The River Dart
The lifeblood of the country is the rivers than run through the countryside and towns emerging eventually into the sea, often is tumultuous torrents. Often emerging as a mere trickle tens of miles from their destination the source of many rivers seems inconsequential, and yet it gains momentum as it merges with other water sources and eventually transcends to the oceans.
Inclement and changing weather patterns have necessitated intervention to control the path of rivers to minimise flooding in urban locations - not always successfully - leaving the Environment Agency an ongoing battle against the elements themselves. A growing population has seen development on flood plains with the inevitable disastrous and expensive results. Fortunately, in most cases Devon waterways have been left to fend for themselves and where managed have proved successful. Whilst the county has a relatively high annual rainfall the benefit is the lush green countryside that depicts the lure of the county.
There are a number of significant rivers in Devon on which each one has a notable town that has grown around the waterway and in part due solely to its existence. The rivers are sourced from the high grounds of Exmoor and Dartmoor, the two National Parks within the county, filtering and diverting their way towards the sea.
Water has always had an attraction and never more so than the waterways of Devon, famous for the sailing and surfing as well as the beaches along the coastline. Many a public footpath flows along a riverbank and many are upgraded to be very popular cycle ways. It is the waterfront destinations, be it town or coastal, that generate serious interest with house buyers and where Recoco Property Search as Buying Agents and Devon Property Finders are most successful using their contacts, knowledge and experience.
Whilst all the rivers are notable one that is perhaps most recognised is the River Dart, sourced high on Dartmoor and culminating in Dartmouth, a castle town and home to the Britannia Royal Navy College where our late Queen Elizabeth first met her future husband, Price Philip.
The Dart trickles down through the Dartmoor wilderness emerging by Buckfast Abbey from where it gathers pace into Totnes – another notable castle town and favoured tourist destination. Gathering speed and size it meanders through the most amazing countryside, unchanged in parts for centuries, passing Sharpham Estate, https://sandridgebarton.com/ , Dittisham and Agatha Christie’s holiday home, Greenway House before its final leg meandering into Dartmouth itself.
Dartmouth and its twin across the river, Kingswear, are bustling centres with renowned restaurants and shops with an amazing eclectic mix of property, some dating back hundreds of years. Whilst a commercial centre for South Devon it has long since been a significant tourist destination. With sufficient opportunities for all generations to enjoy time with varying activities, many being water orientated. For those willing to let someone take the strain the trip combining a boat trip to Totnes and a steam train return gives the perfect opportunity to take in the wonderful scenery. https://www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/ . For those keen to learn the history where better than Dartmouth Castle, dating back to 1100.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dartmouth-castle/
The population expands dramatically at the end of August when the annual regatta takes place attracting teams of competitive sailors, rowers and all boat enthusiasts and then a little later in the year the Food Festival attracts a wide variety of food producers and retailers. https://www.dartmouthregatta.co.uk/ https://www.dartmouthfoodfestival.com/
It has to be mentioned the iconic merchant’s houses abutting The Quay. Grand houses once owned by sea captains traveling the world from when Dartmouth was a major south coast port. Finding Devon property is what www.recoco.co.uk (relocation, coast and country) does. Sourcing the special River Dart properties is a pleasure especially as so many are never openly marketed through internet portals but through our significant contacts off market. Making Dartmouth and the river Dart home is truly magical: “It’s all about coming home”.
Nigel Bishop