The best place to live for the Plymouth commuter

12th October 2016

Roger Punch reflects on the western portion of the South Hams – the corridor around the A379 as it emerges from Plymouth and heads towards Modbury. “This has always, in my view, been the best place to live for the Plymouth commuter. Indeed, I have lived here for 35 years. Emerging out of the city into open country brings a sigh of relief after a day in an urban environment.”  

The mild climate here brings lush countryside, well below the foothills of Dartmoor where the rainfall increases, and the partly wooded valleys of the Yealm and the Erme have remained largely unspoilt, and are protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Accessibility is great, with Yealmpton for example, normally within 40 minutes of the M5 at Exeter. As places to live these areas are perfection! Individual shops, excellent pubs and restaurants, good schools, and vibrant communities. Just look at Yealmpton – not only does it offer several local shops (including the Riverford Farm Shop, a Post Office, but also a health centre, opticians, hairdressers, two pubs (including the excellent Rose & Crown), a cafe, and the original Old Mother Hubbards Cottage, which is now a restaurant and take-away. 

There are also a myriad of clubs here catering for all interests – a vibrant Gardeners’ Association, Twinning Association (with Milizac in Brittany), and even the Yealm Rouleurs cycling group and a vintage car group, which makes up a significant part of the Devon Vintage Car Club. This richness is duplicated in varying degrees in both Modbury and Wembury. Clearly people like living here!

The properties are interesting too! The Victorian Wrescombe Farmhouse, featured in Country Life magazine recently, is midway between Yealmpton and Newton Ferrers, and includes half an acre of garden, and is priced at £750,000. 

In the heart of Yealmpton is The Lodge, a seven bedroom Grade II listed family house at £745,000. Also Grade II listed is 19 Bowden Farm, a quietly located cottage with adjoining garage, at £249,950.

At Wembury, Aldbourne, a capacious modern house extending to 2800 sq ft cascades through its own garden and is being market at a guide price of £529,950.  

Newton Ferrers, has a community as active as any, from a strong U3A to a thriving Yacht Club. Famed for its wonderful waterside some prefer to be further away from the action, and a good example of a substantial family house set in a beautiful garden is Little Beacon, at £835,000. All are available through Marchand Petit Estate Agents (01752 873311)

If there is a downside to buying here it is that people stay here, often thirty or forty years before moving on!

Roger Punch is a Consultant at Marchand Petit, and is based at the Newton Ferrers Office (01752 873311) or email – roger.punch@marchandpetit.co.uk