Hampshire is a seaside county in southern England that is noted for possessing both a long maritime history as well as carefully preserved national parks. Its position along the English Channel has made it popular with yacht and boat owners of all types, as the favorable nature of Hampshire’s many scenic harbors make a day’s sailing excursion to either continental Europe or the Channel Islands a convenient pleasure. Indeed, the city of Southampton is host to one of the largest boating communities in Britain as well as a sophisticated, comfortable metropolitan culture. Located relatively close to London, Hampshire is also ideal for individuals who may be in the market for a weekend home that is a short drive from the nation’s capital or one commuter flight away from Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam. As the host of both the New Forest and South Downs National Parks, Hampshire also benefits from tremendous, un-touched natural beauty. Included in its scenery are the coastal chalk cliffs known throughout the world as the ‘Seven Sisters’ and the Solent, a tidal area between the mainland and the Isle of Wight. Given that nearly 45% of the county is dedicated to national parks, Hampshire remains an idyllic location amid the often heavily populated areas of southern England. For information about Hampshire luxury real estate view the properties to the right.