When you have a precise vision for your next home, it’s time to consider a self-build project. KERRY SPENCER goes in search of some ideal locations by the sea.
1. Fowey, Cornwall, Guide price: £850,000
Lying on Cornwall’s sparkling south coast, this enviable plot in picture postcard Fowey boasts a wonderful, elevated position with River Fowey views. What’s more, it comes with conditional planning permission for the erection of a four-bedroom detached house set over three storeys, measuring a whopping 308 sq m. The almost-square-shaped plot currently contains a garage that requires demolition, accessed off Daglands Road, with two parking spaces proposed on either side of the property. klp.land
2. Andrews, Fife, Offers over: £499,000
This garden plot comes with planning permission for a four-bedroom dwelling, not far from the wispy dunes of St Andrews’ West Sands Beach. The architecturally-designed plans feature 254 sq m of internal space, including an open-plan living room, four bedrooms and four bathrooms, plus a separate garage. The existing plot features a mature garden with a beech hedge, with access rights over a shared private drive. St Andrews’ world-famous golf courses are within easy reach, as are the cities of Dundee and Edinburgh. rettie.co.uk
3. Niton, Isle Of Wight, Guide Price: £695,000
This sensational plot in the charming village of Niton on the Isle of Wight features English Channel views. Designed by Mattinson Associates architectural practice, the plan covers 240 sq m with a terrace on both the ground and first floor for soaking up those delicious sea views. There’s an open-plan kitchen, living and dining space along with two bedrooms and two bathrooms on the ground floor and a further bedroom on the first floor. Stonework, cedar cladding and plenty of glazing will help turn this plot into a dreamy grand design. spencewillard.co.uk
4. Torquay, Devon, Guide price: POA
Situated in glorious Torquay, South Devon, this 1.28-acre plot offers dazzling views of Babbacombe Bay from an elevated position near Watcombe Beach. There is outline planning permission (plus expired planning approval) for a property with an enormous footprint of 300 sq m. The lofty site currently contains a single-storey, one-bedroom property, which would require demolition. Expect the finished property to encompass mature gardens with a levelled lawn and a garage. klp.land
5. Sandgate, Kent, Guide price: £500,000
Moments from sweeping Sandgate Beach near Folkestone, this leafy plot with planning permission includes the demolition of an existing two-storey building to create a magnificent contemporary home. Designed by Canterbury-based On Architecture, plans include an open-plan living space and separate snug, five bedrooms, five bathrooms and a gym spread over a jaw-dropping 353.7 sq m. A green roof, landscaped gardens, terraces and private parking are also included in the plans. themodernhouse.com
6. Portmahomack, Scottish Highlands, Guide price: £105,000
Budget-conscious self-builders will be keen on this spectacular sea-facing spot on Scotland’s wild north coast Tarbat Peninsula. The site has full planning permission for a four-bedroom, two-bedroom house with open-plan living and off-street parking. This ‘upside-down’ plan features living accommodation on the first floor so future residents can make the most of the hypnotic views, including sunsets stretching across the coast and Dornoch Firth. monster-moves.co.uk
7. Tal-y-bont, North Wales, Guide price: £100,000
On the western edge of Snowdonia National Park, this Welsh plot is nestled near the village of Dyffryn Ardudwy, between rousing mountains and the idyllic Cardigan Bay. This coastal patch has full planning permission to build a three-bedroom home, with electricity, water and drainage services readily available. Enjoy a life of hiking, sea swimming and exploring spots such as enchanting Portmeirion, just a 30-minute drive away. monopolybuysellrent.co.uk
8. Boulmer, Northumberland, Guide price: £600,000
Directly facing the North Sea, this windswept spot benefits from planning for the erection of two three-bedroom bungalows, each with a garage and garden. This project will suit self-builders looking to sell one property or halve the building costs with family or friends and live side-by-side in this heavenly spot once completed. As well as having instant access to some of the UK’s best golden stretches, including Boulmer Beach, the plots are a ten-minute drive from the sprawling 11th-century Alnwick Castle. rookmatthewssayer.co.uk
9. Portreath, Cornwall, Offers in excess of £230,000
Cornish plots are highly-prized real estate and so this one — offering sea views and priced reasonably low — is unlikely to remain on the market for long. Sold with outline planning permission to build a detached home, the location is close to the soft sand of Portreath Beach and the mile-long stretch of Carvannel Downs, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The plot is also just a short walk from the quaint centre of Portreath and world-class swimming and surfing, making it an ideal location to enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle. millercountrywide.co.uk
10. Whitstable, Kent, Guide price: £300,000
This delightful triangular plot is affordable and in a desirable location, just a stone’s throw from the salty sea air of West Beach and its Crayola-coloured beach huts. The plot’s approved plans include a 152 sq m four-bedroom detached family home. With three bathrooms, a garden, a driveway and within walking distance of all of Whitstable’s restaurants, bars and amenities, this plot by the sea is likely to be snapped up quickly. christopherhodgson.co.uk
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