Residents in Co Fermanagh are some of the happiest in the UK according to a recent survey by the Office for National Statistics.
They, and their nearby neighbours in Omagh, rated themselves 8.3 on a scale of happiness with 0 “not happy at all” and 10 “completely happy”.
So what’s their secret? I’m not exactly sure and if you find it, please indulge. However driving alongside the gently lapping shores of Lower Lough Erne and across Boa Island on my way to Water’s Edge - a new offering of luxury boathouse style homes - I couldn’t help but feel a sense of calm far removed from the monotony of my suburban life. Life as usual, but life just a little bit more relaxed.
And this is exactly the philosophy that these new concept homes at Water’s Edge has so expertly tapped into. Situated beside Castle Caldwell Forest, they enjoy a spectacular rural setting and while there’s no denying that several developments and homes claim to enjoy views of the water that in reality often amount to little more than a puddle, Water’s Edge boasts unparalled views of Co Fermanagh’s famous lakelands.
Located on the northern shore of Lower Lough Erne in an area famed for its outstanding natural beauty, Water’s Edge is a development of three bedroomed, designer led homes. The development itself enjoys a quiet setting surrounded by lush landscapes and gated security.
The homes are undeniably modern using the latest techniques, yet blend seamlessly with their wider setting thanks to wood cladding, panoramic vista windows, stone elevations and feature lough-facing balconies. Inside is just as impressive with accommodation sprawled over three floors.
The main living quarters are on the ground floor and comprise of an open plan kitchen/living room leading out onto your continental style balcony, generous shower room and the first bedroom which has plenty of space for two beds. Upstairs the second bedroom, again uncompromising on size, has its own ensuite and large window. Meanwhile the master bedroom is a really fine affair enjoying the best views of the water and an ensuite with a stand alone shower and bath.Downstairs is a large basement, which is perfect for storage - your canoes, wetsuits etc - and a separate family/games room. For added convenience these properties are gas heated while the ground floor utilises space saving and neat underground heating. Each property has it own parking area while all residents can enjoy the use of 2.5km of private waterside and woodland walkways, a recreation area, playground, private floating jetty and even berths available for hire. That’s all the mod cons and more. Now to my first hand encounter of what these properties are really like beyond the brochure. Water’s Edge is approximately five miles from Belleek and easily accessible on good roads from Enniskillen and Omagh. I arrived on a blissful Saturday finding Water’s Edge drenched in late autumn sunshine.This is a gated development with a beautifully pebbled drive and generous lighting adding to the feeling of privacy and exclusivity. And you certainly don’t have to be a design connoisseur to appreciate the meticulous standards to which these homes have been built. The homes are just one talking point, this unique rural setting is another and it was straight down to the lakeside to marvel at the views. My sister who was staying with me, said that the design of the homes along with the trees and the jetty reminded her of one of those spring break movies, where the teens would carelessly somersault into the water in their bikinis and shorts before returning for a frat party. We had no notions that the water here was anywhere near warm enough for that, however this is a place where family and friends would be vying for an invite to come stay. The private walkways are peaceful and perfect for some leisurely exercise or dog walking. Dedicated runners can meanwhile venture further into Castle Caldwell Forest. And although we didn’t spot any red deer or long-eared owls, they can be found on Lough Erne making this area a lesson in nature itself. We did however spy a crane taking off beside the old Enniskillen to Belcoo railway bridge which is on-site. And given you are effectively living on a lake’s edge and alongside the Garvary River, there’s excellent opportunities for fishing. The nearest town is Belleek, famous of course for its pottery. But this pretty little town has several strings to its bow including charming shops, cafes, restaurants, every kind of take-away you can imagine and plenty of pubs. If you want to venture a little further, but not too far of course, all the delights of Co Donegal are a short drive away with Ballyshannon and Bundoran the closest towns. The Marble Arch Caves, Castle Coole and Florence Court are also nearby. Given the secluded nature of these homes, I enjoyed an excellent sleep and noted how lovely and clean the air is living so far from the road and close to the water. And even if you couldn’t move to the far westerly reaches of Northern Ireland permanently, you could perhaps snap up a property at Water’s Edge as a retirement or holiday home and get at least one step closer to whatever it is that makes people in Fermanagh generally so happy.The next phase is now on release at Water’s Edge. For more information contact Fetherston Clements Estate Agents on 028 9066 1111. Prices: £179,950-£199,950 for current release.
