The Secrets of North Devon
North & West Devon - Devon is the second largest county in England and probably has the largest variation of countryside, weather and economies of any county. Traditionally, a predominantly rural environment relying on farming and fishing there are vast areas that still retain their core values, helped these days by the tourist industry. None more evident than in north and west Devon, the area north of Dartmoor to the coastline north of Bude as far as the borders of Exmoor on the northern coastline. The former port of Bideford and market towns of Barnstaple and South Molton provide the business focus for the rural villages that have changed little, epitomising the county of Devon. Farming is still the prime employment with diversification creating incomes in line with modern times
Envy in the summer months of an outdoor life can turn to pity in the hard winter months yet still there is a (growing) demand from South East evacuees keen to embrace the lifestyle, bringing new ideas and capital injections to the local economy.
Driving from Okehampton on the A3079 to Holsworthy and Bude you cannot fail to gaze in awe at the view across Dartmoor to the distant Bodmin Moor, whilst further on there are glimpses back towards Exmoor. Look carefully and dotted throughout the landscape are villages and farms hiding a buzz of activity, constantly evolving with the passage of time embracing a changing world but retaining the inherent character and peace. Internet access is perhaps not as strong as it might be but sufficient to allow a new generation to operate businesses in rural areas, boosting local economies.
Most older properties are of traditional stone and cob construction but there are many newer properties for those preferring lighter contemporary housing. Changes in planning rules allowing redundant farm buildings to be converted opening possibilities to create homes in places otherwise deemed impossible. Demand for ancillary accommodation provides added income from holiday letting and a few acres lets people venture into animal husbandry and The Good Life!
Wixon Farm near Chulmleigh (Savills 01392 455700) is quite a grand farmhouse with amazing views, stabling and lake tucked away down a private road yet not too far from the North Devon Link Road and motorway access at Junction 27 of the M5.
Kingsley Mill at Black Torrington (Jackson Stops and Staff 01271 325153). A secluded farmhouse mill with detached cottage, 38 acres, 1,000 yards double bank fishing, tennis court -the perfect place to raise a family.
5 miles from South Molton is Heasley Mill (Geoffrey Clapp Associates 01769 52121), a charming stone former mill with cottage gardens, an optional two acre paddock all in immaculate order and in the Exmoor National Park.
The hidden lanes and diverse properties sprawling throughout the Devon countryside give buyers infinite opportunities to enjoy a lifestyle in the warm south west sunshine whatever their budget. Some are spoilt for choice and find it hard to decide, like a child in a sweet shop so go with your heart and remember “it’s all about coming home”.
Nigel Bishop
Founder & Managing Director of Recoco Property Search