Trees!
I am not about to take over the gardening column and advise on planting trees. Living in Devon it may be easy to take our surroundings for granted when any rural drive takes us through incredible scenery depicting the seasons through the year. Apart from the diverse landscapes of true, rural farming land and the wilds of Dartmoor and Exmoor the defining factor are the trees. Thankfully policies are in place ensuring the regeneration of cultivated woodlands and preservation policies for the ancient woodlands. Each play their part in the sustainability of the environment and the natural habitat of a diverse wildlife, both animal and fauna.
When viewing property, particularly in the countryside, it is the surroundings that often draw attention before the house itself. It is always about location when buying -not just access to amenities and schools but the immediate visual location and setting. Houses are “bought” in a heartbeat when the “feeling” tells you it is the one. Considered assessment follows but the heart will rule the head in nine out of ten cases.
So, the defining feature of trees has a direct impact on the value of property -they set the scene. A drive up the Exe valley north of Exeter to Exmoor or The Lyd Valley in West Devon will always lift the heart no matter what the season. The indigenous beech tree dominates, displaying stunning colours through the year and a backdrop for a cold winter scene. Whilst a water view is often a prerequisite the gentle woodland view offers a calming and warming vista.
Inevitably there is a wide choice of properties with woodland settings on offer throughout Devon. Humberts (01404 42456) are selling the unique hidden paradise -The Colwell Estate near Honiton. A lifestyle opportunity of a cottage sitting in a glade within seventy five acres of ancient woodland - the only neighbour might be Little Red Riding Hood! Touching Lydford Forest on Dartmoor is the aptly named Forest Lodge (Jackson Stops 01392 214222). A four bedroom farmhouse in ten acres with extensive stabling and barns, planning permission to convert one to a further four bedroom house. An equestrian dream.
Bursting with history and character is the Grade 11 listed Deer Leap Farmhouse at Higher Ashton in the Teign Valley (Strutt and Parker 01392 215631). Dating back to 1640 a classic thatched Devon farmhouse in eighteen acres with woodland and paddocks yet only twenty minutes from Exeter -peace and convenience rolled into one! Finally, Knight Frank (01392 423111) are selling Middle Coombe at Lustleigh. Tucked in a Dartmoor coombe with stream, ponds and twenty four acres this restored six bedroom home has a magical setting, an artists studio and footpaths on to open moorland-what more do you need?
Trees are the life source of the countryside, both physically and aesthetically. They create the environment we all seek - “It’s all about coming home”.