Seaside seductoin

By Andrea Watson
Posted: 2008/08/15

THE rising cost of foreign holidays, particularly in eurozone countries, has resulted in a significant increase in the number of people opting to stay at home this year - and the trend loo


Seaside resorts are likely to see the benefit after research for the Property Investor Show, to be held next month at ExCeL in London, found large numbers of investors turning their attentions to UK holiday homes.

The coast of the South-east is a favoured location - in particular resorts in Kent and Sussex that were popular with Victorian tourists and are now undergoing something of a renaissance.

Cornwall, Devon and Dorset are also highly regarded. Investors expect solid capital growth and gross rental yields of up to 10 per cent in some areas. Holiday lets in the most popular locations can earn as much in a week as the property could achieve in a month on a normal buy-to-let contract.

Located in one of the most beautiful parts of Newquay, in north Cornwall, the rugged coastline is punctuated by excellent beaches.

Loved by surfers, the area is also home to Jamie Oliver's Fifteen restaurant at nearby Watergate Bay. There are a number of well-regarded golf courses, while Newquay has established a reputation as a lively club town.

In Torquay, Devon, the Knight Frank has released Lyncourt, a development which is a mix of new-build and conversions with unrivalled sea views and standing in mature landscaped gardens.

There are 16 apartments ready for occupancy and for sale with prices starting at £240,000. The four-bedroom Gatehouse is also available for £445,000.

Torquay is known for its palm-lined promenade, lively harbour and international marina plus an abundance of cafes, restaurants and nightlife.

If, like many, you have returned from your summer holiday longing to be nearer the water and in a truly peaceful location, a harbourside development in an unspoilt part of the country could provide the answer.

Just two hours from Scotland's central belt and the M6, Garlieston Harbour in Galloway is moving into a new phase with a selection of apartments from £89,950.

Launched earlier this year, Garlieston Harbour is the transformation of a historic wharf, granary and listed building into a collection of townhouses, apartments and family homes, designed to reflect the traditional architecture of the area while offering contemporary style, comfort and convenience.

Garlieston itself is a picture-postcard Georgian fishing village hugging a sheltered bay with open views across Wigtown Bay and the Solway Firth. It is between Wigtown, Scotland's 'book town', and the archaeologically as well as historically significant town of Whithorn.

The location, halfway down the eastern coast of the Machars peninsula, has made it a popular base for tourists, drawn to the rolling hills, quiet lanes, ancient woods and stunning scenery.

The new phase is a four-storey apartment block with a silhouette reminiscent of a traditional Scottish tower house. Sitting on the harbour promontory, there are open views from the balconies.

Apartments are all one-bed but a variety of larger townhouses and one four-bed property in the listed building is also available, with prices ranging from £146,950 to £349,950. A show home is due to open in a few weeks.

INFORMATION:
Garlieston Harbour selling agent: King Sturge 0141 285 1999/ www. garliestonharbour. co. uk .
Lyncourt selling agent: Knight Frank 01392 848 844/ www. lyncourt. co. uk