ARTICLE

Buying in North Devon

Full of history, myths and legends, North Devon is the place to go for unspoilt landscape, chocolate box cottages and two Heritage coasts with spectacular scenery. It's full of diversity with sleepy fishing villages as well as bustling seaside towns. You'll find Victorian, Medieval and Georgian architecture and wildlife galore as well as fantastic surfing and a thriving creative community.

close video

Buying in North Devon

Buyer's tips

  • The area is still relatively unspoilt. Hunt down the large Victorian and Edwardian properties with their original features intact.
  • You'll get more for your money in North Devon than in the South, but invest soon – the area's gaining in popularity.
  • More and more properties are going to tender, which is like a closed auction involving sealed bids.

The buyers: Veronica and Peter
For Veronica, a novelist and scriptwriter, and Peter, an artist and music producer, Devon's beautiful landscape has always provided plenty of creative inspiration.

They've been married for 25 years and have three sons, so they're looking for a large house with spectacular views in the north of the county. They have a healthy budget of up to £800,000.

Why North Devon?
The stretch of coastline that runs between Lynton and Appledore is dramatic and varied – from the Cliffs and rocky landscape of the Exmoor coast at Lynton and Lynmouth to the vast surfer beaches of Woolacombe and Saunton Sands. Compared to South Devon, it's relatively unspoilt and much less developed so if you want to get back to nature, it's the perfect spot.

There are plenty of beautiful coastal walks. One of the most popular is Torrs Walk, which takes you from Ilfracombe to Woolacombe with awesome views along the way.

Most of the locals own surfboards and Woolacombe Beach is home to a great surf school. On the same beach you can take part in the Annual Woolacombe National Sand Castle Competition, which attracts teams from across Europe.

Around the bay from Woolacombe is the beautiful Barricane Beach, which is definitely worth a visit. It's made up of broken shells that have been brought thousands of miles across the ocean by the Gulf Stream. Go when the tide's out and the beach goes on for miles.

The estate agents
Property 1 and 2:
Stags
(Contact Simon Forman)
Tel: 01271 322833

Property 3:
Turner and Carr
(Contact Kelly)
Tel: 01271 866421

Property 4:
Taylor Underwood
(Contact Jane)
Tel: 01271 323 290

For a millionaire moment…
Unique Home Stays
(Contact Sarah Stanley)
Tel: 01637 881942

Top three details

  • To experience the magnificent coastline, take a walk along the the Torrs walk.
  • Spend the day on Woolacombe beach.
  • Visit beautiful Barricane Bay.

    Living the dream details
  • Enjoy a family boat trip and take in the views of the pretty coastal villages along the way.

    • Related sections: Fantasy Homes By The Sea

    COMMENTS