Portsmouth proves the perfect year round retreat

Relocation, relocation, relocation was the mantra for one homeowner at Admiralty Quarter (AQ) who has recently moved to Crest Nicholson's Regeneration scheme in Portsmouth Harbour. After putting her house on the market a year ago, Kim Holloway was pleased that she could finally move from Redhill, in Surrey, to Portsmouth Harbour to be close to work.

Kim, 43, bought a two bedroom apartment at AQ, complete with balcony and terrace. She had been keen to move for over a year but was finding it difficult to sell her three bedroom house in Surrey due to the current economic climate.

Kim comments: “I was keen to relocate for some time, as I currently work in Petersfield and was finding the commute too long. Since moving, I have gained an extra hour and a half of free time, which means that I can spend my evenings walking to the seafront and enjoying Gunwharf Quays. It is a complete lifestyle change for me and I am delighted to be this close to the sea but able to access the city so easily too.”

Originally from Australia, where she was brought up near the sea, Kim was keen to live by the coast again, but in a modern new property which meant that she could keep maintenance to a minimum.

Kim continues: “Living at AQ feels like being on a permanent holiday. With all the terrace space I have, I am already starting to grow plants and flowers. The outdoor space is perfect for me, not too much maintenance, but enough for me to enjoy and is a vast difference to my previous Victorian home where I really didn't have the time to look after it. My apartment has full length windows so there is plenty of sunshine coming in too.”

Adjacent to the thriving Gunwharf Quays, with its selection of designer shops, bars, restaurants and cinemas, the development boasts spectacular views of Portsmouth Harbour and is just a short walk into the city centre.

Helen Boniface, Sales & Marketing Manager, Crest Regeneration Ltd., comments: “Portsmouth Harbour continues to prove a popular destination in the summer due to the leisure facilities and The Historic Dockyard. Purchasers who move here are always delighted to have these facilities right on their doorstep and with more cost-conscious homeowners looking to holiday at home this year, homeowners at AQ can enjoy a waterside destination all year round.”

AQ is also well connected, with train services out of Portsmouth Harbour station, just a few minutes walk away, providing high-speed links into London Waterloo in an hour and a half, and mainland Europe just a ferry-ride away.

The development consists of 17 individual apartment blocks ranging from four to eight storeys. At its heart is a private courtyard garden of nearly an acre which conceals underground parking for residents. The 22 storey Admiralty Tower provides stunning views of the harbour and gives Portsmouth a spectacular new landmark.