Nice places to live near Barnstaple?

[Man On The Clapham Omnibus]

My son has got a new job in Barnstaple later this year and is going to be looking for a house for him and his fiancée. Until she gets a job too they don't have any top price in mind, but would like to know from people who know the area where to avoid and where to concentrate on. They will have a reasonable income once she's set up so we're not talking about flats, but more like three or four bedroom detached. Thanks in advance chaps!

[Northwarks]

Spent many many weeks in Braunton during the Summer, sister will be retiring there for sure. 

[Man On The Clapham Omnibus]

3 hours ago, Northwarks said:

Spent many many weeks in Braunton during the Summer, sister will be retiring there for sure. 

Funny you should say that. As a child I holidayed in Barnstaple and Saunton Sands or Woolacombe were favourites of mine. Braunton is near both and prices don't look too bad compared with the south of the county. There is a Royal Marine Air Base near Braunton I notice. Hopefully it's not a problem...

[Alan Cutler (Adge) - Dorset AO]

Don't live in Barnstaple, but often head that way with the motorhome, or just for day trips, some ripping beaches thereabouts. That's the rub, it's busy with grockles in the summer, Braunton just north of Barnstaple gets  really busy, it's a "surf dude" /retirement town, and you see a lot of ancient Vdubs (some very smart). Not withstanding that it's a lovely area,

Fremington, just west of Barnstaple used to be a nice area (mind you just realised its 45 years ago I was there during my apprenoceship!), and you've got Appledore and Westward Ho a bit further west over the river.

Cant see the marine base being a problem, makes life interesting walking Braunton Burrows, and the beach around Crow Point when they are out on an exercise!!

Afraid I can't help with specifics on good and bad areas, might want to consider renting initially, until they can work out wher suits them.

Be a good idea to warn them about the speed cameras on the A361 (main M5 to Barnstaple road), not that they would go speeding I'm sure!!

Wish them the best of luck with their search.

 

[jeff oakley]

Try posting this on the Pistonheads West country section. There are a lot lives down there.

From my view, any where the trees are blown and growing horizontal is a windy place to live, all the time. Anywhere with big public car parks, is packed in summer all the time.

Anywhere with popular places to visit, play parks etc, will have traffic etc.

There are many beautiful villages but second home purchase are ever pushing prices up anecdotally I was told the recent terrorist action is not helping as more are holidaying at home.

It is a different pace of life which is why many retire down there.

[Man On The Clapham Omnibus]

Jeff, thanks for the tips for what to look for - car parks, etc., all useful. I have put it on PH but in the general homes section. Repeating it in West Country section is a good idea.

AdgeC, thank you too. I shall suggest that he rents initially because that is the safest way to learn a district's foibles. I used to holiday in Barnstaple with my parents in my childhood and have fond, but rose-tinted memories of the place. It'll be nice to poke around on my lad's behalf. He and his fiancée (who will be his wife in December) will both probably be working in the principal hospital in the town, so transport can be shared on some days. That may help when the summer traffic gets busy.

[Alan Cutler (Adge) - Dorset AO]

If you poke about on your lads behalf, drive the Westie, there's some lovely roads on Exmoor, plus Porlock hill (the toll road is "interesting"). In fact the A39 from Bridgwater along the north coast heading west to Barnstaple is a nice run (apart from grokles dawdling!). If your down this way, shout, we can always find a drink for passers by!

[Man On The Clapham Omnibus]

AdgeC, you're a gentleman sir!