SURROUNDED BY BEAUTY

Penzance harbour

From humble beginnings as a small fishing settlement, Penzance developed into a prosperous port and market town. It’s now a home to a vibrant local community, attracting a range of age groups to its beautiful scenery and amenities.

HOUSE PRICES: “Penzance’s property market has been very buoyant over the last few years,” says David Marshall of Marshall’s Estate Agents. “There is good local and out-of-county demand as the area continues to gain recognition as one of the more sought-after areas in the country to live.

“Mounts Bay is a natural gem, and with so many coastal walks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is not surprising that more and more people are heading West.”

According to Rightmove, most of the sales in Penzance over the past year were terraced properties which on average sold for £188,117. Flats had an average sold price of £162,776 and semi-detached properties averaged at £276,081.

Penzance, with an overall average price of £216,126 was cheaper than nearby Newlyn (£231,904), Mousehole (£339,347) and Marazion (£331,000).

LOCAL AMENITIES: Penzance’s sporting fraternity have fantastic facilities. There are no fewer than three full-size all-weather pitches, a well-equipped leisure centre, and two popular skate parks. It also has a tennis club, the outdoor Jubilee Pool and two bowling clubs.

The Cornish Pirates play their matches at the Mennaye Field, just a few yards from Penzance AFC’s ground in Penlee Park.

There is plenty on offer culturally, including the Savoy Cinema and The Acorn offering an eclectic range of live shows. Penzance hosts amateur performance groups, artists and art-lovers with The Exchange, Penlee Park and Newlyn art galleries complementing a range of independent galleries. SCHOOLS: There are several primary schools in town and in outlying villages. Secondary students have Mounts Bay Academy and Humphry Davy School. Mounts Bay has specialist status as a sports and community college, while Humphry Davy has specialist status as a music college. Penwith College, part of Truro-Penwith College, provides further education.

PUBS/RESTAURANTS: There are well over 20 pubs in Penzance, including cosy locals, town centre hostelries and historic pubs like the Turk’s Head and Admiral Benbow. Foodies are spoilt for choice, especially when it comes to seafood. If your taste is more international, choose from Thai, Mexican, Indian, Chinese and Spanish cuisine.

PARKS/GREEN SPACES: A walk along Penzance prom from the Art Deco Jubilee Pool at the harbour end along to the bustling fishing port of Newlyn is as good a way as any to soak up the coastal scenery, with views across the bay to St Michael’s Mount.

Penlee Park boasts picturesque trees and a soothing remembrance garden. Morrab Gardens is home to many rare sub-tropical species which thrive in the town’s mild climate.

Inland is the Princess May Recreation Ground. Its Trim Trail is just one reason why the park has won several Green Flag awards in recent years.

SHOPS: Penzance is the main shopping hub for West Cornwall. There is still a farmers’ market in the town centre every week, while many of the well-known high street chains are in Market Jew Street. The Wharfside Shopping Centre has views to the bay. But what sets Penzance apart as a shopping destination is its wide range of independent stores. Tucked away in quaint thoroughfares like Chapel Street or Causewayhead, shoppers can find everything from vintage clothing to top-end kitchenware.

Supermarkets include a Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Morrisons.

TRANSPORT: By road, Penzance is connected to the rest of Cornwall by the A30 trunk road.

Penzance station is the western terminus for the London Paddington line and right next door is the bus station, where visitors can travel on to nearby towns and villages. From South Pier, catch The Scillonian III to the Isles of Scilly.

St Michael’s Mount Here’s a chance to acquire one of three newly built town houses in a prime residential area of Penzance, close to Penlee Park, the Promenade and local amenities. The attractive homes have four bedrooms and three bathrooms, spacious living accommodation with underfloor heating, and enclosed gardens with large paved terraces.

Agents: Marshall’s, 01736 360203, www.marshallspz.co.uk