For the last nine years I've lived in three different seaside towns on the south coast of England. Whether the sun shines or not, the weather is usually clement and the roads are busy so I have no desire to leave my home. I discover hidden coves and secret beaches to escape the crowds that are within an hour's drive. I learn when to venture out to avoid the tourist throng and in doing so, I have had lovely, peaceful summers at home and my friends come to me!
I first moved to Exmouth in East Devon, where I lived for six years. Exmouth is at the mouth of the Exe Estuary and has miles of golden sandy beach. I loved walking round the headline at low tide and having the beach to myself, or catching the train to Topsham, call in at the wonderful Darts Farm for foodie treasures and walking back home along the estuary.
I then hoiked my animals and myself cross country to Eastbourne in Sussex and discovered the delights, not only of the Sunshine Coast but of the beautiful South Downs and High Weald, where I walked most weekends. I renovated a beautiful Victorian villa house in the Old Town which had a glimpse of the glittering sea.
As the sunniest town in England, and within easy reach of London, Eastbourne is a beautiful place to live, but the dry climate didn't quench my thirst for a lush, verdant countryside so after two and half years, I hoiked us all back again!
This time we settled in South Devon, in the delightful coastal town of Dartmouth, which is rich in nautical activity and history and home to the Royal Naval College. It also has an active artist community and so the mix of arts, sea and wonderful landscape, drew me in. I live in an architect designed house, built into the side of a hill so can look down to the pretty River Dart where boats bob and sometimes seals swim by.
I am also close by to the breathtaking coastal scenery of Cornwall and Dorset so weekend or even day trips are within my grasp should I wish to venture beyond Devon. I think wherever you live in the world, there is always things to discover on your doorstep, whether it's a heritage site, museum or natural landscape, a hop into a cafe or a beautiful bistro. Forget the boredom of airline check in queues or the anxiety or misplacing your passport or missing your connection, staying at home is the most restorative break you could ever wish for. Happy Staycation to you!
