Lateral Living
Lifestyle- when buying a property that is what it comes down to. To-day’s expectations are a far cry from those of fifty or even ten years ago. There is a world to see -the emphasis on comfort at home is paramount but with minimum time commitment to maintenance -the social life out and about, travel and social hobbies (sailing, golf, eating out with friends etc.) outweigh the pull of mowing the lawn and painting gutters! So how far does this go in property terms?
The city lifestyle of apartment living is being embraced in provincial towns. Large houses converted to flats as they became unmanageable and purpose built blocks of flats aimed primarily at the older generation have evolved to contemporary, purpose built apartments and penthouses that appeal to all generations. The international buyers target lateral living in London eschewing any reference to stairs and as land is at a premium in towns the demand for similar properties have evolved. Wrap around and roof terraces provide some outdoor space and in- house concierge is available in some Exeter apartment buildings -really putting Devon on the international map!
As a lock-up and leave home, or for those with busy lives, apartments are perfect. Service and management charges are a cost but generally less than the direct labour needed on houses, to say nothing of knowing someone else is organising everything for you. Towns across the county have a wonderful and eclectic mix of apartments for sale in all budgets.
In Exeter converted warehouses on The Quay provide great open plan spaces, some with water views and all with vaulted ceilings set around a central private atrium. Wilkinson Grant are the agents (01392 427500). The same agents are selling properties in Southernhay in a converted Victorian hospital offering contemporary with character just yards from the many restaurants and coffee shops, the Cathedral and hub of the City. For those with a love of sailing Jackson Stops (01392 214222) are launching Sails on the Embankment in Dartmouth -five, two bedroom apartments with a stunning three bedroom penthouse -whether a first or second home these pave the way for modern living that appeals to the 21st century home owner. Equally appealing to sailors is The Penthouse at Estura in Salcombe, adjacent to the Harbour Hotel amenities, offered by Knight Frank (01392 423111)
Stags, Barnstaple office (01271 322833) also have apartments and a penthouse in a converted warehouse in Pilton, the favoured Old Town district, combining contemporary with character.
No doubt many younger people will still crave the wide open spaces, the challenge of growing vegetables and raising a family in a rural environment -and what could be better? But will the pressures of life, the school journeys and never ending list of jobs take their toll and in time the lure of modern living lure them to the maintenance free lifestyle of apartment living -maybe -we’ll see! In the meantime - It’s all about coming home”.