Cornwall is, without question, is one of the prettiest parts of Britain. The coastline is breathtaking and has so many different nooks and crannies of private beaches and coves which seem inexhaustable, while authors like Daphne du Maurier helped to cement places like Frenchman’s Creek as romantic, idyllic places to summer.
So many families visit Cornwall every year, whether they head for the foody havens of Padstow, the galleries and sweet shops of St Ives, or to the north coast for surfing and seafood, there is so much to see and do in this west coast favourite.
Some families spend so much time there they end up buying a holiday home in Cornwall: popular places to buy include the south coast around St Austell and Falmouth, or in the north near Newquay for a surfers paradise. Prices, too, are very reasonable for buyers coming west from the home counties. Unless you are buying right on the beach, of course, in which case you’ll still be paying in the millions for a lovely old country house.
Devon is just that little bit closer to London than Cornwall, but still offers outstanding beaches, wonderful seafood, bracing walks and some very attractive property for sale.
From small thatched cottages down little lanes to large estates and equestrian properties, Devon has a diverse portfolio for those looking to buy a holiday home or a country house as a primary residence.
South coast hotspots like Dartmouth and Salcombe can have million pound properties if they are located by the water; property in Devon is cheaper on the north coast, but still highly desirable: Ilfracombe and Bideford are much-frequented by surfers and those looking for a fantastic quality of life and a beautiful place to live.
The beautiful county of Dorset is a draw for people keen to move outside of London into real countryside. Its rolling hills and Thomas Hardy-esque villages could almost make you believe you’ve gone back in time, and the coastline includes some of the most iconic views in England: The Jurassic Coast is a huge draw and there are lots of little towns and villages within easy reach of this stunning landscape, from Lulworth to Bridport.
Inland is a large area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and towns like Cerne Abbas and Beaminster sit in this very pretty setting, characterised by rolling hills and flowing rivers. You’re also not too far from London; Dorset is still commutable a couple of times a week: Dorchester, Weymouth and Bournemouth all have direct trains to London.
Many of the big estate agents have long been setting up 'virtual viewings' of some of the finest houses on their books, but they're more important than ever right now — and they work really rather well, finds Toby Keel.
Buyers have the rare opportunity to buy a magnificent, Grade I-listed townhouse on Bath's Royal Crescent — one of the few that remain in private, single ownership — for £6.5m
Built in the 1830s, One, Coastguard Cottages stands above the Yealm estuary, a short row-boat ride away from Newtion Ferrers and Noss Mayo, and affords magnificent views of the water pools.
An utterly idyllic thatched cottage has come to the market in an AONB near the fine cathedral city of Salisbury which will have suburban homeowners pondering the move to the country.
The ancient house of Wood Barton has come to the market for the first time in almost half a century. Penny Churchill reports.
A wonderful country house in the heart of Dorset's Hardy Country has come to the market. Penny Churchill explains more.
Tawstock Castle was originally built as a folly, a feature in the grounds to be grand, beautiful and raise a smile. It's still that, but it's also now a comfortable family home.
Bath is one of the most beautiful — and most liveable — cities in Britain, if not the world.
Cornwall specialises in spectacular waterfront property, but even so Stack Point House stands in a league of its own.
Wixels is unique, in its unique interiors and stunning vistas. Penny Churchill reports.
The stone which Fort Charles sits on was used to build the last stronghold of the royalists in the English Civil War. It now plays host to a rather incredible house. Penny Churchill reports.
A house has come to the market in Devon which includes a 14th century chapel — sadly, the latter is merely a charming ruin, but the house itself is delightful.
You can almost imagine Bertie Wooster and Jeeves plotting schemes as they stroll along the yew-lined avenue at this beautiful Wiltshire home.
A picture-perfect fishermans cottage perched at the end of a pier, far away from the heat and bustle of city life.
Pertwood Manor Farm is currently split into 600 acres of arable farming, 53 acres of permanent pasture and 100 acres of woodland, offering a pastoral challenge and a beautiful home for the next owners.
From part of an estate to part of the National Trust, Pamphill has been passed from hand to hand since its core was built centuries ago. It's now looking for a new owner to care for it for another 99 years.
