Vantage Point lives up to its name for famous yachtsman Harold Cudmore

When it comes to the world of yachting, there are few places more associated with it than Cowes on the Isle of Wight, home to a number of famous regattas every year. The port is the location for Vantage Point, a luxury development by Banner Homes, and the waterside development has a very distinct connection to the world of sailing.

Not only do the sumptuous apartments boast expansive views of The Solent, right on the starting point for many of the most famous races held in Cowes, but the land itself and a house built there once belonged to one of the best-known skippers in the world, Irishman Harold Cudmore. In fact, he loves the location so much that he is retaining two of the brand new properties being created by Banner Homes for himself, a lavish five-bedroom detached property and the four-bedroom penthouse on the apartment block. He also took a great deal of personal responsibility in ensuring the unique location was put to its best use.

Harold says: "I was keen to make the development a focal point within Cowes and started working with renowned architects Allies and Morrison, who were the overall designers of the Olympic Park for London 2012. Graham Morrison himself was the architect. It was important that the development should be architecturally appealing and was supported by the planners, their independent consultants and the architectural establishment.

"I sought a specialist developer and was fortunate to work with Banner Homes as they are well known for their reputation and high-quality product. Vantage Point has the most outstanding active maritime view in the South of England so it was important that a top-class development was built. I couldn't rate the development more highly and continue to be impressed on a daily basis."

Five of the two-bedroom apartments remain for sale at Vantage Point, priced from £695,000 to £795,000. Plots 1 and 2 can also be purchased together for £1.595 million with a view to creating a single three-bedroom property stretching to over 3,000 sq ft. These new homes on the Isle of Wight are right in the heart of Cowes, within easy reach of its shops, cafés and restaurants and just 500 yards from West Cowes Ferry Terminal for services to the mainland.

"We are currently living in the penthouse but will be moving into the house once it is complete, and renting out the penthouse," adds Harold. "The quality of the home has exceeded my expectations and I have started spending a lot more time at home than I used to. In fact, when people visit, they are so impressed with the quality of the penthouse and the stunning views that our biggest problem is getting them to leave!"