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Why do people come to live here? It’s simply beautiful.

• Soft rolling countryside
• Wonderful estuaries perfect for sailing
• Totally unspoilt
• Lovely little market towns
• Stunning coastline and beaches
• Lots of rural and coastal property available

Broadly speaking the South Hams defines an area south of the A38 in Devon. The South Hams (we’ll refer to it as South Devon) incorporates a number of charming towns and villages, the principals of which are: Totnes, Modbury, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Bigbury, Dittisham, Newton Ferrers, Noss Mayo and Dartmouth.

Types of Property For Sale

There’s an eclectic mix of farm houses and cottages, coastal property, fishermen’s cottages and rural property, mixed with a growing amount of more modern property. There are also a number of oak marvellous framed homes, many designed and constructed by Carpenter Oak of Dittisham, who are the pioneers in such modern, airy buildings.

Property Prices

Property values in the South Hams tend to be higher than elsewhere in Devon, simply because of its charm and desirability.

It’s also less highly populated than elsewhere in Devon, so demand tends to concentrate around fewer houses and which maintain higher values.

South Devon Towns & Villages

Totnes

Totnes is creative, arty, growing strong alternative cultures like Transition Towns. Nearby is Riverford, the home of Riverford Organics, the UK’s largest organic veg box business and the Riverford Field Kitchen which is well worth a visit.

Modbury

Down the road, you’ll find places like Modbury a steep high street populated entirely by independent retailers who were the first town in England to ban plastic bags. Such projects are a testament to the strong ties that can be built in small communities.

Kingsbridge

I think of Kingsbridge as a good working town that benefits from the Estuary to attract visitors, but still retains a strong sense of community throughout the year.

Dittisham

Dittisham is a stunning village on the banks of the river Dart, looking across to Greenway, Agatha Christie’s home for many years, and inspiration for many of her books.

Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo

The twin villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo straddle the river Yealm where there is a cross section of former fishermen’s cottages with twentieth century homes climbing up the valleys behind them. There are several excellent pubs including The Dolphin and The Swan. It’s another good place for sailing.

Bigbury, Bigbury-On-Sea and Burgh Island

Bigbury, Bigbury-On-Sea and of course Burgh Island (home of the famous art deco hotel and which gets cut off by the tides daily – crossing available by the pedestrian tractor). Also on Burgh Island is the Pilchard Inn. Bigbury-On-Sea has a Links golf course and a great beach – perfect for young families.

Salcombe

Salcombe has become the second most expensive rural town outside the home counties, with a restaurant, café culture and retail shops to match the lifestyle.

Though very busy in Summer, you only have to go inland a little way, or visit neighbouring creeks, coves, hamlets and villages to find stunning properties which offer the best of all worlds.

Transport Links

Totnes is on the main London Paddington line. The A38 running from Exeter to Plymouth links direcetly to the M5. Airport connections can be found at Plymouth and Exeter. Plymouth has  thriving port and ferry links to France and Spain.

Property Search Agents

We don’t need to sell Devon. The secret is out and South Devon particularly has become the retreat of choice for many with solid prices unlikely to budge much even in the deepest recession.

It’s precisely because of that (and of course significant savings in time, money, hassle, stress) that property search agents (professional property finder services) are in demand and can really make a huge difference to the property search process.

We know the lay of the land, local property trends, have carefully built trusted contact lists and unrivalled local property knowledge.

To find out if a property search agent like Recoco might help you find your dream home, call us on 01392 433 554.

Expectations Exceeded = Memories Created

And I hope the great man will forgive me.

Holiday anticipation, and holiday memories, last much longer than the actual holiday, so a good tour operator strikes the balance between igniting the anticipation and delivering the goods, to create the memory.

The key to success is twofold: to know your subject inside out and to trust your overseas partner. The www promises all sorts of things, but nothing can replace the mano-y-mano, face-to-face experience of working together.

A mother of two, who spent Christmas in Patagonia wrote this last week:

“ .. . I can’t put in words how grateful we are for the timing, the guides, the spectacular sites that we would never have seen if it weren’t for you and your experience. Thank you for basically making one of my dreams come true. So thanks. Let me know when you’re next in London …”

An Africa old hand wrote this:

“…  I’m forever in your debt for getting this so right!”

… after visiting a small, intimate beach lodge in the Indian Ocean, following a gorilla safari in Uganda. Despite his vast experience of safaris in Africa he hadn’t heard of a tiny, “no stars” private lodge on an island south of Zanzibar, but was brave enough to try it. And loved it!

What is “Travelling Responsibly”?

We go to great lengths to ensure that as much revenue as possible reaches the in-country hotel or guest house; as much as possible reaches the man with the car, or the mule or the whitewater raft. The line of communication runs directly from VentureCo to the man on the spot who provides theservice for you: straight talking. We call it travelling with respect.

VentureCo obtains excellent trade rates which means we can give you excellent value for money.

About VentureCo

VentureCo is founded upon a wealth of experience: the two directors (who still work at VentureCo) met in 1984 while working as guides. We have all spent many years travelling in a variety of styles and have developed firm friendships with in-country suppliers. Come and see us in our Devon office where we can give you the calibre of advice that used to be available only in London agencies. We have explored the world and have the ability to add value to your trip by revealing the hidden gems as well as the iconic landmarks.

No trip is “standard” and everything we do is 100% tailor-made.

Family adventures

Family expeditions and adventures require more accurate planning than the average military campaign. But if the detail is right, everyone has a tremendous time. Many of our in-country contacts have families of their own, so it’s straightforward (relatively!) to ensure that the equipment you need is provided at the right time, in the correct sizes. We can do things like sand-boards for dune-surfing in Namibia or the Atacama, Peru; mountain bikes in the Andes; kayaks on the Zambezi; snorkelling equipment on numerous coral islands; the list is long and the range of destinations for family adventures is broad: chartering a truck in Botswana’s Okavango Delta is epic; a mule-supported family ascent of Toubkal is a blast; Christmas in Patagonia or a private progression around the tiger parks and Taj of India. There’s no such thing as a standard family trip.

Safaris

Travelling in Africa is so fantastic that it may become addictive! There is something about the wide horizons, the clarity of the air and the pristine wilderness that draws you back. One of VentureCo’s directors worked in Africa for many years and knows the destination well, particularly the Game Parks. Let us interpret the seasons, the migration patterns and the subtle interplay between environment and residents.

Contact Us

Mark Davison, VentureCo
Lockyer House
Paddon’s Row
Tavistock
Devon
PL19 0HF

01822 61 61 91
mark@ventureco-worldwide.com
www.ventureco-worldwide.com

Coastal Property For Sale

The level of coastal property available for sale is equally diverse from ancient fishermen’s cottages to splendid manor houses as well as stunning contemporary architecture.

The varied coastline offers tremendous scope for all sorts of property buyers, from families looking for a second home, sailing enthusiasts, surfers, walkers as well as a wealth of rural property inland.

The accessibility of the South West through major road, rail and air routes, as well as a warmer climate, makes it the most desirable choice for many property buyers, particularly those in their retirement years.

For many, the idea of coastal property need not always include a sea view. Sometimes, just being close to beaches, walks and activities is sufficient to provide the lifestyle change you seek.

Investment Property

There is always a constant demand for waterside and coastal property. The limited supply of such property undoubtedly means higher prices but a safer investment regardless of outside influences in the property market and the wider economy.

Waterside property owned as an investment will always attract a great following for people wishing to holiday in the area. There is a market for renting out holiday properties finished to a high standard.

Devon

Devon has two very different coastlines, each with its own character and attributes. North Devon is a surfers paradise lashed by Atlantic waves, whilst South Devon has numerous coastal inlets that are havens for the yachting fraternity, now augmented by high quality, shops, restaurants, bars and amenities.

In addition, and by no means to be forgotten, is the English Riviera, the original destination in Devon for holidaymakers.

Dorset

Dorset coastal property lies on the Jurassic Coast. It is officially a national park and protected by its status. The coastline offers dramatic cliffs, coastal valleys and rocky beaches. The English Channel is a gentler sea than the Atlantic, and the countryside bordering the coast reflects this, with a rolling and beautiful landscape.

Dorset is highly accessible, being that much nearer to London and, for some, is commutable.

Cornwall

Cornwall appeals to those looking for wild and rugged landscapes and weather. Being on the furthest promontory of the country, this is where you can distance yourself from the rat race. Again, there are definite hotspots in the coastal property market, such as the Helford Passage, Rock, Padstow, St. Ives & Fowey.

These are the areas that have traditionally appealed to the affluent, with prices to match. For those prepared to look further afield, yet still be close to these areas, there is a wealth of property offering potential without the premium property prices.

Somerset

The Somerset coast is an often forgotten and bypassed coastline, with hidden gems. Bordering the Exmoor national park and hiding the Quantocks, the Brendon Hills and the Blackdown Hills, this area offers stunning rural landscapes, dramatic coastal scenes and yet is accessible via the M5 and with convenient mainline railway connections.

Starting Your Coastal Property Search

It’s important to get to know the area you want to live in before making a significant financial commitment. What attracts you to the coast? What do you want to get from your change in location and lifestyle? More often than not, starting a search, whether for coastal or any other kind of property, should begin with introspection rather than a view to the actual properties themselves.

Make a list of what you want from your life, not just your property. This single exercise can prove enormously helpful in understanding exactly what you want to be looking for and where.

Using A Property Search Agent

For those unable to spend the time or money investigating the whole of the South West, a property search agent may well prove a sound investment, identifying areas that will best suit your requirements. They will handle your search from initial enquiry, discovering your requirements and then matching them to the available properties and areas. They will handle complex price negotiations, as well as surveys and liaising with solicitors, through to completion.

Recoco have been helping clients buy property in the South West for over 10 years, with over 30 years of experience in the regional property market and a lifetime of local knowledge.

“He really does seem to know every little village in the area, and househunting went from being a bit of a headache to being an exciting adventure once again.”

Should you need  further help in your property search, please call us on 01392 433 544 for an informal discussion of your requirements.

Dorset is a somewhat forgotten county in the rush to buy premium property in the South West.
Every county we cover is different. And the primary reason many individuals search for property (with or without buying agents) in Dorset is that it’s more commutable.

Dorset: Commutable, Rural, High Quality Property

Dorset allows you to make the most of the rural lifestyle whilst still being able to retain connections, business or otherwise, with London.
Despite its relatively small, size, most of Dorset is incredibly rural, with around 42% of its total population living in Poole and Bournemouth. This leaves plenty of room for fields, sheep and you.
The quality of property available in Dorset is high. Think of it as an unsung Cotswolds.

Many properties have been built in stone and Dorset has a wealth of rectory houses and manor style property.

Rectory Houses & Manor Property in Dorset: The History

Dorset became wealthy from the middle ages onwards because of the woollen trade. From this wealth, land owners invested in building large manor house properties.

Running a large manor property required workers, and built an economy of its own. Landowners built the villages and had wealthy sons who required professions, hence a wealth of Rectory property.
The result for us, is that there’s a great deal of high quality property, built in stone, form rectory to manor houses in Dorset.

Education

Dorset boasts a large number of very well respected independent schools. Amongst them include Sherborne, Bryanston, Clayesmore and Leweston, to name a few.
Like private schools in Devon, they offer an education with reputations that rival London private schools, but in a more congenial rural landscape, which many families want as their lifestyle and “quality of life” requirements change.

Roads, Railway & Airports

Roads

Dorset is well connected by the A303, and A31, with the M3 running from Southampton to the M25. The road networks are generally good, though the A303 is sometimes a slow route during peak tourist season times.

Railways in West Dorset

Though there are railway stations around Bournemouth and Poole, we do not mention them here because we do not work directly in the East Dorset property market. We can however, recommend property search agents who cover this area and we’ll be happy to refer you onwards.
You’ll find railway stations in Wool, Moreston, Weymouth, Upwey, Dorchester West, Dorchester South, Grimstone, Maiden Newton, Evershot, Yetminster, Yeovil Junction, Sherborne.
If commuting is going to be an option, it’s worth ensuring a train station is nearby. After a long commute, perhaps the last thing you’ll want is a lengthy drive.

Coastal Property For Sale in West Dorset

Dorset has, of course an extensive coastline with a great deal of coastal and beach property available. Situated along the Jurassic Coast with Lyme Regis at is Eastern border, and the famous sand banks to the West at Weymouth (an entire world of property in its own right).

National Parks

There are no national parks as such in Dorset. However, you’ll find the New Forest, Exmoor and Dartmoor in neighbouring counties.

Climate

With a long stretch of coast, Dorset benefits from its coastal border. It has slightly higher temperatures in winter along with Devon and Cornwall than the rest of the UK. Dorset enjoys a relatively sheltered position from storms originating from the Atlantic.
This weather map will give you a good idea of average mean temperatures in Dorset:

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/tmean/17.gif

Using A Property Search Agent

If you are actively looking at fine rural and coastal property for sale in West Dorset, you might want to seek extra help from a property search agents like Recoco.
Every year we help a small list of private clients find property in West Dorset, Devon Cornwall and Somerset.
We can handle your entire purchase from search and shortlisting, through specialist surveys, meeting with architects etc. to price negotiation and completion.
Is it an unfair advantage? We think so. But that’s precisely why our clients choose us.

To find out more, please call us on +44 (0)1392 433 554 and we’ll be happy to talk to you about your next property purchase in Devon.

Devon is a large county, with lots of fabulous property. It’s a perfect country escape, well-connected, with plenty of rural, beach and coastal properties for sale.

Why Move To Devon?

Devon is arguably one of the best places to live in the UK. Of course, we’re absolutely prejudiced, because we live here.

But in 2009 Devon was voted as England’s best county to live in by Country Life, factoring in categories everything from crime figures to food to green space, council performance and composting. Read the full article about how Country Life arrived at their conclusion that Devon is the best county in England.

Devon Is Just That Bit Closer

Whilst Cornwall is undeniably beautiful, for some property buyers it’s just a shade too far away from large cities like London and many find that Devon, whilst being comfortably far away and with its own gravity, is also very well connected with the rest of the country from the M5 and by rail.

Cornwall is beautiful, but a little too far for some. However, if that’s exactly what you’re looking for you may be more interested in our page on Cornwall Property Search.

Coastal Property Search in Devon

There is a wealth of coastal property for sale in Devon. Devon is the UK’s only county to have two separate coastlines, each with very different characteristics. As such it offers property finders searching for coastal, beach, or waterside property plenty of choice – from rugged coastline perfect for surfing, to sedate pebbly beaches in the English channel at Budleigh Salterton.

The South West has some of the best sailing waters in the country. It’s been the home of Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake – undeniably amongst the best sailors in history.

Size & Population

Whilst it’s the 4^th largest county, it’s 11^th in terms population density. That means more green space, small cities with easy access to the countryside and plenty of small villages ideal for a second home, rural relocation or a country escape.

It’s actually the problem of size and the number of small villages which leads many people to consult a property search agent to find the right property. A property search agent will help narrow down the possibilities, show you where not to live, as well as give you the insight and knowledge you’ll need to make the right buying decisions.

City Shopping, Exeter

Exeter is a small cathedral city of about 120,000, at the furthest end of the M5. Exeter has a busy shopping centre with large department stores such as John Lewis (opening late 2012), House of Fraser and Marks & Spencers as well as most well known high street shops. Exeter also has specialist electronics shops such as the Apple store, bespoke tailors such as Lugets and a thriving community of independent shops.

Supermarkets available include Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose.

Transport & Infrastructure

Train Stations In Devon

A train journey London Paddington to Exeter can take as little as 2 hours and 2 minutes.

Villages and towns connected to the rail network include: Barnstaple, Chapelton, Umberleigh, Portsmouth Arms, Kings Nympton, Eggersford, Lapford, Morchard Road, Copplestone, Okehampton, Sampford Courtenay, Yeoford, Crediton, Newton St, Cyres, Tiverton (Tiverton Parkway), Exeter (served by Exeter St. David’s, Pinhoe, Exeter St. Thoma, St. James, Polsloe Bridge, Digby & Sowton) Whimple, Feniton, Honiton, Axminster, Topsham, Exton, Lympstone Commando, Lympstone, Exmouth, Starcross, Dawlish Warren, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot, Torre, Torquay, Paignton, Totnes, Ivybridge, Plymouth (served by Devonport, Dockyard), St. Budeaux Victoria Road, St Budeaux Ferry Road, Bere Ferrers, Berer Alston, Calstock, and Gunnislake.

Roads

Beyond the M5, which ends at Exeter, a network of A roads serves the rest of Devon, but it’s relatively quick to get around by car. Beyond the M5, South Devon is served by the fast moving A38. North Devon is largely served by the A361 and the A377.

Exeter & Plymouth Airports

Exeter has its own airport and flies to Summer and Winter holiday destinations as well as scheduled flights to locations including: Paris, Geneva, Salzburg, Amsterdam, Dublin, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow and a handful of others.

Dartmoor

Over 34,000 people live in Dartmoor national park. It’s high, rugged moors, wild ponies and magnificent countryside attract millions each year.

If you buy a property on Dartmoor and need to apply for planning, the Dartmoor National Park authority will handle the application, which may sound daunting, though their website claims that 91% of planning applications were approved in the year from 1^st April 2010.

Climate & Geography

The Met Office moved to Exeter, in Devon, for a reason!

According to the met office, coastal areas in the South West have on average about 1600 hours of sunshine each year – with more favourable sunshine hours on the English Channel coast.

Teignmouth is one of the sunniest places in the country and according to a survey published by HomeSun from met office data, Maudlin Drive is the 5^th sunniest street in the UK(1).

Dartmoors high moors have a slightly different climate and you can expect more rain.

For more information about climate in the South West, visit the Met Office here: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/sw/print.html

Food

As you might expect for a thriving rural county such as Devon, we do great food – and not just clotted scones and cream. We have plenty of farm shops, selling local cheese, ciders, fresh bread, vegetables and fruit. Devon sports its own vineyards which have competed favourably with French wines in blind taste tests. The largest official food organisation in Devon is the Taste of the West which promotes the greatest regional produce.

Education: State Schools, Private Schools & University

Devon has a wealth of private schools which offer the very best teaching and educational standards combined with the more relaxed outlook of the South West, covering pre-preparatory schools to A level education. Families will want to live close or within a reasonable commuting distance of schools, and will likely impact your choice of location for buying property.

Likewise, catchment areas in the state school system play an important part in choosing property, as well as walking or commutable distance. Devon has some very good grammar schools.

Exeter and Plymouth are university towns. Once kids have grown up, distance probably plays a lesser role in where you choose to live. Exeter also has the Peninsular Medical School. Dartmouth also has the Britannia Royal Naval College.

Using A Property Search Agent

If you are actively looking at fine property for sale in Devon, you might want to seek extra help from a property search agents like Recoco.

Every year we help a small list of private clients find property in Devon, West, Dorset, Cornwall and Somerset. We handle your entire purchase from search and shortlisting, through specialist surveys, meeting with architects etc. to price negotiation and completion.

Is it an unfair advantage? We think so. But that’s why our clients choose us. To find out more, please call us on +44 (0)1392 433 554 and we’ll be happy to talk to you about your next property purchase in Devon.