The Right House in The Right Place

“Draw a Square on the Map”. I hear myself making this statement consistently.  Where’s the best place to live I am asked. Whilst technology and communication allows distance to be no object the daily practicalities of life do dictate where is best to live. 

Life has distinct phases and priorities change so there is no long term right answer.  What is important when you are twenty five is vastly different to when you are seventy five. How many people wish in late years they had a smaller house as they did when starting out? So, consider life in ten year phases -can you really see beyond the next ten years? Buy the house to suit your life today. Schooling may be the key factor in one phase but the golf course in a later one! Whatever the phase think of the practicality and what is important on a daily basis. The romantic image of remote hideaways or sea views may be just that – when considered practically they don’t work for the family but as life changes they can.  True, it is an expensive exercise to move house and shouldn’t be considered lightly- but life is for living so go for it.

So where in Devon? We have it all -sea, moor and city -there must be the perfect place for everyone. Add in good communications by road, rail, air and sea. The balmy south coast ,mild weather and perfect for sailing, the wilder north coast with rugged coastline, Exmoor and surfing beaches or the majestic Dartmoor with ancient Stannary towns. Maybe the gentler East Devon landscapes fit the bill. For the city dwellers Exeter is the jewel in the crown. 

Thankfully we are all different so the diverse range of property across such a large county must surely be a magnet for all.

For city dwellers looking for a character house, 40 Wonford Road in St. Leonards, Exeter is a listed Georgian 5 bedroom town house. The large lower ground floor kitchen living room gives superb family space with gracious receptions on the garden level. With parking and gardens the perfect house for those needing proximity to the schools, hospitals and city amenities. Knight Frank are the agents (01392 423111)

Privacy, seclusion and the feeling of times past - The Longhouse Farm near Widecombe in the Moor is an ancient Dartmoor farmstead set around a cobbled courtyard. Sitting in 12 acres this ancient farmstead with cross passage epitomises such properties. With a holiday let and Christmas tree plantation providing income it is perfect for The Good Life. Fowlers (01647 433595) and Drew Pearce (01392 210748) are the agents.   

Husseys, Stockland near Honiton sits in secluded 5 acres of serene East Devon countryside. A charming stone house with 38 ft. kitchen/living room, natural gardens with a Mediterranean feel and meadows. A large games room and other outbuildings complete the picture. Humberts (01404 42456) are the agents.

So, whatever the dream Devon can deliver -and with choices! Home is where you make it- “it’s all about coming home”.