The word “view” immediately brings several thoughts to mind — and first among them is the well-worn adage: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” What one person considers a delight, others may not. Sea view or city view? Which would you prefer? For me, it depends on the stretch of water and the city we’re talking about. Just because you can see the ocean doesn’t mean the view is good — though in Thailand, it usually is. Very good, in fact. Some city views leave much to be desired. Others are just excellent.

Water in the Frame

I looked up FlightNetwork’s list of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Cities in the World. Bruges in Belgium tops the list. Never been, so I can’t comment. The rest of the top five — Budapest, Rome, Florence, and Amsterdam — all feature water: rivers, canals, fountains. Let’s agree on something: for a view to be considered relaxing or inspiring, water is usually part of the mix.

From Courtyards to Coastlines

Florence was one of the settings for the 1985 film A Room with a View, based on E.M. Forster’s novel. The characters ask for a room overlooking the River Po. Instead, they get a courtyard. Mind you, given some of the places I’ve stayed, a courtyard sounds like a positive delight. My own experience of views has ranged from sublime to ridiculous. Currently, I live in a studio with no direct sunlight and a partial view of a car park. That’s ridiculous. I once had a room near the harbor in Hong Kong. The building faced the Yacht Club — but I was at the back. The view would’ve put you off your breakfast.

The Sublime Side

My version of sublime? A two-bedroom condo overlooking the 11th hole of a local golf course. It was a par three, and you could see the hole from tee to green. Perfect — if you like golf. When I sold it, the first person who came to view it looked out the window and said, “I’ll take it.” There are homes near golf courses in Pattaya — many of them next to water features — but they don’t match the popularity of sea view condos in Pattaya.

Thailand’s Coastal Advantage

If you’re someone who puts proximity to water high on your list of property must-haves, Thailand gives you a real chance to find it. With 3,219 km of coastline, the kingdom offers plenty of beachfront property for sale — especially in areas like Jomtien, Wong Amat, and Bang Saray. Stretch that coastline out and you’d be one-third of the way from Bangkok to London. One of the great truths in real estate: they aren’t building more shoreline. (Unless you live in Hong Kong, where they reclaim land from the sea.)

Sea Views That Deliver

There are still true sea view homes in Pattaya — with no roads between you and the water. Of course, there are sea views… and then there are sea views. I once visited a development near Lake Mabprachan. The agent pointed out that you could see the sea. Technically true — but there was a whole lot of city in between. It reminded me of a scene from Fawlty Towers, where Mrs. Richards complains about the lack of a sea view. Fawlty replies: “You can see the sea. It’s over there, between the land and the sky.” Her comeback? “You’d need a telescope to see it.”

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Let’s Find Your View

If your ideal residence includes a sea view — and you don’t want to need a telescope to enjoy it — contact Town & Country Property Pattaya. Our office in the Jomtien Complex is ready to help you find condos with panoramic views, houses near the beach, or villas with direct ocean frontage. Let us guide you to a room with a real view. Author: Mr. KC Cuijpers For more information: Please contact Town & Country Property – [email protected] People who care. Places that matter.