Harbour city serving up a five-star life
IF YOU were asked which UK city has the most Michelin stars outside London it’s unlikely your first guess would be Bristol. But this year it was named the world’s Best Food Destination in the international Food Trekking Awards, competing against cities all over Europe,asia, the Middle East and Northamerica.and its five Michelin star restaurants have earned it a Foodie Hotspot accolade from the annual Good Food Guide.
This hippy-turned-hipster region also has the country’s most productive and competitive technology companies and was just pipped to the title of Best City For Business in 2019.
We all know it’s the home ofwallace and Gromit’s Aardman Animations but it was also awarded Unesco City of Films status in 2017 thanks to its 11 annual film festivals. And it was named Britain’s most artistic city by a national hotel chain – largely thanks to its street art by Bristol-born graffiti superstar Banksy.
So it’s no wonder that it’s such a popular place to live, particularly among graduates from its two universities and people moving from London and the South-east in search of a better work-life balance.
One of the city’s liveliest areas is around its old harbourside, full of independent shops, cafes and restaurants and within walking distance of Bristol Oldvic and Cargo shops and restaurants, housed in converted shipping containers.
A new phase ofwappingwharf apartments was launched near the harbourside in Museum Street this autumn after the first 26 homes were snapped up in spring.
The apartments have old warehouse-style designs, in keeping with the historic location, many with balconies or internal garden courtyards, while top-floor apartments have vaulted ceilings and terraces. One, two and three-bedroom
A host of trendy restaurants, art by Banksy and a great location are making Bristol an increasingly tempting place to settle, says DEBORAH STONE
apartments are for sale from £225,000 (0117 363 5694/7839; wappingwharf. co.uk), with 93 of the 256 homes being available through Sovereign Housing Association.
Bristol’s popularity has led to a steady increase in property prices, which makes living in the nearby villages appealing to families looking for more space, something that is on offer at the new Langford Fields development, a 45-minute drive away.
Hayley and Barry Zaple and their two daughters have moved into a four-bedroom house in the development at Langford, Somerset, and Hayley says: “We were looking for the best of both worlds.
“We wanted the convenience of being close to a city but the peace and quiet of country life.
“We have everything we need right on our doorstep: a local shop, swimming pool and sports centre are all close by and the surrounding villages offer an even bigger variety of amenities, too.”
Three, four and five-bedroom homes are available with Help To Buy from £315,000 to £520,000 (01934 252009; crestnicholson.com) and developer Crest Nicholson offers a Smoothmove service to help buyers sell their old homes.
“Langford Fields is a really unique place to live,” says Hayley. “We have the ocean to the west, vast limestone hills to the south, two picturesque lakes to the east and then the vibrancy of Bristol to the north.
“It’s easy to see why it’s becoming a property hotspot.”