Pistolpete2

Most definitely pubs are closing and this trend will continue which is a problem for those of us who see a quiet pulled pint in a decent village pub as part of a way of life.

But like York, Canterbury is a thriving university city full of students so the demand for drinking establishments has not wavered much in spite of what the supermarkets are up to. I certainly don't see any closing and restaurants are still opening. The two Wetherspoons outlets are rammed most of the time. This part of Kent is unlikely to lose its beer drinkering tradition with Faversham (Shepherd Neame) so close by. Local artisan breweries are springing up too. A lot of it is down to the new commutability and the regeneration of the (once pretty grotty) city that has taken place over the last ten years in anticipation of the new faster link to London.

However, the pub culture lot are not about savouring the quality of the local brew and beer swilling, louts and (some) chavs is a powerful cocktail all of its own. Scary after dark in particular! Faversham is much smaller but has its share too.

I am always very careful to spot the pub (and the church) really early when looking at property. They both can bring no end of noise (not the church bells) and traffic problems etc.etc..

coastieexpat

I have friends in Faversham/Oare , although I am from the North, if I go back to the UK I am considering living there.

johnh009

Fair dinkum. When they built a large church close to my house in Canada, it sent house prices sky high. It seems many people like to be within walking distance of the church. Personally, I am not so sure I would pay a premium for the privilege. I was pleased though as I was selling at the time but I know what you mean about the traffic. When I was a less experienced home buyer, I once bought a house near a fish and chip shop. That is something else to avoid. I had people using my drive as a short term car park, litter, noise, and vandalism as that was the first place people headed when the pubs closed.

Pistolpete2

And to think it was only the other day on here I was thinking that being close to the rather sedate chippie was a positive.

As I recall it was indeed the (mobile) F&C and the (not so mobile) Indian that we headed for when the pubs closed.

johnh009

What I found was that fish and chip shops, like country pubs with thatched roofs, can be quite quaint through the day, especially in summer when the sun is shining. But, on a night, especially when the pubs close, watch out. My mother lives in a small tourist town in Yorkshire. If you were to check it out through the day, you may be suitably impressed. If you were to go there at 11 PM, you may have a different opinion. Yobs will even come from other towns if there are late night eateries.

Pistolpete2

I don't know Oare well having only been out there a couple of times. I typically only got as far as The Brents which is on the north side of the creek which now has apartments bordering it.

At one time I was interested in sending my son to Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School which is off Abbey Street which is a street I like. This property (which is outside my budget ) is on Abbey Street but you get the picture. Abbey Place at the far end has nice property as well and one can be away from the crowds, even though there is a very good and popular pub (The Anchor) up there.

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-...-23238148.html

aries

It looks to be very central.

Meanwhile I found this affordable flat also in Faversham. http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-...?premiumA=true I just wonder what the administration fees are, probably high for this building. However, I don't consider any place which doesn't have a walk-in shower.

Pistolpete2

I'm having trouble finding that walk-in shower for you. Very central (close to everything (Tesco, other shops, station, the creek, the farmer's market)) but a retirement property is this two bed with walk-in:

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-...-32773637.html

coastieexpat

I like that place I have been looking at this flat also, ( cheaper ).

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-...?premiumA=true

coastieexpat

If you got a good deal on the property you could always have one installed

Pistolpete2

Here's a typical buyer's dilemma listing which has been discussed on here before for this specific property.

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-...-29893346.html

V Close to the primary school
V Close to the church
In a road bottle-neck - how much traffic?
How long will the village store be there? There is a pub up the road (for how long?)

Actually called the agent about this one to discuss these "issues". I saw another property fairly close by that was actually at the gate of a church and attached to the church hall and adjoining the cemetery. Imagine Sundays and funerals!. It's been removed now but was on the market for well over six months. Lovely property in itself!

dunroving

What the heck is that in picture 8? Is that where the bodies are hidden?

coastieexpat

Ha Ha I think it's one of the bedrooms, we would have called that a boxroom where I grew up. It has a cellar and a garage though, anyway they are asking 105k which seems reasonable.

johnh009

And, on the plan in slide 7, there is no irregular shaped room (as in 8) with an exterior window at the narrow end.

coastieexpat

Hidden bodies and all, do you think this would be a good place for a single person ? Obviously I would physically check the property/area beforehand, ( I'm going back for a visit in 2 weeks ).