Grade II-listed Hill Cottage is moments from the independent stores of Lavenham's high street and dates from Tudor times. Photo: Jackson-Stops
Research commissioned by online wholesale marketplace Faire has revealed that 27% of adults buy from independent stores more often than they did two years ago, and that two-fifths believe that these shops are key to reviving flagging high streets.
So it’s probably no coincidence that many of the country’s thriving shopping streets boast a high quota of independent businesses, where customers know they’ll get personal service and find unique products while supporting the local economy.
If you’re planning to move and love a bit of retail therapy, check out these homes for sale, all with indie high streets on their doorstep.
1. Hillhead, Glasgow, offers over £270,000
Glasgow's Byres Road is a short stroll from this first floor flat. Photo: Pacitti Jones
This roomy flat is on the first floor of a traditional tenement building and comprises an open plan kitchen, living and dining area with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, two double bedrooms and a modern bathroom, plus a parking space.
It’s a stone’s throw from Byres Road, recently identified by American Express as a hotspot for independent shops and packed with boutiques, vintage stores, delis, bars and restaurants. Via Pacitti Jones.
2. Totnes, Devon, £350,000
This two-bedroom house is in a quiet but central spot. Photo: Marchand Petit
You’ll find this cute two-bedroom house in a quiet turning off the high street of an arty town which prioritises sustainability and individuality.
A sitting/dining room, separate kitchen and WC are on the ground floor, with two double bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. There’s no chain and it comes with an allocated parking space – a rarity for such a central location. Contact Marchand Petit
3. The Denton, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, from £460,000
Layouts in these age-exclusive apartments can be adapted easily if needed. Photo: Elysian Residences
A luxury new development for the 65+ age group, positioned behind the town’s historic high street where there's a market, an independent cinema and shops selling everything from antiques to quirky gifts.
The 103 homes are in two buildings either side of a courtyard and sunken garden, and can easily be adapted to suit future needs. Amenities include a gym, beauty salon, library, private dining room, a restaurant and bar. By Elysian Residences
4. Lewes, East Sussex, £500,000
Who could resist this delightful fixer-upper? Photo: Strutt & Parker
Perfect for a purchaser who’s looking for a period property to put their own stamp on, this pastel-painted, Grade II-listed cottage oozes kerb appeal.
It has a sitting room with a recessed bay window, a dining room, a kitchen, cloakroom, two double bedrooms and a first floor bathroom and WC – all desperate for a makeover – and a courtyard garden. Lewes’s electric high street is moments away. Find out more from Strutt & Parker
5. Lavenham, Suffolk, £575,000
Every room in this timber-framed house is full of character. Photo: Jackson-Stops
During Tudor times Lavenham was one of the UK’s wealthiest villages, having prospered off the back of the wool trade, and many houses survive from this period. Among them is Hill Cottage, a Grade II-listed, oak framed hall house close to its charming high street.
The house has three double bedrooms, a dining room, sitting room, kitchen, cloakroom and first floor bathroom plus original features such as an inglenook fireplace, exposed timber beams and open studwork. Through Jackson-Stops
6. Queen’s Park, London NW6, £595,000
There's lots to explore in the immediate vicinity of this new-build flat. Photo: Dutch & Dutch
Anyone familiar with Queen’s Park is bound to have explored its Sunday farmers’ market and eateries, food stores and other indie businesses on the high street, Salusbury Road.
However Lonsdale Road, tucked away from the main road, is well worth a visit too, as it’s a treasure trove of shops, cozy cafes and creative spaces. This new two-bedroom, first floor flat is super-convenient for both and includes a parking space and a store room – very handy for keeping all those locally-bought Christmas presents hidden. Get in touch with Dutch & Dutch
7. Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, £650,000
This four-bedroom house offers great views and versatile accommodation. Photo: Purple Bricks
An atmospheric house overlooking a picturesque town which has also featured in American Express’s hotspots list due to its abundance of galleries, artisan shops and cafes.
This four-bedroom home includes a kitchen/breakfast room and sitting room – both with access to an outdoor deck – a dining room and a versatile room that could be a fifth bedroom, a study or snug. From Purplebricks
8. Shrewsbury, Shropshire, £875,000
Invest in this mixed-use property and you could be on to a winner. Photo: Samuel Wood
If you’re after a home with investment potential, don't miss this three-storey, mixed-use property. In the heart of a town which – according to the Telegraph – boasts Britain’s best high street, it consists of a tenanted shop which produces a steady rental income, four flats and a roof garden.
The main, three-bedroom residence is at the top, and the others – a studio and a pair of two-bedroom flats – could generate a tidy sum as short-term lets. More information's available from Samuel Wood
9. 100 George Street, Marylebone, London W1, from £1.85m
These uber-luxurious apartments near Marylebone High Street will be ready next year. Photo: Native Land
Marylebone High Street is a cosmopolitan urban village lined with a carefully curated mix of mainly independent shops and restaurants.
Big budget buyers should head round the corner to this development of 41 Georgian-inspired apartments which is set to complete next year. Residents will have use of a fitness studio, library, lounge and many other facilities. By Native Land in partnership with Derwent London and The Portman Estate, visit 100georgest.com
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