This issue, FTB goes on the hunt with Neha Constansa who is looking for a fresh start in a brand new setting: a two bedroom home close to coast and country, and with good commuter links to London
NEHA CONSTANSA
AGE
52
OCCUPATION
Designer and illustrator
BUDGET
£300,000
SHE’S LOOKING FOR
- Two bedroom new home
- Thriving and upbeat coastal location
- Walking distance to shops and amenities
- Good arts and culture scene
- Direct rail links to London
What Neha wanted…
I’m a freelance designer and illustrator living in the London suburbs. I’ve been renting a lovely house for many years, and live with my daughter Nelly, who is 19. She has now gone off to university, and it was always my plan to move out of London and finally buy a place once she’s settled at uni. I’ve always dreamed of finding a home in a quirky seaside town, where there’s plenty of interesting cultural events and arty people. I also want the area to appeal to Nelly so that she has somewhere vibey to come home to and even stay long-term once uni is finished. I work remotely, often visiting clients in London and the south east. It’s really important that there’s good natural light at home, a thriving local community, and that it’s easy to get to shops and things. I really don’t have a preference at the moment as to where this piece of coast is – so long as it’s within 90 minutes of London on the train.
THE SEARCH
1. THE FAMILY HOME
Elizabeth Square
Goring, West Sussex
FROM
£349,950
- Beach – 15-minute walk
- Excellent amenities
- Three and four bedroom homes
Located a mile from the centre of the popular seaside town of Worthing, and 10 miles west of Brighton, these new properties benefit from all the area has to offer. The development has proven hugely popular, and only a selection of three and four bedroom houses remain, including three-storey detached townhouses with off-street parking. Goring high street is a short walk with shops, cafes and local amenities. The beach is a 15-minute walk; while the nearby railway station ensures travel into London Victoria in 80 minutes.
Neha says
The homes and location are interesting. A new group of homes could bring a good community. There are great facilities on the doorstep including Durrington station, a leisure centre and high street. Worthing has an up-and-coming feel, with people moving here from nearby cities. The coastline is stunning, with coastal walks and the South Downs – plenty of inspiration for my work! This is over budget, but lovely nonetheless.
2. THE KENT COAST
Spitfire Green
Ramsgate, Kent
FROM
£180,000
- Three miles from the coast
- Apartments and houses
- Arts and culture scene
Ramsgate is among the Kent seaside towns that have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with young professionals buying in or relocating to the area. These new two and three bedroom homes are located around three miles from the coast – offering a mix of coast, country and town. Homes range from apartments to family houses and have been created with modern living in mind. The three bedroom townhouse-style properties are arranged over three storeys with a main bedroom at the top with walk-in wardrobe and en suite.
Neha says
Creatives from London have been flocking to Ramsgate, including a friend who moved down and sings its praises. The homes hold lots of appeal. I love the two bedroom apartments, including double doors opening to the terrace/balcony. I particularly like the utility room, handy for storage and keeping things tidy. Both bedrooms are a decent size, and I am sure Nelly would like Ramsgate’s quaint and increasingly cool vibe.
3. THE HISTORY CONNECTION
The Gateway
Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex
FROM
£167,400*
*Based on a 45% share of the full market value of £372,000
- Beautiful coastal views
- Rich history and culture
- Three and four bedroom homes
The sought-after town of Bexhill is the location for this new development of three and four bedroom houses available through Shared Ownership. The local area is renowned for its history, architecture and breathtaking coastal views. Bexhill’s town centre is just over a mile away, while nearby Hastings and St Leonards are also fully established as cultural hubs in their own right. The three bedroom houses here feature separate kitchen and living rooms and downstairs WC, with three bedrooms, storage and a family bathroom upstairs.
Neha says
I’ve been along this coastline and really like Bexhill and Hastings – they’re interesting, with pretty sights and amazing history. These houses look fantastic and I’m impressed that my budget would get me three bedrooms using Shared Ownership. This would be great for Nelly to have her own space and still have room for guests. However, I’d like to be closer to a town centre and the sea, so perhaps this one doesn’t quite tick all my boxes.
4. THE CATHEDRAL CITY
Saddler’s Reach
Chichester, West Sussex
FROM
£200,000
- City centre one mile away
- Countryside and coast nearby
- Shops, cafes and arts scene
This new collection of homes is perfectly positioned for a well-rounded lifestyle. Chichester’s city centre lies just over a mile – or 10-minute cycle ride – away, with shops, cafes and a thriving arts scene. Meanwhile, countryside sits on the doorstep and Chichester harbour, Pagham’s natural coastal beauty and stunning sandy beaches are easily reached by car. The two bedroom apartments are bright and spacious, with open-plan living spaces that open to a private balcony and well-sized bedrooms with an en suite to the main bedroom.
Neha says
We looked around Chichester when Nelly was doing the university open day rounds, and we were really impressed. There is a fantastic mix of history, beautiful architecture and a real buzz that only a university city can have. There are some amazing eateries, bars and cool venues. The surrounding countryside is stunning and I would love this on the doorstep. I’d like to be within walking distance of the sea, but this is still a hot contender.
First choice!
5. THE CITY BY THE SEA
Lyon Quarter
Hove, East Sussex
FROM
£78,125*
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £312,500
- Beaches – 15-minute walk
- Studio to three bedroom apartments
- London under an hour by train
This landmark development in Hove brings 154 new apartments to Brighton & Hove. The homes range from studio to three bedrooms, arranged across four buildings, with podium gardens a big draw for residents. Hove’s beaches lie around a 15-minute walk away, while the many cafes and entertainment venues of this coastal city are all within an easy walk, cycle or bus ride – along with great schools, colleges and universities. The properties are bright and modern, with plenty of storage space, cycle storage and energy efficiency features. Residents can enjoy the fresh sea air, while London remains under an hour away by train.
Neha says
This really is an ideal home for us – I just love it. The layout of the two bedroom apartments looks really spacious; there’s loads of natural light flooding in, massive windows – and I love the open-plan living room and kitchen. This would be a great place for me to get creative. Nelly would have her own room, and because the main bedroom has an en suite, we’d essentially have a bathroom each when she’s back with me. I feel that Hove really fits with where I am in life – I’m an artist, I love Brighton and being a 15-minute walk away would be lovely. Hove is just that bit calmer, but you get all the benefits of seaside and country living.
THE NEXT STEP
The apartments at Lyon Square really are just what I have been dreaming of. I can’t wait to take the next steps, look around with Nelly and get ourselves excited about this fresh start. I have my deposit sorted and mortgage broker on speed dial – I’m ready to get the ball rolling
First Time Buyer is an exciting bi-monthly glossy which takes a stylish and comprehensive look at all the options available, setting them out in an entertaining and informative way, and helping potential customers navigate their way through what is often a daunting and complex process. We dispel the myths, reinforce the facts and arm the reader with the tools necessary to make their homeownership dreams a reality.
