Take Five | Homes for sale on the water
Living by the coast is more than seasonal luxury – it’s a lifestyle. While summer brings an energy and a permanent holiday atmosphere to your doorstep, the quieter months offer something else: the beauty of a seaside town you call home.
Our Housing Futures survey reveals a powerful desire for a change of scenery; for every one person planning to leave a coastal location, four are dreaming of moving to one. The draw is as much emotional as it is physical. For those aspiring to move by the sea within the next five years, 61% are captivated by the calming effect of the water and the allure of an uninterrupted sea view. Beyond the aesthetic, it is a choice for wellbeing, with 52% citing a better overall quality of life and 51% valuing the purity of cleaner air.
We have selected five exceptional properties that embody the essence of waterside living. Whether it is a base for family water sports, coastal dog walks, or a quiet retreat for reflection, the water provides a constant source of renewal, whatever the season.
Skyfall
Chichester, West Sussex
Set on the shores of Furzefield Creek and Chichester Harbour, Skyfall offers a truly waterside way of life, complete with its own private jetty and direct access to the water. From here, days can be spent boating, fishing or exploring the harbour, while the contemporary home and immaculate gardens provide a peaceful place to return to. With far-reaching views across the water, it is a home designed for enjoying life at the water’s edge.
Pitchingstone House
Kingsbridge, Devon
With panoramic, far-reaching views across the coast towards Burgh Island, Pitchingstone House makes the most of its spectacular Devon setting. Rebuilt in 2019, the home has direct access to footpaths leading onto the South West Coast Path, opening up some of the region’s most beautiful coastal walks. From here, the sandy beaches of Hope Cove and Thurlestone Sands are within easy reach, making it an ideal base for embracing the slower pace of coastal life.
Onich
Onich, Fort William
This striking Scottish Baronial manor enjoys direct access to the shore of Loch Linnhe, with views stretching across the water towards Glencoe, the Isle of Mull and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. One of the home’s turrets provides an especially spectacular vantage point, offering a bird’s-eye view across the surrounding Highland landscape. Beyond the water, the area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for walking, climbing, cycling, sailing and fishing on the doorstep.
Smoke Barn House
Torpoint, Cornwall
Smoke Barn House enjoys far-reaching views north across the salt marshes towards the Hamoaze and Tamar Estuary. Its riverside gardens gently meander downhill to the water’s edge at St John’s Leat, creating a peaceful setting for gentle paddling, watching the local wildlife or simply taking in the ever-changing tidal landscape. The gardens also feature a greenhouse and potting shed, adding to the home’s quintessentially rural character.
Airvanlea
St Ives, Cornwall
Less than a mile from the popular seaside town of St Ives, Airvanlea enjoys panoramic views across Carbis Bay towards Godrevy Lighthouse. Just moments from the sheltered waters of Carbis Bay, where paddleboarding and kayaking are popular pastimes, the home is perfectly placed for making the most of Cornwall’s coastline. With St Ives’ galleries, restaurants and beaches close by, it offers an appealing combination of waterside adventure and everyday convenience.