Noteworthy Homes - South West England

 You can relive the golden age in this Georgian Merchant house in Bideford for only £470k. Link Listing: Torridge House, Bideford, Devon . Set in the older part of Bideford high on the hill with river views is this splendid grade 2 listed example of a Georgian townhouse. With Grand staircases, tiled floors, and sash windows this property has period features galore. Natural light flows through this home giving the property a warm and welcoming feel. The wood doors, staircase and floors enhance that warm cosy feel. This forever home really feels like a haven from the outside world. The reception rooms are well presented and the kitchen well equipped. There are five well-proportioned bedrooms over 2 floors many with spectacular views over the river. There is even a conservatory overlooking the river, the perfect breakfast spot. The candle wall sconces in the hall are a unique nod to the past. The fireplaces although perhaps not to everyone's taste are also great original features. If ...

This deceptively cosy town house in Camborne full of love and light could be yours for £399k. Link listing:  Basset Street, Camborne, Cornwall  Never judge a property by its frontage, it is what is inside that counts. In this property the inside surprises and delight Once you move inside you quickly forget the road. There are three lovely reception rooms, a large kitchen diner, a utility room and a downstairs bathroom. The dining room and kitchen diner have additional skylights, bringing light into these spaces. The family area at the back of the kitchen is a lovely space to enjoy long family meals where everyone is eating, drinking and just enjoying each other's company. Unusually rather than the staircase being in the centre of the house it is at the back which means there is a large window halfway up the stairs flooding the area with light. The staircase itself with sweeping curves draws you up to the first floor. On the first floor, there are three reasonably standard bedr...

A good barn conversion is always worth a look and this conversion was clearly a labour of love and now it can be yours for £550k. Listing link: The Old Stables, Shillingford St George, Exeter Old stone barns always have some character to them and the developer just needs to harness and elevate these features. Surprisingly it is possible to mess this process up but that is definitely not the case here. This conversion is the epitome of good barn conversions. The original building structure of the old stables was by necessity clean and functional. The renovated exterior walls have been sensitively done with some lime washed and some left bare. A welcoming porch has been added to break up some of the boxyness of the property. All of this creates a pleasant exterior that hides the surprises inside. Moving inside you are welcomed with warm exposed walls, sturdy stone flags and pristine wood floors. The stand-out feature of this property is in the wood beams and door/window lintels that grac...

St Ives the diamond in the Cornish crown, a place that everyone aspires to live, this property could put you in the centre of the action for £300k. Listing link: Net Loft, Fore Street, St Ives, Cornwall Buying property in the centre of St Ives is about buying the postcode. You pay a premium for a central location which demonstrates both the limited availability and the substantial demand for such property. This particular property enjoys the best of both worlds: a central setting and tranquillity in a quiet courtyard. Imagine an early supper in London before hot-footing it across to Paddington to catch the night sleeper to Cornwall. Maybe a nightcap in the lounge car, with a martini, shaken not stirred, but watch out for foreign agents. Enjoy a restful sleep overnight arriving in time to catch the early train to St Ives. A quick stop to drop off your bags before enjoying Breakfast on the harbour watching the harbour seals. The property is not large but is perfect for a weekend bolt-hol...

Unlock the magic of this grand Victorian gentleman's house, all yours for just £595k. Listing link: Fairholme, Bideford, Devon There is an undeniable sense of magic, wonder and mystery about this house. Even the nameplate on the front door 'Fairholme' is Tolkein-esque. Imagine a stained glass window of a scene from Tolkien's realm over the door. Inside you will find the basics of a solid structure and a new central heating system. The rest of the property is ready for your touch. If I purchased this property my first trip would be to a reclamation yard to get some doors and other Victorian interior bits to restore the property to its golden age. The property has several features of note which could be developed and enhanced. With a bit of thought and hard work, you could have a truly extraordinary family home. Starting in the basement which is extensive with plenty of room for a cinema, a sauna, a swimming pool, a wine cellar or maybe even all of them.  On the ground fl...

This enchanting Victorian cottage is a gem of Gothic revival architecture in a wonderful rural setting for only £600k. Listing link: Gothic Cottage, Weeke Hill, Dartmouth, Devon  The outside is reminiscent of a Victorian estate property. Perhaps one of the smaller houses on an estate for a cherished family member. A house that has been carefully designed to match the vernacular of the estate. This fine grade 2 listed cottage clearly shows its pedigree from the outside proudly demonstrating its name as 'Gothic Cottage'. The ornamental zig-zag bargeboards, finials and graceful gothic window arches perfectly demonstrate the gothic revival style. Step inside and you find rooms full of character, with warm wooden floors, a cosy oak fireplace with wood burning stove in the living room and of course the gothic windows flooding the rooms with light.  The kitchen has a vaulted ceiling with well-thought-out timber units. The double range shows that this is a kitchen where people can enj...

Here we have a Cornish chapel from 1810 with some hidden depths and refinement. All yours for just £450k. Property listing: Camelford, Cornwall This house has a contemporary feel with some nods to the history of the building. You might not instantly recognise its chapel heritage but look carefully and the refinement shines through. You can play spot the Gothic arch. One in the kitchen so simple and elegant, another in the bedroom flooding the room with light. The other windows are no less elegant, typically Georgian, invigorating the living spaces with light and life. On the ground floor, you have a spacious living room and kitchen, on the first floor another three bedrooms and on the second floor a large loft bedroom or additional living space. Other small features contribute to the rich tapestry of the house, the lean-to entry and the interior stone wall, the shaker-style kitchen, the French doors to the garden and the grey stone bathrooms reminding you of Cornish stone. The wood flo...

If you yearn for off-grid living on the edge of a rugged wilderness is for you then this Okehampton property could be the one for you priced at £600k. Listing link: Autumn Wood, Okehampton, Devon However, stay tuned for the one factor that suggests that although this property is in many respects far from everyone else it may not be far enough. Many of us long for a simpler life unplugging from modern life in a place where we can co-exist with our environment. This property shows us that going off-grid doesn't mean you have to compromise on a comfortable home. This unique Victorian property has a rich history, sold by Harrods, built in a London workshop and then transplanted into its moorland forever home. You will fall in love with the landscape whilst being impressed with the practicalities of the property. The house comes with its own generator and solar panels as well as its own private water supply and drainage. The only mains service is the phone/broadband. Everything you need...

This house in Camelford, Cornwall evokes strong opinions, you will either love or hate it and at £400k you need to think this through. Listing link: Victoria Road, Camelford, Cornwall. This is a tale of two houses, both alike in dignity. In fair Camelford, where we lay our scene. This house and you could be star-crossed lovers just like Romeo and Juliet or like Julies Caesar you might need to beware the houses of Camelford. This house is perhaps noteworthy for its character but also some of the style and design choices the current homeowner has made. A jury of 12 people, good and true would debate late into the night of the merits or quirks of the house. Looking beyond the style, the building's essence reveals itself. The front boasts a touch of French inspiration with elegant yew trees in the garden—a noteworthy topic for dinner conversations. The large open windows and the light throughout the property are the stand-out features. The stunning Rococo ceiling and other intricate ar...

For this property, you will need a vision to see through the bare bones to the finished version. If you can, this could be your grand design in Devon at £250k. Listing link: 'The Cavaliers', Winkleigh, Devon 'The Cavaliers' is a charming grade 2 listed cottage nestled in the Devon Countryside. While exploring its historical significance, take a moment to consider the heritage listing, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its unique character. The good news is that planning and listing building consent has already been obtained to sensitively modernise the property. As you look around the property you can identify key features that will form part of the cosy home. The magnificent fireplaces, the large windows, the potential for leaving exposed stone walls, the thatched roof, the nooks and alcoves. This property has soul and is ready for new life. You can imagine lazy afternoons with the sunlight streaming through the generous windows whilst swirls of steam twist in ...

If you listen carefully to this house you can hear the sea, looking for your perfect coastal hideaway this could be it for just £395k. Listing link: Cottage, Boscastle, Cornwall This cottage's exterior is a testament to its character, with a  blend of stone and slate that resonates with the surrounding coastal landscape. Step inside, the exposed beams, tasteful decoration and some built-in cupboards enhance the property's appeal. This property boasts two front doors, one which takes you into the hall or the second that takes you direct into the kitchen/diner. A way to hide the magic happening in the kitchen or a spare escape route - the choice is yours. The rooms are all well-proportioned with some nice features such as the breakfast bar in the kitchen window and the window alcove in the master bedroom.  The garden is petite but gives you somewhere nice to sit amongst the greenery and there is a summerhouse to while away some time during summer showers. Boscastle is a destinat...

Ever dreamed of New York-style loft living? Then you may want to take a look at this flat in Chudleigh on the market for £175k. Listing link: Old Exeter Street, Chudleigh, Devon Flats are often not that noteworthy but don't skip past this one, as there is more to it than just a simple place to eat and sleep. Let's start with the mezzanine and the staircase leading up to it, giving strong country-mill vibes.  The mezzanine could be your occasional second bedroom or home office space although I might be tempted to make it the main bedroom area and change the bedroom downstairs to a living room. The property has been renovated to a high standard with a modern kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen comes with some nice units and a classic Belfast sink. The brick wall splashback is an interesting feature but does leave you questioning whether this is a feature or a bug - you be the judge. There are two other character features worth mentioning, the lovely curved wall in the bedroom and t...

If you want a chapel to convert and don't mind living in a graveyard then this could be the property for you with an auction guide price of £140,000. Listing Link:  Eden Chapel, Headon Cross, Cornwall. The appropriately named Eden Chapel at Headon Cross sits alone in unspoilt farmland offering rural views just a few miles from the Cornish coastline and Devon border. This is a chapel that has seen recent use, so unlike some chapels, it does have four walls and a roof. It does have a graveyard around the building which may well deter some people hence why it is probably going to auction rather than being sold on the open market.  The graveyard is not part of the sale so also included is a pitch of amenity land in the adjacent field which you can turn into a garden. It will also be the part of the property where the new septic tank goes. You also have an additional building across the road described as a coach house, although, don't get too excited that it is a charming manor hou...

This cottage warmly invites you in from the street welcoming you home to Dunn Street in Boscastle, North Cornwall for just £375k. Listing link: Inviting coastal cottage, Dunn Street, Boscastle, Cornwall One of the attractions of Cornwall is the cosy coastal villages. Boscastle is a tourist magnet for its harbour and don't forget to check out the museum of witchcraft. Dunn Cottage on Dunn Street is just the kind of small but lovely cottage you would expect to find along the coast. The bright white walls, the elegant sash windows and the horseshoe over the door invite you in to rest a while in a comfy armchair by the log burner. The rooms are airy and full of natural light. The kitchen could be described as rustic but looks clean and functional. The window seat in the bedroom invites you to sit and drink in the view from the window. Outside the courtyard garden gives you a nice place to sit, let your mind wander and enjoy the fresh coffee. The only thing about the house that says ...

 There is a lot to like with this quirky thatched cottage for only £250k in Paignton, South Devon. Listing link: Quirky thatched cottage, Paignton, Devon First, let's talk about that gorgeous pink curved wall topped off with that thatched roof giving the cottage oodles of curb appeal. Even double yellow lines can't spoil the appeal but that thatched roof looks old so any buyers might need to look into them both in a bit more detail.  Step inside and you will find some great cosy features: exposed beams, stone fireplace, stone feature walls, belfast sink and the usual log burning stove. Some feature raise more of an eyebrow. The lighting in the living room looks like flying saucers have landed on the ceiling and the glass panel on the staircase in the kitchen looks like the odd one out in a line up. Also how many staircases do you think you need? I hope your answer was 2 because that is just one of the surprising features in a property of this size. Perfect for a family game of...

 On the North Coast of Cornwall, you will find this cosy hideaway in Tintagel for £425k. Curl up by the log burner with a book and a glass of wine whilst the storm rages outside. Listing link:  Cosy Hideaway - Pendragon Barn, Tintagel, Cornwall The area around Tintagel in north Cornwall is one of my favourite places in the south-west. Rugged coastal views but less busy than further west along the coast. This detached barn conversion would be my ideal bolt-hole in the area. A small but perfectly formed cosy nook in which to read my book by night and walked the rugged headlands by day. This is slightly quirky in that it is an upside-down house with a living room on the top floor to take advantage of the views - it has a four-aspect view. Don't want to be upstairs then you can be downstairs in the sunroom instead which apparently is blessed with an 'impressive' log-burning stove. You can even have guests stay in the small chalet in the garden or it could be the playroom or hom...

In 'Holiday cottage or not?' this week we have this character cottage for £600k dating back to the 1700's which used to be the black smith's cottage. Listing link: Wildcard Character Cottage, Crantock, Cornwall This is the one I would probably have a holiday in but would be more of a wildcard on my property shopping list. The outside is country cottage and the inside is easy country living, so what's not to like. Let's look at the layout first, it may work as a 3 bedroom holiday cottage with the third bedroom on the ground floor but if it were a main house that room would work better as a study leaving you with a 2 bedroom house. The ground floor layout is definitely a strength for this house, with plenty of space, room and light. Upstairs there are two bedrooms and a shower room. Then there is that awkward space that often gets labelled a dressing room or could be just a big landing, not really a room itself, just a storage space. The garden is mainly a patio w...

The view alone for this house is worth the asking price of £235k . The house is a bit of blank canvas needing a complete refurbishment but could become a dream house with some serious work. Listing link: Check out that view! Bideford, Devon. If you buy this house you will spend your time looking at the view. I give it a day before you order some binoculars or a telescope and the bay windows are just asking for a window seat. The house has clearly seen better days and you probably need to be a builder or need a tame builder to help you put things right. On the upside, the kitchen has already been ripped out so you can completely redesign that to your taste. The rooms are all large and there are some nice period features such as the hall floor and fireplaces. The small third bedroom also has a sheltered balcony overlooking the river, a perfect spot to sit and watch the world go by. The back garden is nothing to speak of but then you will be spending most of your time out the front for th...

At just £15k this is probably one of the cheapest ever properties to feature on this website. Who wouldn't want to sit in front of their very own beach hut and watch the world go by? Listing link:  Beach Hut, Westward Ho!, Devon Property this cheap could be very affordable. If you have 4 families you can pay just under £4k each for joint ownership or maybe even buy it yourself on a mad splurge. Being essentially a posh shed the selling points are a short but succinct list: close to the car park, close to the beach, inside and outside seating area. What more do you need? Of course, if you buy it you will need to come up with a funny name, something like Mum's Retreat, Dad's Folly, beach view, dun Roamin, serendipity or maybe something completely random like Dave. There are some practical considerations to bear in mind though if you do buy it, you have to pay ground rent; it is only licenced for five years (presumably renewable), it's only leasehold and there are often re...

 Listing Link:  Coastal Living, Buck's Mill, Near Bideford . On the north Devon coast, there are a series of small valleys that lead to the shore. £475k will buy you this sweet little hideaway nestled in a green coastal valley. Walking the coastal path between Westward Ho! and Hartland Point is experiencing the coast at its best. The beating heat and the coastal Atlantic salty breeze bring a freshness to the soul. The roar of the Atlantic rollers rolling the pebbles on the shore below the cliff demonstrates the power of nature and gives you a certain reference point to your place in the universe. The dream would be to own a house within walking distance of the coastal path so you can walk out of your door and be on the cliffs in 15 minutes. Watching the season change and learning the ever-changing character of the ocean, coastal living at its best. The house is the perfect bolt hole away from the Atlantic breeze. Set in a clearing at the bottom of the small valley with trees s...

Listing Link: Chapel, Church Road, Penponds, Camborne You don't get an awful lot for £120k these days and in this case, you just about get four walls and a roof but with some gaps. You do get a lot of chapels in the South-West, many of which are in the already converted condition or the last service was last month kind of condition. This one is unusual because it clearly hasn't seen a service for some time. Chapels often come with unique features which is part of their charm. This one has a couple of windows, the ghost remains of an arch and a nice traffic cone. In other words, what you have here is a shell with character; on the upside, it already has planning permission for a 3-bedroom house. Of course, you might not agree with the design that has been created but there may be potential to go back to the planning stage and create a house that better fits your dreams. Another bonus/drawback depending on how you look at it is that the property is right next to a railway. Good ...

Listing link:  Beautifully appointed mill house, Axeminster, Devon This is a dream house and very reasonably priced at £520k. Who doesn't dream of owning their own mill race and being the master of a mill. You can imagine taking breakfast in the sunshine next to the mill race accompanied by the noise of rushing water. A different pace of life, the photographs sell you the dream of a quieter life in the country. The mill even comes with some bonus features. The master bedroom has an additional staircase leading up to your own private study or hobby room. You just need to think of a hobby to do in it, probably not much use for a golfer although you could always turn it into a trophy room. The garden paths seem to meander like a stream at least according to the estate agent but it does appear to have a variety of cosy spots to enjoy that morning coffee in rolling hills of Devon. It might not tick all the boxes but it is certainly worth a second look.