The Daily Commute
London property values are heavily influenced by the closeness to tube stations -accessibility to The City. Properties within daily commuting distance of the Capital are marketed by the number of minutes to The City from these stations, creating hotspots and enhanced values. For those dependent upon employment in London these factors are critical when looking for a home. For the more fortunate, growing population of businesses that can operate via the internet and social media from anywhere the choice of home is dictated by lifestyle choices, schools, hobbies and generally cheaper house prices. Maybe still mindful of access to major transport links the requirement is less important as it isn’t the daily commute.
Provincial towns and cities, country houses, waterside homes -imagine waking up and looking across Dartmouth Harbour, Saunton Sands or the wilds of Dartmoor and not standing on a station in a corporate line averting your eyes from fellow passengers. The question then is “what is the internet speed?” and not how near is the tube station? Technology controls the modern world and as rural areas embrace the future entrepreneurial businesses set up in the most unlikely places and local economies benefit as employment is created and the network grows.
Basements, barns and sheds convert to offices and purpose built pods in the corner of the garden separate home from work with a daily commute down the garden path -no more air conditioned windowless offices -just open the door when hot and listen to the birds! Creating an investment income from a property by way of a holiday let with a barn conversion for an office can prove a viable way of acquiring a country house that is self -financing.
As ever Devon offers endless property possibilities combining family needs with independent space for the business.
Church House in Throwleigh nestled next to St. Mary’s Church is a well pictured listed Cottage with a surprise -3.5 acres with a timber two storey artisan’s workshop/studio hidden behind the churchyard. The perfect environment in the Dartmoor National Park for the creative, unhindered by modern life yet just two miles from the A30. Fowlers of Chagford are the selling agents (01647 433595) In neighbouring Gidleigh Jackson Stops and Staff (01392 214222) offer The Old Rectory -a late Victorian imposing home with two bedroom coach house and office, 3.25 acres and expansive views. Another listed Old Rectory in Feniton, East Devon -3 miles from Honiton offered by Strutt and Parker (01392 215631) includes the former village School Houses with potential for conversion to office/studios -opportunity for a new type of learning. Finally in Slapton, 2.5 miles from the beach, Knight Frank (01392 423111) are selling Gara Mill. An ancient waterside 6 bedroom mill with five holiday lodges generating a good income -commuting to work in any of the wonderful houses can be nothing but a pleasure.
It’s all about creating a lifestyle business where work and family life are far more integrated - “it’s all about coming home”.