Waterside properties for tranquil urban living

We’ve all experienced that relaxed feeling after spending time next to water, but now science has confirmed that visiting ‘blue and green’ spaces improves our mental wellbeing.

Recent research by Rightmove charity partner Canal & River Trust found that people who had spent time next to water reported an increase in mental wellbeing for up to 24 hours. This association was stronger than for those who had spent time in green spaces without the presence of water.

We take a look at 11 waterside properties in UK cities that offer central urban living with this proven wellness boost.

1. A polished penthouse above Manchester

This 2,455 sq ft duplex penthouse in the centre of Manchester includes a large private terrace with views across the city to the Penines and Peak District, and down onto the curving canal below. Once you’ve taken time to drink in the views from this lofty perch, a quick waterside walk takes you to the cafes, bars and restaurants of stylish Ancoats. Depending on which way your allegiances lie, the Etihad Stadium is also within easy walking distance of this impressive canalside apartment.

2. A waterside working men’s mansion

With a £12 million price tag this building has come a long way from its roots as a Working Men’s Club, founded in 1880. Also formerly a popular restaurant, this grand Victorian structure has been developed into a supremely luxurious 6-bedroom home, covering an expansive 10,258 sq ft of accommodation. This includes a triple-height reception room perfect for hosting glamorous soirées. At the end of the party, the equally cavernous principal bedroom suite with 44 ft ceilings offers an airy retreat, complete with twin en-suite bathrooms and a private jacuzzi.

3. A modern home in historic Bath

Offering waterside city living at a slightly more accessible price point, this architect-designed 3-bedroom house sits on the Kennet and Avon Canal in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath. The first-floor sitting room, kitchen and one en-suite bedroom make the most of the canalside views, while its central location gives easy access to local boutiques and cafes, as well as the Georgian and Roman splendours of this elegant spa town hewn from honey-hued Bath Stone.

4. An industrial loft for chic city living

Waterside wellbeing is easily accessed from this 2-bedroom duplex apartment in the Sherborne Lofts development that overlooks the Birmingham Canal Old Line. Exposed brickwork and beams retain the industrial character of the building, creating a chic, modern home with plenty of space for entertaining. The family bathroom includes a sauna for cosy evenings in, while local attractions that might entice you out of the door include Lego Land, the Sea Life Centre, NIA and Symphony Hall.

5. An iconic development in buzzing Kings Cross

The striking Gasholders development sits at the heart of the celebrated Kings Cross redevelopment area. This eighth-floor, 3-bedroom apartment offers views down onto the canal and across this stylish new retail and residential quarter. The historic cast-iron columns of the gasholders provide a strong sense of connection to the history of the area, while the Thomas Featherwick-designed Coal Drops Yard, Granary Square and new Central St Martins campus nearby serve to connect residents to the vibrant future of this buzzing canalside neighbourhood.

6. An airy eco-home with a bright future

This spacious 4-bedroom end-of-terrace house sits within the eco-conscious Climate Innovation District in Leeds. Sustainable design and smart building technologies minimise the impact these homes have on the environment, while the waterside location connects residents to the greenery and tranquility of the River Aire that runs through this northern creative hub of a city.

7. A waterside townhouse with community spirit

The Coventry Canal flows lazily past this modern townhouse offering contemporary indoor and outdoor living spaces carefully connected to its environment. Full height windows bathe the interior in light while showcasing the landscaped greenery and canalside views outside. The city centre is within easy reach, giving plenty of options for entertainment, while residents of Cable Yard also enjoy communal events and shared spaces that aim to foster a greater sense of community within the development.

8. A glam family home with good connections

This luxurious 6-bedroom family home is located in Melling, a small village located on the outskirts of Liverpool, and offers glamorous, high-quality finishes throughout this sizeable property. The Leeds and Liverpool canal flows right past the garden, giving instant access out to waterside walks and a network of canals that stretches 127 miles across the country.

9. A canalside duplex with urban convenience

Situated on the Nottingham Canal and close to the city centre, this new 2-bedroom duplex apartment offers stylish open-plan living inside and communal grounds outside. Large windows bathe interior spaces with natural light, while gated parking offers a secure and convenient lifestyle for residents. Follow the canal east and you’ll quickly reach Nottingham’s main train station, then continue on southwards along the water to reach Nottingham Forest’s City Ground stadium.

10. A heavenly home by the Water of Leith

This tranquil canalside apartment is located in the desirable Colinton area of Edinburgh. The open-plan lounge, diner and kitchen area has patio doors leading out onto a Juliet balcony offering views over the canal and out to the Water of Leith. This area includes a scenic path along the river, perfect for walking and cycling and linking a number of attractive areas of Edinburgh for you to explore.

Supporting the Canal & River Trust

Canals form an integral part of the UK landscape, with thousands of miles of waterways offering leisure and wellbeing opportunities, as well as unique habitats and ‘biodiversity corridors’ for wildlife.

Canals contribute an estimated £11.7 billion to the economy each year, and are regularly used by 10 million Brits. However, many people are surprised to learn that our canals are maintained by a charity, Canal & River Trust, which manages 2,000 miles of the UK network.

Rightmove partners with this charity to support the environmental and wellbeing benefits offered by these unique habitats, as well as to help preserve their historical significance as part of the UK’s industrial heritage.

Find out more about Canal & River Trust and explore ways you could volunteer your time to help look after your canal network for the generations to come.