HI!
I have been going to Devon for holidays since I was a teeny baby and have always wanted to move here. I briefly lived near Cheriton Bishop - but was working too hard to make friends and had an awful work situation so ran away as I was solo and got really lonely.
Now I am considering the move again, older, wiser and would do it very differently - also have a husband and two small children (not yet at school) in tow.
I am drawn by the sea - and would like to surf more and get involved with outdoors on the moor but also aim to get to the sea each weekend - hubby is from a farming background so is keen for countryside and land and mountain biking. South Molton area seems to allow both of us what we want - he has countryside and maybe a house with a field, away from the crazy influx of tourists in the summer, but I can get to the sea when I need a fix. Plus there seem to be reasonable schools there...
We have an opportunity just outside south molton - I know the town is pretty traditional (I love the markets) - but does anyone actually live here or has relocated here that can tell us the harsh reality of living here? I know holidays (and winters) are very different to the summers, but it seems like there are good schools and a lovely farming community right there, with wonderful outdoor sports and access to the sea. I realise the first 6-12 months will be hard and plan to make a big effort to meet people and join the local community.
Dare I say it, when I previously lived near Cheriton Bishop, the locals seemed a bit snobby about South Molton, so I wanted to get a bit of a view from people who knew the area not just as somewhere to hide away on holiday as I do....
also, I know cost of living is quite high - we will both take a significant paycut and lose pensions, but honestly we feel the quality of life for the kids is worth it....
Any advice?
Anyone else done it? Especially interested in people who know this particular area or are involved with the seaside/surf life of North Devon but maybe don't live in the middle of it....
THANK YOU (excitedly)