The Wonders of Waterside Living

It can be hard to escape London’s built-up feel, the endless rows of Victorian terraces, the tower blocks and the busy high streets, but a canalside apartment could be just the solution. East London is home to a number of waterways, including the Regent’s Canal, the River Lea, the Hertford Union Canal and Limehouse Basin, which were used in the 18th century for freight transportation. Abandoned once the growing railway network and major road improvements offered more effective transport methods, the canals were left to overgrow and rot, before being reclaimed as recreational spaces.

Huge regeneration projects have now cleaned up the canals and unlocked their potential as places to walk, cycle, run, breathe in fresh air and feel calm. And this tranquility extends to living spaces too. There has been a surge in stylish new developments or warehouse conversions springing up alongside these watery havens, sporting balconies with canalside views. Think how much more delightful it is to sit, glass of wine in hand, watching coots and canal boats glide past than it is to look out over a concrete car park or brick wall. Or to wake or go to sleep to the sound of rippling water rather than roaring traffic.

East London’s canal network is extensive so there are plenty of options available. Some of the best waterside hotspots include the areas around Hackney Wick, Wenlock Basin and Victoria Park, but there are also exciting new hubs springing up, like the one at Tottenham Hale. Research has shown that living near water can release stress-relieving hormones, increasing our sense of well-being, so it’s no surprise to learn that those who live in waterside locations are less likely to sell and move away.

CONCLUSION

Waterside properties tick boxes on both fronts - they are both a pleasure to come home to at the end of a long working day, and they make a good investment as they are so highly sought after.