Portsmouth has become a highly desirable residential area boasting attractive properties in prime locations. Portsmouth is an island city at the entrance of Portsmouth Harbour, which was developed after the Norman Conquest, as it was an ideal location for trade and communications with France. Portsmouth is a natural harbour, which originally featured boom gates, now long gone. Old Portsmouth was where Portsmouth started and it now houses many historic buildings. It is the second largest city in Hampshire in the south of the UK. According to the 2011 Census, the population of this island town is 207,100.
Local architecture
There are several notable properties in prime locations in Old Portsmouth. A wide range of detached and semi detached properties are available and penthouses can be availed around Gunwharf Quay. The architecture of these houses is iconic and the properties offer spectacular panoramic views of Portsmouth Harbour, Solent and the Isle of Wight beyond the harbour. Edwardian villas rub shoulders with central townhouses and contemporary terraced properties in the heart of the city. Properties with Georgian facades line the harbour while luxury apartments provide for modern lifestyles. Portsmouth was heavily built up in the Victorian era, then heavily bombed, which has had an effect on the properties available.
History
Old Portsmouth is protected within strong walls due to its significance as the main naval port for the UK. It has a large number of pubs, restaurants and coffee shops. The old town holds several attractions, such as the Blue Reef Aquarium on the seafront on Clarence Esplanade and the D-Day Museum. The D-Day Museum has the Overlord Embroidery, a tapestry, and several other artefacts connected with the World War II. Portsmouth is the birthplace of the great English novelist, Charles Dickens, who was born here in 1812 at 393, Old Commercial Road.
Places of interest
Other places of interest are Fort Nelson on Portsdown Hill with a collection of more than 350 guns and cannons; the Gunwharf Quays, an entertainment complex at Portsmouth Harbour featuring bars, restaurants, shopping and a bowling alley. Events are held at the Portsmouth Guildhall entertainment venue. The most prominent modern landmark is perhaps the Spinnaker Tower, with a viewing platform that allows spectacular views across the city and harbour.
Schools
Portsmouth has a number of schools and colleges, offering students a chance to specialise in their respective fields. The Portsmouth Grammar School and Portsmouth High School are the top private schools, located in the area.
Travel and accessibility
Access to
Portsmouth is made easy by boat, train and road links. The Portsmouth
Harbour railway station is near Gunwharf Quays. The A3, known as the
Portsmouth Road for much of its length, is a major road connecting
London and Portsmouth passing close to Kingston upon Thames, Guildford,
Haslemere and Petersfield. Much of the road has been upgraded to a dual
carriageway standard. Close to its southerly end traffic for Portsmouth
is signed via the A3, A27 and M275. There is ferry access from Portsmouth
to the Isle of Wight, Guernsey and Jersey as well as international
ferries to a number of destinations. The nearest airport is Southampton,
which is about 30 minutes away and both Heathrow and Gatwick can be
reached within a 90 minute drive.
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