WHY WE’RE HAPPIEST BESIDE THE SEA

Coastal living is our dream, says survey

Imagine waking up close to water every day. Whether it’s the seaside, a riverbank or a lake, living by water all year round is the dream of 61 per cent of UK homeowners, according to a new property report. More than two thirds of the 2,000 people surveyed said that they thought those who lived near water were generally happier and healthier.

‘More people are attracted by the healthy lifestyle aspect,’ says Richard Speedy of property firm Strutt & Parker, which commissioned the research.

The 2017 Waterside Survey finds that while 62 per cent of us would love to live on the coast, one in 10 prefers a river or estuary setting, 15 per cent like an inland lake or loch, and four per cent of waterside-living fans would consider making their home on the banks of a canal.

The dream waterside home is a period cottage, voted by 41 per cent, but nearly a quarter – 24 per cent – want to live in a modern or contemporary property and a further 10 per cent would prefer the high life in a penthouse apartment with stunning sea or river views.

Here’s why we want to live near water…

Relaxation 58%

Views 47%

Better air quality 41%

Mental wellbeing 29%

Wildlife watching 23%

Water sports (surfing, fishing, swimming, sailing) 18%

Turn to p9 to discover where House Beautiful readers would like to live, according to our survey