Making the most of the benefits of blue space
Who hasn’t dreamed of waking to the sound of waves lapping the shore or a rush of river water passing by the window? Enjoying the great outdoors and interacting with the physical environment around you is good for your wellbeing. We all know about the benefits of ‘green space’. How much do we really know about ‘blue space’?
What is blue space?
Blue space refers to any area of water that is often considered during urban planning and development. Similarly, green space would refer to parks, forests or green areas.
Any area that we humans can explore in close proximity to the water (be it the sea, lakes or rivers) counts as blue space. Our planet is made up of around 71% water and the UK is surrounded by the wet stuff. There’s plenty of it to go around and there are endless opportunities to live on or near water in the UK. What’s more, there are plenty of health and wellbeing benefits that come with spending time in aquatic environments.
Why is blue space good for us?
Proximity to ‘blue space’ – sea and coastline, rivers, lakes, canals – is associated with many positive benefits such as less polluted air and more vitamin D boosting sunlight. People who live near water also tend to be more physically active. That’s not only sailing, they walk and run more too.
A study by the University of Exeter found that people who live less than a kilometer (about two-thirds of a mile) from the coast are 22 percent less likely to have symptoms of a mental health disorder than those who lived much further away (50 kilometers, or 31 miles). Many studies have shown that getting out into nature, even for just 20 minutes, can improve your mood. This specific finding about blue space could make a big difference in helping our wellbeing.
How can we live near blue space?
A sea view is the eternally popular choice for living near blue space. Be that on the sea front in a coastal town or on the edge of a remote cliff. There are so many other great options to explore.
House boats can give you the best of both worlds. A permanent residence in a great location, right on the water. Canal boats give you the freedom to move on whenever the mood may take you. Although, unless you stump up for a permanent mooring (which you can only buy for a year at a time), you’ll be a water nomad.
There are over 2200 miles of canals and rivers to explore in Britain, which means there’s an abundance of waterside properties from which to get your aquatic fix. However, be prepared to pay a premium – and that’s only if you can get your hands on one in what is a very competitive market. You’re not the only one who has discovered the psychologically restorative effects of water!
Perhaps you’re looking for a weekend bolthole by the water to de-stress and unwind from the daily grind. You could head to the Lake District or the lochs of Scotland to capture some splendid isolation. Or maybe you fancy somewhere close enough to the city that you can switch between two properties at will. Even a leisure base from where to indulge in your favourite outdoor activities. A home on the banks of the Thames could be just the ticket – but be prepared to pay the big bucks for bricks and mortar in the most idyllic spots.
Enjoy living by the water with a lodge at Racecourse Marina
There are alternatives, however, such as luxury living enclaves right on the water’s edge. One such exclusive development is Windsor Lodges at the Racecourse Marina in Windsor, just 30 miles from London. It is a brand-new exclusive development of two and three-bedroom first-class lodges, designed to take advantage of the idyllic waterside location and incredible views. This is as well as their proximity to the big city and the abundance of sporting and leisure activities on offer. The restaurants in Windsor and the surrounding area are superbly feeding into the ever growing foodie culture of the moment. Plus, there’s wonderful walks in Windsor with so much to explore. A holiday home in Windsor at Racecourse Marina really is modern, luxury living with all the added benefits of ‘blue space’.
So, if you want to positively improve your health, wellbeing and happiness, find yourself a weekend bolthole by the water and take advantage of the benefits of ‘blue space’ with a lodge at Racecourse Marina. Get in touch with the team to find out more about our available plots for a brand new luxury lodge. Or book a viewing now to come down and visit.
Read more on the benefits of blue space at the Guardian.
