Lymington, Hampshire: Residents Defend High Property Prices in ‘Britain’s French Riviera’
Lymington, Hampshire โค- Despite being โone of the most expensive places to โคlive in the UK, residents of the Georgian market town of Lymington are steadfast in their affection for โthe โฃcoastal โคcommunity.Average house prices currently stand around ยฃ608,000, making โit the priciest seaside โขspotโ in โขthe South East and the fifthโค most expensive in Britain, according to recent data.
Located on โฃthe edge โฃofโ the โฃNew Forest, Lymington offers a โunique blend of coastal and countryside living, attracting families, โฃretirees, and those seeking a โvibrant community. Unlike other high-end coastal locations, the town eschews ostentatious displays of โwealth, prioritizing heritage and a relaxed lifestyle.
“Despite โthe price,I wouldn’tโค move,” says โresident Adam Stote,55,who recently downsized to a property on Captain’s Road. “It’s aโข conservation area, walking distance โคto the beach. you can’t put aโ value on that. I live next to an empty โsecond home andโ I hope that changes – this place should be lived in.”
The town’s appeal lies in its setting, with the โSolent sparkling with yachtsโ and the New forest providing aโค scenic backdrop.Housing options โฃrangeโค from Georgian townhouses and victorian terraces โคto modern apartments with waterfront views, all commanding a premium due to limited availability. โข
Local visitor Steve Harding,71,who frequentsโฃ Lymington with his granddaughter Millie โfrom nearby Ashurst,describes it as “a properโข town,” praising its quay,waterfront walks,andโ enduring local shops. The town’s High โคStreet thrives with a lively Saturday market offering artisan bread, fresh fish,โค and local crafts. Culturalโ attractions include the St Barbe Museum and the Lymington Players theater group, alongside a diverse culinary โscene ranging from customaryโฃ pubs to the Michelin-recommended โThe Elderflower restaurant.
Outdoor activities are central to life in Lymington, with opportunities for crabbing, cycling, paddleboarding, and swimming in the historic sea waterโ baths. โ
Michaelโข Burkmar, of a local estate agency, notes the town’s broad appeal. “it’s a thriving Georgian market town with โฃsailing and hiking on the doorstep. Families are โmoving down from London,retirees love it here,and the market brings a real buzz.”
Despite โits million-pound price tag, Lymington maintains a low-key atmosphere, lacking the flashy displays often โassociated โwithโ affluentโ areas. As Stote succinctly puts it, “This is home.”