Dartmoor: Tea & Tors
DARTMOOR: A forest by definition though few trees survive, deriving its name from the East and West Dart Rivers – A National Park epitomised by authors including Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie and recently J K Rowling, setting the fictional 1994 Quidditch World Cup final high on the Moor. 368 square miles in which to wander ,partake the annual Ten Tors challenge open to 2,400 young people with 35,45 and 55 mile treks, or maybe the scene for personal achievements ascending High Willhayes at 2,037 ft.
The Duke of Cornwall owns half the Moor alongside the MOD, South West Water with public ownership making up the balance - most is accessible to the public who enjoy the dramatic scenery, hiking, camping and the magic no other place eludes in quite the same way. The yearn for the great outdoors ensures the scattered villages rely on the tourist trade providing cream teas – (cream first as we are in Devon!), hearty ploughman’s lunches in the pubs and the occasional refreshing ice cream from vendors pitching their vans in favoured, more accessible spots.
Living on Dartmoor gives a sense of surrealism in the modern world, and yet the towns manage to retain their character hidden in valleys, protected by strict planning restrictions, whilst coping with the influx of tourism and the demand for 21st century amenities. And yet there are few places that are more than twenty minute’s drive from a major road, the A30 to the north, the A38 to the south. Modern technology enables many to have the best of all worlds, live and work on the Moor and retain connection with the commercial world.
Ancient granite farmhouses and cottages jostle with modern housing giving an eclectic choice of housing for the discerning buyer in towns and villages where artisan traders thrive. It’s a way of life that holds the past’s values with to-day’s needs.
A mere glimpse of properties on the Moor include: Cherry Tree Farmhouse, just ten minute’s walk from Moretonhampstead (Fowlers, Chagford 01647 433595) .A 21st century building in the style of a thatched Devon longhouse in eight acres with lake and potential ancillary accommodation. The perfect combination of period living with modern eco credentials.
Peppadon Hole (Stags 01392 255202) also near Moretonhampstead, a 19th century listed, beautifully restored four bedroom cottage with an acre of stream fed grounds and tabling enjoying a south facing moorland view -idyllic!
Tunnaford.(Strutt and Parker 01392 215631) High on the Moor near Chagford. Another wonderful example of a sympathetically restored cottage with possible annexe, five acres, stabling and direct access to miles of open riding.
Across the Moor, ancient market towns like Ashburton, Tavistock, Okehampton, Chagford, Moretonhamstead to name a few offer hidden gems of historic properties that have evolved through the generations and will stand the test of time, standing still whilst the world evolves. A magical place to put down roots….“It’s all about coming home”.
Nigel Bishop
Founder & Managing Director of Recoco Property Search