Barnstaple is widely regarded as the country’s oldest borough and offers an appealing blend of historic character and modern-day living. At its heart is the impressive 13th-century Long Bridge spanning the River Taw, alongside much-loved landmarks such as Butchers Row and the historic Pannier Market. These sit comfortably alongside modern shopping centres, national retailers and a strong selection of independent shops.
The town boasts a vibrant social scene with a wide choice of cafés, bistros and restaurants, as well as a cinema and theatre. There are also highly regarded hotels, traditional inns and welcoming hostelries, making Barnstaple a lively yet comfortable place to live.
Often described as the “Capital of North Devon”, Barnstaple is perfectly positioned as a gateway to Exmoor, North Devon’s stunning coastline and coastal path, and Dartmoor to the south. The town itself has a population of approximately 32,000 and is well served by its own hospital, newly renovated leisure centre, museum, library and a number of attractive parks and green spaces.
Outdoor enthusiasts are particularly well catered for, with the scenic Tarka Trail offering beautiful estuary walks and stunning bike rides. North Devon’s renowned sandy beaches at Saunton, Croyde, Woolacombe and Putsborough are all within easy reach, while the rugged coastline around Ilfracombe and Combe Martin, as well as Exmoor National Park, are just a short drive away.
Barnstaple offers a wide variety of housing, ranging from elegant Georgian and Victorian homes to modern developments. Popular residential areas include Pilton, with its schools, park and village-style high street, along with Bradiford, Newport and Sticklepath, all offering local shops and schooling for all ages. On the outskirts, Whiddon Valley, Westacott and Roundswell provide modern housing across a range of price points.
Surrounding Barnstaple are a number of attractive villages, many with excellent local amenities such as shops, post offices and primary schools. Well-regarded villages include Goodleigh, Landkey, Swimbridge, Bishop’s Tawton, Bickington, Fremington and Yelland.
At Chequers, we have been proudly serving the property needs of local residents for over 30 years and are always pleased to offer trusted help and advice to both buyers and sellers.
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