Cottage Life
The Cottage: the very word conjures up romantic images of pretty dwellings in idyllic villages. The reality is most “cottages”, when built, were occupied as tenants or tied to country estates where standards were often quite meagre. As life evolved in the latter 20th century, most estates were broken up, and gradually, the second home market became endemic. Whilst greatly improving the buildings themselves the fabric of village life itself altered and dissipated. Strong arguments for both residents and second homeowners can be conducted, and indeed are, but life evolves and generations adapt.
Cosy winter fireside images in a village with a pub and community are high on the list of second-home buyers fleeing the city for a weekend escape route. Whilst full-time residents often begrudge the impact of second homes and the lack of commitment to the village, they do generate employment for many trades, so it is hoped a balance can always be reached.
Across the UK, settlements, villages, estates and towns have a plethora of “cottages”. From fisherman’s cottages by the sea to mill workers' tenements, farm workers' cottages all have attracted new buyers, whereby preservation has endured for future generations and a new life.
The regions of England vary significantly in terms of building style depending on the local raw materials available. Devon is recognised for its cob and thatch cottages in rural areas, and from Victorian times, brick and slate became the economic material in more urban areas.
The requirement to create sustainable homes proves challenging in old buildings, where insulation is difficult to install, and modern technology, such as heat pumps, is not as effective as in a new build. Complying with listed building regulations, planning, and other dictates often creates a conflict of interest. As ever, there will be an acceptable compromise ensuring people’s lifestyles are safeguarded. It’s a matter of cost.
So, buying a piece of history, a cottage, is a lifestyle choice that can be very rewarding. Numerous villages throughout Devon offer, in varying degrees, an idyllic rural life yet are connected to the ever-important internet and technology-orientated world. Whether bringing up a family, retiring, or buying a bolthole to escape the city for weekends on the Moors or by the sea, the choice is endless.
Whilst every property represents a financial investment whether a cottage or a castle beauty is in the eye of the beholder and home is where the hearth is: “It’s all about coming home”.
A varied selection of barn conversions:
3 Foxworthy Barns, Manaton: Delightful cottage in the idyllic Dartmoor setting in 0.83 acres. Truly a hidden gem!
Polford Cottage, Cheriton Bishop: Charming, listed cottage with self-contained annexe set I 1 acre. Close to favoured village accessible for Exeter:
Rose Cottage, Northleigh: fantastic East Devon views and rural setting – detached cottage - just 4 miles from main line station and renowned Colyton Grammer School.
Town Farm, Bratton Clovelly: listed West Devon village centre 4-bedroom cottage, impeccably restored with secluded gardens.
Winterbourne House, Modbury: Quietly set in popular South Hams town with delightful enclosed garden. Ideal retirement property.