Research reveals waterside living improves wellbeing

Statistics released by the British Waterways Corporation reveal that living beside water reduces stress, benefits health and well-being and once people have experienced the lifestyle, they are reluctant to leave.

At Countryside Maritime’s development, St Mary’s Island which is Britain’s only planned island community and located at Chatham Maritime in Kent, residents can take full advantage of the benefits of waterside living.

The report, commissioned to explore the growth and impact of waterside housing across the UK and research the lifestyle and psychological benefits of living beside water, has produced some overwhelming results. While 75% of people polled declared that living close to water contributed towards a less stressful lifestyle, and 63% stated that it improved their overall health and well-being, Countryside Maritime highlights that one of the most interesting outcomes was that two-thirds of waterside residents (62%) polled claimed that living beside water has made them more likely to choose a waterside location in future.

Spanning 150 acres, St Mary’s Island is being transformed into an attractive new community that will provide around 2,000 homes surrounded by the River Medway. Lifestyle is at the very heart of St Mary’s Island and the availability of a wide variety of homes means that in theory, no matter how resident’s lives change, in terms of growing families or downsizing to a smaller home, they could potentially remain on the island into old age.

Ventura Riverside, is the first phase on the island by Countryside Maritime to offer houses directly on the riverfront. Recently launched, many of these properties boast spectacular views over the River Medway towards Cockham Wood and a romantic and ancient ruined fort beyond.

When complete, Ventura Riverside will comprise 71 one and two bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom houses, many of which will have balconies or terraces from which residents can soak up the their riverside aspect.

The homes have been designed using a contemporary interpretation of traditional materials such as cedar wood, steel and glass, which pay tribute to the area’s maritime heritage. Inside the homes have been designed to be flexible with well designed spaces that will be both practical and stylish.

Also available to buy off-plan at St Mary’s Island is The Fishing Village, a striking collection of apartments fronting the river that reflect the character and charm of a thriving traditional Kentish fishing village. Brightly coloured weather boarding has been combined with modern design features such as extensive feature glazing to help bring the outside in, and the result is a stylish and distinctive collection of homes.

St Mary’s Island has been carefully designed to provide a welcoming, sustainable community. There is a wide range of amenities on the island, including a doctors’ surgery, primary school, church and a community centre. Just a short walk over the bridge, residents can make the most of cafes and restaurants, a multiplex cinema and over 70 shops at the Dockside Outlet Centre.

Chris Crook, Subsidiary Managing Director of Countryside Properties says: “Waterside living is typically considered the domain of the rich and famous, well beyond the reaches of most people. St Mary’s Island signals a wind of change, offering high-quality homes with all the benefits of waterside living combined with affordability. Results of a recent resident’s survey highlight that once people buy on the island many are reluctant to leave; 90% of respondents said they moved to the Island because of its appealing waterside location and over a third stated that they expected to stay on the Island for over 10 years.”

For further details on Ventura Riverside and The Fishing Village on St Mary's Island, visit the Marketing Suite and Show Homes open daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm, or log on to Stmarysisland.uk.com.