Low crime rates, quality shops, eateries, schools and GP surgeries, a lively community and an unrivaled location on the edges of the Peak District – no wonder that Ashbourne has been hailed as the country’s number one place for soon-to-be ‘empty nesters’ to buy and live. According to a recent survey conducted by YOPA, downsizers and those seeking affluent living can do no better than this historic market town in the Derbyshire Dales, with plentiful work opportunities and an abundance of activities, amenities and resources for all ages.
While savouring the natural beauty of its famous surrounds, complete with historic castles and manor houses, ancient walking trails and cycle paths, and the vast Carsington Water, Ashbourne is by no means a sleepy place. It is particularly known for its medieval Royal Shrovetide Football – a 2-day game that involves most of the townsfolk, with goal-posts 3 miles apart, no limit on team size and no written rules. In the summer months, there’s the Ashbourne Festival of music, literature and the arts which attracts household names, the burgeoning agricultural fair and the Highland Gathering – the largest outside of Scotland.
Year-round, you will find the bustling open-air market is held twice weekly in the same cobbled spot where street trading began in 1257. As a pioneering Fairtrade Town, Ashbourne’s streets, alleyways and squares contain not only chain stores and supermarkets, but a rainbow of excellent unique and family-run boutiques, antique shops, art galleries and speciality food shops, interspersed with award-winning restaurants, cafes, old-world pubs and former coaching inns. The Derbyshire Dales has a high employment rate of 85%, compared to a national average of 75%, so Ashbourne is also a great choice if you are seeking to relocate for work. Just 1.5 hours from London and Manchester by train (Derby), plus the M1 and M6 within easy reach, Ashbourne’s proudly independent and artisan focus has seen a steady increase in trade within the last 5 years. With both visitor numbers and community support thriving, some businesses’ takings have rocketed by as much as 40% in one year.
As for families, Ashbourne has been voted one of the best places to bring up children, no doubt helped by its many Offsted highly-rated primary schools and the reputable Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar, a leisure centre complete with pool, gym and various classes, a shuttle service to the out-of-town Waterside Retail Park and Alton Towers theme park just a few miles away. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Peak’, with enduring popularity amongst tourists, holiday-home owners and year-round residents, it is of little surprise that the housing market performs excellently in Ashbourne. The district council predicts that both property and rental prices will continue to rise at a higher rate than the national average, making it an exceptionally attractive place to buy and to invest.
Naturally, with so many plus-points, properties tend to get snapped up. However, the town itself doesn’t have many small homes nor upmarket but budget-conscious accommodation, so it’s a tough market if you’re looking to downsize or seeking a strong yet affordable rental investment opportunity. This is one reason why esteemed developer The Pillars is delighted to present its latest residential gem – The Mount. A stunning 14-apartment estate nestled within private grounds on the skirts of Ashbourne, The Mount’s benefits include: A choice of layouts, floor space, number of bedrooms (2-3, some ensuite) and exterior views. Spacious, naturally light boutique living, all on the one level (lift and stair access between floors). High-end ‘modern-classic’ design features, such as large windows, balconies, timber floors and handmade fitted furniture, plus ample parking. Upgraded packages available to truly customise your kitchen, bathrooms, flooring and paint finishes. Beautifully landscaped gardens to enjoy with zero maintenance. 10 Years’ New Build Warranty. Stamp Duty/SDLT relief option.
The Mount is particularly ideal for buy-to-let landlords, soon-to-be-retirees and those looking to scale back and relocate as a lifestyle choice – residing in peaceful luxury yet a stone’s throw from all the amenities, culture and fine-dining one might expect in a much larger city. Downsize in hassle, cost and maintenance; upsize in quality, ease-of living and investment value: This is what The Mount stands for.
Choose your favourite apartment, view and/or download our brochure here: » pillars-themount.com.