Tim Winney, franchisee of Winkworth Highcliffe, explains why Friars Cliff and Mudeford in Christchurch are now the seaside destinations everyone wants to be!  He commented that despite the downturn in the UK property market his office had doubled its turnover in the last 12 months and currently had just over £20,000,000 worth of property under offer or under contract, which he believes may well be a record for the area.

“We have seen demand saw this year for quality coastal or water front homes, buyers are looking for second homes or are just relocating for a lifestyle change. We are seeing more and more buyers who are telling us that they are now buying in Friars Cliff and Mudeford as an alternative to Sand Banks, there has been a realisation that our prices are very competitive compared with the coveted BH13 Poole district, but also offers far more for potential buyers.

The allure of Sand Banks for a certain type of buyer is no longer what it was, it’s more about being seen being seen, in Sand Banks, so if you are looking for an area where a certain amount of anonymity can still be achieved then Mudeford or Frairs Cliff are the places to make for, offering old fashioned family charm by the water, where the order of the day is shorts, T shirts and deck shoes rather than glamour and glitz.

Accessibility to this area is far easier with just a short and pleasant journey across the New Forest leading from the M27 and M3, as opposed to having to navigate a way through the Bournemouth and Poole conurbation and its legendary traffic, to reach your Sand Banks home, which if timed at the wrong time of the day could add an extra hour or so to your journey.

Christchurch harbour is a beautifully unspoilt amenity, being sheltered and ideal for all types of water sports, from dinghy sailing or as a base for the more experienced coastal sailor. The town of Christchurch has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years and now boasts a Waitrose supermarket and a Marks and Spencer food store, further recognition of the changing demographics of the area. Mudeford, however still feels like a village, with a number of local shops and some excellent pubs specialising in fresh seafood from the Quay.

The local planning department have done a commendable job, with most of Mudeford being designated as a conservation area and the original street scenes of Friars Cliff being preserved, there has been a much more sensible and controlled approach to local development, with a conspicuous absence of the blocks and blocks of flats which has spoilt many other coastal areas.

These are very exciting times for the local property market and we have been at the forefront of putting the area on the map, and owing to our bespoke marketing plans we have achieved numerous property sale records for many roads in the area. And working closely with our Country House Department, based in London, we are able to pick up and develop leads across the entire Winkworth database, so that as many buyers as possible, across the UK and internationally, are aware of the sale of our properties”.

For further information or to arrange a viewing of any of the properties listed above, contact Winkworth Highcliffe sales office on 01425 270 055.

Examples of properties for sale in Friars Cliff and Mudeford:

5 bedroom house in Mudeford

£1,500,000

An elegant Edwardian style house that is situated in a magnificent location with direct access to the water and spectacular views of Christchurch Harbour. The spacious accommodation is laid out over three floors and retains a number of original features, and offers tremendous potential to improve and remodel into a fabulous waterside home.

The property is superbly located for any water sports enthusiasts with a private landing stage and dock at the very foot of the garden.

5 bedroom house in Friars Cliff

£3,750,000

This is truly one of the area’s finest homes, offering luxurious accommodation in a spectacular beachfront location. Built in 2008 in a modern New England style, the house offers spacious light and airy rooms, which are beautifully appointed and offer the finest fixtures and fittings throughout.

The house boasts unrivalled coastal views of the whole of Christchurch Bay, from the Isle of Wight and The Needles Light House to the east, across to Hengistbury Head and the entrance to Christchurch Harbour to the west.