A Bigger Splash: five waterside homes for sale in the UK
There is something enriching about being by the water, whether that be the sea, a river or a pond. Even if the house itself doesn’t offer views of the water, the knowledge that you’re just a short stroll from a river or gently lapping waves can have a particularly soothing effect. Here, we’re sharing some of our favourite waterside homes – from a timber-framed house on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast to a former granary in the riverside town of Woodbridge in Suffolk.
Seabrook Road, Hythe, Kent
Built in 1971 by local architect Nigel Thorpe, this four-bedroom house takes advantage of its elevated spot in the town of Hythe, providing views of the seafront and out to sea. The house itself – all tongue and groove-clad ceilings and quarry tiled floors – is nestled within beautifully planted gardens and is just a five-minute stroll from the beach via the Royal Military Canal and Hythe Golf Club.
Reed House, Aldeburgh, Suffolk
This contemporary house in Aldeburgh is a response to the environment within which it sits, with its curved timber clad façades inspired by the meandering River Alde and the shape of reedbeds. Designed by the aptly named Studio Pond, the house looks out across the coastal marsh and river and comes with its very own natural wildlife pond at the bottom of the garden. The open-plan living area is well positioned on the first floor to capitalise on the views. Could it get any better? We think not.
The Old Granary, Woodbridge, Suffolk
There is surely never a dull moment at this former granary in the town of Woodbridge, where each of the three levels provides views of the yachts, schooners and riverboats bobbing up and down the River Deben. Each window offers expansive views of the river and over towards nearby Sutton Hoo. Inside, the space is light and airy, with the lime-washed walls creating a peaceful backdrop.
Royal Crescent, Ramsgate, Kent
Uninterrupted views of one of the loveliest Georgian seafronts? Yes, please. This series of nine apartments, spread across two buildings in the Grade II-listed Royal Crescent in Ramsgate, is just a short walk from the beach and harbour and looks out over a communal lawn to the sea. The fantastic views are framed by floor-to-ceiling sash windows, which form the basis for Fleet Architects’ thoughtful design of the spaces.
Ballard Estate, Swanage, Dorset
Forming part of a collection of early 20th-century single-storey houses known as the Ballard Estate, this timber-framed house is perched on the clifftop on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, with easy access to the coastal paths. A flight of steps leads down to a sandy beach called Shep’s Hollow, while the sea is just visible from the sunny, decked terrace in the garden. Views extend as far as Peveril Point and the Isle of Wight on a clear day. Inside, the earthy palette and white walls are bathed in a soft coastal light.
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