Winter Fitness

So winter has crept up on you and the long dark evenings leading to Christmas seem endless. Before you head for the sofa and catch up on all the films you want to watch make sure all the summer exercise isn’t wasted.  Dreams of indoor pools and gyms are just that for many but it is surprising how many houses I see where there are dedicated rooms at least playing lip service to the physical exercise regime! 

For those with space the luxury of an indoor pool - hopefully with sauna, jacuzzi and gym will ensure family and friends are all keen to visit! 

When discussing potential property purchases with clients the requirements are predictable, subject to budget. If appropriate, following the non-negotiable necessity for a large kitchen/   living/ family space, privacy from neighbours comes indoor sports /recreational facilities -usually including a cinema to relax after a good workout!   

We live in a fast world and the chance to escape home but still enjoy recreational facilities is an investment busy families will make. To enjoy the Devon country houses often necessitates travelling a distance to sports clubs, adding to daily commutes and busy lives so inhouse facilities reduces the added stress levels.

Bluewater House, Kingswear has a gym with the best view ever to inspire exercise. A modern,  four bedroom house on three levels all with views across the water to the Naval College and as far as Agatha Christie’s Greenway. Savills (01548 800462) have the details. 

Strutt and Parker (01392 215631) are selling Staverton Manor near Totnes. A large Victorian 6 bedroom family home with annexe  standing in 19 acres. The integral indoor swimming pool, snooker room and extensive garaging all add to the flavour for outdoor people -plenty of options to create a gym.  

One of the Exe Estuary’s finest homes has it all! Belverdere in Lympstone -an imposing house with views across to Powderham and the Haldon Hills enjoys totally privacy within its 12 acres yet is so accessible by road and rail - you can walk to the local station! Dating back to the 17th century with imposing 18th and 19th century principal crenelated elevations it is a landmark house. The indoor leisure suite has it all - pool, sauna, tanning room, hot tub. Outside there is a floodlit tennis court with pavilion so the dark evenings are no excuse! An entrance lodge and garaging complete what is on offer. Nearby for the enthusiastic is the cycle path running from Exeter to Exmouth.  Knight Frank (01392 423111 ada Savills 01392 455717) are the joint agents.  

So, if you stick to the regime  there will be no feelings of guilt when you do land on the sofa with a glass (or two) of wine and watch that favourite film hopefully in the home cinema - home is to be enjoyed- “it’s all about coming home”.