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Fourwalls focus: Devon & Cornwall

A slower, more relaxed pace of life; stunning and varied natural beauty – from beaches to windswept moors; mild winters and sunny summer days; a strong sense of community; just a few reasons why people have, in their droves, left the more populated areas of the UK for a life of sun, sand and seclusion in the far southwest of the country, in the counties of Devon and Cornwall. People choose to move to the West Country for many reasons, but the more sedate pace of living is high on the list. Certainly, there’s a particular draw for living somewhere people choose to go on holiday, from the beach resorts of Cornwall to the pretty inland villages of Devon. In recent years, attention has been drawn to the number of second homeowners in the region, which has had the unfortunate result of pricing local house buyers out of the market; though due to changing legislation, this trend is on a downward turn, and many properties that were once weekend boltholes or trendy Airbnbs are trickling onto the market. While both counties have their own unique charms, both have many miles of coastline, quirky fishing villages and larger towns and cities, a thriving art and theatre scene, close communities and exciting foodie favourites – just be mindful how you take your cream tea in public. Best to do your research before you start lathering on the clotted cream…

Why Devon & Cornwall?

Well, why not? Wall-to-wall sunshine might not be guaranteed, but lower house prices certainly are, with Cornwall averaging roughly £334k and Devon around £321k. Prices have remained steady too, though if you’re looking for something special there are certainly places where you can splash the cash: coastal areas naturally command a higher price tag, and if you’re looking to rent you’ll need a hefty budget to compete with the tourism market. Detached properties in upscale South Hams or Cornish villages are around £2 million upwards (with panoramic sea views), though you can find more affordable housing near the sea in Plymouth and around East Devon’s coastline. The question is: Devon OR Cornwall? As Cornwall is so much further south, it’s much more of a commitment when relocating, while Devon is still easily accessible from London or the South of England for a weekend, to have visitors to stay or for a commute (Bristol by train in one hour). Cornwall has all the bougie shops and restaurants, plus the best beaches, but Devon is catching up, and its villages are prettier, have better parking and are less prone to traffic jams in the summer months.

While the West Country is, it has to be said, rather far from London, technology and an entrepreneurial spirit for new business and exciting developments means the region is better connected and, if possible, more fashionable than ever. After Covid and the ensuing popularity of working from home, hipster coffee houses sprung up in seemingly every village between Penzance and Plymouth, catering to creative types who have realised that productivity doesn’t change whether you’re in the office or working from the West Country. Many people have left their corporate careers (and the rat race behind) to start exciting new ventures ‘down south’ too: a quick flick through The Trencherman’s Guide (a who’s-who of where to dine in the South West) sees 28 new openings across the region in its latest edition. Plus, with more space than say, the South East or The Cotswolds, diversification is hugely popular. If you’ve got the space and the inclination, a glamping site, shepherd’s huts and like offer potential additional income streams.

With improved road and rail links, the West Country is less of a seasonal destination than it used to be – while the population still ebbs and flows depending on the time of year, it’s does offer a year-round lifestyle. For ease of commuting, the area around the A381 is popular, as are the towns and villages with good access to the A38 Devon Expressway which links Plymouth and Exeter. Even the most hidden of gems is easily accessed via train – Shaldon, an idyllic little fishing village, is just 15 minutes by train to Exeter, which is in turn just under three hours from both London Waterloo and London Paddington, plus trains run every half an hour. Driving can be slower, thanks in part due to the narrow, steep-sided lanes which can be wide enough only for single traffic in rural areas – getting stuck behind a tractor is a very real possibility and something to think of if commuting daily. Longer distance means anything from six to 10 hours by car to London – depending on traffic – or it’s possible to fly from Newquay; a consideration if regularly travelling to Heathrow.

Best places to live in Devon & Cornwall

You’re spoilt for choice in the West Country: Devon’s expansive moors – both Exmoor and Dartmoor are national parks, Cornwall’s cliff-clinging fishing villages, golden sandy beaches, well-appointed cities with rail connections, bustling market towns and rolling scenery.

South Hams

To the west of Plymouth, South Hams is one of South Devon’s most idyllic places to live – much of the region is designated an AONB. South Devon is warmer and less affected by storms coming in from the Atlantic, so it’s a great spot for sailors. Many of the waterside villages, such as Noss Mayo and Salcombe, command a hefty price tag, but there are many villages just inland which offer the opportunity to live in the area for less.

Plymouth

Known as Britain’s ‘Ocean City’, Plymouth is located on Devon’s South Coast between two rivers, the Plym and Tamar. It has a lengthy history of shipping, and many of the city’s decommissioned boatyards are now transformed into vibrant new communities. Notable areas include Mannamead and Peverell, historic Stoke and family friendly Plymstock.

North Devon Coast

On Devon’s Atlantic Coast, beautiful villages like Ilfracombe, Lynmouth and Lynton are speckled between dramatic crags and long, golden sandy swathes. Pretty Barnstaple is well appointed for day-to-day amenities, with a station and good schools. Holdsworthy is on the cusp of Cornwall and has a much-coveted Waitrose. Exmoor, like Dartmoor, is colder and tends to get more snow than on the coast.

Bude

Over the border into Cornwall, the northern coast is surf territory, with Newquay’s vast beaches offering world-class waves. Bude is very close to the Devon border but firmly Cornish; south of this you have Padstow, Polzeath and Port Isaac – all wonderful choices with plenty of good restaurants, pubs and cafes – and a scattering of inland towns and villages which are still picturesque but without the higher price tags of those on the coast.

Falmouth & Penzance

Right down in the south of Cornwall you can live the proper West Country dream: paradise beaches, picturesque fishing villages clinging to the coast, wonderful walks along coastal paths – Mousehole, Mullion on the Lizard Peninsula and Fowey are good bets. Two top-notch towns include Falmouth (surprisingly bustling) and Penzance, which offer good amenities and schooling, plus charming homes with lots of character.

Exeter & East devon

With its fast connections via train, Exeter is popular with commuters who still need to stay connected to the capital, which has all you could possibly need for day-to-day life and a thriving community bolstered by the university. Outside of the city, Exmouth, Sidmouth and Newton Abbot offer delightful alternatives.

Exciting new developments in Devon & Cornwall

Look to the edge of Devon and Cornwall’s thriving towns and villages for small developments that slot unobtrusively into the landscape, by converting historical buildings and adding new homes that reflect their surroundings. Alternatively, look to city suburbs for large-scale new communities that are perfect for families looking to relocate.

ADP Architects has done a sterling job breathing new life into the historic Fort Bovisand, which was first constructed in the 1860s to protect the South Coast from impending French invasion. The Palmerston Fort has been remodelled and now includes private housing, in addition to new public spaces; the regenerated community was developed with Historic England and a conservation officer, so the character of its at-risk, Grade II-listed buildings remains intact. The buildings cascade down the hill to the sea, meaning homes here benefit from commanding views over the coast.With the first phase of four landmark developments is now complete and six three-bedroom homes are now on the market.

A former boatyard, Boston Quays was developed by Crestone to create 53 contemporary homes on the east bank of the river Plym. The beautifully designed houses have stunning views over the water and direct access to Hooe Lake via a private slipway – the perfect home for keen sailors. Interiors are modern and luxurious, with generous proportions.

A new 260-home community, Bellevue is a two-phase development mere minutes from the North Cornwall Coast with new footpaths linking the development to the town centre. Cavanna Homes has over 100 years of building expertise in the South West and has added community features such as allotments, play areas, an orchard and a cycle path.

These former tanneries have been skilfully converted into beautiful barn conversions, in a highly desirable setting within walking distance of South Molton’s great amenities. Mazzard Homes completed The Tanneries development, which includes both houses and apartments which have taken over historic buildings including a former apple loft, bark store and tanning yard.

A beautifully imagined development by Penhaven Developments, there’s a rural feel at Penhaven and good access to the village amenities in Parkham, including a lovely thatched pub. The 1-5 bedroom luxury executive homes are only three miles from the National Trust-owned beach at Peppercombe.