Property spotlight: Wild swimming nearby

Wild swimming has become quite the thing of late – especially post-Covid-19. Some people brave the freezing water annually at Christmas or on New Year’s Day. Others enjoy a refreshing dip on a daily basis. The practice is said to be good for you; it bolsters the immune system and helps keep your mental health buoyant.

If you’re one of the growing number of people who partake in regular dips in the sea, rivers, lochs or lakes, we have a selection of properties with wild swimming opportunities nearby. One property (seen above) is positioned right next to the private Fritton Lake that’s only accessible to homeowners, guests and members of their club. Another overlooks a little loch, just the other side of the road. The last example has its own lake (with duck house) on its extensive land.

Offers over £135,000: Toftcarl Cottage, Thrumster, Wick KW1 5TR

• 2-bed detached cottage
• Stunning views over Loch Hempriggs and surrounding countryside
• Additional land available

The property is situated on an elevated plot, overlooking Hempriggs Loch which is renowned for its wild brown tout fishing and lots of wildlife can be seen visiting the area.

Guide price – £350,000-£375,000: Caldecott Hall, Fritton, Great Yarmouth NR31 9EY

Fritton Lake is the heart of the village and is a family run private holiday club which offers adventures in nature including wild swimming, trail running, yoga, great local food and a positive life-changing impact on the environment.

• UNIQUELY DESIGNED LODGE
• FREEHOLD
• INCREDIBLE VIEWS
• LOCATED ON SITE WITH FACILITIES
• FOUR BEDROOMS
• DECKED AREAS
• MODERN INTERIOR
• SPACIOUS OPEN PLAN LIVING
• MAINTENANCE FEE: £1,432

£4,000,000: Woodland Cottage, Little Durnford, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 6AH

The property is approaching 6 acres with approximately 4 acres of grassland and wildflower meadows There are approximately 2 acres of well maintained woodland… A bradstone paved patio to the rear leads down to a lawn which in turns leads down to a wildlife pond. A swim spa completes the outside terrace and being set into an attractive timber decked area creates a pleasant area to sit and sunbathe and enjoy the views over the garden.

• An exceptional and unique 6,000 sq ft detached house
• Located in quiet hamlet on the edge of Woodford Valley
• Compelling and well-designed accommodation
• Kitchen/dining/family room (54ft x 20ft)
• 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
• South facing roof garden with rural views
• Private and secluded plot of approx 6 acres
• Potential annexe and range of outbuildings

Property spotlight: Chalets

What makes chalets… chalets? Well, in general, they’re of wooden construction. In addition, they have a large, gently sloping roof – practical for the dispersal of huge amounts of alpine snow! These days, though, chalets aren’t just properties located in the mountains – they can be in the woods or by the sea too. Often, they sport a balcony (if it has more than one storey) or a verandah (if it’s a bungalow). Chalets are all about al fresco living and nature.

We’ve picked three chalets from around the UK that are currently on the market. I absolutely love the one located in Torpoint in Cornwall; it’s so homely and the sea views are spectacular.

£35,000 – 16 Penlan Holiday Lodge, Penlan Holiday Park, Cenarth, Newcastle Emlyn SA38 9JN

Located in Penlan Holiday Village, a beautiful 24 acre woodland holiday park, situated on the outskirts of the rural village of Cenarth with its famous waterfalls, and just 4 miles to the quaint market town of Newcastle Emlyn

• Detached timber chalet
• Secluded woodland location
• Allocated parking
• Tastefully updated
• Ideal holiday home
• Open plan layout
• Two bedrooms
• Dining room
• Decked area
• EPC rating: Exempt

TENURE: We are advised leasehold
LENGTH OF LEASE: 59 years remaining
ANNUAL GROUND RENT: £50
GROUND RENT REVIEW PERIOD: Yearly
ANNUAL SERVICE CHARGE AMOUNT: £3,037 including ground rent, maintenance fee, VAT, water + Natural Resources Wales charge.
SERVICE CHARGE REVIEW PERIOD: Yearly
SERVICES: We have not checked or tested any of the services or appliances at the property.
COUNCIL TAX: Band ‘A’ Carmarthenshire

£425,000 – Arofsa, Tregonhawke Cliff, Millbrook, Torpoint PL10 1JH

Available on the open market for the first time in 28 years, Arofsa comprises the quintessential beach chalet – south facing and commanding outstanding the views, the property occupies a most convenient and easily accessible position on Tregonhawke and the beautiful gardens provide a private and secluded environment. The property is freehold and has full unrestricted residential use currently occupied by our client as a primary residence but equally suited as a holiday let or second home.

• 2 bedrooms
• Shower room
• 401 sq ft
• Open-fronted, decked verandah terrace
• Sitting room with wood burner
• French doors to south aspect garden
• Small studio/outbuilding
• Sea view

£1,000,000 – Cedar Gables, Burcot, Abingdon OX14 3DJ

Cedar Gables is set in the middle of 3/4 of an acre of mature gardens and open woodland consisting of mainly beech and yew trees and with an impressive sweeping driveway with ample parking. Located on a quiet secluded private estate off the main road and with access to the river Thames through a private meadow.

• Large plot
• Garage with driveway
• Potential for extension (SSTPP)
• River access
• Semi-rural
• Popular location
• Utility room

Property spotlight: Arts & Crafts houses

The Arts & Crafts style conjures up thoughts of William Morris in England and Charles Rennie Mackintosh in Scotland. It was inspired by the perceived decline in standards and quality of design created by mass-production and machine making. Perhaps there’s a need again now for a similar movement.

In looking for genuine Arts & Crafts houses currently on the market, I was dismayed to find so many of them so ‘modernised’ that they’ve completely lost their aesthetic identity. The three we’ve chosen below have been sympathetically brought into the 21^st century. In addition, The Old Lodge has the most envy-inducing outdoor kitchen, incorporating an Argentinian Asado grill.

£475,000 – Blythbank, St. Abbs Road, Coldingham, Eyemouth TD14 5NR

A rare opportunity to purchase a magnificent Edwardian Arts and Crafts house, which has stunning period features… This stunning home has been sympathetically upgraded without losing any of its charm…

• Detached Edwardian house
• Stunning Art & Crafts features
• Outbuildings, parking & garage
• Large gardens & summer house
• Coastal village location
• Award-winning beach nearby
• 4 bedrooms, bathroom & WCs
• Breakfast room & kitchen

£600,000 – The Old Lodge, Hamsterley Hall, Hamsterley Mill, Rowlands Gill, County Durham NE39 1NJ

Originally constructed in stone under York stone tiles circa 1900, The Old Lodge is a striking Arts & Crafts home with beautiful mullioned windows, parquet wood ﬂooring and a mix of cast iron and stone inglenook fireplaces.

• Charming period lodge
• Exquisite interior décor
• Fantastic outdoor entertaining areas
• Grade II listed
• Elegant & inviting accommodation
• Gardens & parking
• Beautiful parkland surroundings

£6,500,000 – St Georges Road, Twickenham TW1 1QR

This original Arts and Craft property, built in the late nineteenth century, is believed to be the first house constructed on the road, and it certainly befits that status. There is expansive and elegant accommodation laid out over the ground floor, offering an array of formal and more open plan reception areas. Over the top two floors, there are six bedrooms complimented by three bathrooms.

• 6 bedrooms
• 5 reception rooms
• 3 bathrooms
• 0.35 acres
• Communal garden
• Conservatory
• Detached
• Garden
• Parking
• Patio
• Single garage
• Private parking
• Cellar
• Lake view

Property spotlight: Shops with living accommodation

When we first moved to Calderdale – around the same time that we launched our H is for Home online shop – we were very keen on buying a commercial property; a shop with living accommodation above. I vividly remember us viewing a shop in the centre of Hebden Bridge when we lived there… we left it a day to discuss the pros and cons of buying it and living there… we decided to ring the estate agent and put in an offer… someone had already beaten us to it… how different life would be now if we’d moved in there – we’ll never know!

The value and asking price of a particular commercial property can vary widely – and not just because of its size, location or condition. Much is dependent on whether it’s freehold or leasehold, for what type of use it has permission, if it has sitting tenants, and it can make a difference if a relief/discount on business rates is available.

£165,000 – 34 Pendre, Cardigan, SA43 1JS

The whole of the premises are either available for sale or the vacant shop is available to let. To the rear of the retail unit is an office along with a kitchen and store which could be brought into retail use subject to any necessary consents if additional retail space is needed. There is also a cellar suitable for use as a store. On the upper floors, with independent access off, Pendre, are a two bedroom flat and a one bedroom flat, each with kitchen and bathroom.

• Freehold at £165,000 or alternately the shop is available at £7,500 pa with the tenant paying rates (if any), utility costs and other usual tenants outgoings.
• Frontage of approximately 13ft (3.9645 metres)

£275,000 – Poolewe Post Office and Shop, Poolewe, Achnasheen IV22 2JU

• Offers are invited for the freehold interest, complete with goodwill and trade contents (according to inventory). Stock to be purchased by independent valuation.
• Post office and stores extend to around 80m². Ample storage in the basement level extends to circa 60m².
• Quintessential village post office and convenience store serving the local communities around Poolewe, set on the beautiful West Coast of Scotland.
• Set amongst stunning coastal and rugged countryside scenery of Wester Ross, within a prominent and highly desirable trading location, on the North Coast 500 route.
• Sustainable year-round business operation generating a solid turnover, with peak trading over the tourist season providing a profitable home and lifestyle business.
• Ground floor retail areas extending to circa 80m² plus around 60m² of basement storage and staff facilities.
• 2-bedroom self-contained flat located above the shop, either for owners’ accommodation or letting.

£1,000,000 – The Old Post Office, Bunbury Lane, Bunbury, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 9QR

Georgian Mixed-Use Residential and Commercial Property In the Picturesque Village of Bunbury, Cheshire
A Unique Opportunity for Modern Living and Endless Possibilities

Freehold
6,881 sq ft
• Four-bedroom family home with open-plan living and dining room.
• Separate kitchen and ancillary space.
• Delightful garden and outbuildings.
• Potential for redevelopment into multiple flats or Airbnb.
• Six further loft rooms for conversion.
• Ground floor butcher shops that can be split into two shops with ancillary rear space.
• First-floor office store and commercial prep rooms.
• Stunning historic period features throughout.

H is for Home Harbinger

Category: Property spotlight