The Fishing Village is a valiant attempt to echo traditional Kent architecture, and the deliberately quaint name is designed to mitigate the fact that this is the latest part of the huge development of the Royal Dockyard at Chatham. Indeed, this two-bedroom flat with a balcony overlooking the river doesn’t yet exist and this was certainly never a fishing village. But a self-contained community has evolved on these formerly redundant acres with a church, school, restaurants and shops and swaths of green spaces between the houses. It’s a relatively affordable way to gain a perch in London’s commuterland, with rail links to the capital across the water in Chatham.
Countryside, 01634 891200
Illustration: Countryside
From the windows and the private patio of this two-bedroom maisonette you can glimpse the sea 400 yards down the valley. The sandy beach is a short stroll down the lane, cliffs owned by the National Trust stretch on either side, and this converted building lies on the edge the old fishing village of Hope Cove. The flat could do with a cosmetic face-lift but it comes with useful back-up in the form of a garage, one allocated parking space for visitors, space for a storage unit, and communal gardens. As it’s currently used as a holiday let you may have to honour outstanding bookings before moving in.
Marchand Petit, 01548 844473 Photograph: Marchand Petit
Helmsdale, on the last leg to John O’ Groats, is one of the most remote towns in Britain, with the wilds of Sutherland behind and the North Sea in front. This elegantly restored house takes in the full glories of the situation with lofty views over the harbour from all four bedrooms and the large front lawn. You can sit out the wild weather in front of the fire in the bay-windowed sitting room or beside the Rayburn in the chic new kitchen. Should the isolation ever oppress, the A9 at the end of the drive you will whisk you efficiently to Inverness. Offers over £199,999.
Strutt & Parker, 01463 723597 Photograph: Strutt & Parker
Built as the engine shed for Whittingham station, this large stone building once housed a two-tonne crane, dock and office. The last train passed by in 1953 and the relics, lauded for their “beauty, completeness and substantial character” by the local paper in 1886, await a new future as a four-bedroom, four-bathroom, four-reception house in capacious grounds. Its chief glory will be the views over miles of Northumbrian country.
Sanderson Young, 01665 600170 Photograph: Sanderson Young
The port town and its environs have escaped the excesses that have ravaged this Costa on account of stricter planning rules, and the sun terrace off this two-bedroom apartment takes in all its finest attributes. Residents share five swimming pools and a tennis court spread through communal gardens. There’s a golf course visible from the windows and beaches within walking distance. The flat is garnished with marble tiling, electronic blinds, a hydro massage bath in the master bedroom, and air conditioning.
Property Venture, 01932 849536 Photograph: Property Venture
