Winding Down - Life in the Slow Lane! Maybe not?

There was a time retirement was set in stone -aged 60 to 65- and the pension drawn to enjoy the simple things in life -nowadays life expectancy is considerably longer and increasing. Wealth is created younger so a change of lifestyle, not retirement, is approached with excitement as a healthy baby booming generation busy themselves with ambitious life challenges. 

A move to a bungalow by the sea to watch the waves is no longer an option. The digital world provides endless opportunities for adventure for a generation where total retirement is not even considered. Many business ventures are created by successful people in their sixties with capital, experience, energy and enthusiasm mixing work and social life passing their knowledge to the next generation. 

Yet again Devon plays host to so many opportunities -sporting, cultural and social -not forgetting the amazing eating venues our café culture enjoys. Travel connections  no longer eliminate families visiting just for special occasions -short weekend visits are possible. Every family is different so the bigger picture must be considered to maintain the family unit. Looking long term it is essential to build local connections both personally and professionally to deal with eventualities when time does catch up with you and the wish to run at a pace is no longer there.  Enjoy today, consider tomorrow and those that you will expect help from in the future. 

Properties that create an income from a holiday let can boost a pension, give a sense of purpose, meet new people but can be a tie. Larger houses have an appeal when there has been a life -long yearn to create a garden and in time the next generation could take it on, subdividing the house for multi- generational use. A new breed of development is flourishing such as Millbrook Village in Exeter (Savills 01392 455755) a village environment for like-minded people with assistance on hand if required.  In Chagford, high on Dartmoor, Stannary Gardens is an exclusive, gated development by Blue Cedar Homes offering houses and flats within walking distance of the town centre (Fowlers 01647 433595). For those with a dream of a water view, maybe near the newly acquired boat, Devon has endless opportunities. The south coast is favoured for sailing -Exmouth has a marina, a level promenade, good shopping and  train link to Exeter. W2 Estates (01395 271800.  www.w2estates.com) are selling 2 Regatta Court. A first floor, front line 2 bedroom/2 bathroom flat with parking -even the furniture can be bought so just pack your bags and your new life awaits!

For the true romantic I haven’t forgotten those with the dream of a chocolate box, thatched village house -Pomeroy House , Gittisham near Honiton (Knight Frank (01392 423111) -maybe for the retiring family - with six bedrooms but wonderful potential and so accessible!

Whatever the aspiration for an exciting new phase in your life Devon yet again tops the polls for choice -city, town, village, moorland, estuary, sea we have it all -a home for every taste - It’s all about coming home”.

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