The Spare Room
“HOME”: Extended family, dependent relatives, visiting friends -there are times a home needs to expand beyond the daily requirements. Mindful of running costs keeping a house for that “occasional visitor” isn’t always the most economic solution so an independent annexe may be the answer for the visiting offspring that have fled the nest but return briefly whilst potentially creating a source of income.
Whilst not wishing to break my rule of talking of world affairs or politics the current crisis in the Ukraine brings home the significance of home. To see hard working people displaced leaving absolutely everything behind is heart breaking and un-imagineable to say the least. The open arms of many offering accommodation to these people in many countries across Europe is testament to the outpouring of condemnation of the situation. This gave thought to the multitude of “spare rooms”, empty annexes that lie waiting for that “occasional visitor”.
Devon is of course high on the list of holiday destinations, even more so since Covid-19 hit and has many self-contained annexes generating income for owners ensuring they maintain their chosen lifestyle. I am sure some are offering temporary accommodation to the Ukraine refugees but will also be mindful of their own financial circumstances. My point being the displacement of innocent civilians of one country emphasises the relevance of the security we enjoy in our homes.
Highfield, Aveton Gifford in the favoured South Hams. A sympathetically renovated and extended family housed set high above the village set on the River Avon not far from Bantham Beach. Superb kitchen/living/dining reception, study, four bedrooms , one en suite. Separate studio annexe with excellent letting history. www.harrietgeorge.co.uk (01548 856992)
Lower Mill, Awliscombe -2 miles from Honiton on the edge of the Blackdown Hills giving easy access to the road and rail network of the country. A restored stone house retaining its character features with three receptions rooms, kitchen/dining room, four bedrooms, two bathrooms , garaging with one bedroom annexe over. Sitting in a secluded 1.25 acres. www.struittandparker.com (01392 215631)
Lower Washbourne Barton, situated in a secluded valley setting 3.5 miles from Totnes and near the pretty waterfront village of Tuckenhay. A gracious Grade 11* period house dating back to the 17th century, recently restored to retain its features. The 7 bedroom accommodation also offers a 2 bedroom annexe, walled garden, barn and paddock. A rare gem in the sought -after South Hams. www.chartsedge.co.uk (01803 505115)
I sincerely hope that by the time this magazine is published the conflict in Ukraine will be resolved and peace restored but the pain of the thousands affected will last their lifetimes and beyond. I, for one, am enormously grateful for the environment I am fortunate enough to live in and am ever grateful for the security of home – “It’s all about coming home.”