North Devon coastal property

[Winniemango]

I’ve read through some of the other threads regarding moves to North Devon but they seemed mainly about family living. So here’s my something of a cliche question!

Retiree wants to move to north Devon with dogs and no kids, wants to future proof so needs public transport to not too far GP and hospital, absolute must be walking distance to beach that allows dogs. Also public transport or cheap enough for taxi to allow train travel.

Can anyone suggest where I should look? Does such a place exist? I’m away up north currently so not easy to bob around. TIA

Why North? What's the budget? What's the home requirement?

Barnstaple and surrounds is probably the main option here if you want to be near a hospital for the future. Bear in mind that places that look close along that North Devon coastline take forever to get to in reality - Bude for example looks close, but is an hour by road.

My friend retired to Ilfracombe in North Devon and loves it. Many people move/retire there because property is cheaper and it's possible to have a very healthy, outdoorsy life and make like minded friends very easily. There are lots of dog walking, hobby, cultural, active clubs you can join which she has done, but she's also made friends just because many people are very friendly there. There are plenty of lively, active folk 'of a certain age' around. She volunteers for several very active groups who do good/interesting things in and for the area.

Excellent dog beaches all year round and access to open country and the SW Coast Path. Incredible scenery. Lovely cafes and pubs everywhere.

I would add that it's not 'posh' or 'chichi' in any way and a bit rough around the edges. It gets busier in summer and is quiet (bleak?) in winter. Transport isn't excellent, trains are from Barnstaple where the nearest hospital is. There was talk of it closing but they're investing in it now.

My friend (also dogs, no kids) has a very happy life there and I love visiting her. On a sunny day, paddle boarders in the harbour, a glass of wine overlooking the sea after a beautiful dog walk it is heaven.

For the type of beaches and coastal path. I like its ruggedness. I have been on holiday many years ago around Woolacombe but not recently.

Budget 400k max, detached with garden but doesn’t have to be big as I walk my dogs, again cliche but prefer bungalow. Location is most important to be honest don’t care if new build or something that needs work as still young and enough currently!

Thank you that’s really helpful to know

That sounds perfect actually! I’m nowhere near posh and I would hope to have some sort of social life, though I’m equally happy with my own company. The harbour area at Ilfracombe looks lovely online with that incredible statue. I know there’s also a theatre there so perhaps arty crafty stuff which I like. Great to hear your friends experience! Thank you!

I was brought up in North Devon. For serious long term retirement futureproofing with walking and community now and medical care later I would say you don't want to go further than Westward Ho! round to Ilfracombe along the coastline (or as close as you can get it).

Budget/size requirements?

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/160251641#/?channel=RES_BUY

Thank you and for your other post! Another poster has given brilliant feedback on Ilfracombe, do you know what Westward Ho might be like to live? That beach is exactly my dream and my dogs would be very happy running on it! That bungalow looks ideal too.

Westward Ho! is, I think, the obvious choice. However, be mindful that not all of the beach is available to dogs in peak season - from the slipway to the lifeguard hut on the pebble ridge is out of bounds in key months. Beach access over the pebble ridge at Sandymere is available all year round though. I like WHo! although it is pretty quiet out of season there is a good selection of cafes and local businesses that open and run all year round.

I’d also be thinking about access to health services. Although there are local doctors the nearest hospitals are Barnstaple and Exeter and whilst not very far in distance can be a bit of a slog on public transport or on the Devonshire roads in my experience.

I grew up a stones throw from WHo! and would move there in a heartbeat if my job allowed.

Are you planning a road trip to check things out - maybe rent a holiday home in Bideford/Barnstaple for a week or so to get a feel for the places. Depending on where you live now you might find North Devon a bit far away from the rest of the universe, although now with t'internet if you have no ties anywhere else it's a lot more connected than it was when I was a lass.

I'd love to retire to North Devon 🥰

Thank you, good to know about dog access. Just looked it up and it looks fine. Presuming the coastal path doesn’t have restrictions, and it’s not the whole year round. Good points re health provision too. I guess there’s compromises but access to beach on foot is something I won’t give up on.

Yes definitely! But you’re right and google maps is my new friend

I’ve got quite a lot of freedom to choose which I’m grateful for x

Check out Braunton (lots of bungalows in your range) and Brunton Burrows. - the largest sand dune system in the UK (for the dog walks). Only 4 and bit miles to Barnstaple.

I like Appledore but that's personal!

Good luck.

Thank you and will do - my road trip planning is shaping up nicely!

I live in Appledore so happy to answer any questions 😊

Oh! If you're a fellow dog maniac then perhaps such within the radius of EX34 8NU on RM (Dogs Trust - Ilfracombe)

You lucky duck! I love Appledore.

I must admit on the days when the sun is shining and we're sat on a bench by the Quay eating a Hockings and watching the boats, I tend to think 'this is the life' 😎

Hockings alone is an excellent reason to relate to North Devon. I always bring some home with me and worry that it’ll liquify on the five hour journey home. Flipping love that ice cream.

*relocate

Do realise the weather can be grim. Okay summer but it will rain a lot.
Roads are narrow. Too many people go in holiday time and think it is like that all the time.

Yes please I’m open to all local knowledge! What’s it like to live there? What do you particularly like?