UK Housing Market
Folkestone, Kent
HOMEOWNER SWAPS SUBURBIA FOR PRIME APARTMENT WITH CAPTIVATING COASTAL VIEWS
Ocean-loving Paul Wells had always aspired for a home with a unique and uninterrupted view, looking directly onto the sea. When he first heard about Shoreline, an attractive beachside development in Folkestone, it felt like a dream come true.
Commenting on hist first impressions of Shoreline, Paul Wells, a Company Director, said: “When I first heard about the plans for a collection of apartments and beach houses on the Folkestone seafront, I immediately knew that I wanted to find out more. I’ve always wanted a home that is truly at one with the sea, giving me exclusive access to an unforgettable coastal view and direct access to the coastline, so when I saw the apartments were up for sale I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.”
Paul currently works as a Company Director at a business located close to Folkestone and has lived in Hythe, a small town close by, for over 20 years. Paul was settled in a comfortable apartment in the centre of the town for a number of years, but being so close to the sea he still felt far away and yearned for a prime spot on the coast as he entered his retirement years.
Paul added: “I was looking for a fresh start from my old flat, seeking something completely new and exciting that would also see me through into retirement in a place I could enjoy and feel at peace. I initially came across Shoreline when it was still in its very foundational stages, overhearing a discussion during a day out on Folkestone Harbour, so I decided to keep an eye out ever since. I made my first viewing in July last year, where I took a tour of the first phase and instantly felt at home – it was an incredibly easy decision and one I knew I needed to make almost instantly.”
Paul was one of the first purchasers at Shoreline, securing a sizeable two-bedroom apartment with two ensuite bathrooms and a spacious open-plan kitchen/living/dining/room, which provides ample space to entertain friends and family, whilst importantly benefitting from spectacular sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows. His apartment also includes a private terrace that is the perfect spot for a morning coffee to watch the sunrise or enjoy a glass of wine to take in the captivating sunsets.
Wanting to put his own touch and character to the apartment’s interiors, Paul instructed leading interior design specialists, Phoenix Design, to craft the ideal living spaces. The Phoenix Design team has created a bohemian yet contemporary flair throughout the home, drawing inspiration from the sea that surrounds the apartment by prioritising a palette of tranquil blues, greens and other earthy tones.
Phoenix Design also assisted Paul with the layout and specifications of his apartment, helping to uphold a modern, sleek and uncluttered feel by ensuring none of the furnishings blocked the home’s panoramic views, a sight that can be enjoyed from every angle of the apartment through sweeping sets of floor-to-ceiling triple glazed windows.
Paul commented: “It was imperative for me that all design choices served to elevate rather than distract from the view, I didn’t want anything to compromise or clutter the natural surroundings. I was so grateful that Phoenix Design have honoured this decision throughout, allowing the space to feel interconnected, with furnishings that seamlessly flow from room to room, blending in perfectly with the beach and ocean boardwalk that follows you throughout the apartment.”
Paul Wells
Paul was also impressed by the amenities on offer at Shoreline, including un-rivalled access to 24-hour Seafront Estate Services with a dedicated in-house concierge that can manage deliveries, key-holding, gardening, as well as private residence cleaning and maintenance. The development also benefits from extensive storage facilities, such as secure and private units available for rent, as well as bicycle storage spaces.
Paul said: “As an outdoor enthusiast it is brilliant knowing I have the beach right on my doorstep where I can take leisurely walks along the boardwalk and enjoy the coastline country trails either on foot or by bike. I am also thrilled to have the choice of taking a swim whenever I fancy, which never would have been an option for me before!”
Paul has always felt Folkestone is a wonderful place to live and is delighted with his proximity to local hot spots such as the award-winning Harbour Arm and buzzing Creative Quarter, where he can immerse himself in the thriving arts culture. Residents of Shoreline also have the option to venture out of the Kent with utmost ease, living only moments away from transport links at Folkestone Central and Folkestone West, offering high-speed train services that are only 50 minutes into central London. Gatwick Airport is just over an hour away by car, whilst regular ferries to France from Dover Port are within easy reach.
Paul said: “I am beside myself with excitement having moved into my new home, I have never felt more certain about purchasing a property before and know it is 100% the right fit for me. I would highly recommend Shoreline to anyone interested in making an enquiry, the sales team have been fantastic from start to finish, there is always someone on hand to help.”
Prices for a west-facing 2-bedroom apartment like Paul Wells’ starts from £600,000, whilst Shoreline offers an abundance of breath-taking residences ranging from £395,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to £2.995 million for a grand duplex penthouse. There is also a collection of prime two, three and four-bedroom beach houses starting from £1.25 million.
For further information on the available homes at Shoreline contact the sales team on Tel: 01303 760 940 or visit www.shorelinefolkestone.co.uk