Childhood holiday memories bring buyer to Weston

Fond childhood memories drew one man back to Weston-super- Mare, in Somerset, to buy a unique new home on Knightstone Island. Julian Page holidayed in Weston with his family as a youngster and loved it so much he has just bought a property on the island, which has been redeveloped by Redrow Homes, to use as a weekend retreat with his partner Susan Chant.

Company director Julian, 40, who lives in Semington, Wiltshire, said: “Being a Brummie I often came to Weston as a child during the summer and ever since it’s been a dream of mine to live by the sea.

“I had looked at properties in other coastal areas such as Brighton and Poole but Weston-super-Mare offered the best value for money. The town is really going in the right direction in terms of development. You can already see the difference compared to a couple of years ago and it’s only going to get better.”

Julian and Susan chose a property in the Edwardian Swimming Baths for its huge windows and a great view of the seafront. They were among the first to get their keys and have already spent two relaxing weekends at the resort.

Redrow has sensitively restored three Grade II Listed Buildings – the Pavilion Theatre, Dr Fox’s Bath House and the historic baths – to create a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, almost entirely surrounded by lapping waves.

Sandra Hughes, sales manager for Redrow Homes (South West), said: “Knightstone Island is a one-of-a-kind development. It is full of charm and character and our show apartment can help people to picture themselves living on the island.

“There are a number of projects underway to rejuvenate the whole town and several developers are spending money here to ensure Weston fulfils its potential as a first class location for people to live, work and relax.”

The island, which is linked to the mainland by a causeway, has long been a landmark in the resort but had fallen into a state of disrepair in recent years before Redrow’s development gave it a new lease of life.

The listed buildings have now been transformed and two new contemporary buildings erected alongside, to create a total of 87 apartments and two commercial units set for restaurant / café use.

Sandra added “This is a location like no other. As well as the unique island setting, residents will be surrounded by an array of original features such as ornate stone carvings, beautiful hand carved plasterwork and timber architraves.

“The homes appeal to a very mixed clientele of affluent young professionals, downsizers, second home owners and investors and we don’t expect the remaining properties to be available for long.”

Around a dozen homes remain for sale, with prices from £164,000 for a one-bedroom ground floor apartment in one of the new contemporary buildings, The Beacon, with sea view and parking space.

Two-bedroom properties are available from £240,000 and the highest price property is a three-bedroom fourth floor penthouse in The Beacon, at £410,000

Visitors can view a beautiful two-bedroom show apartment within the Edwardian swimming baths. It makes the most of existing features within the building, such as cast iron roof trusses, high ceilings and clerestory lighting from roof level. The duplex design has its bedrooms and bathrooms at entry level with superb open plan living space above.

For further details of the remaining properties and / or to book an appointment to view the show apartment at Knightstone Island, log on to Knightstoneisland.redrow.co.uk .