Living By The Water
Devon is one the few counties that boasts two very different coastlines –north and south. Both play host to a total of nearly 200 miles of the South West Coast Path from the dramatic cliffs on the edge of Exmoor to the Atlantic rollers crashing against the rocks south of Hartland Point, and on the south coast from Plymouth Sound to the Jurassic Coast in East Devon.
Property around the coastline is equally diverse evolving with the growth of tourism going back to Victorian times with the arrival first of the railway and then the motor car. Previously remote fishing villages and rural communities became sought after holiday destinations. The affluence this created altered the property scene forever, from Ilfracombe to Torquay you can see how development shaped the new towns. Fast forward through the 20th century and a new era in the 21st century with a regeneration of building where villas and Victorian houses are being swept aside for sustainable, contemporary, eco friendly dwellings with stunning water views. The demand to-day by all generations is for easy living whatever the price tag. Road, rail and air services to the region make it a fantastic destination for second home owners – a double edged sword in many ways but governments are addressing the need for local housing, accepting the income generated and jobs created by this wave of outside investment assist local economies –a fine and delicate balance that can work.
The regional centres of Exeter, Plymouth and Barnstaple are strong retail outlets with national chains investing heavily, whilst the smaller towns retain their identity with private traders, farmers markets and artisan stalls etc. creating a lively hub to the region.
So what can these water loving people buy?
Looking across Saltash Passage towards Cornwall and the famous Brunel Bridge Chartsedge (01392 832446) offer a new build, four bedroom house ideal for a young family wanting the best of all worlds, close to the sailing club but convenient for work, schools and shops. On the edge of the South Hams at Wembury Point with stunning sea views looking to The Mew Stone , Knight Frank (01392 423111) offer an ultra contemporary 4,000 sq.ft house whilst Stags Dartmouth office (01803 835336) have a charming 4 bedroom stone cottage on the banks of The Dart in a perfect place to watch all the activity on the river.
Torbay has a number of Victorian villas and modern houses with stunning south facing sea views and creeping round the coastline Shaldon has managed to retain a working community with a beach front destination and an appeal for the tourist. The ever popular former port of Topsham sitting on the banks of the Exe with historic Dutch influenced merchants houses along The Strand are prized dwellings. Tucked away on the river ,Strutt and Parker (01392 215631) are selling Furlong –a landmark house for sailors on the river –being a former Victorian Sail loft and now a stunning combination of a contemporary and traditional house within its walls. Enjoying one of just two private jetties and moorings in the town this is a real one off.
Let’s now go to North Devon – a wilder and forgotten scene with amazing sandy beaches renowned the world over by surfers. Here too the march of contemporary houses is evident and for those seeking a less busy part of our coastline they will find all they need –with easy access via The North Devon Link Road joining the M5 at Junction 27 or using the Paddington line from Tiverton Parkway. Taylor Underwood (01271 323290 )..are offering a stunning architect designed renovation of a property in Moor Lane Croyde taking full advantage of its setting looking to the sea.
As ever I can only provide a snapshot of the divine opportunities the Devon property market can offer. The key factors I boringly repeat to my clients looking for property are to be mindful of location, compromise and realism. Choose the first that is right for your needs and budget and be mindful of the other two...buy with your heart as well as your head and the choice is yours ... it’s all about coming home...
Nigel Bishop
Founder & Managing Director of Recoco Property Search