East Devon

East Devon is an area of 314 square miles stretching from the eastern edge of Exeter to the borders of both Somerset and Dorset. It contains two areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Blackdown Hills in the north and the southern area along the south coast forming the East Devon AONB. The coastline between Exmouth and Lyme Regis is part of the designated World Heritage Site known as the Jurassic Coast, popular with ammonite fossil hunters.

East Devon is both the most densely populated area of the County and also the most sought after for those seeking to buy property for a number of reasons. It is an easy commute into the City of Exeter, for offices, the University, the hospitals and the Science Park. Communications are excellent with both the M5 motorway and the A303 providing road access to London. There are mainline trains to both Paddington and Waterloo and Exeter Airport provides flights to many destinations.

There are some interesting and historic towns including Ottery St. Mary - known in the Domesday Book at Otri taking its name from the River Otter. The town is principally famous for three things: Its fine parish church, the poet and philosopher Samuel Taylor Coleridge and its popular and exhilarating flaming tar barrel event. Around Guy Fawkes Night each year the town swells to over 10,000 as visitors come to watch the ancient Tar Barrel Ceremony - a tradition dating back to the 17th century when barrels are soaked in tar set alight and carried on the shoulders of men who have been born in the town or have lived there for a long time. Samuel Taylor Coleridge was born in Ottery St. Mary in 1772, the son of the vicar and headmaster of The King’s School, which was established as a free grammar school by Henry VIII. Known for writing The Rime of The Ancient Mariner and its oft quoted words, “Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink”.

It is little wonder this part of the county is a favoured place to live - evident by the ever-increasing development and yet the vernacular character of Devon properties is still very much in evidence from thatched cottages to the Georgian terraces in Sidmouth. With the balmy climate a favoured spot for retirees but equally a thriving multi -generational town with facilities for all ages.

East Devon: the attraction to enjoy the blend of countryside, waterfront and first class educational, commercial and retail amenities is virtually unchallenged – it has it all “It’s all about coming home”.

Property Section

Moon River, Exton: An outstanding contemporary waterfront house with superb views across the Exe Estuary to Powderham and Haldon Hill.

Estate Agent: Knight Frank

Mayfield. Ottery St. Mary: An elegant country house of over 5,000 sq.ft. with annexe, sitting in over 2 acres of landscaped, tree lined gardens.

Estate Agent: Wilkinson Grant

The Old Vicarage, Luppitt: Exceptional former vicarage in immaculate 1 acre gardens with stunning views across the rolling countryside .

Estate Agent: Humberts

Down House, Whimple: An elegant and spacious Edwardian family house with additional annexe,

tennis court and 6 acres

Estate Agent: Strutt & Parker

Thatches. Southerton, Ottery St Mary: A beautifully presented listed, thatched cottage with large level gardens in rural but convenient location.

Estate Agent: Stags