A Room With A View!

Everyone wants a view -a sea view, a country view or maybe a town view where people and daily activity are watched by those less able to go out.  All understandable but a view comes at a price, so maybe it’s necessary to take a view on the need for a view. 

Perfection is rarely achieved when looking for a house -there are always compromises and what is perceived to be important maybe less so when a price tag is annexed to it! Location is key to fit the lifestyle -schools, work, travel, daily practicalities take precedent over the romantic wish list. If you can add the view within the budget it’s a bonus.  A good rural view generally means an elevated setting and exposure to the weather -you can’t have it all!

Historically houses were built for practicality and warmth -small windows and open fires. Outside gardens were functional and simple. Today, buildings and technology are a match for the elements, gardens are for pleasure and a view is the icing on the cake and on every clients’ remit.

Devon’s rolling hills do afford many opportunities for a room with a view, and some are lucky enough to get a country and sea view.  A view will definitely add to the value of a property -just how much is somewhat speculative and personal -but anything with water certainly will.

The Old Rectory at Christow is on the market through Jackson Stops (01392 214222). Combine the most sought after English address with the ultimate village view -the church- with a stunning rural background and it can’t get better. In this case it can - as the house is a classic Georgian house sitting in 3.5 acres so even the pony is accommodated.  Maybe a water view across the garden to enjoy retirement is the perfect antidote to a hectic lifestyle.  Flat 9. Maer Bay Court in Exmouth is a 3,000 sq,ft, duplex apartment with private garden and sea view - offered by Stags (01392 255202). The same agents are selling Greenacres at Dunchideock. Here the elevated setting of the bungalow allows a stunning view across countryside and over Exeter itself and beyond towards Somerset.

Town houses can have great views as well. Exeter is fortunate that being on a hillside many houses in Pennsylvania look across the City and have a distant view of the sea at Exmouth. The same applies to other towns across the county as Devon delivers in all respects as the lifestyle county of choice. 

Whilst a view is emotional the approach is equally valuable -kerb appeal.  How many of my clients say, “I’ll know it when I see it”?  Most! First impressions, a sweeping drive, an elegant façade, accessibility actually play a far more significant role in choosing a house than the view. A view may at first be a non -negotiable requirement but if the arrival element gives the fee- good factor the view becomes secondary.  In other words - it is all about location.  - “it’s all about coming home”.

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