West Country property for sale

Cornwall is, without question, is one of the prettiest parts of Britain. The coastline is breathtaking and has so many different nooks and crannies of private beaches and coves which seem inexhaustable, while authors like Daphne du Maurier helped to cement places like Frenchman’s Creek as romantic, idyllic places to summer. 

So many families visit Cornwall every year, whether they head for the foody havens of Padstow, the galleries and sweet shops of St Ives, or to the north coast for surfing and seafood, there is so much to see and do in this west coast favourite.

Some families spend so much time there they end up buying a holiday home in Cornwall: popular places to buy include the south coast around St Austell and Falmouth, or in the north near Newquay for a surfers paradise. Prices, too, are very reasonable for buyers coming west from the home counties. Unless you are buying right on the beach, of course, in which case you’ll still be paying in the millions for a lovely old country house.

Devon is just that little bit closer to London than Cornwall, but still offers outstanding beaches, wonderful seafood, bracing walks and some very attractive property for sale.

From small thatched cottages down little lanes to large estates and equestrian properties, Devon has a diverse portfolio for those looking to buy a holiday home or a country house as a primary residence.

South coast hotspots like Dartmouth and Salcombe can have million pound properties if they are located by the water; property in Devon is cheaper on the north coast, but still highly desirable: Ilfracombe and Bideford are much-frequented by surfers and those looking for a fantastic quality of life and a beautiful place to live.

The beautiful county of Dorset is a draw for people keen to move outside of London into real countryside. Its rolling hills and Thomas Hardy-esque villages could almost make you believe you’ve gone back in time, and the coastline includes some of the most iconic views in England: The Jurassic Coast is a huge draw and there are lots of little towns and villages within easy reach of this stunning landscape, from Lulworth to Bridport.

Inland is a large area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and towns like Cerne Abbas and Beaminster sit in this very pretty setting, characterised by rolling hills and flowing rivers. You’re also not too far from London; Dorset is still commutable a couple of times a week: Dorchester,  Weymouth and Bournemouth all have direct trains to London.