Where to move to in South West?

[Purplepuzzle]

I'm planning to move to a different area in a year or two and just looking at options - thinking about somewhere in the South West. I will have around £300k and need a 3 bed house as I have dc. I've always dreamt of a little cottage somewhere by the sea or in the countryside - is this unrealistic on my budget?! Terraced would be fine, I just like a place with character!

Ideally would also like to be near somewhere where there's stuff going on, arts, culture etc.

My job is flexible so I can work from anywhere.

I was thinking of maybe Stroud, but I've heard mixed reviews about it.

Just wondering if anyone has any other ideas of nice areas with reasonable/cheaper housing? Thank you!

Loads of options in Devon for that budget (I grew up there). Westward Ho! is lovely and this is near the beach
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/160498814

I think the Stroud area is great. The town is a bit more run down since COVID but in comparison with many other towns it has so much going for it and the surrounding countryside is so beautiful.

Not a fan of Stroud, but have you considered the Forest of Dean? It's affordable, there's quite a big art scene and there's lots of history and culture around. Surrounded by the beautiful forest, but near enough to get easily to Bristol, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Chepstow etc. Because it's more affordable than Bristol and Cheltenham there are quite a few families who've chosen to move to the area and it has a very welcoming feel.

I think you need to narrow down an area. There are loads of places with an arts scene and culture where you could buy with that budget, depending on how close to the sea you want to be. Stroud is nowhere near the sea! So if you don’t mind a bit of a drive, you will have lots of options.

Bridport in Dorset, anywhere around Exeter (maybe not in the city itself but villages in East or South Devon), Tavistock in West Devon. Some areas are more expensive, like South Devon, but there are pockets of more affordable areas. Totnes has lots of culture, but depends if you want crystal healing or opera.

I live in Frome, have you considered that? A good arts scene, plenty to do, and a good community feel.

I've never understood the love for Stroud, it's always appeared quite tatty imo.

Thanks for the suggestions, I will look into them all!

@mindutopia re being near the sea, that would probably be my ideal, but otherwise I would be happy just to have lovely countryside nearby!

@Spidey66 that's interesting, someone I was talking to also mentioned Frome - I'll look into it!

In my mind, south west is Devon and Cornwall, and I'll add Somerset and Dorset at a push! If you want coast, there's plenty of options in these counties. Watch some back episodes of Escape to the Country for ideas.

East Devon is just gorgeous - and relatively undiscovered. Sidmouth is an absolute jewel. Not far from Exeter and its very thriving arts scene. I’m jealous!

Wiltshire is definitely west country

I’m in Stroud this weekend and I was struck by how tatty it was looking since I last came…
Frome is a good shout.
Totnes? Quite a certain vibe though.

Frome

Eh? The south west is Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Wiltshire. It’s not just a rough area, it’s an official region.

OP, Stroud is a great shout. Lovely houses that are a fraction of the cost of the rest of the Cotswolds, lovely farmers market and excellent schools.

Well I’m in Bristol and it’s a good two hours from the coast (bar Weston which I don’t count!). I would say South Devon, Watchett or maybe near Tiverton so you have a decent train station.