Premium living close to the seafront in Porthcawl

Mon, Mar 6th 2006, 11:00

When it comes to property, the British really do love to be beside the seaside – and we’re happy to pay for the privilege.

Halifax Estate Agents analysed average prices in over 100 seaside towns in England and Wales over the past three years and discovered that a sea view really does add a premium to a property.

That’s good news for the people who’ve already invested in Redrow’s Locks Common, in Porthcawl - and another good reason for those how haven’t yet taken the plunge to do so now before it’s too late.

This sought-after development features 40 large and luxurious five-bedroom detached houses with double garages and a top-quality specification among their attractions.

Bev Wookey, area sales manager for Redrow Homes (South Wales), says: “Locks Common has been hugely successful both with local people trading up and also people moving into the area to benefit from the seaside location. With spring and summer just around the corner, bringing with them a fresh influx of seasonal visitors, now is the time for serious home buyers to make sure they get a piece of the action.”

Situated at the western tip of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, Porthcawl is a perennial favourite with generations of holiday-makers and boasts some of the cleanest beaches in South Wales.

Bev adds: “Locks Common is within a stone’s throw of Rest Bay, a beautifully tranquil European Blue Flag beach which is also a surfers’ paradise. Whilst houses with direct views of the beach have been sold, every remaining property is within a very short walk of this picturesque spot.”

Well over half of the Locks Common properties have been snapped up and Redrow is into the final stretch, with current prices from £446,950 to £599,950. There are two beautifully decorated and fully furnished show homes for potential purchasers to explore, a Longleat and a Blenheim.

The Blenheim has a separate lounge and dining room and the show home has also been fitted with a conservatory. There’s a superb kitchen/breakfast room with central island and an adjoining family room, while a utility room and cloakroom complete the ground floor accommodation.

Upstairs, the master bedroom boasts a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom with separate bath and shower cubicle. Bedroom two also has fitted wardrobes and an en-suite shower room while the remaining three bedrooms are served by the family bathroom.

The Longleat’s accommodation is arranged over three floors with the loft space cleverly converted to create two double bedrooms, each with an integral study area, plus a bathroom with separate bath and shower cubicle. “This part of the house lends itself perfectly to teenage children or maybe for use as a study/studio area,” says Bev.

On the ground floor the Longleat has all of the rooms of the Blenheim, just in a different configuration, whilst the master bedroom with five-piece en-suite and fitted wardrobes is on the first floor, together with two further bedrooms and the family bathroom.

These two show homes are typical of the quality, size and style of accommodation that is available at Locks Common. They also display the ‘Emerald Plus’ specification which includes fully fitted kitchen with built-in appliances and ceramic floor tiles. The Longleats include a conservatory within their price and purchasers of other house designs can choose to add this ‘must have’ feature if they wish.

Apart from the local beaches, shops and attractions of Porthcawl, the M4 is easily reached for travel to Cardiff and Swansea. Even London can be reached in less than two-and-a-half hours by train from nearby Bridgend.

To splash out on seaside living at Locks Common, off The Whimbrels visit the show homes which are open daily from 10am to 5.30pm; make one call to 01656 783304.