Dulverton
The Town
If your property search takes you anywhere near the Devon and West Somerset borders, give the historic market town of Dulverton a look. Ask your Recoco property finder to confirm the town’s current population: last count was around 2,400. Dulverton parish incorporates the hamlets of Ashwick and Battleton.
Much Dulverton housing is Georgian to late Victorian, with a small amount of more modern housing from the years following World War Two. Your Recoco property finders will happily help uncover everything the area has to offer.
Dulverton is in the River Barle valley, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The river passes under the Tarr Steps, a clapper bridge thought to have been in use since prehistoric times.
Transport
Dulverton is accessible via the A396, B3222, and B3223. Property buyers are likely to find the single-track roads on Exmoor roads especially busy, especially in high season. The roads in the centre of Dulverton are noticeably narrow.
Buses run to Bampton, Dunster, Exford, Lynmouth, Minehead, Simonsbath, Taunton, Tiverton, Wheddon Cross, Winsford, Withypool, and Wiveliscombe: some operate only during August to September. Wellington railway station is 18.4 miles away, Tiverton Parkway just over 20 miles and Taunton just under 26 miles. If air connections are important to your property search, ask your Recoco property finder about the nearest airports, Exeter or Bristol.
History
Iron Age hillforts above the town are Brewer’s Castle, Mounsey Castle, and Oldberry Castle. Recoco buying agents can confirm Dulverton is Dolvertune in the Domesday Book. William the Conqueror granted the manor to the Turberville family; in the mid-16th century it was purchased by the Sydenhams, a branch of the Bridgwater family. Historically, wool and upland farming made Dulverton wealthy.
Education
Dulverton has one primary and one junior school. The nearest state secondary schools are in Tiverton. There are several well-regarded independent schools nearby, including Blundell’s School in Tiverton; Wellington School; Taunton School; West Buckland School in Barnstaple; Queen’s College, Taunton; and Fusion College, Wellington.
Leisure and Events
Dulverton is home to the Headquarters of the Exmoor National Park Authority. Recoco buying agents can point you towards the Exe Valley Way and Land’s End Trail running through the town. There’s a large recreation meadow in the middle of the town which was recently renovated.
Dulverton’s independent businesses include shops, award winning restaurants and pubs, and tea rooms. The village has its own GP practice, dentist, and veterinary surgery. There is a bank, post office, supermarket, and several unique boutiques and gift shops, as well as a gun and tackle shop.
Dulverton has several activities on offer, including fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, shooting and tennis, gym classes, and fortnightly film showings. Dulverton by Starlight takes place at the start of December. Dulverton has 3 churches and a Heritage and Arts Centre at the Guildhall. The National Park Information Centre shares its premises with the local public library and exhibitions change regularly.
As well as the riverside walks along the Barle in Dulverton, the open moorland of Exmoor’s Winsford Hill is within easy reach. Property buyers who enjoy the outdoors life will find Dulverton especially appealing. Recoco buying agents will be able to help you pinpoint red deer and rare butterflies, great hiking trails, and challenging, well-marked cycling routes. Dog-owning property buyers will also be delighted to know that several pubs in the area welcome well-behaved pooches.
Celebrity Connections
Writer and journalist Auberon Waugh was born at Pixton Park, Dulverton, in 1939. Founder of the YMCA, George Williams, was born here in 1821, while nearby Northmoor is a former seat of Sir Frederick Wills, 1st Baronet, and one of the founders of the Imperial Tobacco Company.
Foodies’ Corner
Dulverton’s independent shops include a butcher, greengrocer, Catley’s Fish and Chip Shop; a supermarket with late hours, several tea shops, Woods pub and restaurant, and Tong Dam Thai restaurant. There is a Farmers Market on the last Saturday of each month from April to September.
Local produce is served in many of the exceptionally pleasant country pubs, including the Bridge Inn. Some pubs specialise in game; some in shellfish. Many have been awarded Taste Of The West awards for their menus. Local cask ales and wines such as Exe Valley Wine are also often served as an accompaniment. And it wouldn’t be the West Country without a delicious cream tea to help your property search on its way.
Fun Fact
The stone slabs on the Tarr Steps weigh up to two tons each.