Open for business

Regular contributor Trevor Cooper considers the open market status and two outstanding properties...

THERE has been a significant revival in the open market this year following the calamitous effect the advent of the ongoing States population policy review had in 2011.

The review itself was not the problem – it is carried out every 10 years. Neither that the open market was included, a problem – it forms less than 10% of Guernsey's housing stock but is relevant nonetheless. It was the unfortunate inference attached by some people to the 'root and branch' review that, for many, caused excessive and far-reaching concern.

Our Housing Minister, Deputy Dave Jones, last month responded at length to a question about the open market on the Guernsey Press website thisisguernsey.com and finished by saying: 'We have made several statements in the last administration reassuring open market residents that Part A would not change and, as a senior politician on the working party, I repeat publicly that assurance.'

Clicking through the estate agents' websites shows a broad selection of exceptional properties currently available including penthouse apartments, contemporary new builds, traditional farmhouses and Georgian mansions, plus a great many others.

The variation and choice is reflected in the wide-ranging prices that can begin from £700,000 for a one-bedroom apartment up to £16,000,000 for stately Town or country residencies.

The Emeralds in Longue Rue is centrally located in St Sampson's near the Castel and St Peter Port boundaries and hardly more than a serve and volley away from the Longcamps indoor tennis centre.

It was once the home of the late Advocate Percy Ozanne, from whom the now pan-island firm Mourant Ozannes takes its name.

The house is a fine example of Edwardian splendour with octagonal bays crowned by a distinctive turret.

Care has been taken in restoring parts to reflect modern lifestyle demands, especially in crafting a dynamic new extension encompassing a fitness suite and indoor pool with a garden room overlooking part of the 4 1/2 vergees of parkland grounds and ornamental gardens.

There is an elaborate swept-end staircase in the impressive hall, which also has an encaustic tiled floor.

This is where ceramic tiles of two or as many as six colours pattern the floor and where the pigments of the clay, not the glaze, form the colours so the design remains even as the tile is worn down.

Upstairs are five large bedrooms and two bathrooms with space for a third, and a galleried library off the half landing.

In addition to a study and the usual amenities on the ground floor there is a sitting room and formal dining room next to a fabulous kitchen/breakfast room with double doors through to the leisure suite, which includes the 33ft x 19ft indoor swimming pool, a fitness studio and separate facilities.

An extensive cellar and double garage are also useful recent additions.

No look at the open market would be complete without reference to Fort George.

A local estate agent's sale earlier this year of 37, Avenue Morley and other subsequent sales on the development illustrate how popular these properties continue to be.

Maison Cariva on Rue Charlotte is another excellent example with the advantage of sea views towards Herm and Jethou.

Larger than it might first appear, this modern property has nearly 3,800 square feet of well presented accommodation, including three large bedrooms – two with dressing rooms and all with en-suite bathrooms.

The fitted kitchen has space for a breakfast table but best of all is an amazing open plan range of split-level sitting and dining areas with vaulted ceiling, extra wide patio doors with sea views and spiral stairs in one corner to a full-width galleried study with glazed gable and sea views.

The health suite connects from this hub of the home, fully glazed on two sides and including a 23ft indoor swimming pool with swim jets, steam room with shower, sauna and changing room with separate WC.

There is a brick-paved drive in front of the double garage and on the other side of the house, screened from the road and the neighbours, is a sheltered terrace that also takes in the coastal views.

It is tempting when reviewing the open market to dwell and relish as to what's on offer, so further outstanding properties will be looked at closely in the following weeks.

We all regularly drive past magnificent properties perhaps without realising how highly some rate among the best anywhere in the world.

Obviously Guernsey cannot offer rolling hectares of land or a climate that's any better than favourable, but, consequently, our small island's valuable qualities backed by a sound reputation for stability mainly attract community-minded people willing to play an active part, and that should continue to be encouraged within the well-established existing boundaries.