A Walk On The Wild Side?
Devon has over 3,000 miles of public footpaths crossing the county. Many historic paths were for villagers to get to work and church on Sunday. Nowadays fitness, exercise and country air attract rural and city dwellers alike to explore the byways. Aside from organised walking groups the best company and incentive to walk the footpaths is man’s best friend – the dog. Always keen to go whatever the weather and appreciative of the freedom to run and explore the hedgerows.
People buy property with access to walks, whether urban or rural -it becomes an essential ingredient for all ages -the chance to escape, to run, to think or merely wander to embrace the scenery. Accessibility to a footpath close by has a value to property in a time when we are striving to be carbon neutral and economic in our fuel spend.
Shobrooke, near Crediton is just one of many villages that has published a pamphlet of walks in the parish detailing places of interest and wildlife to look out for. Aside from publicised walks there are countless paths to be found on the Ordnance Survey map so creating a route into the wilder parts of Dartmoor or for the less adventurous ones that pass a pub or coffee shop is always an incentive.
The Teign Valley has a magical walk through the woods from Chagford to Trusham, passing the wild daffodils in Spring- Clifford Bridge House sits nearby and is for sale through Drew Pearce (01392 201478) whilst further down the valley Stags (01392 255202) are selling The Croft - an architect designed house with 6.6 acres, garaging and flat, leat and river meadows -a haven for a growing family yet only twenty minutes into Exeter.
Just half a mile via public footpath from Modbury in the South Hams Savills (01392 455700) offer Cobwell House and Cottage. A stunning restoration of a thatched cottage retaining period features but with a modern twist, together with self -contained cottage -perfect for a relative or income as a holiday let.
The ever popular challenge of the South West Coast Path draws many walkers from afar but living close by enables a morning walk with the dog to benefit from sea air and stunning Devon country views .Equally the many National Trust properties in Devon offer miles of well tended pathways, most with the temptation of a cream tea at the end!
St Milburgas Oratory at Aveton Gifford, for sale with Strutt and Parker(01392 215631), enjoys direct access to the tidal pathway running along the River Avon, a stunning house in a totally private setting. At the other end of the county John Smale (01271 342000) are selling a unique barn conversion in Croyde, The Old Cider Barn. Close to the towns bustling amenities but tucked away it has the best of both worlds, and direct access to the rugged North Devon coastline footpath.
Town or country, sea or moor, path or bridleway, Devon homes are never far from one -“ It’s all about coming home”.