Couple "test drive" new island apartment

A couple with fond memories of Knightstone Island, in Weston-super-Mare, have ‘test driven' a new apartment for the weekend as they look for their perfect holiday home.

Former competitive swimmers Julie and Mike Harber tried a luxurious new Redrow apartment for size as part of their search for a new home where they can spend summers by the sea.

The North Somerset resort holds particular nostalgia for teacher Julie, 47 and husband Mike, 66, who both visited the coastal town as children; and Mike in his youth actually swam in a gala at the old Edwardian swimming baths on Knightstone Island - now converted to apartments.

Julie said: "My husband and I are looking for a second home near the seaside and the location is very special to both of us as we used to swim in the area. This was a perfect opportunity to explore the area in greater detail to see what a home here could offer us. We're now seriously considering the possibility of investing here."

Mike and Julie, from Langstone, near Newport in South Wales, spent a weekend in the show apartment at Knightstone Island, courtesy of Redrow, and during that time put the property through a thorough test-drive; cooking, eating, relaxing and sleeping in the apartment. They also explored the variety of activities and socialising opportunities that exist around the island.

Very appropriately, the show apartment actually sits within the former baths complex which has been sympathetically converted into apartments with lots of original features retained or restored.

"As soon as we arrived we off-loaded our luggage at the apartment and headed out for a walk, the scenery is so beautiful and really makes the area stand out," Julie said.

"We then headed to a lovely restaurant for a bite to eat, which was very relaxing, before a short stroll back to the apartments.

"The following day, we woke up early in order to enjoy the sun rising before spending a lazy morning around the plush apartment and enjoying a late breakfast whilst admiring the beautiful scenery."

She added: "The whole experience was fantastic and gave me a real insight into the way of life that is waiting for us once we buy a holiday home. The Knightstone Island apartments have all the space you could need and lots of character, not to mention the great outdoors to be explored and all the shops, entertainment and leisure right on the doorstep."

For Julie and Mike, and others who wish to make Knightstone Island their home, time is running out - only a few apartments remain for sale so would-be purchasers must get their skates on if they don't want to miss the boat.

Sandra Hughes, sales manager for Redrow Homes (South West), said: "Whether you're planning to invest in a second home like Mike and Julie or simply want a stylish apartment in a fashionable area, Knightstone Island is just the place.

"We've got one-bedroom properties remaining from £150,000 and two-bedroom apartments from £189,995. There are also some stunning three-bedroom apartments from £342,000 - so still plenty of choice despite the fact we're into the final stages."

The island features a combination of refurbished grade II listed buildings and contemporary new-build apartments in a landscaped setting and featuring a communal courtyard for residents.

The fully furnished show home that Julie and Mike have test-driven is waiting to be explored - together with everything the island has to offer.

Find out more at Redrow.co.uk.