Cornwall & South Wales
“Cornwall” – a lifestyle county like no other. The south-west tip of England known for its sandy beaches and sailing waters. But, It’s so much more if you delve a bit deeper and understand the lifestyle afforded by such a beautiful county.
Whilst there is a significant proportion of second homes the resident population of circa 80,000 are defiantly proud of their heritage, whether inherited or acquired and often identify their national identity as “Cornish”, flying the Cornwall flag at every opportunity.
Beyond the holiday appearance Cornwall offers excellent education from primary to university - Falmouth being rated one of the best art schools in the country. Art has always been at the forefront attracting creatives for centuries due to the mazing light – The School of Newlyn and St. Ives attracting many famous names. The latter is now voted one of the best places in England to live.
Away from the busy destinations if you head inland just a few miles you will still find the real Cornwall, narrow lanes leading to magical villages where the Church often dominates the vista and down the road a secret good pub! Hospitality is a big employer in the county giving young people an opportunity to enjoy the lifestyle – and go surfing in an evening!
Cornwall enjoys the greatest part of the South West Coast Path, walked by many but still possible o spend a day walking and hardly see another soul. Looking across the Bristol Channel from the North Cornish coastline you can see South Wales – another stunningly beautiful location accessed these days by the M4 heading straight from London.
The Gower Peninsular and The Mumbles are favourite destinations and equally beautiful but more remote the rural Pembrokeshire coastline. Improved highways and as ever the internet have brogh all the outer counties of the United Kingdom into focus as places to live and so evolving the local economies. Property prices have inevitably been affected by their popularity but mostly still represent value for money when considering the lifestyle.
The Gower Peninsular was the first area in the UK to be designated an area of outstanding beauty. It too has a stretch of official coast path – The Welsh Coast - mostly owned by The National Trust - that stretches on to Pembrokeshire and beyond. No excuse for not getting out an enjoying the stunning water and country scenes.
7 Gyllyngvase Terrace – a moment’s walk from the favoured Gyllyngvase Beach and overlooking Falmouth Harbour – what a setting! www.tomwillsproperty.co.uk
The Croft, Southgate Swansea. Set within The Mumble – a short walk from Three Cliffs Bay and Pennard Golf Club. A perfect location. www.astleys.net
Our coastal locations offer a sense of reality in ever-stressful times. The biggest argument in Cornwall relates to the famous cream tea and whether you put jam or cream first on the scones – I’ll leave you to find out! Either way there a few better places to live a tranquil life in a hectic world: “It’s all about coming home.”
