Aldwick is a tranquil seaside village with royal connections and an unspoilt coastline

For several centuries, the leafy lanes of Aldwick have exerted a strong pull on those in search of seaside tranquillity – including members of the royal family.

Jonathan Swain, the manager at Coastguards Property, said Aldwick is attractive to buyers thanks to its community village feel, unspoilt coastline and beautiful private estates.

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Established in 1929, the Aldwick Bay Estate is a private marine estate and supported by the Aldwick Bay Company, which exists for the benefit of residents.

The company owns the estate’s private shingle-and-sand beach at its southern edge, down to the high-water mark. Fringed with rare vegetated shingle, the beach has international conservation significant and is a site of scientific interest.

The estate is also blessed with a splendid array of trees, supported by an annual planting and trimming programme to maintain the green environment.

The equally leafy Craigweil Estate is also private, a conservation area and has significant royal connections.

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The original Craigweil House was for some time the residence of King George V, who stayed in 1929 on doctors’ orders to recuperate from lung surgery – the Blue Cedar Atlantica Glauca tree planted by Queen Mary to commemorate this still towers over part of the estate.

Many other royal visitors made their way to the estate over the years, from King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to King Olaf of Norway and Prince Axel of Denmark.

At the tender age of three, Queen Elizabeth II enjoyed making sandcastles here, apparently using buckets and spades bought by Queen Mary in Bognor Regis.

Today, Jonathan said the area is popular with both London and out-of-area buyers, as well as local people looking to live in secure private estates: “If you are moving from London, Aldwick is competitively priced.”

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He said the area has a variety of property, ranging from retirement apartments priced circa £110,000 to beach-front properties in excess of £1 million.

Aldwick is blessed with an attractive range of community shops, such as those to be found on Coastguards Parade.

“It has churches, schools, a library and health centres, plus a café, bars and guest houses on the seafront.”

To find out more about properties available in Aldwick, contact Coastguards at 6 Coastguards Parade, Barrack Lane, Craigweil-on-Sea. Telephone 01243 267026 or visit www.coastguardsproperty.co.uk