Kerb Appeal and Green Fingers
Well, the sun is finally shining and our winter hibernation is over – we can get back into the garden. Spring is a magical time for gardens as new life evolves everywhere including the lawn growing as well as the weeds! After such a long wet winter we will all relish the fresh air even more than usual.
Gardens are an integral part of a home and create kerb appeal when looking for a new home, whether a small terraced front garden or sweeping lawns with carriage driveways. Aside from that they are therapeutic to tend as an escape from screens and daily challenges.
Gardens aren’t for everyone as busy lives take precedence but there are plenty of gardeners out there looking for work. Keeping things simple is always good maybe augmenting the colour in the summer with a few pots of annuals. For those with time and maybe enthusiasm some raised beds to grow a few vegetables and fruit is a sure way of having fresh food – there is nothing better than harvesting fresh strawberries or runner beans! Add a few chickens and you are on your way to self sufficiency – “The Good Life”.
Finding a new house is a matter of ticking the collective boxes for the family requirements which evolve over the years. From first time buying to retirement years when home is maybe the sole focus. Whilst big lawns for ball games are necessary for young families something more formal and manageable is needed for later years. So when buying my ten year rule comes into play. Life has generally ten year phases when requirements change. Maybe looking ahead buy a property that will adapt as life evolves. The biggest dilemma is downsizing – letting go of a treasured house full of memories as well as contents to buy a small property for later years when maybe travel becomes important. My experience is once people make that move they are glad to have done so.
Spring is a good time for essential routine maintenance both in the garden and the house itself – especially after a very wet and windy winter. A little time and maintenance now can save expensive problems developing later. Gutterings full of debris can block downpipes and allow excess water to run down walls, check that no roof tiles have slipped, repair any areas of renderings that are cracked or blown and clear any garden debris from around the house.
Home is where memories are made but equally it is likely the biggest investment anyone makes so care will ensure a maximum return both psychologically and financially: “It’s all about coming home”.
Gardens and kerb appeal:
Old Venn. Bridford: Exceptional Grade 11 former farmhouse with further listed barn set in 3.8 acres well stocked landscaped gardens. orchard and wildflower meadow.
Thorn Farmhouse. Farway Colyton: Attractive stone and thatched village property with pretty cottage gardens and meadow bordering River Coly – in all 4.75 acres.
Amberwood. Galmpton. Kingsbridge: Enchanting grade 11 listed cottage in favoured South Hams village with sea views set in tranquil country gardens. Harriet George
Craddock Lodge. Cullompton: Grade 11 listed country house with Georgian origins set in enchanting formal gardens and grounds of 6.7 acres enjoying views across East Devon rolling countryside.
Beadon Farm. Hennock. Bovey Tracey. Exemplary country house meticulously restored to perfection. Impressive, thatched barn providing secondary accommodation and further studio. office and farm buildings. Set in 63 acres including rewilding meadow, pasture and woodland. A real one off!