Lymington, Hampshire: Residents Defend High Property Prices in ‘Britain’s French Riviera’
Lymington, Hampshire - Despite being one of the most expensive places to live in the UK, residents of the Georgian market town of Lymington are steadfast in their affection for the coastal community.Average house prices currently stand around £608,000, making it the priciest seaside spot in the South East and the fifth most expensive in Britain, according to recent data.
Located on the edge of the New Forest, Lymington offers a unique blend of coastal and countryside living, attracting families, retirees, and those seeking a vibrant community. Unlike other high-end coastal locations, the town eschews ostentatious displays of wealth, prioritizing heritage and a relaxed lifestyle.
“Despite the price,I wouldn’t move,” says resident Adam Stote,55,who recently downsized to a property on Captain’s Road. “It’s a conservation area, walking distance to the beach. you can’t put a value on that. I live next to an empty second home and I hope that changes – this place should be lived in.”
The town’s appeal lies in its setting, with the Solent sparkling with yachts and the New forest providing a scenic backdrop.Housing options range from Georgian townhouses and victorian terraces to modern apartments with waterfront views, all commanding a premium due to limited availability.
Local visitor Steve Harding,71,who frequents Lymington with his granddaughter Millie from nearby Ashurst,describes it as “a proper town,” praising its quay,waterfront walks,and enduring local shops. The town’s High Street thrives with a lively Saturday market offering artisan bread, fresh fish, and local crafts. Cultural attractions include the St Barbe Museum and the Lymington Players theater group, alongside a diverse culinary scene ranging from customary pubs to the Michelin-recommended The Elderflower restaurant.
Outdoor activities are central to life in Lymington, with opportunities for crabbing, cycling, paddleboarding, and swimming in the historic sea water baths.
Michael Burkmar, of a local estate agency, notes the town’s broad appeal. “it’s a thriving Georgian market town with sailing and hiking on the doorstep. Families are moving down from London,retirees love it here,and the market brings a real buzz.”
Despite its million-pound price tag, Lymington maintains a low-key atmosphere, lacking the flashy displays often associated with affluent areas. As Stote succinctly puts it, “This is home.”