The secret of the West Country

Living in the West Country is something many people aspire to, and North Devon is definitely a hidden gem worth exploring. There are a number of pretty villages nestled amongst rolling hills, bustling market towns, and picturesque harbours, which provide people with an opportunity to live in the country but benefit from easy access to Exeter, Bideford and Barnstaple.

Never situated far from the coast, there are many market towns in the area, in Holsworthy there are market days every Wednesday where you can buy fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, bread and meat. Nearby, Bideford is home to the Atlantic Village shopping outlet and the town also boasts a lively social scene with numerous pubs, wine bars, cafes, clubs and live music venues.

Another reason for choosing to live in North Devon is its proximity to the breathtaking north Devon coast and the dramatic Atlantic Ocean, which is a premier surfing destination and the a real focal point for extreme water sports. The powerful waves of Croyde Bay are famous the world over, while at Wesward Ho! the low tide reveals vast acres of flat sand that is perfect for land yachting and kite buggying. There is also the whole coastline to explore with its vast magnificent beaches, plus the unique and beautiful Tarka Trail is available for some spectacular walks.

Midas Homes has a number of developments in North Devon, and a couple in the pipeline too. Andy Addison, Sales and Marketing Director for the company said: "North Devon really is charming, there are some pretty little seaside towns, sleepy villages and some beautiful country walks. However, it also boasts great access to the M5 motorway and there are some great towns for shopping. North Devon really does have the best of both worlds, a beautiful landscape, with lots to see and do - It's a great part of the world to live in."

Current developments

Priced from £147,000, Midas Homes' Boards development in East-the-Water, Bideford, features a range of new two and three bedroom homes. The properties have been thoughtfully designed to compliment the character of the town and will be built to a high specification.

The show home and sales and marketing suite are located off Torrington Lane in East-the-Water and are open daily, 11am - 5pm.

Priced from £149,950, Indigo is a stylish development of new two bedroom coach houses and three bedroom houses. There are now just a few homes remaining. Each property has been designed to a high specification to include contemporary stylish kitchens with integrated appliances.

Indigo is located in Bideford, which was surprisingly once the third largest port in England, and its tree-lined quays still bustle with local fishing boats and yachts.

The town is characterised by narrow streets, prolific antique shops, and the famous pannier market - so called because farmers' wives used to carry their wares to market in wicker baskets. The market now opens on Tuesdays and Saturdays and is still a great place to buy fresh local produce and crafts.

For further information contact the sales and marketing suite off Meddon Street, Bideford, open daily 11am - 5pm.

Coming soon developments

A new homes development will be opening off Barn Close in Shebbear, a small rural village in North Devon.

Midas Homes' new development will comprise 32 new one and two bedroom apartments, plus two, three and four bedroom homes.

Helen Biram from Midas Homes said: "Mill Fields is going to be a fantastic new development and we have already received a number of enquiries. We are asking anyone interested in the new homes to contact us so we can arrange an appointment."

Shebbear boasts a good pub, The Devil's Stone Inn, a village shop which oozes local charm and Shebbear College is nearby.

There is also an interesting tradition that takes place every 5th November, where the villagers of Shebbear turn ‘the Devil's Stone' to keep Shebbear safe for another year. There is a great deal of mystery that surrounds the six foot long stone, as it is not known how long the practice of turning the stone has been going on for, or how it arrived in the village!

Midas Homes has also acquired a site for a residential development in Bridestowe, an attractive village on the boundary of the Dartmoor National Park.

With many local amenities, Bridestowe is just minutes from the A30 and only 29 miles from Exeter, seven miles from Okehampton and 11 miles from Tavistock.

For further information on any of the developments, visit Midashomes.com.