Nyetimber and Pagham are coastal communities with a variety of homes for retirees and families

Atmospheric views, outstanding amenities and a renowned nature reserve have made two coastal villages evergreen choices for retirees seeking to downsize and young families looking for great schools.

Montana Whitlock, director of Whitlocks Estate Agents in Nyetimber and a resident for several decades, said people are drawn to both Nyetimber and Pagham not just because they are close to the sea, but also because of their ‘very good’ infant and junior schools and buses every 15 minutes to Chichester and Bognor.

Montana said: “There’s also walks, the bird sanctuary and excellent pubs of the older variety with food and accommodation.”

She said the area features a wonderful community of people, from long-term locals to those from London and the home counties, plus a happy mix of old and young.

She said: “There’s a very nice feel about the village, with an active village hall where people can meet and many activities take place.

“The area is particularly popular with senior people wishing to retire, young families wanting the school and others wanting to be west of Bognor Regis, with its easy access to the A27 and connections.”

The large variety of property on offer ranges from one and two-bedroom retirement homes to four to five-bedroomed barn conversions.

“There’s property with exceptional views over farmland and new-builds catering for the increased demand of the village.”

Montana said, at present, prices range from £80,000 for a retirement apartment with one bedroom to £800,000 for a substantial detached property, overlooking farmland.

Residents benefit from the doctor’s surgery nearby, plus a variety of shops, including hairdressers, a chiropractor, takeaways and mini supermarkets, as well as tea shops and gift shops.

“Very nearby, there is a butcher, a baker and an art shop, a florist and a beauty parlour.”

Nyetimber Mill