Exeter - City Living At Its Best

Thirty years ago young families’ greatest desire was to escape the Capital and cities and enjoy the outdoor life, hopefully with a few acres and animals. Whilst some dream of this the trend is now for a lifestyle on the move rather than spending the weekends mowing grass and D.I.Y.  The world has shrunk and access is quicker and faster -so many places to see and so little time. The impact on the housing market is simpler living spaces, smaller gardens and be part of the cafe culture reminiscent of many European countries. . 

Instead of heading to the hills the trend is head to the City taking in the countryside when time allows. In Exeter you can almost have both –have your cake (and coffee) and eat it you might say. Whilst Exeter has exploded in recent years with a retail centre to rival any city in Europe, a world class University and a business and  cultural environment generating a lively buzz, those living here enjoy the ability to be on a beach or tramping  across Dartmoor within thirty minutes - the best of all worlds.

So too has the demand for modern city living dictated the development of the housing market in Exeter. The former hospital in Southernhay has been converted to luxury apartments with the first concierge service in Exeter in a residential building –Pyne and Lyon -01392 908118 –have sold these and will soon be launching the sale of four stunning apartments overlooking Cathedral Green. Back in Southernhay  Winkworths -01392 201177- have sold most of Trinity Court  apartments where I was delighted to act for clients negotiating the purchase of the two penthouses to create a single 3,000 sq.ft state of the art dwelling with wrap around terraces reminiscent of many London apartments , but with an unrivalled view of both the Cathedral and the surrounding countryside.

Currently on offer is a three bedroom apartment in Friary Court through Wilkinson Grant -01392 427500 –again looking across the rooftops to the Cathedral. The major national developers are all evident around the City with housing in all brackets being built for future generations. But let’s not forget the history that created the City –the Quay area and the affluence created by the merchants in the building of the Regency and Georgian houses, most notably in St. Leonards. These period gems are always in demand, many having been updated to 21st century living standards and appeal to those liking space and period housing. Knight Frank -01392 423111 have one in Baring Crescent, Strutt and Parker -01392 215631- one in Victoria Park Road and Wilkinson Grant -01392 427500 one in St. Leonards Road.

From Pennsylvania some houses can boast a (distant) sea view and still within walking distance of the city centre, as is  Fountain Court (Pyne and Lyon 01392 2011177), an alternative to an apartment but a great lock up and leave home.

I can merely skim the surface here of the eclectic mix of housing within the City so why not visit one of the many agents and find out for yourself –you will soon get the sense of ”  it’s all about coming home”

Nigel Bishop

Founder & Managing Director of Recoco Property Search

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