Property Round Up By Helen Fisher

Let the Sunshine In! By Helen Fisher

CREWKERNE £650,000

A 1920s Mediterranean-style villa set centrally within its beautiful, mature gardens. Well presented, with 5 bedrooms and views from every room. Dining room lit by an atrium and large sliding doors to decking area. Large basement for storage. Acre garden with water feature, trees, shrubs and 4 outbuildings. Garage and ample parking.

Knight Frank Tel: 01935 808648

UPLODERS £450,000

A very well maintained detached south-facing bungalow with 3 bedrooms, set in an attractive village. With uPVC double-glazed windows and doors and modern kitchen and bathroom. Beautifully landscaped private, secluded gardens with paved terrace and flower and shrub boarders. Garage block and off-road parking.

Kennedys Tel: 01308 427329

LYME REGIS £300,000

A spacious ground floor apartment in a elevated position with sea and town views, with plenty of natural light. Original features inc: large bay window and fireplace with coal effect gas fire. Beautifully kept lawn communal gardens plus a range of mature shrubs and trees. With allocated off-road parking and visitor spaces.

Symonds and Sampson Tel: 01308 422092

CHIDEOCK £775,000

A detached Arts and Crafts-style 4 bedroom house in a stunning rural yet convenient position. Recently extended and improved with classical and modern styling. With bi—folding doors & roof lantern in the kitchen/family and room triple aspects in many rooms. Secluded, well stocked gardens with carport, garage and workshop/studio. Ample parking.

Stags Tel: 01308 428000

BEER £650,000

A beautifully presented 3 double bedroom former farmhouse close to the sea. Set in a quiet location yet very easy access into the village. Spacious with high ceilings and plenty of natural light. Family bathroom with roll-top bath plus family shower room. Fully enclosed garden with 2 small trees, summerhouse and timber shed. Private garage and parking.

Gordon and Rumsby Tel: 01297 553768

WEST BAY £365,000

A stunning elevated ground floor apartment with 2 double bedrooms and views across the harbour. High specification contemporary accommodation and spacious open plan living area with ample natural light. Built in wardrobes, under floor heating and an under lit bath. Allocated parking in a gated parking area.

Goadsby Tel: 01308 420000

WITH a sharp move towards Brits holidaying at home the next question is will Brexit and Coronavirus drive retirees away from their dream homes in Europe? The news from retirement property specialist, Cognatum, seems to suggest so.

The company has experienced a significant increase in enquiries from UK nationals currently based in Europe, as well as from their families who are based in the UK. In the local area Cognatum has retirement properties on the market in Ilminster, South Petherton and Iwerne Minster. Speaking of the enquiries, John Lavin of Cognatum says, ‘The vast majority are from UK residents who left the UK to retire to European countries.’

John explained that historically there are many reasons for a return to the UK. ‘For some people, the life that they’ve looked forward to for years simply doesn’t live up to the expectation’ he said ‘or it runs out of appeal after a few years—holidaying somewhere is very different to living there full time.’

He said that a significant concern for many of those returning from abroad is their physical wellbeing, which has been sharply brought into focus by the coronavirus pandemic; living overseas as a fit seventy-something is very different to remaining in a foreign country as your health deteriorates, especially for those who don’t speak the language. ‘In the UK, the Welfare State picks up the slack if finances don’t run to full-time care, but this isn’t the case in most European countries. There are also those who are widowed, or concerned about becoming so. And of course on a more positive note the lure of grandchildren shouldn’t be underestimated, people do tend to develop a greater desire to be near family.’

He stated that statistics show that around 30% of those retiring overseas return within three years. ‘But our expectation is that, as a result of Brexit and coronavirus, this figure will rise considerably over the next year or two.’

His advice to those who are considering a move home is not to panic, but equally not to delay. A move for those relocating country requires more complicated logistics than for those moving within the UK.

Cognatum, an independent not for profit company and, has 60 retirement estates across central and southern England. For more information telephone 01491 821170 or email property@cognatum.co.uk. To view their properties visit www.cognatum.co.uk