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Living and working in Bideford

Living and working in Bideford

Luke Williams, Branch Manager of Stags in Bideford shares his experience of living and working in the North Devon town. 

In 2012 my wife and I relocated from central Bristol to Bideford where we still live today, six years later. Swapping a bustling city life to a traditional Devonshire port and market town, I was initially worried that I was going to miss out onall the things I once enjoyed, such as Bristol's diverse range restaurants, cafes and boutique shops. 

However, to my surprise this was simply not the case. Bideford has a tremendous amount to offer; you just need to know where to look! Here are some of my favourite destinations in Bideford and surrounding area: 

Where to eat

A great place to eat here is the French bistro style Café du Parc located in The Burton Art Gallery by Bideford Park. Here they prepare excellent French-inspired lunchtime and occasional themed evening meals. Another favourite is Belluno, right next to the historic pannier market, which is a former traditional pub converted into a fine family run Italian restaurant, serving lunchtime and candle-lit evening meals. 

Where to listen

I used to really enjoy Bristol’s lively music scene but now I get my live music fix at The Beaver Inn in Appledore. This waterside public house and restaurant hosts regular live music attracting local and big names to play at evenings popular with locals and tourist alike. I was once at the bar here, talking to a seemingly inconspicuous stranger, only to discover he used to be member of a famous rock band from the 1970s.

Where to watch

Another one of my favourite places to visit for evening entertainment is The Plough Arts Centre in Great Torrington, located eight miles away from Bideford. At The Plough you can watch all the latest movies, live music, theatre and comedy events. In recent years, I have been privileged enough to see up-and-coming comedians such as Jon Richardson and Joel Dommett perform their live stand-up routines here before going on national tour.

Where to shop

If you are furnishing your new home with all the latest interior trends there is simply is no need to travel to Exeter or Bristol. Josie’s on Mill Street, Bideford, is the place to visit. Here they sell individual pieces from lamps, rugs and throws to large pieces of modern furniture.

For a day out

When our family come to visit, their favourite place for a day out is Hartland Quay, situated 16 miles south of Bideford on the rugged north Devon coastline. Here they have a fantastic ship wreck museum, hotel, pub and restaurant. On a summer’s day, you can sit outside the hotel and enjoy a pint of traditional ale and chips and watch the dramatic waves surrounded by the rugged cliff line.

To the beach

Living in Bideford you are only minutes away from one of the finest sandy beaches Devon has to offer -  Westward Ho! which last year celebrated its 14th consecutive Blue Flag award for cleanliness of the beach and water. This three mile long, safe and sandy beach is perfect for water sports or simply sunbathing. It is one of my favourite places to go to at the end the end of a busy day to unwind and watch the rolling waves, whatever the weather.

At Stags, every day we come into contact with potential buyers looking to relocate to north Devon, many of whom are moving from busy cities like Bristol and counties such as Surrey, Sussex and London. For most of them, this is the first time they have visited Bideford or north Devon and use estate agents like Stags as the local experts to find out what the area has to offer. 

Interestingly, when I mention to them that I moved to Devon myself from out the area, one of the first questions they often to ask me is “Would you ever go back to living in Bristol?” With conviction, I can honestly say, not a chance!

Here in North Devon, there are lots of opportunities for people wanting to make the move to this wonderful area. For example, we currently have Combe House, an individual five bedroom, three en-suites detached home with stunning river views in Bideford for £475,000. Or, if you would rather live in the countryside, how about Adipit, a duo of two character properties with five acres located less than a mile from the village of Buckland Brewer for £675,000?  Alternatively, for surf fanatics we have 6 Horizon View, a stunning three bedroom duplex apartment right on the beach for £425,000.

For more information on properties for sale in North Devon, contact Stags Bideford.