Torridge & West Devon
Torridge and West Devon: Devon could almost be divided into sub counties – the difference is quite significant how the various quarters of the county differ. Each has a geographical ambience of it’s own and this is reflected in the towns, villages and architecture. These areas historically flourished through farming and mining. The landscape of fertile rolling hills spreading into Dartmoor favoured sheep and cattle rather than arable with thriving market towns bustling with business and social amenities. Whilst the towns retain their charm the agricultural markets have mostly dispersed while most retain regular street markets where farmers and artisan entrepreneurs sell their wares, ensuring the ancient charters of the towns are upheld. Indeed many have grown as a new generation relishes an alternative to supermarket and online shopping.
The region is blessed with The Taw, Torridge, Tavy and Ockment Rivers – good for fishing. Devon’s coastline is always prominent and not be outdone Torridge enjoys a spectacular stretch along the Torridge estuary to Hartland Point – a wilder scene than the softer South Devon coast. The tourist industry ensures incomes are boosted where historic incomes have reduced – cycle trails such as The Tarka Trail all generate visitor appeal and in turn encourage new residents. Extensive new developments in all the towns merge with the period properties ensuring a market for all tastes and budgets. The points of the compass mark the points where the people in the region gravitate to the large centres in Devon: From Okehampton the tendency is to east to Exeter – from Torrington north to Bideford and Barnstaple and Tavistock south to Plymouth. And yet all can be found locally if you look!
Rural Torridge and West Devon offers a tranquil lifestyle but is deceptive in terms of the extensive business and retail opportunities in line with the best of any 21 st century locations and demands. So, many period properties have now been restored incorporating every modern facility and, where allowed, eco sustainable systems reducing the damage to the planet and controlling expenditure.
Equally there is a plethora of new homes for those preferring everything new. The best of all worlds - rural life, never far from the coast and never too far from a coffee shop – (even if you need to drive there!): “It’s all about coming home.”
Property Section
Lamerhooe Lodge, Tavistock: Former fishing lodge in stunning setting overlooking the Tamar Valley. Large family house in 2 acres parkland gardens and further paddock. Indoor swimming pool. Fantastic family home.www.savills.com Peard’s Acre, South Zeal: Period 6 bedroom village house dating to late 15 th century with 1.25 acre gardens being one of the last remaining medieval burbage plots delineated in the 13 th century. Amazing history in popular village on the edge of the Dartmoor Nation Park.
Estate Agent: JacksonStopps
The Old Parsonage, Beaford: Grade 11 home dating to the 15 th century, sympathetically extended, retaining character features including cross passage oak screen. Barn with planning permission to convert to ancillary or letting cottage. Home and income in a delightful rural setting.
Estate Agent: Phillips Smith & Dunn
South Warne, Mary Tavy: Lifestyle opportunity – traditional turn of the 20 th century 4 bedroom farmhouse with 1 bedroom holiday letting annexe, set with 86 acres farmland. Traditional buildings with potential and good modern stock buildings. Dip into farm life yet close to bustling Tavistock and Dartmoor National Park
Estate Agent: D. R. Kivell
Higher Lovaton Barn, Yelverton: Charming, period secluded stone barn tastefully converted with spacious ancillary accommodation set around private courtyard and with 2 acre paddock. A perfect multi- generational home in enviable location and setting.
Estate Agent: Mans Bridge Balmont
“It’s all about coming home”