The South Hams is often considered one of the best places to live in Devon, but why?
As the name suggests, and located on Devon’s southerly flank — also encompassing large swathes of Dartmoor — the geography and beauty of the South Hams is unique, with rolling green fields and deep tree-lined valleys leading to deep water estuaries.
Image courtesy of South Hams District Council
This area of South Devon is framed on two sides by some of the finest sailing waters in the world and fringed with quiet sandy beaches. Understandably, the South Hams has rightly earned its place as home to the one of the finest lifestyle investments you can make in the UK.
The mild climate in this region will be appreciated by keen gardens, with slightly cooler summers and milder winters — traditional of a maritime climate in which ice and snow are exceedingly rare and tropical plants thrive. This mild climate, coupled with fertile farmland and an active fishing fleet, has meant that the South Hams has long been recognised as a ‘foodies’ paradise, with many niche and high-end producers servicing a plethora of fantastic restaurants, farmers markets and celebrated food festivals, adding significantly to the healthy lifestyle available.
FOR SALE: Curtisknowle, Totnes, Devon, TQ9
A beautifully presented and recently renovated period cottage of considerable character and charm, with separate annexe, gardens and woodland, in a peaceful hamlet above the River Avon valley and with views to Dartmoor. Offers in Excess of £700,000. View more details.
The additional health benefits of the area should also be noted, with easy access to ample recreational activities on your doorstep. Walking, cycling on the moor or this stretch of coast, surfing, swimming, sailing, fishing and kayaking are all fantastic health and wellbeing boosters, especially when coupled with the well-known medicinal qualities in fresh sea air, charged with oxygen-absorbing negative ions. Simply breathing the sea air alone can help lift mood, decrease stress levels and encourage a better night's sleep.
As Ratty wisely said: “There is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”. Living near the coast allows you to check the wind, weather and tide by simply opening a window rather than driving to the boat only to discover that the weather forecast has let you down once again. In addition to this, many popular harbours will only let moorings to local residents — a definite perk for keen boaters.
Unlike some rural communities, infrastructure in this part of Devon is part of its strength. Devon is, after all, a rural county which is fundamental to its charm and it relaxed atmosphere. However, the South Hams offers resilient and reliable infrastructure with the mainline railway serving a surprising number of uncrowded stations offering speedy links to the capital. The A38 (Devon’s Expressway) adds the versatile transport mix, complemented by international airports in Exeter, Newquay and Bristol.
Buyers looking for a sense of belonging need to look no further; the South Hams has a strong sense of community and residents have always enjoyed a strong sense of self and spirit — you won’t help to notice that.
If you would like the know the conditions of the housing market, or are interested to know how we can help, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01392 214222 or email exeter@jackson-stops.co.uk.
