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Lively Plymouth..

Lively Plymouth is the place to be

These days it is common for potential buyers to become frustrated by the lack of properties available to purchase. This often leads to considering alternative, otherwise second choice, locations. To buyers who are looking over large areas of the region my obvious reaction, as an estate agent with enormous knowledge and enthusiasm for my own area, is to suggest areas close to or within Plymouth. “But Plymouth doesn’t really attract me” said the otherwise promising but polite buyer. “When did you last visit Plymouth” was my immediate reaction. “About fifteen years ago” was his response. Here was my opening! “You should see it now – some of the best restaurants in the West Country, a vibrant waterfront, and an excellent shopping centre. The University has been developing, right in the centre, with some extraordinary pieces of architecture, most prominently the Roland Levinsky Building, by Danish architect Henning Larsen. And of course the Theatre Royal is by far the best west of Bristol, with many shows going from here to the West End”. Of course there is also the Brittany Ferry which provides a regular service from Millbay to Roscoff in Brittany and Santander in Northern Spain.

The fact is that Plymouth has changed beyond recognition over the last few years, but far too many people still discount it. It is a city that has exceptional facilities and attractions for everyone. As an environment to live in, or close to, it has more to offer than any other in the South West. It has the most incredible scenery – The Sound, the South Hams, Dartmoor, the rolling hills of the Tamar Valley and South East Cornwall, and the Rame Peninsula. The latter described in London’s influential Time Out magazine as “Cornwall’s ‘forgotten corner’ is one of the country’s most beautiful areas”. 

 If you have not visited Royal William Yard you are missing out.  Most recently the restoration of the old Victorian reservoir off North Hill, at a cost of £1.3 million, directly opposite my office, is magnificent. Its park, named Drake’s Place, is a wonderful green space right in the city centre, with a documented history including reference to the origins of Peek Frean, the inventors of the Garibaldi biscuit.

Our housing stock is varied and reasonably priced. Weston House, on the edge of Plympton St Maurice, a substantial house in over an acre of gardens has just been sold by Stags with a price guide of £795,000. Germain House, Landrake, a traditional house with a large garden also sold earlier this year with a price guide of £342,000, underlining the availability of attractive houses at reasonable prices in this area. 14 Western College Road, Mannamead, a 5 bedroom town house also sold through Stags with a price guide of £335,000.

An enlightened buyer also commented earlier this year “This is another Bristol, but in more attractive surroundings”. If you have not visited Plymouth recently, please do!

Roger Punch, Stags Plymouth Office Manager