A stunning stretch of Cornish coastline has gone on the market for £3 million, prompting concern among locals who fear the much-loved beach could be snapped up by a wealthy developer or celebrity.
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Loe Beach, near Feock, has been enjoyed by local residents and visitors for generations. However, villagers in the affluent area, which has been dubbed ‘millionaire’s row’, are now worried about what the future could hold for the popular stretch of coastline.
The more than six-acre site includes around 78 metres of foreshore, a private beach, car park, boat storage, café, watersports facilities and grazing land.
Parish council calls public meeting over Loe Beach sale
Concerns over the future of the site have been significant enough for Feock Parish Council to arrange a public meeting later this month.
According to SWNS, the council said it had been contacted by several worried residents and acknowledged the strength of feeling surrounding the sale.
“Loe Beach is a much-loved and valuable community facility and we understand the strength of feeling about its future,” the parish council said.
Members of the public will be able to attend and speak during the public participation session at the council's next meeting on Monday, September 21, at 6pm at the Old Market Hall, Market Street, Devoran.
Locals fear millionaire buyer or developer could take over beach
Residents in the area, dubbed ‘millionaire’s row’, have expressed concern that the £3 million asking price could attract a wealthy buyer, celebrity or developer.
One local resident questioned how many people in Cornwall could afford the property and warned of a possible influx similar to what has happened in parts of Devon.
“I wonder how many people in Cornwall can afford that? I see an invasion coming on like a few places in Devon,” the resident said.
Another added, “They do call it millionaire’s row. I just hope it’s not bought by a developer.”
Others said they hoped the strong feeling among local residents about maintaining access to the beach would ensure it remained accessible to the community.
“There’s enough rich folk there who want access to ensure it doesn’t get made totally private,” one resident said.
Another objected to the idea of privately owning the coastline, saying, “No part of our coastline should ever be private with the exception of MOD requirements. It is outrageous how they can sell off the shoreline in Cornwall.”
What is included in the £3 million sale?
The property, located on the western shore of the Fal Estuary, is renowned for its tranquil setting. The sale includes more than six acres of land and 78 metres of foreshore.
The landholding includes a private beach, a beachside car park that also doubles as boat storage, a cafe, watersports facilities and grazing land.
The current owners receive income from the car park and rents paid by commercial operators based at the site.
Property agents call it a ‘special piece of real estate’
Property consultants Vickery Holman, who are handling the sale, described Loe Beach as a “special piece of real estate” and said there had already been strong interest from prospective buyers.
A spokesperson said the site offered immediate access to the Fal River, making it a haven for watersports enthusiasts.
The property has remained in family ownership for many generations and is now being offered for sale by informal tender.
The agents said a new owner could either maintain the existing arrangements or consider sensitively improving the facilities, subject to obtaining the necessary permissions.
