South Devon: A Perfect Blend of Work & Leisure
South Devon stretches from the River Tamar bordering Cornwall at Plymouth to The Exe Estuary leading up the Cathedral city of Exeter. Along the way, passing through the South Hams, and maybe via the iconic rail line travelling alongside the sea, is some of the county’s most varied towns and villages balancing the ever-increasing tourist and second home market as well as a vibrant professional, business and retail environment. The coastal towns will always draw attention offering opportunity to balance work and home lifestyles where water sports are a precedent.
The South Coast offers some of the best sailing waters in the country. Whilst totalling contrasting each other Plymouth and Kingsbridge are two South Devon centres that offer, in varying degrees, that lifestyle opportunity.
Plymouth, famous for Sir Francis Drake watching The Spanish Armada inching its way over the horizon whilst playing bowls, to a rejuvenated city following its decimation in World War 11. A significant naval port, sailing mecca and ferry port taking tourists to France and Spain, alongside an expanding residential sector serving the wide ranging professional and commercial centres. As such there is an equally broad spectre of properties for all budgets. For those not wishing to live within the City confines preferring a more rural environment a short drive takes you to the twin creek side villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo.
Venturing further south the market and estuary town of Kingsbridge is the retail centre for the South Hams coastal towns lying at the head of the Salcombe estuary. Whilst tidal the estuary offers moorings for those water orientated residents keen to explore the sailing waters nearby. The town has an eclectic mix of artisan retail shops where entrepreneurs are encouraged plying the wares to the expanding summer tourist population. Historically there was a train branch line station at the top of the town and typically this encourages significant building in the Victorian era, evident today by the number of grand houses particularly running alongside the creek. As with many towns fulfilling government housebuilding mandates there is significant new development on the fringes all of which will bolster the local economy an encourage further investment.
Whilst the housing market has slowed in the early part of 2024 due to political and economic instability it is envisaged a new government and likelihood of interest rate reductions will encourage movement in the market., The housing market will always bounce back and underpin the economy as life evolves. People are forever looking to make the next move as their lives change over the years and requirements and affordability change. Whilst the world around us changes we value the security of home: “It’s all about coming home”.
A varied selection of Plymouth. Kingsbridge and South Devon properties:
Fore Street, Kingsbridge: Elegant, period town house, sympathetically restored with west facing gardens
Stable Cottage. Kingsbridge: Beautiful, contemporary home on edge of town with studio.
Parkside Barn, Plympton: Privately situated barn conversion in convenient location for Plymouth and the coast.
The Oyster House, Newton Ferrers: Contemporary house in fabulous waterfront setting – unique home with boat store:
Ocean House, Woodlands End. Plymouth: stunning family house in private road with indoor swimming pool/leisure complex – seclusion with urban convenience near to Derriford Hospital: