Parishes of Guernsey

Choosing which part of the island in which to live, when the whole thing measures only a few square miles, might sound like an unnecessary job but Swoffers knows very well how different parishes suit particular people.

One of the demands of the job is to enable clients to sell their homes quickly and easily to people whose taste and requirements are not that much dissimilar to their own.

Within our few square miles, Guernsey offers a huge diversity of lifestyle options. Buyers who have active social lives and who enjoy walking in the attractive old Town streets can be matched to some of the elegant St. Peter Port properties. These are available as character-filled Georgian and Victorian homes or, at the opposite end of the spectrum, modern homes on the Town outskirts and newly built apartments in its centre with all of the desirable features that these offer.

While Guernsey can hardly claim to offer the true ‘buzz’ of city life, it does have huge appeal due to the unusually high number of events staged each week. Concerts, exhibitions, business seminars, social gatherings make for a busy calendar and a huge proportion are held in the centre of Town.

There are a good number of residents who love the idea of strolling to events or simply walking down the street to the many restaurants situated in just one square mile of the centre. Boat owners, too, love the idea of being able to walk to the marinas and check their vessel or simply relax and have lunch or supper on board, without having to set foot in a car.

The other strong appeal with some people is to be able to walk to work. Town dwellers were recently voted healthier than their rural or suburban counterparts because they walk far more. There is no requirement to ‘go’ for a walk because this form of exercise quickly becomes a natural part of their daily routine. Shutting your front door and enjoying a five minute walk to work – and vice versa at the end of a busy day – is highly appealing to many. It is not only young island residents who like the idea of living in Town. Older people, families and down-sizers are all recognising the easy way of life on offer.

In total contrast, those in search of the ‘good life’ country-style might have the south west corner of the island in their sights. Properties in the St. Peters (St. Pierre du Bois) and Torteval areas are in strong demand with those who recognise the individual charms of those parishes. The expanse of L’Eree Bay and Rocquaine makes a spectacular outlook for any dwellings set on the adjacent hillsides.

Slightly inland, in St. Saviours, there is a great sense of space when looking across the fields of these southern parishes. Forest, too, has its gems and some of the cliff settings and plots in these parts of the island enjoy some of the most dramatic scenery found anywhere.

The north of Guernsey, with the parishes of St. Sampsons and Vale, has a distinct character all of its own. Property buyers often cite the peace of mind of knowing that nothing will ever be allowed to be built on L’Ancresse Common. In some ways, this green space is the lungs of the island. The air is always clear and the beaches are beautiful. Golfers are naturally drawn to life on the edge of its links course but there are also many people who simply appreciate the natural beauty of the area and enjoy walking through the narrow lanes to seek out its pretty harbours and old churches and chapels.
Boaters who want to avoid the bustle of Town, find the northern Beaucette Marina a tranquil place in which to linger and living nearby has strong appeal for them.

St Sampsons is possibly the place to watch in the next few years. There are exciting plans afoot and the potential for a good return on property investment seems strong. The creation of a new marina has already kick-started a general sense of rejuvenation. Once the multi-million pound Leale’s yard development gets underway, the whole area will enjoy an impressive renaissance.

One of Guernsey’s charms is that even the centre of the island manages to divide into different characteristics. Castel can boast some of the most popular bays, unspoilt coast line and easy routes to any other part of the island. St Andrews, as the only parish without a coastline, has a strong ‘country’ feel. The lie of the land makes for interesting views and the central areas of both Fauxquets and Talbot Valley are spectacular by any standard.

St Martins is one of the most desirable parishes for house buyers. It is easy to see why it attracts such popularity. Dramatic coastal scenery, picturesque valleys and bays and a short drive to Town make an impressive combination. Coupled with that, the parish can boast an above-average number of interesting and historical homes. Its history as an affluent area in which to live has given the island a legacy of attractive old properties and some truly impressive estates.

Overall, Guernsey has something for everyone. That is due in no small part to the ability of island residents through the ages to identify opportunities and work hard to turn them into reality. The good news for future generations is that the property market is still strong and healthy and looks set to continue for as far as anyone can see.

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