The Great Escape
“Let me out” I hear them cry. City dwellers craving fresh air, green fields, birdsong and neighbours who smile when they see you. Lockdown 2020 proved the catalyst for life changing decisions -lifestyle.
From concrete jungle to open wilderness -well maybe not quite but the difference should not be underestimated. Each have their advantages and in the end both give inhabitants opportunities. So, can a town mouse become a country mouse? Can you exchange the buzz of the city for the buzz of a bee? How many city evacuees will hanker after the bright lights after a year or two and return to their comfort zone? We shall see. In the meantime the much needed boost to the property market has enjoyed unprecedented levels of activity and the country house market in particular seeing inflating prices.
Where is it taking us all? A change in social activity, an attempt at recreating times past but benefitting from 21st century technology? Whilst everything has moved forward at a frightening pace in the last thirty years it is interesting that what so many people crave is the lifestyle long gone. Whilst technology is the driving force the immediacy of the world will dictate the pace of life. The balance is almost impossible as future generations will only know of a calmer pace from the history books and accept the here and now as normal.
Having said that in the 2020s we can still hold on to country life and dictate our pace of life and where better to embrace that than in Devon -from East to West, North to South the rolling hills, sweeping tracts of farmland and coastal valleys provide opportunities yet still never far from that elusive take away coffee that symbolises city life!!
Shorland Old Farm, Challacombe, North Devon. Tucked away on the edge of Exmoor and approached via long drive and set in fourteen acres of pasture, woodland and total peace. The extensive accommodation within the house and adjoining barns offer adaptability with great opportunity for multi- generational family living, or a commercial hospitality venture surrounded by totally unspoilt countryside. Lying just a few miles from the stunning North Devon coastline yet not too far from access to “the world” via the North Devon Link Road -a perfect opportunity. Knight Frank are the agents (01392 423111).
Little Weekhayne, Southleigh lies a few miles inland from the Jurassic Coast, north of Beer. Looking across a pretty valley with a wooded backdrop this four bedroom cottage has been extensively modernised and extended in recent years and offers good family accommodation in a private, south facing setting. With no near neighbours yet just nine miles from Axminster which lies on the Waterloo line a quick day trip to London is possible. The renowned Colyton grammar school is not far so educational needs are well catered for. Fortnum Smith and Banwell have the details (01297 23939)
Whilst life itself evolves at a pace hidden spots of peace are there and for those who must embrace the world the internet is fast becoming as effective in rural areas as in the cities -so why not embrace both? Home will forever be the hub of life - It’s all about coming home.