Sun, Sea, and Sand …
When Covid-19 closed the world in 2020 and lockdown was lifted it seemed the world descended on Devon and Cornwall to escape -and why wouldn’t they? Childhood dreams of summer holidays - sandy beaches, long happy days splashing in the sea, campfires and probably sandy sandwiches! Do people still have sandy sandwiches I wonder?
The world has moved on and children’s expectations are far more than lazy days on the beach but Devon still offers more stunning, varied coastline than any other county (along with possibly Cornwall). Sailing on the south coast, surfing on the north but let’s not forget the wonderous National Parks in the county with their miles of rivers and lakes. All the perfect antidote of city life for every taste.
Working from home has become a contentious issue recently but for many it is an option where the shrinking world of the internet allows a lifestyle beyond imagination not so many years ago. This does fuel the property fire and the scramble for those coastal and waterfront properties where the idyllic dream can be fulfilled -maybe! It creates friction with values where locals are outbid by incomers with deeper pockets – an issue being addressed by planners with new build applications.
A water view will add as much as 20% to the value of a property and in the coveted hotspots around the county even more. Don’t forget just inland the miles of countryside, patchwork of fields that constantly change with the seasons. Tranquillity itself.
Clifton Cottage, Sidmouth- one of Sidmouth’s landmark properties. A country house by the sea -nearly 5,000 sq.ft of accommodation under an impressive thatched roof with wonderful gardens, and direct access to the beach yet minutes from the café’s, restaurants and everything Sidmouth has to offer -the ultimate seaside holiday destination - or maybe just live there and enjoy it! Knight Frank 01392 423111 www.knightfrank.com
Lammas Coombe, Salcombe. A stunning setting looking over North Sands beach, surrounding woodland valley and out to sea, yet walkable to the town’s facilities. An impressive, private setting and house built in 1931 ready for an update it offers an increasingly rare opportunity to create a wonderful waterside home. Harriet George 01548 856992 www.harrietgeorge.co.uk
Weare House. Weare Gifford. What a spot looking across the Torridge estuary and surrounding countryside between Bideford and Great Torrington. A beautifully presented Victorian residence standing in 1.5 acres with gardens, paddock and woodland offering good family accommodation. Stags 01237 425030 www.stags.co.uk
Living in Devon is a luxury -the eclectic mix of restaurants is a good as any city offers – the pace of life where people give time to others – the ever-changing countryside – the vibrant cities of Exeter and Plymouth- what a great place to call home - “It’s all about coming home.”