Dig For Britain!
Harvesting the fruits of labour is a very rewarding emotion. As pockets and budgets are squeezed with ever-increasing costs, growing your fruit and vegetables has to be a win-win scenario. It may seem like a lot of effort in the early months of the year when the weather can be inclement, but come the sunshine, fresh tomatoes free of pesticides and endless packaging can never taste better. From small, raised beds to whole vegetable gardens an incredible variety and amount of can be grown. Any oversupply can be frozen or offered to friends and neighbours who will be ever grateful and maybe reciprocate with a bottle of wine!
Life is always cyclical - wherever possible pre supermarkets and online home delivery previous generations would use gardens for supplying the kitchen. Country houses with walled gardens would supply large households whereas an average home today needs just a small plot to augment the shopping list.
Life has changed and most people prefer to spend their free time travelling and on excursions to sports events etc. So, managing a garden that isn’t easy care is not on the agenda, but for those who appreciate the benefits and reward a garden can give, then adding a vegetable plot is no hardship.
Adding value of a property is always a question I am asked. As gardens are very personal, they may not add financially, but certainly when coming to sell a property with kerb appeal created by its setting, it will attract more attention. First impressions count - the chocolate box thatched cottage with roses round the door will get more reaction than a bland house with a paved courtyard and parking for three cars. Whilst the latter is relevant, it will attract the practical purchaser more than the emotional one.
Homes, like all material purchases, are a lifestyle choice and no two are comparable. Depending on practical and financial circumstances, a home should firstly have an emotional attraction enabling you to put your own mark on it. Whilst letting your heart rule your head when looking for a new home, be objective in terms of values and that ever-important kerb appeal - it will be essential when you come to sell. If it isn’t there when you buy assess the potential to create it.
A home is for living and enjoying. The only times it should have a monetary value is when buying and selling. In the interim, it should be an emotional journey through a phase in life: “It’s all about coming home”.
Homes & Gardens
Hoopers. Yellam, Chagford: Award-winning eco-sustainable Dartmoor granite barn conversion in 0.64 acres of mature gardens with raised beds and moorland access.
Beatlands Farm, Metcombe, Ottery St. Mary: Charming East Devon longhouse set in 3.8 acres of gardens with a vegetable garden and paddock, enjoying open rural views.
The Old Vicarage. Woodbury Salterton: Impressive, beautifully restored Grade 11 listed former vicarage in the heart of a popular East Devon village, set in 1.6 acres of grounds including a productive fruit and vegetable garden.
Barn Court, Washfield, Tiverton: Perfect multi-generational and income-generating property. Impressive barn with dual accommodation, a further cottage, and a studio barn. Stabling, gardens, including a productive vegetable garden:
Copper Beeches, Honiton: impressive detached family home enhanced by wonderful mature gardens in a semi- rural setting.