NEW HOMES BY THE SEA

East or West, added incentives, expert advice and buying assistance could bring the dream of a home by the sea closer to reality, finds Kirsty Mcluckie

Aseaside home is a dream for many, whatever their stage in life. And whether you favour the east or west coast, or somewhere in between, there is a lot on offer from house-builders supplying the demand for a home by the sea.

Muir Homes is marketing the last two remaining properties – both four-bedroomed detached villas – at its Castlefleurie development in Leven, with a host of added extras.

Both come with Amtico flooring, upgraded kitchen finishes plus appliances, and landscaped and turfed gardens.

The Gigha showhome has a spacious lounge leading to an openplan kitchen and dining room, with patio doors into the garden, and is priced at £219,995.

The Wemyss is a slightly larger property. This house type’s lounge is over 16 feet wide, with feature doors to the garden. There’s also a formal dining room and separate kitchen. The house is priced at a familyfriendly £234,995.

Leven sits close to the East Neuk of Fife coastline, and the town offers long sandy beaches, two golf courses, sports facilities, a cinema, shops and restaurants.

Ash Sheikh, sales and marketing director for Muir Homes, comments: “Castlefleurie has been hugely popular, particularly with

first-time buyers keen to live in the lovely East Neuk of Fife.

“These two properties, with substantial added extras, offer superb value for money.”

Muir Homes has arranged for a mortgage advisor to be on hand at their other Fife development at The Green, Cellardyke, during the weekend of Saturday, 31 August, and Sunday, 1 September to provide advice and tips on selling an existing property.

Ash Sheikh explains: “Anstruther is a coastal gem and many people are keen to move there or even buy a second home by the sea.”

Currently available is a range of two-bedroomed cottage apartments, priced from £148,000, with LBTT paid and Help to Buy.

For older buyers, one and twobedroomed apartments are available on the West Coast at Muir Homes’ Castlebank development, Port Glasgow.

The properties have been designed for downsizers, and those aged over 60 are eligible for the Scottish Government’s Help to Buy schemes.

Homes come with a terrace or balcony and either a private garage or designated parking space.

The development also includes two penthouse apartments, each with lift access and spectacular views towards the Clyde estuary. Prices start from £139,995.

Walker Group has just launched the perfect coastal home at Glen Ora in North Berwick.

Priced at £265,000, the new three-bedroomed Ailsa house type features a multi-functional, sunlit lounge, diner and kitchen with French doors.

Sandy Casey, a director at Walker Group, says: “It is a great family home but equally would be a fantastic holiday rental or weekend retreat for people working in the city.”

Also currently available is the fivebedroomed Brampton, which is priced from £430,000, and a fourbedroomed Arlington at £410,000.

Designed to be family-friendly, North Berwick’s popular primary school and highly regarded High School are a short walking distance from Glen Ora.

And of course, North Berwick has miles of unspoilt coastline and world-class golf courses, while its main streets with cafes, seafood restaurants and art and craft shops make it a year-round holiday resort.