The Village Pub
February: Christmas is a distant memory. We crept through January. February arrives and Spring is just around the corner. Time to start getting out. The evenings are slowly drawing out but there is still a chill in the air. So - where better to go than the village pub - a warm welcome from the hosts and an open fire. To survive most pubs have reinvented themselves as gastro eating houses serving excellent, locally sourced food in a convivial environment. Devon revels in an array of village pubs (what does that say I wonder of the inhabitants?). This magazine is constantly full of articles of amazing pubs throughout the county – and most it seems have been visited by the editor!
It is often a requirement when house hunting to add to the non-negotiable list - “walking distance to a good pub - family and dog friendly even better” Indeed the pub has been the centre of village social life for centuries .As traditional “ale houses” reinvent themselves to eating houses there will still be a bar for the locals with a choice of local brews - the meeting place for committee meetings or just putting the world to rights.
Villages with a good pub fuel the local property market - whether it be cottage or manor house. Throughout this large county are many excellent villages and an equal number of pubs.
Brook Cottage, Brampford Speke. Just four miles from Exeter at the foot of the Exe valley. A classic listed, thatched house now in need of modernisation on the edge of the village, with a gate leading down to the river. The purchaser will have the option to buy a share of Pynes Fishing Ltd, granting rights to a mile of double bank and three miles of single bank fishing on the Exe. A similar walk will take the owners to the Agricultural Inn - known for its excellent food and hospitality. Savills (01392 455755 ).
Looking across the Yealm in Noss Mayo is Snaefel. A modern detached four bedroom family house with a garden gate giving access to the river. The owners of this house have the advantage of pubs in two villages – The Ship in Noss Mayo and across the water The Dolphin in Newton Ferrers. Luscombe Maye (01752 880044) .
Way up in the north of the county Georgeham boast two pubs, The Rock Inn and The Kings Arms. The owners of North Buckland Farm, situated a short distance from the village, have the perfect lifestyle. A period house externally belies the contemporary interior. Creating an income is an equally impressive stone barn conversion and to offer more potential a further barn has planning for three bedroom holiday accommodation. Stags (01271 322833).
So go on -spoil yourselves - if you saw “dry January” through February is the time to get out - maybe Valentine’s night - support the local pub - meet friends and neighbours and then wander home - “it’s all about coming home”.