Set sail for the south coast

With everything from world class sailing facilities to more than 600 square miles of rolling hills across the South Downs and modern towns & cities built on layers of history since Roman times, the south coast is a fantastic location, especially for the water sports enthusiast. 

“Everyone is looking for something different from waterside living but here on the southern shores there’s somewhere to suit just about every taste,” says Pamela Phelan, who is based in our Emsworth office, specialising in waterside and coastal property. 

Pamela is a competitive sailor as well as an experienced estate agent, bringing her knowledge and understanding of the numerous sailing clubs and tidal times to her discussions with buyers and sellers. 

“Whether you’re heading afloat for the first time or a highly experienced sailor, there are sailing clubs to suit you and the family - but there’s plenty more to enjoy on shore as well. People often discover this area through visiting the events at Goodwood House or Chichester Festival Theatre and return for more.”

As host to the Festival of Speed, Glorious Goodwood horse-racing and the Goodwood Revival, Goodwood welcomes more than 750,000 visitors each year.  Just next door is the Cass Sculpture Foundation, featuring natural woodland interspersed with exhibitions of award winning contemporary sculptures.

Art, both contemporary and classical, can also be enjoyed in the beautiful cathedral city of Chichester at Pallant House Gallery. Chichester is home to a wide variety of independent shops and restaurants as well as numerous high street brands, and the renowned Chichester Festival Theatre presents highly acclaimed productions including a spectacular summer season. 

From the Georgian townhouses and cottages of Chichester to the award-winning developments of family homes from national and local house builders on its outskirts, there is a wide selection of property to choose from: weekend homes, stylish apartments or large coastal homes, some with their own moorings, lie along the shoreline and the neighbouring villages and countryside.  

Further along the coast are the golden sands of West Wittering beach, perfect for learning to windsurf or just pottering in the waves. At Pagham Harbour you’ll discover an outstanding nature reserve managed by the RSPB and a haven for wildlife while the title of the sunniest place in Britain is claimed by Bognor Regis. 

The seafront with its beaches, natural harbours, and impressive marinas has enormous appeal throughout the year. Against this lies a backdrop of the South Downs National Park, for equestrians, cyclists and walkers, whether heading to one of the friendly pubs or setting off on a journey of 100 miles along the South Downs Way.  And London is within about two hours by road or a direct rail service.

“If you’re looking to discover your next home and would like to experience the south coast before taking your next steps, it’s a good idea to stay in the area first to get a feel for exactly where you’d like to be,” said Pamela. 

“Our Holiday Lets team, based alongside us here in Emsworth, are ready at the end of the phone or online to arrange your stay, giving you the chance to explore at leisure everything the area has to offer. I guarantee you won’t want to leave!”

We’re proud of our successful network of offices along the coast including Chichester, Emsworth, Selsey, East Wittering, Middleton on Sea and Bognor Regis, supported by further Downland offices in West Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.  

For more details or an informal discussion about selling or buying a coastal home, call us on 01243 377773 and let’s discover how we can help you move.