Fancy a cottage with fishing rights and a wildflower meadow?
Many people have had time to reflect on lifestyle during recent moments, i.e. what’s important? Can we live somewhere else? Do we really want to?
Working from home or from a distance is an option not even considered before. There was a time the paperless office was considered super-efficient; now the virtual office is here – Zoom meetings bringing together teams from across the world.
Where travel is minimised it’s undoubtedly a great benefit to our carbon footprint and stress levels. Time was when whole lives were lived in a relatively small geographical radius. Maybe that is a backward step too far as we all like to explore new places but to be settled in one and embrace the locality cannot be wrong.
Finding that magical place that suits the family needs takes time unless there are distinct and relevant pointers. Schooling, work connections, hobbies, budget and remember to look ahead as life evolves - will you embrace the community or still consider it a transient landing place for a period in your life?
Sourcing the right locality to suit your needs is the first step and then identifying a property within your budget is next. Whilst internet portals offer an ever-evolving choice there is a growing trend for properties to be “off market”. Access to these is through the right contacts.
Creating a new life by moving to a new area can be daunting and challenging but exciting in equal measures. Seeking help from local professionals can be invaluable. Buying in the wrong place can be a costly mistake.
Many people buy a house in a heartbeat - it’s an emotional purchase. True, the analytical process of value, funding and practicality follow but so often the decision is made in some cases even before viewing internally. So, when choosing a lifestyle - old, new, town village or country - life’s daily needs will dictate this but remember to consider the future.
Here are some opportunities to consider right now in Devon:
Homefield Farm, Sherford, in the South Hams is 5,000 sq ft of Victorian stone barn with commercial and residential use and 3,000 sq ft of modern buildings with seven acres. A great lifestyle opportunity with huge potential (subject to planning). Luscombe Maye are the selling agents.
If a stunning end product appeals, Highcliff House, Budleigh Salterton, enjoys a coastal setting with sea view. Built in 2012 in a Georgian design this five-bedroom family house stands in two thirds of an acre gardens. With three principal reception rooms, large kitchen/living space and garden room there is ample space for all the family and their individual requirements.
For a far more rural escape, yet enjoying fishing rights on the River Torridge, Bridge Cottage at Sheepwash is the perfect antidote to a hectic life. The immaculate, modernised three-bedroom cottage enjoys terraced gardens and a five-acre wildflower meadow. So, for a change of lifestyle - retirement or weekend escape -it’s perfect. Highcliff House and Bridge Cottage are for sale through Strutt and Parker .
Endless opportunities in a county that never ceases to impress - lifestyle, scenery, great connections – an idyllic place to make home, because, after all, “it’s all about coming home”.
Property expert Nigel Bishop of Recoco Property Search writes a monthly column for Devon Life.
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