Relocation specialist and coastal property expert Nigel Bishop casts his expert eye over the coastal property scene.

Cornwall – a lifestyle county like no other, on the south west tip of England known for its sandy beaches and sailing waters. But it’s so much more if you delve a bit deeper and understand the lifestyle afforded by such a beautiful county.

Whilst there is a significant proportion of second homes, the resident population of circa 80,000 are defiantly proud of their heritage, whether inherited or acquired, and often state their national identity as ‘Cornish’, flying the Cornwall flag at every opportunity.

Beyond the holiday appearance Cornwall offers excellent education from primary to university – Falmouth being rated one of the best art schools in the country. Art has always been at the forefront, attracting creatives for centuries due to the amazing light – The School of Newlyn and St Ives attracting many famous names. The latter is now voted one of the best places in England to live.

Away from the busy destinations if you head inland just a few miles you will still find the real Cornwall, narrow lanes leading to magical villages where the church often dominates the vista and down the road is a secret good pub! Hospitality is a big employer in the county, giving young people an opportunity to enjoy the lifestyle – and go surfing in the evening!

Cornwall enjoys the greatest part of the South West Coast Path, walked by many but it’s still possible to spend a day walking and hardly see another soul. Looking across the Bristol Channel from the north Cornish coastline you can see South Wales – another stunningly beautiful location accessed these days by the M4 heading straight from London.

The Gower Peninsular and The Mumbles are favourite destinations and equally beautiful but more remote from the rural Pembrokeshire coastline. Improved highways and – as ever – the internet have brought all the outer counties of the United Kingdom into focus as places to live and so the local economies have evolved. Property prices have inevitably been affected by their popularity but mostly still represent value for money when considering the lifestyle.

The Gower Peninsular was the first area in the UK to be designated an area of outstanding beauty. It too has a stretch of official coast path – The Welsh Coast, mostly owned by The National Trust, which stretches on to Pembrokeshire and beyond. There’s no excuse for not getting out an enjoying the stunning water and country scenes.

Here’s my pick this month of fabulous properties from these areas on sale right now:

  • The Croft, Southgate, Swansea, is set within The Mumbles – a short walk from Three Cliffs Bay and Pennard Golf Club. A perfect location. astleys.net 

The Croft is in a perfect location. Credit: Astleys

 

  • 7 Gyllyngvase Terrace is a moment’s walk from the favoured Gyllyngvase Beach and overlooks Falmouth Harbour – what a setting! tomwillsproperty.co.uk

7 Gyllyngvase Terrace is a moment’s walk from the favoured Gyllyngvase. Credit: Tom Wills Property

Our coastal locations offer a sense of reality in ever stressful times. The biggest argument in Cornwall relates to the famous cream tea and whether you put jam or cream first on the scones – I’ll leave you to decide! Either way, there a few better places to live a tranquil life in a hectic world, because, after all, “It’s all about coming home.”

For more expert advice from the property expert, check out Nigel’s last column here.