Devon Waterways
The waterways of Devon. Most people only think of our amazing coastlines but inland there are miles of scenic waterways waiting to be discovered-rivers, reservoirs, lakes and canals. The attraction of living by the water never fades and property values are reflected in this.
Whilst the coastlines -north and south- have the biggest pull it is not always practical to live on the outer verges of the county. Inland there are many opportunities across the county to be near stretches of water from the Grand Western Canal in Mid Devon, Roadford Lake in the west and the amazing rivers running through the county, The Exe, Torridge, Taw and Dart to name just the obvious.
The Grand Western Canal stretches 11.25 miles from Tiverton to Lowdwells Lock just in Somerset and can been enjoyed via one of the last horse-drawn barges offering visitors not keen on walking a trip gliding through the countryside. Originally intended to link the Bristol Channel with the English Channel and dating as far back as 1796 only this stretch was completed being usurped by the railways in Victorian times.
Since the 2020 lockdowns the South West has been a favourite destination for people moving from the cities creating a frenzied market place and total imbalance between the numbers of sellers and buyers. The inevitable result is dramatic increases in prices and none more so than those with good waterfront access. As ever, in time, this will calm and we will see a more balanced market but for now it remains a sellers’ market.
Bramley House, Southleigh near Colyton in glorious East Devon countryside and convenient for Colyton Grammar School. A charming Grade 11 listed 6 bedroom Georgian farmhouse unusually for the area of red brick, together with a successful holiday cottage, courtyard of stone buildings, gardens and paddock with river frontage -in all 4.6 acres. A wonderful family home. Savills 01392 455755 www.savills.com
Wedlake Farm, Perter Tavy. The ultimate escape. Accessed by an offroad vehicle across the moor this stunning stone freehold farmhouse exudes charm, mixing sustainable electric supply by means of a 4KW wind turbine powered by the Colley Brook with retained features, wood burner etc.. The unusually light accommodation includes a 29 foot Drawing room, sitting room, 4 bedrooms and two bathrooms. Benefitting from moorland rights for grazing 25 cows or 125 sheep enhances the 25 acres in hand. An amazing opportunity. Strutt and Parker 01392 215631 www.struttandparker.com
So, why wouldn’t anyone want to live by the water in our stunning county? Working from home has opened that opportunity to many and as life evolves in this modern world our habits do too. The one true English core trait is the importance of home - “It’s all about coming home.”