From Cornwall’s cliff-hugging charm to the quiet pull of North Queensferry in Scotland, waterside properties are once again catching the eyes of cash-ready buyers — and this summer, they’re making a splash in style.
Two standout homes, one overlooking the Firth of Forth and the other nestled above the Fowey estuary, are on the market, offering a rare combination of heritage, setting, and coastal calm.
Fowey’s Time Capsule With a View
There’s something magnetic about Fowey, Cornwall. Narrow streets, the soft clinking of boat masts, and houses perched like theatre seats above the water. And now, for the first time in 40 years, a prime piece of it is up for grabs.
On West Street — the quieter, more exclusive stretch that runs parallel to the waterfront — stands a handsome three-storey Victorian semi. It’s lived through generations of sea air and stormy winters and still holds its charm.
This is not some sleek, done-up trophy home. It’s lived-in. With soul.
One room opens into another through narrow steps, floorboards creak a bit, and every corner seems to carry a story. The current owners, locals say, have kept it largely intact. There’s a drawing room with a fireplace and a window seat, ideal for watching the weather roll across the estuary.
Here’s what really sets it apart:
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A boathouse with power, crying out to be transformed — guest space, studio, maybe even an Airbnb.
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Stone terraces with unobstructed views of Fowey harbour.
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Steps from the terrace straight down to the quay. That’s not marketing spin. You literally descend into the sea.
At £1.5 million, this isn’t for bargain hunters. But for someone looking for an authentic slice of Cornish life, with possibilities to tweak and expand, it’s got legs.
North Queensferry’s Quiet Appeal
North Queensferry is often overlooked in favour of its grander neighbour across the water, South Queensferry. But that’s changing. This Fife harbour village — tucked below the striking red ribs of the Forth Bridge — is drawing interest for its mix of stillness and spectacle.
A four-bedroom waterfront home here, priced at £495,000, blends old-fashioned charm with a slice of architectural evolution.
Originally built as a modest bungalow in 1910, the house was later extended upwards to create more space. Now, the first floor holds bedrooms that look directly onto the water, with the bridge dominating the skyline.
One sentence here: It’s dramatic without being overbearing.
Inside, you’re met with a bay-window dining area that merges into the sitting room. The kitchen has a breakfast nook, and there’s a snug tucked away downstairs for quiet reading or moody Scottish evenings.
The garden? Walled, neat, and right on the water’s edge — facing the mighty Queensferry Crossing.
Locals describe it as a “watchtower for light and tide.” You could stare out for hours and still see something new.
Harbour Homes: What’s the Market Saying?
Buyers are circling coastal towns again. Especially ones that aren’t overrun. Especially places where locals still live, work, and send their kids to school.
That means harbour towns are back in vogue — but it’s a very specific kind of demand. Think second homes with flexibility, retirement properties with character, or pandemic-era remote workers now searching for peace.
According to Zoopla and Knight Frank, interest in UK coastal homes surged nearly 20% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Here’s a quick comparison of two featured homes:
| Location | Fowey, Cornwall | North Queensferry, Scotland |
|---|---|---|
| Property Type | 3-storey Victorian semi | 4-bed waterfront cottage |
| Price | £1.5 million | £495,000 |
| Unique Features | Boathouse, direct quay access | Walled garden, bridge views |
| Estate Agent | Knight Frank | Savills |
| Distance to London | ~5 hours by train | ~4.5 hours by train |
There’s a huge price gulf, yes. But context matters — Cornwall’s become a magnet for well-heeled buyers from London and the Home Counties. Scotland, meanwhile, offers relative affordability and untapped character.
Why These Homes Still Stand Out
In a market stuffed with new-builds and soulless renovations, there’s something oddly comforting about homes that show their age. Not in disrepair — but in detail.
You won’t find floor-to-ceiling glass walls or minimalist grey interiors here. Instead:
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Narrow staircases.
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Quirky room shapes.
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Bay windows where you can lose track of time.
Buyers with money aren’t just looking for convenience anymore. They want a story. They want to feel something.
And these homes? They whisper, they don’t shout. That’s their pull.
Agents Expecting Summer Activity
While mortgage rates have squeezed large portions of the UK housing market, high-end coastal properties remain somewhat insulated. Estate agents say serious buyers in this price bracket typically don’t rely on financing.
Both Knight Frank and Savills expect more activity in July and August, especially from overseas buyers who see UK harbour homes as stable, long-term investments — plus they just like the weathered look and the photo ops.
Still, there’s a risk. Sea-level rise, flood threats, insurance spikes — they’re all real. Some buyers are starting to ask about these things, but most are still romanticising it.
One local agent joked, “They fall in love with the view and forget to ask where the drains are.”
