Surf’s Up!
North Devon’s coastline includes 21 miles recognised as the UK’s first World Surfing Reserve joining Australia’s Gold Coast and California’s Malibu and Santa Cruz , being one of just 12 sites officially chosen.
An accolade for a beautiful county that enhances the attributes of an understated region. Whilst Devon is often perceived as a predominantly rural county – the third largest in the England- there are many other success stories in all sectors – business, commercial, residential, agricultural and tourism.
Leaving the M5 at Junction 27 – Tiverton – had up the North Devon Link Road (now greatly improved) giving fast access to the north west of the county. Take time when travelling this A361 to look to the north across Exmoor National Park and to the south where in the distance is the Dartmoor National Park.
North Devon has often been overlooked by tourists in favour of neighbouring Cornwall where surfing, sailing and beaches are exemplary but add distance to a journey. Devon’s twin coastlines – north and south – are equally exemplary in offering golden sands, surfing and amazing sailing waters in creeks, rivers and open sea.
The North Devon surfing region includes Saunton Sands, Croyde, Putsborough and Wioolacombe, Mortehoe beaches - miles of amazing sands perfect for professional surfers and children’s bucket and spade holidays equally.
Inevitably there is a price to pay for recognition as a region becomes busier and the local population grows. It’s difficult to find an entirely remote spot but by no means impossible. There is controversy amongst locals about the possibility of a wind farm being built off the Woolacombe coastline and equally talks of using the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Braunton Burrows – one of the UK’s largest and most diverse sand dune systems that was used as a military training ground in World War 11. A delicate balance between preservation of a natural environment and preservation of the planet using green credentials.
Waterfront properties are in great demand along this coastline and there are opportunities of modest homes to Grand Designs with multi million pound contemporary houses with stunning ocean views.
Lundy Island is set off the coast. It is owned by the National Trust, and the Landmark Trust owns properties on the island. A granite outcrop 3 miles long and 1 mile wide opens to the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Bristol Channel. It is a sanctuary for birds, including puffins, which regularly nest there, safe from mainland rodents.
Buying a property along the North Devon coastline must be a privilege and as Devon Buying Agents we are regularly tasked with finding and securing a special waterside property -maybe the perfect place to retire!!– It’s all about coming home.
Nigel Bishop