Living at Sunderland Point - a focus on LA3

Sunderland Point is home to circa 35 properties.  There are just 3 main streets -  First Terrace, Second Terrace and The Lane.   It is set on a peninsula,  just 7 miles from Morecambe and 8 miles from the M6.  

What makes living here unusual is that twice-daily Sunderland Point is cut off by the incoming tides, the resident's lives are in many ways are ruled by this act of nature.   Travelling to school, going to work early, returning home late all depends on whether the causeway road is clear of the water.  Still, despite all of this,  many of the residents have lived here for many years. Only 10 of the homes have changed hands in the past 25 years (source Rightmove).

So what makes it so special….

The History

Sunderland Point has a fascinating history which goes back to the 18th century.  In those days it was a thriving cotton port for Lancaster.   As such many of the homes are Grade II listed and the area has been designated a conservation area.  In days gone by they would have stored liquor, tobacco and cotton.   3a on the First Terrace was originally the Customs House. 

Sunderland Point is also home to Sambo’s Grave.  Sambo died at Sunderland Point around 1736.  Sambo is thought by many to have been a slave,  however, he was a servant to a ship's captain.  Folklore says he died of a broken heart, thinking his master had left him behind,  other stories say he died of an illness.   His story though has touched many, and many visitors to Sunderland Point pay Sambo’s grave a visit.  

The Nature

This is an area which is home to an abundance of wildlife.  Otters have been seen swimming in the waters.   Fishing boats pass down the estuary, on the way to catch the Salmon, Sea Trout, Shrimps and Mullet. 

It’s an important stopover for migrating birds and such it attracts many bird watchers.  Lapwing, Skylark,  Dunlin, Redshank and Goldfinches are over often spotted.     A local housing development in neighbouring Heysham actually named its streets after many of the birds that can be spotted at Sunderland Point.  

The People

The people that live at Sunderland Point is also what makes the area unique.  There is a strong sense of community which all support each other when it is time to batten down the hatches as the weather takes a turn for the worse.   When you live in such a small community - it’s important that you all support each other!

I got talking to an ex-resident who told me what they loved about the area.   He told me about the times he had little choice but to take shelter in the Globe and enjoy a pint as he had been cut off by the tide.  He told me about a local fisherman who often gave them free fish as he sailed past - apparently the fish was too small to sell to The Smoke House at Glasson Dock but large enough for his tea.  

He told me about the high tides and how the neighbours helped secure each other’s home when the bad weather came in and how they had pulled together to help rescue a number of vehicles that had become stuck over the time he had lived there.  

He also spoke fondly of a lady called Margaret Own,  a resident of Sunderland Point and the UK’s only haaf netter in the UK.  Having discovered what haaf netting now is, I can only hope that one day I’ll have the chance of seeing her action!

There is no doubt that Sunderland Point is special.   It’s rare to find a home for sale here, but equally, when one does come available,  it also takes a special person to buy it.   If you would like to know more about Life at Sunderland Point - check out their own website  http://www.sunderlandpoint.org