The River Exe

Rising high on Exmoor near Simonsbath the River Exe gathers momentum sweeping through the deep wooded valleys to the north of Tiverton, through the flood plain between towards Exeter, bisecting the city of Exeter as it heads towards the sea at Exmouth. A journey of over 50 miles but what a contrast in the landscape from source to sea. As with so many major rivers it was the life source of the county with Dutch trading from the port of Topsham and Exeter being a major west country commercial port, now reinventing itself for tourist and leisure markets. Water is always an attraction creating added value to a property, often adding 20% to it’s value and more when there is direct access and a mooring available. Serious investment in modern flood defence schemes generally ensure properties are safe but care should be taken when buying a waterside property in assessing the likelihood of flooding.

 Holmingham Farm near Bampton is a 175 acre residential and sporting estate with 1347 yards double bank salmon fishing, all set in a stunning deep sided wooded valley- Strutt and Parker (01392 215631). Travelling the A386 passing over Bickleigh Bridge (Simon and Garfunkel’s inspiration for “Bridge over Troubled Water”) the wide valley opens into a patchwork of fields with lanes leading to Silverton, Thorverton, Brampford Speke and other villages that characterise Devon, favoured with families looking to enjoy country and village life but close enough to the schools in Exeter and Tiverton and the business, professional, medical and retail hub of Exeter.

Topsham retains its own charm as a riverside town full of independent retailers, coffee shops, restaurants and Dutch influenced former traders houses along Strand, many enjoying direct water frontage. Currently available here is Clifton House Knight Frank ( 01392 423111), a period listed house with walled private garden, and further gardens with  water frontage and views across to the Powderham Castle estate. A new cycle path allows the energetic the opportunity to travel from Exeter to Exmouth along the riverside, passing Exton and Lympstone These villages are served by a local train connecting the City with the sea at The River Exe, Exmouth making them perfect villages for commuters.

Exmouth enjoys it all! Beach front, marina, a thriving town, sailing clubs, a floating restaurant, and one of best climates in the country, yet only fifteen minutes from the M5. Like many seaside towns it grew in the Victorian and Edwardian era, and again in the latter 20th Century with the regeneration of the waterfront and marina with a high end development of apartments and town houses, overlooking the wide River Exe rushing into the sea.  One such property is 9 Pennant House, a second floor 2 bedroom apartment with views over the river, the perfect lock up and leave, Bainbridges (01395 225303)

The River Exe epitomises Devon in many ways, a diverse and beautiful countryside with an eclectic mix of property for everyone’s taste and budget ensuring “it’s all about coming home”.

Nigel Bishop

Founder & Managing Director of Recoco Property Search