A Good Walk
It could be said a home is not complete without a pet. Man’s best friend – our canine companion. So many people have ventured into owning a pet during recent Lockdowns and found pleasure in sharing their home, encouraging walks and exercise. The continuing demand by people looking for more space and a rural environment has coincided with the increase in pet ownership.
Owning a dog is a big responsibility. They are totally reliant on you for every aspect of their life. The positive is they encourage exercise. They need a good walk and Devon offers endless miles of rural and urban paths -The South West Coast Path. The Tarka Trail, The Two Moors Way, The Grand Western Canal - not forgetting the open spaces of Dartmoor to name just a few (I could write a whole guide on the footpaths of Devon!).
Exeter, Plymouth, market towns and villages across the county all have paths on their doorsteps so our canine friends are well catered for. When understanding people’s expectations in finding a house access to good walks has become more relevant as lockdowns change the emphasis on daily life. Schooling, leisure facilities, the beach still rank high on location wishes but nearby walks is up there in demand.
Rose Cottage, Uplowman is a charming 5 bedroom country house with large farmhouse kitchen sitting in 1.56 acres including a wild swimming pool. In addition to the main house there is a two -storey entertainment barn with potential to create a self -contained annexe subject to obtaining planning permission. The Grand Western Canal goes by the village giving access for walks and cycle rides. Strutt and Parker (01392 215631).
Addisford, Dolton is a magical 17th century cottage enhanced by a 20th century wing. Once the home of John Ravilious, known for his photographic record of Devon life, this enchanting house sits in 11 acres of water meadow, ancient woodland adjoining the Halsdon Nature Reserve offering amazing walks. Not far away is the Two Moors Way traversing Devon from Ivybridge in the south of Dartmoor o Lynton in the north of Exmoor. The perfect retreat for lovers of wildlife. Knight Frank (01392 423111).
How the world has changed in the last eighteen months. So many people reassessing their lives and realising the value of family life, appreciating the natural world and how precious it is to our health and minds. Devon is a county that embraces so well the technology of the 21st century with unchanging natural countryside.
So, is a home a home without a pet? It’s not for everyone but for those who embrace the loyalty of a pet it completes the home – “It’s all about coming home.”