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The county of Devon
Bordered by Somerset, Dorset and Cornwall, Devon is England's third largest county covering almost 7,000 sq. kilometres of land. Devon contains the two natural parks of Exmoor and Dartmoor, coastal towns and seaside resorts of two coast lines, picturesque villages with thatched cottages and charming inns. Green rolling hills and coloured patchworks of fields make up the tranquillity of Devon's countryside. Devon is rich in heritage - stone circles, ancient medieval routes, historic market towns, the Roman city of Exeter, and Plymouth, with its famous ancient smuggling maritime connections. Literary associations also abound - Agatha Christie, Conan Doyle, Dickens and the romantic poets have all drawn inspiration from Devon. The whole region is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast, whether you are looking for sport or gentle relaxation. The wild scenery of the national parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor provide exciting challenges for hikers, climbers, horse riders, cyclists and other sports people.
A brief history
The name of the county is generally thought to come from the Celtic Dyfneint, meaning 'deep valley dwellers'. The Romans barely entered the county, apart from establishing a garrison and town at Exeter. There is evidence that there was a battle between the Romans and the Dumnonii, and after this there was probably a truce, allowing some measure of co-existence. By the 16th Century, the county was beginning to gain some sense of importance. Coastal ports, notably Bideford, Barnstaple and Plymouth were becoming regionally important trading centres, and Exeter was emerging as an important regional centre. Tin was being mined on Dartmoor and became so important that there was even a local 'Stannary Parliament', which met quarterly to lay down the law to the tinners. Plymouth was the starting place for the Pilgrim Fathers' voyage to America in the Mayflower, and was also where Sir Francis Drake played his famous game of bowls before defeating the Spanish Armada.
Living in Devon
Devon offers a vast array of properties in pretty villages such as Croyde and Instow, in the cities of Exeter and Plymouth, and on the coast at Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Sidmouth and Exmouth. Ever popular with the sailing fraternity and water sports enthusiasts, many properties have coastal and river views - if you are searching for Devon property you will be spoilt for choice. Devon is the third largest county in England and has a population of over one million people, with almost half of that number living within the urban areas of Plymouth, Torbay and Exeter. Of these Plymouth is the largest city in the region. The CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) recently created a map revealing where the most tranquil places to live are located in the UK. Devon scored well in the research and is ranked fifth overall as the most tranquil region.
Exeter and Plymouth are two of Devon's property hot spots, both are modern cities enjoying thriving economies (Exeter has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the UK), and both of these university cities are easily accessible by air, road and rail. The south west, with its good quality of life is seen as an increasingly attractive place to do business, and has attracted major firms such as the Met Office, Motorola, and DML (a ship repair company employing over 13,500 people in Plymouth). Exeter, with its big city atmosphere, low crime rate, high quality of life and thriving arts scene is consistently rated as one of the best places to live in the UK. If you are searching for property for sale in Devon and your preference is for city life, then you should consider looking at Exeter property and Plymouth property.
Devon has many traditional market towns, including Barnstaple, with its specialist shops, developing shopping area with high street names, a leisure centre and good selection of restaurants and cafés. Located on the edge of Dartmoor, Tavistock, another traditional market town was recently voted the most unspoiled market town in the UK - and it's not hard to see why when you take a stroll through the clean, safe and friendly town centre. Estate agents in Tavistock report that after a five year boom when house prices in Tavistock more than doubled, the market is starting to level off. The migration from the Home Counties continues, with most properties being sold to buyers from outside the area. The buy-to-let market is also buoyant at the moment. Local amenities include a covered Pannier Market, several schools, a small theatre, a swimming-pool, an arts centre and a golf course.
For life by the sea, you can choose from towns such as Ilfracombe or Lynton on the north coast, or from Sidmouth, Salcombe or Teignmouth on the south coast. The south coast is home to the "English Riviera" - the towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, which are also known collectively as "Torbay". Torquay is the biggest of the three towns, with a picturesque harbour surrounded by bars, cafés and restaurants. The town has two shopping centres, a theatre and a cinema, as well as a lively nightlife and plenty of opportunities to enjoy water sports from the marina and main harbour. There is a wide variety of Torquay property for sale, including a good selection of terraced and semi-detached houses, apartments in converted properties and flats in purpose built blocks - many enjoying coastal and sea views.
Travel and transport links in the county of Devon
Whether you are travelling by car, bus, train or plane you will find Devon is easy to reach. Devon is well served by trains from all over the country. First Great Western Trains operate regular services from London Paddington, and South West Trains run from London Waterloo. There are frequent services operated by Virgin Trains from the Midlands and the North, and Wessex Trains operate within the South West and Wales region. Devon is easy to reach by road; with the M5 having excellent links with major motorways. Alternatively, if travelling from the South and East, take the scenic route from the M3/M25 and then the A303/A30. Flights operate from Exeter International Airport to a number of UK airports, including Aberdeen, Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds/Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich and the Channel Islands. There are also flights to various international airports including major hubs such as Amsterdam and Paris, and also regional airports at Alicante, Bergerac, Brest Brittany, Faro, Malaga and Salzburg. Plymouth City Airport is also well served with flights to London Gatwick, Manchester, Leeds/Bradford, Bristol and Jersey.
view the 10 most recently added properties for sale in Devon
2 bedrooms flat in The Marles, Exmouth - Asking price of £125,000
A Spacious Purpose Built First Floor Flat Offering Two Double Bedrooms With Views Over The Valley Park To The Rear... view full details
5 bedrooms house in Tedburn St Mary, Exeter, EX6 - Guide Price of £370,000
A substantial extended detached family house offering 5 bedrooms and 4 reception rooms of versatile accommodation with annexe potential being well presented throughout located on the fringe of...... view full details
4 bedrooms house in Exeter, Devon, EX4 - Guide Price of £335,000
A modern three-storey contemporary style townhouse which has been built to an extremely high specification and affording pleasant views over the River Exe.... view full details
3 bedrooms flat in Exmouth, Devon, EX8 - Asking price of £725,000
An outstanding second floor apartment with gracious and luxuriously planned accommodation recently subject to major refurbishment and situated on the waters front with spectacular south west...... view full details
3 bedrooms house in Thurlestone Gardens, Dartmouth, Devon - Asking price of £625,000
An immaculate detached bungalow occupying a favoured elevated location enjoying breathtaking river dart and sea views. Dartmouth. ... view full details
2 bedrooms house in Halwill Meadow, Halwill Junction - Asking price of £157,950
*Link Detached House *Entrance Hall *Cloakroom *Kitchen *Lounge/Dining Room *2 Bedrooms *Bathroom *Oil Fired Central Heating *Double Glazing *Front & Rear Gardens *Garage & Off Road Parking... view full details
1 bedroom flat in Dolphin House, Sutton Wharf, Plymouth,Plymouth - Asking price of £129,950
A spacious and well presented one bedroom apartment with study, spacious reception room, open plan kitchen with appliances and a modern feel throughout. Dolphin House is located on the eastern...... view full details
1 bedroom flat in Dolphin House, Sutton Harbour, Sutton Harbour,Plymouth - Asking price of £145,000
A well presented fourth floor apartment with a double bedroom, permit parking and superb harbour views Dolphin House is located on the east side of Sutton Harbour within walking distance of...... view full details
3 bedrooms flat in Merritt Road,, Paignton,, Devon - Asking price of £64,950
3 bedroom FIRST FLOOR FLAT on edge of Paignton town centre *Now in need of full modernisation & updating *Lounge *Kitchen *Bathroom *Vacant possession... view full details
