How well do you know the West Country? Many of us migratory birds are drawn back again and again to revisit the same places and people that we know and love. The more familiar we are with somewhere, the less precious holiday time is wasted having to discover the best walks, beaches, and eateries. Your family’s probably been going there for so long that it’s in your DNA, and familiarity often means safety for children and teenagers as they become more adventurous every year. All this makes perfect sense.
When it comes to making a permanent move, we quite naturally think that our beloved holiday spots may also be the best places to live full-time. There are many reasons why this may not always be true; prices are bid up by holiday homeowners, seasonal hotspots are crawling with visitors and traffic in the Summer and dead in the winter months, a lack of essential infrastructure, problems from extreme weather and sheer distance from friends and family can all effect your quality of life.
So how will you find your own West Country Zen? That perfect balance of everything that you need and everything that you enjoy? Do you really know what is most important for you and your partner? Are you moving for something different? Or are there elements from your current life that you’d like to retain? What are you trying to get away from? What can’t you live without? Which locations will meet all your requirements and offer you the most for your budget?
Of course, everyone is biased about their own patch, but there’s a lot to be said for living and working in this part of the world. Unspoilt countryside with easy access to the Jurassic Coast to the south and the surfing beaches of the North Devon coast. Strong communities, vibrant market towns, schools and hospitals, good links by road and rail mean that you can choose to be tucked away in a valley that time forgot or find the buzz in a coastal town with boutiques, cafes, and decent coffee.
Prices do vary across the region but are considerably lower than the more fashionable locations nearby. 4–5-bedroom farmhouses with views, outbuildings and land are between £1M – £1.5M and if you don’t mind a project there are still real bargains to be found. From here you can be on Polzeath Beach in 1 hour 45 mins or get up to London in 2 hours on the Taunton line.
If you’re considering a move soon or at a point in the future, we’d love to discuss your plans and explain how Stacks has been helping clients to find and secure their new homes for 40 years.
