Apartment on Gower coast is a must-sea!
CHRIS and Allyson Ashcroft might have left Wales more than 25 years ago but they could not completely sever all links with their much-loved homeland.
With great foresight, they looked for, found and bought a little bolthole by the beach to come back to and enjoy the beauty of the Welsh coastal landscape.
That was a two-bed apartment in The Osborne apartment complex overlooking Rotherslade beach and the neighbouring Langland Bay.
Allyson said: “As Welsh expatriates living in the USA for the past 25 years, we love our apartment in the heart of Gower.
“We never get tired of the magnificent coastal views of Rotherslade and Langland beaches and the north Devon coastline from our contemporary lounge and entertaining friends on our huge beachfront balcony.
“We love going for long walks on the coastal path or just spending time in the local beachfront cafes. It’s only a short walk to Mumbles so when we aren’t enjoying the tranquillity of our apartment, we can shop, wine and dine in the local village.”
Over the years, the couple have found the amazing home within The Osborne seaside block on the south Gower coast to be a perfect property as their Welsh base.
Chris said: “The excellent apartment amenities include private and secure lift access, two underground parking spaces, a huge storage crate for our luggage and assorted sports equipment and an on-site caretaker. It really is a ‘lock and go’ low maintenance haven.”
But now it’s time to move on and hand the keys and the mesmerising views on to the next owner.
Meander down the roads and lanes of this popular part of the Gower peninsula, past Norton, Mumbles and through Langland and the complex emerges on the horizon, standing proud on a prime position on the cliff above the beach.
There is a secure gated entrance with two resident parking spots and also spaces for guests so no problem with safe and convenient access.
The communal areas are described as secure and maintained and offer residents lift access to their apartments should they not feel like taking the stairs.
Enter the third-floor apartment and immediately the design of the contemporary space draws you into the centre of the property and the main event – those views. You’re straight out onto the balcony that the estate agent says is the largest and highest within the apartment complex.
Step out and truly absorb the magnificent sea and coastal views that surround you, sweeping across the horizon to England as well across this beautiful section of the Gower coastline.
But if you can stop staring at the impressive landscape you might notice that the space has been laid with new, durable composite decking, has low maintenance solar lights, mains power sockets, and outdoor wall mounted speakers.
Definitely a party patio then and definitely large enough to host a friends
and family dinner party well into the evening.
The sizeable lounge looks directly out onto the balcony through two sets of large glass doors which frame the sea and sky views outside perfectly.
Of course, when the weather is dry and hopefully sunny, the doors can be flung open to create the perfect inside-outside space and seamless connection with, and flow to, the expansive sea scene beyond.
The lounge is the comfortable heart of the home with easily enough space to seat at least eight people to ensure the atmosphere here is sociable and sharing.
The clever design of the home has connected the lounge to the kitchen/ diner next door via a large floor-to-ceiling opening rather than doors, which would seriously isolate the cook from the sociable gathering in the lounge.
But because the two spaces are not completely open-plan – more like broken-plan – both rooms have an element of privacy and their own ambience.
The kitchen is completely open to the dining area though, it is one room, and this eating area is also connected to the balcony via another set of double glass doors.
From the dining table a different view of the outside world is framed, with the coast still taking a major role but also the headland of the bay providing an accent of greenery and rooftops.
The new kitchen is a contemporary space, featuring glossy white units, granite worktops and oversized chrome handles.
The mosaic tile splashback features tones of blue and when the light hits them they shimmer in homage to the sparkling water outside.
Integrated appliances include a Neff hide and slide cooker, combi microwave, Bosch dishwasher, waste disposal unit and a wine cooler.
Back to the front door and to the right there is a cloakroom and utility room as handy additional spaces.
To the left, before your enter the living, dining and cooking area there is access to the two double bedrooms.
The master suite has a walk-in wardrobe and dressing area that flows into a stylish and contemporary en suite bathroom.
The room easily accommodates a king size bed and the room now has new carpets and fitted custom-built contemporary cabinets.
Light flows in through the window to the rear of the apartment which is fitted with bespoke plantation shutters and a statement blind adds visual interest but does not clutter the space.
The second bedroom next door also has an en suite shower room and built-in storage.
The kitchen and bedrooms all boast bespoke, custom fitted carpentry and storage.
But the apartment has additional cupboards but there is additional storage for larger items such as surf boards and patio furniture in a basement area.
Thank goodness for the lift when it comes to moving the Christmas tree out of storage.
In fact, this apartment exclusively includes a large basement storage crate (13’10” x 19’6”) with mains power which is invaluable for storing bulky equipment and occasional household items.
Throughout the home there is hidden technology that will delight a new owner who likes gadgets.
As Chris and Allyson have described, the area surrounding the apartment is a vibrant mix of coast, country, villages and small towns, with the city of Swansea not far away too.
Walks on the beach, hikes into the centre of Gower or eating and shopping in Mumbles are all on the doorstep.
The location can satisfy anyone who enjoys the outdoors, eating out, retail therapy or just relaxing on a lounger on a private balcony; or all of them.
The Ashcroft’s apartment by the beach is on the market for £719,995, call the Swansea branch of Fine & Country on 01792 367301 to find out more, including a unit also for sale for on the second floor for £575,000.