Christmas: Past & Present
“In the bleak midwinter, snow is falling, snow on snow” – who remembers a white Christmas? Whilst we still adorn the mantlepiece with depictions of Victorian Christmas scenes, snow, log fires etc. it is far from the reality both in terms of weather (sadly) and lifestyle.
Those fortunate enough to have an open fire or wood burner still enjoy the aroma of wood smoke but many a house enjoys year round controlled comfort with central heating powered by ever improving sources mindful of the carbon footprint we all create. Efficiency in a busy world is demanded as life is driven by technology.
It is vital we address the sustainability of the planet in our own small way. It seems an ever increasing challenge. All new homes are required to meet a high standard of insulation and eco friendly heat sources - ground and air source heat pumps, triple glazed windows etc. Building from scratch this is a dictated requirement by Building Regulations and easy to implement. Increasing an Energy Performance Rate of an old house is somewhat more challenging, especially if it is a listed building where the basic fabric cannot be altered.
So, back to Christmas - family gathering around the table, good food and wine – at least that tradition remains. Whilst a formal dining room may have been replaced by a large kitchen/family room- probably with a wood burner in the corner (?!) – it is still the core to our lifestyle. Rather than Charades around the fire it is more likely to find Christmas morning swims in the sea!
As ever the choice of homes in Devon is significant and varied. Town, city, village, coastal and rural – each of significant draw depending upon lifestyle and budget. Here I look at Braggs Cottage in East Devon – the classic thatched village cottage, Dockwell Farm in Widecombe in the Moor, high on Dartmoor -period farmhouse with land and a wonderful open fireplace – Lidstone Boathouse, Dartmouth – a prime waterfront former boathouse with adjoining cottage perfect for those keen on sailing – and September Barn in the Exe Valley and Den Brook Valley View in mid Devon, the ultimate A rated contemporary homes. Each unique and special in their own way ensuring a lifestyle for all ages.
A wood fire will warm you at least twice – once in collecting and chopping logs and once sitting by the fireside! A modern home gives time to be out and about, sports activities (wild swimming?) etc. As ever we have choices in our homes and lifestyle – Happy Christmas—
“It’s all about coming home”.
A varied selection of properties:
Braggs Cottage. Rawridge, Honiton: Listed, character cottage in rural hamlet, with guest annexe, garaging within cottage gardens.
Dockwell Farm, Widecombe in the Moor: Charming period farmhouse with Georgian façade, 2 holiday cottages within 22 acres.
Lidstone Boathouse, Dartmouth: Former boathouse, converted to stunning accommodation, addition 3 bedroom cottage, River mooring:
Den Brook Valley, View, Spreyton: This impressive “A” rated eco-new family home is in a rural setting with a view towards Dartmoor.
September Barn, Cove, Exe Valley: Grand Designs style eco “A” rated house in elevated private setting with open views towards Dunkery Beacon. Separate annexe.