Living in the Area

Barnstaple is reputed to be the country’s oldest borough and with its original charm and modern facilities it offers a delightful mix of old and new. The town features the 13th century long bridge that spans the river Taw and there is the famous Butchers Row and Pannier Market as well as modern shopping centres with many major chain stores as well as locally run businesses.

Along with cafes, bistros and restaurants, there is a local cinema and theatre, highly-rated hotels, inns and hostelries. Barnstaple as the ‘Capital’ of North Devon is the gateway to Exmoor, to North Devon’s beautiful beaches and Coast Path as well as Dartmoor to the south.

The town has an approximate population of 28,000 and has its own hospital, well equipped leisure centre, museum, library and beautiful parks to enjoy.

There is the scenic Tarka Trail for incredibly beautiful estuary walks and cycling and Barnstaple also stands within just a few miles of North Devon’s coast with the sandy beaches of Saunton, Croyde, Woolacombe and Putsborough all being easily accessible. The rugged coastline at Ilfracombe and Combe Martin is an easy drive whilst the Exmoor National Park is also nearby.

For those thinking of moving into the area, Barnstaple offers an excellent mix of Georgian, Victorian and modern-day housing as well as the town itself there are a number peripheral residential areas at Pilton with its schools, park, village street, neighbouring Bradiford & Newport with local shops and schools for all ages on Sticklepath.

On the outskirts are areas like Whiddon Valley, Westacott and Roundswell provide modern housing for all price ranges.

Barnstaple is surrounded by a number of villages many with good local facilities including shops/post offices,  primary schools and names to look out for are Goodleigh, Landkey, Swimbridge, Bishops Tawton, Bickington, Fremington & Yelland.

We at Chequers have been looking after the property needs of local residents for 30 years and are pleased to offer help and advice to buyers and sellers alike.