Time to stop putting it off and make the move. The West Country has better connectivity than ever, on and offline which means you can live in this beautiful part of the world and still work, if you want to...
It’s finally getting easier to live somewhere beautiful and still feel connected to the rest of the world, and the West Country is somewhere people always aspire to end up. Strutt & Parker‘s latest national survey showed that 15.6% of respondents with plans to move within the next five years wanted to live in the South West, particularly for retirement and lifestyle reasons. This was, interestingly, reinforced by the 2014 ONS data which pointed to the South West being the region with the highest homeworking rate in the UK, at 17.1%.
So perhaps it’s finally time to take the plunge. House prices have dropped from their peak and if you are selling a property in the South East you will find your money goes pleasingly far. Here are three of our favourite houses for sale if you’re planning to move to the West Country for 2016.
Stunning National Trust farmhouse 
Falmouth, Cornwall £1.2m (Savills 01872 395943)
Nansidwell Farm is situated within an AONB between the north side of the Helford River and Falmouth Bay. The charming stone property itself has three bedrooms with an additional one-bedroom annexe and a two-bedroom cottage (currently used as a holiday let.)
The gardens come to an acre and three quarters and feature fruit trees and colour all year around; the old piggery has a sitting out terrace which enjoys perhaps the very best of the marvellous views down over National Trust land and across the sea towards St Anthony Lighthouse. The Helford River is one of the most idyllic spots in Cornwall, and of course the sea is just moments away.
The property is owned by the National Trust, and is offered on a leasehold basis with 76 years on the lease remaining.
Historic country house in Devon 
Branscombe £2.495m (Humberts; 01404 228966)
Originally built by one of Nelson’s officers and subsequently extended, Trafalgar Cottage offers large, light, well-proportioned reception rooms; in particular the central hall has a magnificent staircase.
With six bedrooms, and further accommodation in The Coach House (The Dolls house is currently used as an art studio) there is plenty of sleeping space.
Outside the gardens and grounds include paddocks, fields and woodland, and come to nearly 20 acres. Located outside Branscombe, the property is just a mile from the World Heritage Jurassic Coastline.
Bridport, Dorset, £3m (Knight Frank 020 8022 6905)
Detailed planning permission has been granted for a large private house in an exceptional position surrounded by National Trust farmland, with six reception rooms and eight bedroom suites.
Long House is set amongst meadowland and woods which lead towards a stretch of private frontage onto Chesil Beach.
The property comes with 26 acres of paddocks and various outbuildings including a yard with eight horse boxes, tool shed, tack room and stores, plus a manège.
