Palmerston to the front and rear
People have been looking out to the wider world from Southsea Common since long before Henry VIII watched the Mary Rose turn turtle in 1545.
These days the view is dominated to the west by Palmerston’s follies, island sea forts that pair with his constructions along Portsdown Hill, the backdrop to this coastal strip of Hampshire, and intended to fend off the French in an era when hostilities were far more serious than jibes from Boris Johnson. These days Palmerston’s name is also linked to the commercial heart of Southsea – Palmerston Road stretches back from the Common to become the principal shopping area with big name retailers lined up alongside more specialised local businesses.
But the view out to sea is still one that draws residential property buyers, says Colin Shairp of Fine and Country Southern Hampshire.
“As islanders, there is an undoubted draw to the coast,” he adds. “Southsea answers that call while providing some very comfortable Seafront properties such as Mountbatten, a large house now being divided into five apartments and attracting huge interest.
“Behind the Seafront, the liking for large villas continues in the Conservation Area with heavy architectural influence from Thomas Ellis Owen, who created homes that were considered the epitome of good design and luxury as the Victorian urge to build reached its peak. The area is known as Owen’s Southsea and only last year I was selling a modern £850,000 home in Branksmere Terrace, one of five created within the grounds of Branksmere House using Owen’s distinctive style.
“Hiding behind some of these magnificent period piles are smaller but no less appealing homes. Sometimes the only sign of their presence is a gate in a wall with perhaps a name plaque alongside. The maze of old thoroughfares lends itself to creating these secret corners.
“Homes in Southsea are neighbours to great schools and transport links as well as the source of bracing sea air so it’s hardly surprising prices can easily top £1 million, although for half that you can have a comfortable home on the Seafront thanks to the many skilful conversion projects of older houses, new build schemes, or some the properties in the myriad side streets which are also lined with smaller, affordable homes.”
Fine & Country Drayton 