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1 April 2021

Top 3 places to live in Northern Ireland

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The top 3 places to live in Northern Ireland in 2021 were revealed by a recent Sunday Times survey.  The annual survey includes hundreds of cities and towns throughout the UK and is judged on factors like community spirit, housing, schools, air quality, transport and broadband speeds, green spaces and the health of the high street.  The top 3 places to live in Northern Ireland this year are Holywood, Strangford Lough area and Magherafelt.

We have chosen our top 3 houses, in each of these areas, to see if you would be tempted to move!

1. Holywood

Sunday Times property editor Helen Davies said that Holywood “seems to be unshiftable as NI’s premier address”.  It was chosen as the winner because it has great transport links and a fabulous coastal location.

48 Church Road, from Templeton Robinson (North Down)

This exceptionally well presented terrace is located in the heart of Holywood’s bustling town centre. The 2 bedroom home is within walking distance of all the restaurants, shops, pubs, and sociable coffee shops. The railway halt is only a few minutes walk away near the coastal path.

26 Rannoch Road, from Simon Brien (North Down)

Our second home in Holywood is also within waking distance to the town centre. The current owners of this semi-detached house have made excellent renovation and design choices. At the front of the house there is a family room which could also be used as home office or a 4th ground floor bedroom. To the back of the house is a living room with open fire and double patio doors to an entertaining deck. The heart of the home is the large open plan kitchen, living and dining space.

4 Cultra Avenue, from Simon Brien (North Down)

This property on the outskirts of Holywood has been refurbished recently with 3 bedrooms and 2 reception rooms. Downstairs there is a living room, office space with sliding doors to the rear and dining room. The large open plan kitchen, living and casual dining space has a sleek kitchen and vaulted ceiling. This house has a superb garden which has a south westerly aspect where you can sit on the patio to enjoy the afternoon and evening sun.

2. Strangford Area

The judges view of Strangford was “Live in Strangford, Portaferry or any of the villages around this beautiful island-studded lough and you’ve got unbeatable wildlife and scenery on the doorstep – and it’s even better if you can get out on the water.”

2 Cuan Narrows, from Alexander, Reid & Frazer

This deceptively spacious town house has stunning views over Strangford Lough and is right in the heart of Strangford village centre. The home has three levels with a lounge, kitchen/diner utility, and WC on the ground floor. The first floor houses the master bedroom with ensuite shower room, juliet balcony, bedroom two/office and family bathroom. The second floor has two further bedrooms, shower room and fourth bedroom.

25 The Gables, from JK Estate Agents

This 3 bedroom house is located on the other side of Strangford Lough in Portaferry. This extended semi-detached home is beautifully presented and maintains its luxury showhouse standard of finish. This home offers three reception rooms, but the room with the wow factor is the family/dining room with a vaulted ceiling, picture windows and feature cast iron stove.

3 Quintin Bay Road, from John Minnis (Donaghadee)

Just outside Portaferry our last house in this area is right on the coast with uninterrupted sea views. This 4 bedroom home has been completed to a high standard by the present owners. The large kitchen living dining area has fabulous views of the sandy beach and garden which is a paradise for nature lovers.

3. Magherafelt

Magherafelt has never been included on the best places to live in Northern Ireland list before.  The mid ulster town has a friendly attitude and the judges said Magherafelt was “supremely practical”.  A local resident summed it up “You can have town life, city life, country life, all rolled into one.”

29 Derramore Heights, from Burns & Co (Magherafelt)

Our first choice of house in Magherafelt is this beautifully presented family home located near to all the town centre amenities and top grammar schools. This spacious semi-detached house includes 3 bedrooms, large lounge, family kitchen/dining, utility room, bathroom and downstairs toilet. There are gardens to front and rear with a paved patio area spacious lawns.

50 Aughrim Road, from Burns & Co (Magherafelt)

Our next choice is this spectacular detached residence situated on a spacious rural site near Magherafelt town centre. The ground floor has a games room, music room, dining room and an extraordinary circular open plan kitchen. Upstairs there are 4 bedrooms, with master ensuite and a family bathroom. Outside there are large lawns, with trees and shrubs and a great paved patio with seating and dining areas.

16 Station Road, from Paul Birt

Our last, but not least, choice in Magherafelt is this red brick detached family home on the edge of town but within walking distance to schools. The stunning new kitchen has black granite worktops and feature island. Bi-fold doors have been installed which allow light to flood into the kitchen from the sun lounge. This creates a great space for entertaining as the sun room leads on to a large patio area.

Are you searching for a home in one of the top 3 places to live in Northern Ireland?

View all properties for sale in these areas on Propertynews.com

More details are available at thetimes.co.uk/best-places-to-live

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