Property spotlight: Cathedral views

Cities are fascinating entities – at least they are here in Britain. Throughout history, cities have come about due to a number of different factors; population size, status granted by a ruling monarch or if the place has a diocesan cathedral – to name just three reasons.

This week, we’ve chosen ‘city’ properties enjoying cathedral views that are on the market, one from each of the four home nations:

Wells, in England (a city since medieval times)
St Davids, in Wales (Britain’s smallest city, by population)
Brechin in Scotland (no longer considered an ‘official’ city)
St. Patrick’s, in Armagh, Northern Ireland (the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland)

£130,000 – 17 High Street, Brechin DD9 6ES

• Fantastic location
• Flexible layout
• Neutral décor
• Large rooms
• Garden
• Allocated parking
• Move in condition

£200,000 – 17 Abbey Street, Armagh BT61 7DX

Georgian style property located in the heart of Armagh City Centre on Abbey Street, leaving all essential amenities just a short walk away

• 3 bedrooms
• 3 bathrooms
• 2 reception rooms
• oil central heating

£340,000 – 12 Anseres Place, Wells, Somerset BA5 2RT

The master bedroom and sitting room have fantastic views onto the Market Place and Cathedral.

• Grade II listed
• Highly desirable central Wells location
• Views to the cathedral and market square
• Two double bedrooms
• Designated parking
• Communal gardens
• Gated access to rear

£399,000 – 30 Goat Street, St Davids, Haverfordwest SA62 6RF

Bedroom 3 – 5.28m x 4.75m (17’4″ x 15’7″) – With pine floorboards, 2 Velux windows (affording superb views of St Davids Cathedral as well as views to Carn Llidi and surrounding countryside)…

• 3 storey linked semi-detached character residence
• 2 reception, kitchen/breakfast room, 3 bedrooms and bathroom
• Rear garden with ornamental stone and paved patio areas from where superb views of St Davids Cathedral and rural views to Carn Llidi can be enjoyed

Suburban vs city living: Which is best for you?

If you’re moving to a new area or buying your first home, deciding whether you want to live in the suburbs or the city is a huge decision.

Perhaps you want your home to have a garden so you can take up gardening? Or maybe you prefer the hustle and bustle of the city?

The city and the suburbs both have their advantages and disadvantages. When deciding where to live, you should consider the types of housing each offers; the cost of living, population density and access to entertainment and amenities. Ultimately, your choice will be determined by your finances, lifestyle and personal preference.

For instance, many people love the best surburbs of Austin TX because they can live within driving distance of amenities but don’t have to contend with city life’s higher cost of living. On the other hand, people who love to live in the city are willing to pay more to be closer to bustling entertainment spots and exciting cultural events or activities.

Types of housing

In urban areas, you’ll find more apartments, flats and condos. On the other hand, the suburbs will have maisonettes, single-family homes and town houses.

When deciding whether to settle in the city or the suburbs, think about whether you plan to grow your family in the near future. Moving to the suburbs could be a better investment if you plan to adopt pets or have children.

Cost of living

Homes in the city tend to have higher taxes, utility rates and sales prices, which means the costs of living in the city are generally higher.

When considering whether to settle in the city or the suburbs, consider whether the amenities – like healthcare, shopping centres, restaurants, cultural and educational institutions – are worth paying more for to you.

Population density

In the city, the population density is much higher than in the suburbs. When deciding on a home in the suburbs or the city, consider how the higher or lower population density will likely affect you and your lifestyle.

If you have to commute from the suburbs to the city for school or work, there’ll be more traffic at these peak times. If you want to visit a local attraction on your day off, the city will always have larger crowds of people.

Arts and entertainment

Living in the city will mean you’ll have more opportunities to attend social events and concerts, enjoy the arts, and have more new experiences. If you want new experiences and love getting out, city living will place you at the heart of it all.

On the other hand, suburban living will be quieter and more relaxed – and if you don’t mind travelling to find entertainment, many people think it’s a good trade-off.

Which is right for you?

Usually, living in the suburbs means you’ll still have restaurants and shopping malls. However, suppose you love experiencing the city nightlife or enjoy going out frequently. In that case, city living may be the better choice for you.

To decide between a suburban home and an apartment in the city, you’ll need to consider your budget, lifestyle and whether anything will change in the coming years.

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Get their look: Urban roof terrace

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We love living the quiet life, but every so often we both get a yearning for big city living again. This urban roof terrace is just the kind of outdoor space that many city-dwellers would love; a huge sky and activity all around.

It’s very open indeed, so perhaps not everyone’s favoured option – probably not the best place for a spot of sunbathing in the nude! The clear glass barriers are primarily built for safety rather than privacy. The view is one of the terrace’s great attractions, however – you’d have the feeling of hovering in mid-air – so probably wise not to block it out.

Astroturf is the perfect floor covering, it stands up to the elements, is non-slip, soft underfoot and really gives the illusion of a well-manicured lawn. It looks like a lovely place for a relaxed, al fresco gathering of friends and family.

Click here to see more indoor & outdoor spaces we’ve featured in our Get their look series.

Get their Look: Eclectic high-rise city apartment

Just look at that gorgeous view across London from this eclectic high-rise city apartment!

Even though you’d spend most of your time looking out of that window that spans almost the entire width of the room, there’s plenty to enjoy within the interior too.

It’s decorated with a seamless mix of vintage and new. The beautiful shiny wood of the floor is mirrored in the pair of sideboards and musical instruments. Despite the room being fairly narrow, the retro patterned op-art wallpaper on both walls works counter-intuitively, making it appear spacious.

I could well imagine myself sitting on that sofa, whiling away the day watching London life go by below.

H is for Home Harbinger

Tag: city