Coastal retirement lures Royal Navy Commander

Retiring by the sea has long been popular with retirees. However, for retired Commander Edward Grenfell, Portsmouth Harbour has a particular lure given his successful career with the Royal Navy.

Edward Grenfell who is approaching his ninetieth birthday this year, was keen to spend his retirement close to his daughters who live in Emsworth and Southsea, so he hardly needed persuading that a move to Portsmouth Harbour would be beneficial to him, which is when he discovered Admiralty Quarter (AQ). He recently purchased a one bedroom apartment on the fourteenth floor of AQ’s Tower which means that he has fantastic views of the coastline stretching as far as the Isle of Wight.

Edward comments: “Portsmouth holds a lot of history for me. I first sailed past Portsmouth when I was a Cadet aboard a merchant ship and that was my first sight of a city that has played such a big part in my life. I am delighted with my apartment at AQ and the views are stunning. Due to my age, I am not concerned about having outdoor space so the balcony is ideal. I can see the naval ships coming in and out if the harbour which means this is a fantastic place for me to retire to.

“I feel totally part of the community here already and I am also doing a lot of work with the Historic Dockyard and still giving lectures so AQ really is ideal for me. The development itself is fantastic, I feel very at home and after living in many parts of the world, this really is the best place I have ever lived.”

Adjacent to thriving Gunwharf Quays, the development consists of 17 individual apartment blocks ranging from four to eight storeys. At its heart is a private courtyard garden of nearly an acre which conceals underground parking for residents. The 22 storey Admiralty Tower provides stunning views of the harbour and gives Portsmouth a spectacular new landmark.

In November a brand new Spar convenience store is expected to open in one of the three commercial units on the ground floor of the scheme, improving local shopping facilities even further for residents like Mr Grenfell.

Helen Boniface, Sales & Marketing Manager, Crest Regeneration Ltd, comments: “The historic importance of Portsmouth Harbour is appreciated by all our buyers, but none more so than Mr Grenfell, who has such a rich background in the area. Buyers continue to enjoy having the delights of the coast on their doorstep and the stunning views from the tower continue to provide the wow factor whilst also having the benefits of the city just a short distance away.”

AQ is also well connected, with train services out of Portsmouth Harbour station, just a few minutes walk away, providing high-speed links into London Waterloo in an hour and a half, and mainland Europe just a ferry-ride away.

Prices for a one bedroom apartment start at £143,000 and £180,000 for a two bedroom apartment.

For more information visit admiralty-quarter.co.uk.