located on the southern shores of Loch Ness, this apartment is in a former Benedictine Monastery that was built around 1880 and converted into character-filled apartments 10 years ago. It’s on the top floor, comprises a large, open plan kitchen/living/dining room, a double bedroom and luxurious bathroom and can be used all year round, as a holiday home or rented out. There are 20 acres of grounds, and facilities include an onsite restaurant and leisure complex. Via Pacitti Jones.
2. Hutley Wharf, Islington, London N1, £425,000
Buying this one-bedroom, first floor flat gives you the best of both worlds as it’s in a quiet spot on the Regents Canal, yet within walking distance of Hoxton’s bars and clubs and Hackney’s buzzing Broadway Market. The light and airy living room and bedroom look out onto the water, and the current owner describes the property as very peaceful, safe and secure and easy to maintain. Like what you see? Contact Foxtons.
3. Woodberry Down, Finsbury Park, London N4, from £504,000
These one, two and three-bedroom new-build flats are part of a regeneration scheme of over 5,500 homes. Although only a few miles from central London, the site is something of an urban oasis, featuring 15 acres of parkland and 42 acres of open water across two reservoirs. The east reservoir is home to Woodberry Wetlands, a nature reserve cared for by the London Wildlife Trust while the west reservoir offers all-year-round outdoor swimming, sailing and kayaking. From Berkeley Homes.
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4. Lantern House, Maristow House, Maristow, Devon, offers over £800,000
A portion of a Grade II* listed country house that was converted by architect Kit Martin, who specialises in rescuing at-risk historic homes. The location could hardly be more idyllic, as it nestles in 42 acres of private parkland and gazes out over the River Tay. Lantern House is arranged over three storeys and includes three bedrooms, a dining room, snug, garden room and a top floor drawing room – previously a billiard room – with magnificent, far reaching views. For sale through Mansbridge Balment.
5. Harbour House, St Ives, Cornwall, offers over £1m
With views of St Ives Bay and the Celtic Sea from virtually every room and a sandy beach a few steps from the front door, this three-bedroom penthouse is what coastal living’s all about. The property, which was recently refurbished, has been designed to make the most of the amazing location and its full-width balcony can be accessed from the living room, kitchen and one of the bedrooms. If you want to be beside the seaside, get in touch with Miller Countrywide.
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6. Islip Mill House, Islip, Northamptonshire, £1.29m
Move to this 18th century house, fronting the River Nene, and get ready for frequent sightings of otters, kingfishers and swans, and the occasional deer wandering through the extensive garden. Once a working mill where flour was ground, it’s been transformed into a welcoming five-bedroom family home with tons of character. The majority of rooms have a vista of the river and garden, and the drawing room is particularly lovely, with an open fire, a window overlooking the mill race and French doors leading out to a riverside terrace. Find out more from Woodford & Co.
7. Windsor Bridge Court, Eton, Berkshire, £1.55m
A very spacious three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment in a modern purpose-built block, right on the Thames in the heart of Eton. Arranged over two levels, it has an open plan kitchen/breakfast/sitting room with doors leading out to a 30-ft decked terrace cantilevered over the water, giving unparalleled views across the river towards Windsor Castle. The master and second bedrooms above have direct access to a balcony with a similarly impressive outlook. For sale through Savills.
8. Lock Bridge House, Sykehouse, South Yorkshire, £2.5m
You’ve probably deduced from the name that this house lies on a lock, but in every other respect it defies expectations as it’s cutting-edge, high-tech and contemporary. Built on the footprint of a former lock house on the New Junction Canal, it’s spread over four floors and incorporates five ensuite bedrooms, a pool, sauna, space for a gym, and integrated smart technology to control the heating, lighting, blinds and security systems. For more information, contact Carter Jonas.
