Torridge and West Devon
Torridge and West Devon: rural England at it’s best! Largely unspoilt and protected as Areas of Outstanding Beauty – AONB - and a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site – Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape - where the history of copper, tin and arsenic mining underpinned the local economy alongside agriculture.
Whilst Torridge boasts the South West Coast Path and coastline West Devon is the only region within the county to have no direct coastline but the greater section of the Dartmoor National Park, abutting Cornwall along the AONB Tamar Valley.
What a wonderful part of the country in which to live – fiercely protected ensuring future generations will benefit from a corner of England rich in heritage and natural beauty. But don’t be deceived that it is all about the past. Thriving towns and villages with Bideford and Tavistock being the administrative centres whilst others include Torrington – the home of Dartington Glass, Okehampton, Chagford to name a few. National economies may be hard hit recently but locally the balance between commerce and tourist industry ensure a sound future.
The 2020s decade is seeing a shift in lifestyle with an influx of newcomers to the region boosting the property market. In turn this supports the building trades and local retail sector – the local farmers’ markets are a particular draw supporting the ever- increasing small farm enterprises.
Alongside the many historic homes the need for energy efficient homes minding both the individual economies and the planet is evident with the increasing development in all the towns – again protected within the governing rules balancing growth with retaining the culture of the region – a difficult task for any council but necessary to ensure their future viability.
An Englishman’s home is his castle – and the region has a few from Okehampton Castle dating back as thousand years to the last ever castle to built in England – Castle Drogo overlooking the Teign Vally and Dartmoor. With a more modest approach to living in the 21 st century – whether it be a thatched farmhouse with a acres, Victorian townhouse or contemporary home – the choice is there.
Each has it benefits (and negatives!) and serves different purposes as life’s requirements evolve from first time buyers to retirement age living.
Connections consistently improve with upgraded roads - the A361 Norh Devon Link Road and the A30 as well as the recently reinstated rail line from Okehampton to Exeter, all connecting the areas to the national road and rail network. Rural living, work from home and benefit from the glorious Devon countryside and all it offers – where better to live: “It’s all about coming home”.
A varied selection of Torridge and West Devon properties:
Cleave Farm, Hatherleigh: Traditional restored Grade 11 listed farmhouse, studio, party barn with up to 83 aces (in Lots) pasture, ancient woodland and River Lew frontage: A slice of pure Devon:
Hayne Barton, Stowford: Exceptional Grade 11 village house in immaculate order with garaging and
beautiful gardens.
The Barn, Culverhill, Tavistock: Stunning barn conversion in 5 acres – A rated EPC, totally off grid – the ultimate rural sustainable home:
The Paddocks, Sticklepath, Okehampton: Superbly presented home with versatile, multi-generational accommodation – home /income: on edge of village:
Meadowsweet Barn, Bridgerule, Holsworthy: Impressive, eco friendly home under construction in the upper Tamar valley close to the Devon/ Cornwall border: