The Escape Route

We all dream about escaping at times – stop the train I want to get off. The pressures and demands of modern life make it pretty hard to do so. Stand back and maybe it is just possible even if only for short periods, but where? A remote Pacific Island with turquoise seas and white sand – sounds wonderful but not very realistic? Hard to get to and not entirely necessary.  Back on home ground Devon may just have the answer and can still turn up properties that are safely tucked away from the world. Despite government promises the internet connection may not be wonderful but isn’t that the point? - leave the modern world alone and come and listen to the morning chorus and watch the stars at night with no light pollution?

I hear the disbelievers out there so here are a few examples of hidden treasures in the Devon countryside. North Devon has a thinner population than South Devon and may take a little longer to reach but once there is hard to beat -fishing on the Taw and Torridge may produce the odd salmon - the beauty of Exmoor National Park and the dramatic coastline from the Valley of The Rocks to Hartland Point.

Tucked between these points is Beecott Down Cottage within the National Trust Arlington Estate. Approached by a 0.5 mile track the original cottage dates back to 1690 with a 1920s addition and a new garden room, all retaining the rustic integrity of the property. The 0.65 acre gardens also epitomise the rural image and blend into the woodland surrounds. Stags Barnstaple (01271 322833) are the agents. 

Further west near Hartland Point is Ducksberry where the bumpy track leads to a cottage fit for a film set of a bygone era.  Built by an entrepreneurial professor in the 1930s the dramatic setting is perfect for the creative mind. Sitting by the South West Coast Path in 3.7 acres literally yards from the rugged coast this is a true one off. Stags Bideford are selling it (01273 425030)

South Devon can still provide hidden opportunities - Scobbiscombe Farm, part of The Flete Estate near Holbeton, is an opportunity to renovate a former estate farmhouse and barns. Another long driveway leads to a cluster of stone buildings with enormous potential again sitting in 6 acres. Untouched for many years the visionary will see the potential.  Marchand Petit - Newton Ferrers are selling this (01752 873311)

So whether a weekend escape from the city or for the brave, a lifestyle change  the Pacific Islands are not the only place to offer tranquility - granted Devon can’t quite offer year round turquoise seas and white sand to the same standard (although it’s not far off with two stunning coastlines) and the green lush pastures are due to a higher rainfall -  but it’s a lot easier to get to! A dream can be a reality - “it’s all about coming home”.