Christmas
Christmas is a time for family, for friends, for parties, for decorating the house festively. Busy lifestyles have changed the way we live and the prerequisite is a large kitchen/living space where life is centred- one room that is a practical kitchen, dining and family sitting room. Can an old house be adapted to create such a room whilst new houses encompass this by design. Town and country living adopt this style and as fashions dictate, buildings evolve to satisfy the demand.
The romantic image of a white Christmas with a roaring log fire and sparkly Christmas tree are perhaps the image on a Christmas card - the 21st century is perhaps more about practicality and our houses reflect this. Open fires may not be so common but woodburners in most country houses are a primary source of heating and a focal point with contemporary designs and a way to address the green economy.
Three houses that can accommodate family gatherings at Christmas: Nestling in a private South Hams valley near Kingsbridge is Netherton Barn,(Savills 01392 455700) a sympathetically converted barn with a modern interior encompassing a contemporary kitchen, dining,. living space. It comes with a three bedroom secondary barn that could generate an income and four acres. The best of all worlds-rural seclusion just a few miles from the sea. A stone’s throw from the Jurassic Coast in East Devon is Fire and Smoke Farm in Salcombe Regis (Knight Frank 01392 423111). Sitting centrally within forty eight acres, a stunning farmhouse with award winning extension, stabling, garaging and great family sports facilities including your own rugby pitch - maybe a Christmas Day match to build an appetite for lunch?! If country living is not for you 10 Lyndhurst Road in Exeter (Strutt and Parker 01392 215631) provides stunning space for the largest of families with a half- acre garden, yet walking distance to the City restaurants and waterside along The Quay.
Not all families get together at Christmas so those large open plan spaces aren’t needed. Cosy, thatched village cottages or maybe a contemporary house on the water’s edge with walks along the South West Coast Path. Seemingly quiet villages play host to a multitude of activities that have endured and evolved through the generations -taking part and getting involved may not be mandatory but is difficult to avoid! Devon’s diverse landscape provides for all tastes and needs both practical and financial - no wonder it is the favoured destination of some many escaping the pace of life in London and the south east. They bring with them the economy and expectations of a lifestyle they enjoy -the café culture and extensive choice of restaurants -now quietly relished by those of us who have always lived in Devon! The transient population of the 21st century has changed the way we live but underneath the ever frenetic pace of life we all crave the sanctuary of home- a place to feel safe, to express our own identity without outside influence -in short - It’s all about coming home”.
Nigel Bishop
Founder & Managing Director of Recoco Property Search