Seaside Living vs Life in Oxford
Two areas which prove to be popular no matter what are the coastal areas of West Sussex and the idyllic aesthetic of Oxford and Oxfordshire. Both offer their residents something very different, so we've taken a contrasting look at the two so you can measure up against which would suit you best.
Life by the seaside of West Sussex
Firstly, we have the West Sussex coastline, stretching all the way from Chichester Harbour to the fringe of Brighton in the form of Shoreham-by-Sea. With beaches and scenic vistas dotted along the whole way, it's easy to see why the area appeals to those looking to wake up to gorgeous ocean views.
For those who like to have the waves close at hand, moving to a property by the seaside in West Sussex couldn't be a better idea. Both East and West Wittering are prime examples of how amazing the coast in the South can be, with long swathes of sandy beaches on their doorstep. There are plenty of other smaller beaches tucked away along the coast to discover, so you might just find your own perfect hideaway off the beaten track.
But the West Sussex seaside has much more to offer than just sand and surf. Chichester resides at the west-most point of the West Sussex coastline, with an eye-catching ornate cathedral and Roman palace for those who're interested in delving into the fascinating local history. There's also a range of high street stores and independent retailers to explore, with a bustling city centre which caters to practically all needs.
Away from the seaside itself, you'll find the South Downs National Park just a short drive away if you fancy delving into nature and venturing on some glorious hikes. The colossal form of Arundel Castle can also be found on the southern edge of the park, with the town itself being a great destination for those wanting to learn more about the Norman history within the county.
Our Bersted Park development is just north of Bognor Regis, giving you quick and easy access to England's southern coastline and any of the delightful seaside towns found nestled along it. Additionally, each of our Berkeley Group developments offers gorgeous, characterful properties in a range of sizes to suit your situation, be that a fledgling family looking for a four-bedroom house or a couple looking to downsize with a stylish two-bedroom home.
Life in Oxfordshire
Looking further north, Oxfordshire is brimming with the grace and charm befitting one of England's most desirable counties. As well as being home to the city of Oxford, world-renowned for its prestigious university and gorgeous buildings, Oxfordshire has numerous quaint towns and villages which multiply the appeal of this fantastic county.
The university city of Oxford resides at the heart of the county, enveloped in a luscious ring of greenery and natural beauty which, in part, makes the city so appealing to live in. Not only are there verdant parks both inside and outside of Oxford, but the historical buildings are just as marvellous to discover and explore as you roam the cobbled streets in the city centre. The university colleges are almost a world unto themselves, so taking part in one of the many guided tours can afford you an inside look at the sprawling academic labyrinths.
Moving away from Oxford university, the city itself has a wide range of independent shops and restaurants to sample, as well as the expansive Westgate Centre which contains a massive selection of high street shops and eateries. Moving out toward the smaller suburban areas will reveal a number of local favourites in terms of alternative restaurants and bars, as well as some popular gig venues for anyone who's more musically inclined.
For those who prefer a slower pace, places like Henley-on-Thames and Wallingford cater for a more relaxed, low-key way of life. While still providing all the essential amenities you'd expect from popular market towns, both are still within convenient driving distance from Oxford and have both the Chiltern Hills and North Wessex Downs Areas of Natural Beauty on their doorstep for those who favour long walks through nature.
While we don't have any development for living in Oxford specifically, our Wallingford property development will offer a fantastic alternative to Oxford properties. Highcroft is our forthcoming development, inspired by traditional architecture and caters to almost every property type, from one-bedroom apartments right through to five-bedroom homes and even two and three-bedroom bungalows for those who prefer a single level abode.
The key factor for deciding between living by the West Sussex seaside and life in Oxford or Oxfordshire is personal preference, whether that means primarily ocean views or rolling green countryside. Either way, Berkeley Group have contemporary property developments to suit both preferences, giving you the option of properties, which combine high-specification homes with thoughtful interior design and great locations. For more information about our offerings in these areas, take a look at our property developments in West Sussex and Oxfordshire.