DOWNSIZE AT THE SEASIDE TO DISCOVER A SLOWER PACE OF LIFE

Phil Basher, 65, has been a fan of Hythe, with its beautiful coastline and quaint town centre, for many years. From his previous home in busy Ashford, he often found himself heading to the traditional seaside town to relax, so Barratt Kent’s Martello Lakes development seemed like the perfect place to look for a retirement home.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in Hythe over the years and I love the seaside,” he says. “I’m semi-retired, looking to fully retire in the next couple of years, so I knew I needed to bite the bullet and start looking for a retirement property, as I didn’t want to leave it too late.”

As Hythe, on the Kent coast, was already a favourite spot, Phil decided to look around to see what was available in the area, and was delighted with the waterside views at Martello Lakes. “I was looking for a slower pace of life and loved the lakeside living on offer there. I think I chose the best apartment in the whole development!”

Phil moved into one of the spacious two-bedroom apartments at Martello Lakes, which has a balcony to make the most of the lakeside views, a lounge/diner, separate kitchen and large bathroom. With direct access to walks around the lake and open green spaces, it’s ideal for someone who’s looking for a more relaxed life. He was a cash buyer, having previously downsized, and was living in rental accommodation in Ashford while he looked for his perfect retirement property.

Martello Lakes is set in a beautiful position just off Dymchurch Road, with the extensive lakes, used for fishing and sailing, on one side and the coastline on the other side. Natural England’s southern coastal walk runs through the development, so it’s easy to get out and enjoy the fresh air and views. The centre of Hythe is eight minutes by car, or around 13 minutes on the regular bus service that passes right by the development, heading on to the larger towns of Folkstone (32 minutes) and Dover (1 hour 15 minutes). It’s also straightforward to get to London, with trains from Folkstone to London St Pancras taking just under an hour.

Phil has found that despite the slower pace of life, he can find everything he needs in Hythe, with an assortment of supermarkets, pharmacy, cafes and lots of independent shops within easy reach. There’s plenty of leisure possibilities in the local area as well, from the Malthouse antique centre where you can hunt out an interesting find, to a trip on the historic narrow gauge Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, a walk along the coastline to see the wartime “sound mirrors”, or a fascinating trip into the ossuary at St Leonard’s Church.

Natalie Perry, Sales Director at Barratt Homes Kent, comments: “Martello Lakes is in an amazing location, nestled between a lake and the coast, with lots of green space and places to walk. It feels like you are right out in the country, but the excellent travel connections mean you can be in Ashford, with its high speed rail links and international travel connections, in less than half an hour.”

The current phase of new homes at Martello Lakes offers two-bedroom apartments starting from £249,995 and four bedroom houses from £492,995. A variety of incentives are available, including Key Worker Deposit Contribution, Deposit Unlock and Part Exchange. For more information visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or call the team on 0330 828 7150.

For further details about Barratt Kent call 0330 828 7159 or visit barratthomes.co.uk