A CROP of multi-million pounds homes is creating a mini Sandbanks on a picturesque stretch of the River Stour.

Bordered on one side by Wick Lane, Tuckton and on the other by Willow Way in Christchurch, the riverbank is becoming the place to be for wealthy home owners.

An imposing, brand new six-bedroom home has sprung up on land overlooking Tuckton Tea Gardens.

With its modern exterior and huge windows, it’s a far cry from the more traditional, four-bedroom property it replaced.

On the other side of the water is another new home, with similar features, currently on the market for almost £3 million.

At least three more properties, priced well in excess of £1 million, are also up for sale.

Large, modern homes sit alongside smaller houses, bungalows and holiday flats between Tuckton Bridge and the Captain’s Club Many of the houses on the riverbank have private moorings and all are within easy reach of Christchurch and the village of Tuckton.

For those who enjoy messing about on the water, the river offers the opportunity for a range of watersports and if there’s any money left over you could always potter down the river to a £250,000 beach hut at nearby Mudeford Sandbank.

Estate agent Michael Newman of Anthony Newman and Son in Tuckton said the area has become increasingly popular and added: “It has been compared to Sandbanks, but represents tremendous value by comparison.

“It is the view that people are buying. They are prepared to buy a property, then knock it down and replace it with another more to their taste.

“We have specialised in this area for a long time and the Wick and Hengistbury Head are are becoming more popular every day.”

Cllr Bob Lawton, who represents the Tuckton area, said: “This area is changing and there are a lot more young people moving in.

“It is a very nice area and properties don’t stay on the market for long.”