Welcome to our latest magazine celebrating the places, landscapes and communities that make South Devon and Dartmoor such exceptional places to live. At Rendells, we have been part of these communities for generations, and through this publication we hope to share a little of what makes this part of the county so special.
Within these pages you will discover a collection of stories that reflect the character of the towns and countryside we are fortunate to work within every day. We explore the unique atmosphere and heritage of Totnes, Newton Abbot, Chagford and Ashburton, each with their own history, culture and sense of place.
Beyond the towns themselves, we look to the surrounding landscapes that shape life across the region. From the ancient and mysterious beauty of Dartmoor to the timeless appeal of the South Devon
countryside, these landscapes continue to inspire those who live here and those who dream of making the move.
Lifestyle is also an important part of the South Devon experience, and inside you will find features exploring local wellbeing retreats, countryside escapes and the simple pleasures of life connected to nature. Alongside this, our market insights offer a snapshot of the current property landscape and the enduring appeal of country living.
Of course, property remains at the heart of what we do, and throughout the magazine you will find a carefully selected collection of homes currently available across the region.
We hope this magazine offers both inspiration and insight - whether you already call South Devon home or are considering making it part of your future.
Two Centuries of Local Expertise
HERITAGE, KNOWLEDGE AND SERVICE
Established in 1816, Rendells has grown alongside the communities we serve, building a reputation for professional expertise that continues to guide our work today. Throughout that time we have remained firmly rooted in the region, developing a deep understanding of the local property market and the landscapes that shape it.
From our offices in Newton Abbot, Totnes, Ashburton and Chagford, we work with homeowners, farmers, landowners and businesses across South Devon and Dartmoor. Our team combines experience in residential property sales and lettings with specialist knowledge of rural property, farmland and estates, allowing us to offer a comprehensive service tailored to each client’s needs.
Rural property has always been central to our work. Farms, land and country homes play a vital role in the character and economy of the region, and we are proud to support the farming and landowning communities that care for the landscape. At the same time, we assist buyers and sellers of town and village homes, helping clients navigate every stage of the property journey with clear advice and careful guidance.
For more than two centuries, Rendells has been helping people across South Devon and Dartmoor buy, sell and manage property with confidence. From rural farms and country homes to town houses and village cottages, we have built our reputation on trusted advice, deep local knowledge and a personal approach to property.
Along side our extensive estate agency and letting and full management services, Rendells also conducts a wide range of auctions including livestock, farm machinery, property and antiques. While the property market has evolved over the years, our approach remains unchanged. We believe in offering honest advice, personal service and a genuine understanding of the local market - helping our clients make informed decisions and achieve the best possible outcome for their property.
At Ellis-Ridings Mortgage Solutions, we understand that buying a home isn’t just a transactionit’s the start of something profound. As whole-ofmarket mortgage brokers based in Torbay, Devon, we combine more than 30 years of collective experience with modern, efficient tools to guide home buyers across the UK.
Whether you’re stepping into home ownership for the first time, looking to remortgage, self-employed and navigating special lending, or exploring buy-tolet opportunities - we’ll compare the whole market to find the right mortgage for you.
We also offer holistic support beyond just the mortgage: from life insurance and critical illness cover to income protection and home insurance. Because we believe protecting your home means protecting the people who live in it.
At Ellis-Ridings, you won’t just find a mortgageyou’ll discover a trusted partner who speaks plain English, explains every step, and handles the complex details so you don’t have to. Ready to start? Contact us today and put your home-buying dreams in expert hands.
Our Services
Mortgages
• First-Time Buyers
• Home Movers
• Remortgages & capital raising
• Buy-to-Let (private & company)
• Self-Employed & Specialist Lending
• Self-Build & Niche Lending Protection
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Cover
• Income Protection
• Home & Landlord Insurance
• Accident sickness and unemployment cover, lump sum cover with no underwriting, broken/ fractured bones cover
Market Appraisal
PROPERTY DEMAND IN SOUTH DEVON
Interest in rural property across South Devon remains encouraging, with many buyers continuing to prioritise lifestyle, space and flexibility when searching for their next home.
Demand for countryside homes across South Devon continues to be encouraging, with many buyers still seeking properties that offer space, lifestyle and a closer connection to the surrounding landscape. While the market has become more balanced in recent years, well-presented and realistically priced homes are continuing to attract strong interest from both local buyers and those relocating from larger towns and cities.
The appeal of rural living remains a significant factor. Many buyers are looking for properties that offer greater privacy, outdoor space and flexibility, particularly where there is potential for home offices, studios or additional accommodation. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements mean that many people are no longer tied to major population centres, allowing them to consider homes in more rural locations across Devon.
Multi-generational living is also becoming more common, with annexes or the opportunity to convert
existing outbuildings often high on buyers’ wish lists. Such spaces can provide accommodation for family members or visiting guests, while also offering potential for additional income where appropriate planning permissions are obtained.
Properties with land remain especially desirable. Buyers frequently look for paddocks, orchards or gardens that provide space for recreation, smallscale food growing or lifestyle projects. Interest in sustainability, rewilding and self-sufficiency has grown in recent years, reflecting a broader shift in how many people view countryside living.
Standards You Can Trust
Trust is built on knowledge, experience and recognised professional standards. Rendells is proud to be affiliated with a number of respected industry organisations that help ensure our clients receive expert advice and a service they can rely on.
The Property Ombudsman (TPO)
The Property Ombudsman provides an independent service to resolve disputes between members of the public and estate agents who belong to the TPO Scheme. Members follow a strict Code of Practice designed to ensure fairness, professionalism and transparency.
RICS – Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
RICS is the world’s leading professional body for qualifications and standards in land, property and construction. Achieving RICS status demonstrates recognised expertise, professional integrity and adherence to the highest industry standards.
CAAV – Central Association of Agricultural Valuers
The CAAV represents agricultural and rural valuers across the UK, providing specialist guidance and professional standards in rural property, land and agricultural matters while advising government and industry on key issues affecting the countryside.
Rightmove
Rightmove is the UK’s largest online property portal, featuring hundreds of thousands of properties for sale and rent nationwide. Listing on Rightmove provides extensive exposure, helping buyers and tenants easily discover properties across the country.
The Experts in Property
The Experts in Property is a network of professional estate agents across the West Country. When a property is listed with a member firm, it gains exposure through the entire network, increasing visibility while remaining under a single agency instruction.
NAEA Propertymark
NAEA Propertymark is the UK’s leading professional body for estate agency. Members adhere to recognised industry standards, professional conduct and ongoing training, helping ensure a transparent and trusted service for buyers and sellers.
ARLA Propertymark
ARLA Propertymark is the UK’s professional body for letting agents. Members meet strict regulatory standards and follow best practice guidelines to ensure tenants and landlords receive professional, responsible and well-managed lettings services.
Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme is a government-approved service that protects tenants’ deposits during a tenancy. It ensures deposits are held securely and provides an independent dispute resolution service should disagreements arise at the end of a tenancy.
Meet the Team
At Rendells, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Our experienced team brings together local knowledge, professional expertise and a genuine understanding of the communities we serve. With backgrounds spanning residential property, rural land, auctions and professional services, providing trusted advice and a personal approach for every client. Totnes Sales
Manager
01803 863888
01647 432277
Totnes Sales Negotiator Tel: 01803 863888
01647 432277
01803 863888
01626 353881
01626 353881
Daniel
Jonathan Bell MRICS FAAV
Rural Surveyor, Valuer & Auctioneer
Tel: 01626 353881
Rural Professionals & Market Team
Tom Beard
Rural Grant Scheme Specialist
Tel: 01626 353881
RuralAssistant/Trainee Surveyor
Tel: 01626 353881
Norley
Tel: 01647 432277
Antiques & Collectables Team Lettings
David Marochan
Saleroom Manager
Tel: 01364 653017
Tel: 01364 653017 Kath Pugh
Tel: 01364 653017
Tel: 01626 353881
Victoria Gilbert
Martyn Halls MARLA
Newton Abbot
A TOWN SHAPED BY TRADE AND MARKETS
Situated on the banks of the River Teign and surrounded by the rolling countryside of South Devon, Newton Abbot has long been a town shaped by movement, trade and connection. Its origins can be traced back to the medieval period, when the settlement grew around a crossing point and market that served the surrounding farming communities. At the heart of this early development stood the abbots of nearby Torre Abbey, whose influence helped establish the town as an important local centre for commerce and exchange. Today, the distinctive clock tower in the market square remains a familiar landmark, reflecting the town’s long tradition as a place where people gather, trade and meet.
Newton Abbot’s identity as a market town has endured for centuries. Granted its first market charter in the early thirteenth century, the town quickly developed
into a hub for agricultural trade across the Teign Valley and South Hams. Farmers, merchants and craftsmen travelled here weekly to buy and sell goods, and this rhythm of rural commerce continues today through the town’s markets and livestock sales. The spacious market square still anchors the town centre, hosting regular markets that carry forward a tradition of community trading that has shaped Newton Abbot’s character for over eight hundred years.
The arrival of the railway in the nineteenth century transformed Newton Abbot dramatically. When the South Devon Railway reached the town in 1846, it established Newton Abbot as one of the region’s most important railway centres. Engineering works, locomotive sheds, and extensive rail yards created employment and prosperity, drawing workers and families to the area. Victorian expansion brought elegant terraces, civic buildings and improved transport links that connected the town more closely to Exeter, Plymouth and the wider country. This railway heritage remains an important part of Newton Abbot’s story and is celebrated through the town’s local museum and historic railway connections.
Modern Newton Abbot is a lively and practical town that combines convenience with a strong sense of local identity. The town centre offers a mix of national retailers and independent businesses, alongside cafés, bakeries and restaurants that give the streets a welcoming, everyday energy. Markets continue to play a central role in community life, while nearby green spaces such as Courtenay Park and Decoy Country Park provide space for relaxation, walking and family time. Seasonal events, fairs and community gatherings help maintain the town’s long-standing spirit of social connection.
Living in Newton Abbot offers a balance that many residents value highly. The town provides excellent transport links and everyday amenities, while still sitting within easy reach of South Devon’s most beautiful landscapes. Dartmoor National Park rises just to the north, offering dramatic open moorland and outdoor adventure, while the popular coastal towns of Teignmouth, Dawlish and Torquay lie only a short drive away. This rare combination of countryside, coast and connectivity allows residents to enjoy both practicality and lifestyle in equal measure.
Today Newton Abbot remains a town grounded in its history yet comfortably part of modern South Devon life. Its markets, railway heritage and community spirit continue to shape its identity, while the surrounding countryside and coast ensure that life here remains closely connected to the wider landscape that has supported the town for centuries.
13 Market Street, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 2RL OPENING TIMES
A detached house in a private setting within Dartmoor National Park. The property includes outbuildings and a plot extending to approximately seven acres. Planning permission has been granted on one outbuilding for conversion into a detached residential bungalow, with further development potential subject to the necessary consents. For enquiries contact
Village edge thatched home of great character. A Grade II listed four or five bedroom family house set on the edge of this popular Dartmoor village. The property offers generous accommodation in good internal order, with an abundance of exposed timber beams throughout. Private gardens include an outdoor kitchen, orchard, outbuildings and a stable, all within grounds of approximately 1.8 acres.
Dartmoor magic
Scorhill Stone CircleA Place of Balance
Scorhill has long been remembered as a place of calm and equilibrium. Unlike many stone circles surrounded by darker legend, this one was associated with steadiness, of thought, of feeling, of life itself.
Local tradition held that walking slowly around the circle, particularly at dawn, could bring clarity after grief or uncertainty. Couples were said to visit together, not to ask for passion or fortune, but for harmony, a belief that balance was the foundation of any enduring bond.
Scorhill’s story is gentle and enduring: that peace is found not by force, but by alignment.
Dartmoor’s ancient places were never simply landmarks. They were places of pause and reassurance, shaped by stories that helped people live alongside a vast and changing landscape.
Spinster’s RockThe Stone of Promise
Spinster’s Rock is one of Dartmoor’s oldest monuments, and one of its most human. While later folklore spoke of witches turned to stone, earlier traditions remembered it as a place of intention and quiet resolve.
Young couples once came here to place their hands together on the great capstone, speaking hopes for the future rather than vows. Women visited in spring to seek clarity, not always for love, but for direction, courage, or peace with what lay ahead.
The story of Spinster’s Rock endures because it reflects a truth still understood today: the most meaningful promises are often the ones we make softly.
MerrivalePaths of Remembering
At Merrivale, the stones form lines rather than circles, deliberate paths stretching across the land. These were believed to be routes walked in remembrance, honouring those who came before and seeking wisdom for choices yet to be made.
Farmers believed that respecting the stones brought prosperity, not through magic, but through mindfulness. The act of walking these paths encouraged patience, care and reflection - qualities essential to life on the moor.
GrimspoundThe Circle of Community
Encircled by thick stone walls, Grimspound was remembered not as a place of confinement, but of safety. Local folklore spoke of families gathering here during storms, finding protection not only from the weather, but from fear itself.
The settlement symbolised cooperation, shared warmth, shared labour, shared survival. In times of hardship, strength was believed to come from togetherness rather than isolation.
Grimspound’s enduring lesson is simple and powerful: community is humanity’s oldest form of shelter.
Grey WethersStones That Guide Home
The Grey Wethers take their name from sheep resting on the moor, and their story is one of reassurance rather than deception. Shepherds believed the circles watched over those working alone, offering guidance in poor weather or fading light.
To glimpse the stones before nightfall was considered a sign of good fortune - a reminder that one was still on the right path. The legend of stones becoming sheep was not meant to mislead, but to comfort: abundance, protection and safe return.
Their story endures as a quiet assurance that the land looks after those who respect it.
Closing reflection
These stories have survived not because they were extraordinary, but because they were useful. They helped people live with patience, respect and balance. They softened hardship, strengthened community, and gave meaning to place.
In a world that moves ever faster, Dartmoor’s ancient places still offer something rare - not answers, but reassurance. A reminder that some truths are older than us, and still quietly present for those willing to listen.
Chagford
HISTORY, NATURE AND COMMUNITY INTERTWINED
Set on the north-eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park, the town of Chagford is one of South Devon’s most picturesque and distinctive settlements. Overlooking the wooded valley of the River Teign and framed by the open granite landscape of the moor, Chagford has long been shaped by its close relationship with Dartmoor. Its origins stretch back to Saxon times, but the town rose to particular prominence during the medieval period as one of Dartmoor’s important stannary towns, where tin mined from the surrounding moor was weighed, taxed and traded. At the heart of the town stands the elegant parish church of St Michael the Archangel Church, Chagford, whose tall granite tower has watched over the town for centuries and remains one of its most recognisable landmarks.
During the Middle Ages, Chagford thrived on the wealth generated by the tin trade and the surrounding wool industry. Merchants and craftsmen settled here, and the prosperity of that period left a lasting mark
on the town’s character. Many of the buildings lining the square and surrounding lanes reflect centuries of architectural evolution, with granite cottages, historic inns and traditional townhouses creating a distinctive sense of place. The town’s central square, still the social heart of Chagford today, once hosted busy markets where farmers, traders and tin merchants gathered to conduct business and exchange news.
Modern Chagford retains the feel of a small town shaped by tradition and community. Its compact centre is easily explored on foot, with independent shops, cafés, galleries and artisan businesses creating a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. Weekly markets and local events continue to bring residents and visitors together, maintaining a tradition of trading and gathering that stretches back hundreds of years. The town also enjoys a lively cultural life, with music, theatre and community festivals adding to a calendar of events that reflects both creativity and strong local pride.
CHAGFORD OFFICE
Rock House, Southcombe Street, Chagford, Devon, TQ13 8AX
01647 432277
OPENING TIMES
Mon to Fri : 9.00am - 5.30pm
Saturday : 9.00am - 1.00pm
Sunday : closed
dartmoor@rendells.co.uk
Living in Chagford is closely connected to the surrounding landscape. Just beyond the town’s edge, Dartmoor opens into a dramatic expanse of tors, rivers and heather-covered moorland that offers endless opportunities for walking, cycling and riding.
Nearby landmarks such as Castle Drogo, perched high above the Teign Gorge, provide both striking views and a reminder of the area’s architectural heritage. Residents often speak of the sense of space and tranquillity that comes from living so close to the moor, where wide skies and changing seasons shape everyday life.
Despite its rural setting, Chagford maintains a lively and welcoming community spirit. Local pubs, independent businesses and community organisations create an atmosphere that feels both rooted and forward-looking. Festivals, farmers’ markets and outdoor events bring colour to the town throughout
the year, while nearby villages and countryside walks encourage exploration beyond the town’s boundaries. Chagford today feels both timeless and quietly vibrant - a place where history, landscape and community combine to create a distinctive way of life. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Dartmoor and sustained by a strong sense of identity, it remains one of South Devon’s most charming and characterful towns.
You’ll
be more
than SOLD with our conveyancing services
At Howard & Over, we support clients buying or selling agricultural land and buildings, providing clear guidance on rural property transactions from start to finish. We also specialise in residential conveyancing, with a team of experienced conveyancers offering a dedicated first-class service to make the process as smooth and worry-free as possible.
Why Howard & Over?
• Local solicitors you can trust, with offices in Newton Abbot, Ivybridge, and Plymouth.
• Expertise to help with buying, selling, or re-mortgaging your agricultural land/buildings or home.
• We keep things simple with clear, jargon-free legal advice.
• We understand that your home – or your land – is more than just an asset; it’s part of your future.
If you would like to find out more, please speak to our experts at Howard & Over.
PRESTIGE MOVING
At Spire Removals we are confident that any move is possible, especially in expert hands.
Rebalance & Restore
THE RESTORATIVE POWER OF SOUTH DEVON LIVING
Modern life rarely leaves room for stillness. Work demands, digital distraction and the pace of everyday routines often create a constant sense of motion, leaving little space to pause and recalibrate. Increasingly, people are seeking environments that help restore balance - places where nature itself plays a role in renewal. Few regions offer that restorative combination as naturally as South Devon.
Set between the open moorland of Dartmoor and the sheltered estuaries of the South Hams, the landscape encourages a slower rhythm. The expansive skies, ancient woodland, tidal rivers and coastal horizons create a natural sense of perspective. It is this setting that has quietly allowed South Devon to develop a reputation as a destination for wellness - not simply indulgent spa breaks, but experiences designed to support deeper physical and emotional wellbeing.
Across Dartmoor’s edge, elegant countryside retreats provide spaces dedicated to relaxation and recovery. At Bovey Castle, wellness unfolds against sweeping views of the moor. A combination of thermal pools, steam rooms and holistic treatments are complemented by yoga classes, mindful breathing
sessions and quiet walks across the estate’s woodland paths. The emphasis is not simply on luxury, but on creating an environment where guests can slow down and reconnect with themselves.
Nearby, the tranquil spa at Ilsington Country House Hotel offers a similarly restorative experience. Set within peaceful countryside, the spa combines therapeutic massage, hydrotherapy pools and calming relaxation spaces with views over the rolling landscape. Here, wellness feels deeply connected to placetreatments flow naturally into time spent outdoors, reinforcing the calming influence of nature.
South Devon is also home to a long tradition of holistic and mind-body wellbeing. Around Totnes, retreats focus on meditation, yoga and mindful living. At The Sharpham Trust, guests participate in structured retreats centred on mindfulness practice, gentle movement and contemplative walking. The estate’s beautiful setting above the River Dart encourages reflection and quiet connection with the landscape.
Further into Dartmoor, Karuna Institute offers programmes that combine yoga, counselling, breathwork and holistic therapies designed to support emotional wellbeing and personal growth. These retreats emphasise a deeper understanding of the relationship between body and mind, recognising that lasting wellbeing comes from balance rather than quick fixes.
Along the South Devon coast, smaller yoga retreats and wellness studios blend sea air with restorative practices. Sunrise yoga overlooking the ocean, mindful coastal walks and nourishing seasonal food create a powerful combination that encourages relaxation and renewal. The presence of water - whether river, estuary or sea - adds another natural element to the region’s therapeutic character.
What connects all these experiences is a shared philosophy. Wellbeing here is not driven by trend or
spectacle, but by environment. The calm of the moor, the rhythm of the tides and the restorative qualities of fresh air all contribute to a sense of balance that feels genuine and lasting.
There is no better place to heal the spirit than in the quiet company of the countryside “ “
Henry Williamson
In South Devon, wellness is not simply a luxury escape. It is a gentle reminder that sometimes the most restorative thing we can do is pause, breathe deeply, and allow the landscape around us to do its quiet work.
Markets and Auctions
TRADITION WITH MODERN INNOVATION
Rendells’ Rural Department delivers experienced auction and private treaty services for livestock, machinery and agricultural assets across the South West. Combining longestablished market tradition with modern technology, the team provides professional, flexible routes to sale throughout the year.
Rendells hold monthly livestock markets at Newton Abbot & Chagford with traditional sheep sales in Ashburton. Throughout the year, onsite and collective farm machinery sales are held throughout South Devon & Dartmoor and there are seasonal collective fodder auctions conducted during the winter months, with grass keep auctions in the spring and standing crop sales offered at the appropriate times.
Newton Abbot Market
Situated in the centre of Newton Abbot, this wellestablished market provides a traditional and respected venue for livestock trading. Drawing stock from across the South Hams and beyond, it is strongly supported by buyers from throughout the South West.
A monthly auctoin at Newton Abbot held on the first Wednesday of each month offers prime cattle, cull cows and store cattle, together with ewes, hoggs and lambs.
Chagford Market
Rendells’ Chagford Market offers a rare opportunity to sell in a traditional setting, it is one of the few livestock markets located within Dartmoor National Park and proudly upholds the time-honoured tradition of the Dartmoor Hill Pony ‘drift sales’. Though seasonal, the market continues to grow in strength, with increasing livestock numbers and expanded sale dates covering cattle, sheep, horses, ponies and machinery.
Ashburton Market
Steeped in history, Ashburton’s first show and sale dates back to 1893. The Ashburton Sheep Sale was successfully reintroduced in 2019 and is now held in grass fields to the west of the town at Peartree Cross, directly off the A38.
Supported by farmers from across the South West, including the South Hams and Dartmoor, this open-air seasonal sale provides an important rural marketplace. Sales of couples, breeding ewes, store lambs and breeding sheep take place up to three times annually, with the event continuing to strengthen year on year.
Farm & Machinery Sales
Rendells’ Rural Department arranges farm dispersal sales of live and dead stock, tailored to each client’s requirements. Annual collective machinery
auctions include the well-supported spring sale at Buckfastleigh Racecourse, alongside regular sales at Chagford Market.
Online Timed Auctions
In addition to live and on-site sales, Rendells offers a modern Online Timed Auction facility, providing clients with a flexible and efficient alternative route to market.
This service allows machinery and specialist equipment to be catalogued, photographed and filmed for maximum exposure. Items may be marketed directly from the vendor’s premises, reducing time and cost while ensuring convenient viewings. Auctions typically run for 10–14 days, with collections arranged promptly following completion.
Rendells’ experienced team is available to advise, visit and manage the full process from initial enquiry through to successful sale.
Totnes
TRADITION, CREATIVITY AND COMMUNITY INTERTWINED
Set above the winding waters of the River Dart, Totnes is one of South Devon’s most distinctive and characterful towns. Its origins stretch back well over a thousand years, and its position as a crossing point and trading port made it an important settlement
long before many neighbouring towns emerged. Overlooking the rooftops and river valley is Totnes Castle, built soon after the Norman Conquest. Today, it remains a defining landmark, offering panoramic views that underline Totnes’ historic role as a place of power, protection and prosperity.
The Elizabethan era left an especially strong and visible legacy. During the 16th century, Totnes thrived through wool, cloth and maritime trade, becoming a confident and wealthy market town. This period shaped much of the townscape seen today, with timber-framed merchants’ houses, decorative façades and historic civic buildings lining the High Street. Structures such as the Elizabethan Guildhall reflect Totnes’ importance as a centre of governance and commerce, while the narrow lanes and courtyards still hint at the bustle of traders, craftsmen and seafarers who once passed through daily.
Modern Totnes is a pleasure to explore at an unhurried pace. The town centre is compact and walkable, encouraging wandering rather than rushing. Independent bookshops, delis, cafés, bakeries and galleries dominate the high street, giving the town a strong sense of individuality. Regular markets remain central to local life, continuing centuries of trading tradition with stalls selling fresh produce, handmade goods and local specialities. Along the riverside, paths and viewpoints provide peaceful places to pause, while seasonal boat trips offer a gentle way to experience the surrounding landscape.
Living in Totnes is often described as choosing a particular way of life. Totnes has a reputation for independence, creativity and strong community values, attracting people who appreciate local businesses, sustainability and connection. There is a noticeable emphasis on balance - between work and leisure,
tradition and modern living. Many residents enjoy the ability to walk into town, greet familiar faces and feel part of something rooted yet evolving. With countryside, river and coast all close by, everyday life feels naturally connected to the outdoors.
Culture and creativity play a steady role in Totnes life. Live music is a regular feature, with pubs and community venues hosting folk, acoustic, jazz and contemporary performances throughout the year. Theatre, talks, workshops and small festivals add to a lively but unpretentious cultural calendar. Leisure opportunities are equally varied, from kayaking and paddleboarding on the Dart to countryside walks, cycling routes, yoga and fitness classes that reflect the town’s holistic outlook.
At Christmas, Totnes reveals another side of its character. The Christmas Market transforms the historic streets into a warm, lantern-lit celebration filled with local stalls, festive music and seasonal food. Combined
with independent shops, late openings and community events, winter in Totnes feels intimate, traditional and genuinely welcoming.
Totnes is layered, lived-in and quietly confidenta town where history shapes the present, creativity is woven into daily life, and community remains at its heart.
Local knowledge, trusted advice
At Windeatts, we combine strong legal expertise with clear, straightforward guidanceno jargon, no fuss. Professional, approachable, and rooted in the community, we’re here to help you navigate life’s legal challenges with confidence.
Litigation
• Contract & commercial disputes
• Personal injury
• Domestic & commercial property disputes
• Family law Private Client
Windeatts Totnes
58–60 Fore Street, Totnes TQ9 5RU
Tel: 01803 862233
www.windeatts.co.uk
• Wills, Powers of Attorney & Living Wills
• Probate & estate administration
• Probate disputes
• Trusts & Inheritance Tax
• Services for the older client
Windeatts Kingsbridge
48 Fore Street, Kingsbridge TQ7 1PE
Tel: 01548 852727
Property & Commercial
• Buying or selling property
• Co-ownership
• Commercial property
• Buying or selling a business
• Mortgages & equity release
An elegant and characterful attached barn conversion located in the desirable hamlet of Goodstone, with excellent equestrian facilities. The impressive barn offers spacious living, ideal for entertaining, with four double bedrooms, enclosed private terrace and gardens, plentiful parking, and a double garage. Adjacent to the property is a superb yard with six boxes, a tack room, hay barn, lorry parking, arena and paddocks extending to approximately 3.12 acres.
A delightful and quintessentially English detached stone cottage with three bedrooms, studio and garaging. Set in its own grounds and private driveway. Offering parking, stabling with views across the rolling Devon countryside. Set between the villages of Broadhempston and Staverton.
Antiques, Jewellery & Collectables
EXPERT VALUATIONS & AUCTIONS
In the mid-1970s, Rendells expanded its services beyond estate agency and surveying when it acquired “The Old Brewery” at Stonepark, Ashburton and transformed it into a dedicated auction saleroom - a decision that has since become a defining part of the business.
Today, the Ashburton Saleroom hosts a regular, lively two-day antiques auction every month, typically on a Thursday and Friday, featuring around 1,500 lots of antiques and selected items from across Devon and beyond.
Rendells’ antiques department sells a varied and fascinating range of objects, from quality furniture and decorative pieces to clocks, barometers, copper and brassware, ceramics and glass, metalwork, silver plate, jewellery and fine pictures and prints all brought together under one roof for buyers and collectors to explore. All lots are also listed on the-saleroom.com, enabling online bidding from collectors and buyers around the world.
Whether you’re a seasoned buyer or new to collecting, Rendells aims to make the auction process straightforward and enjoyable. Catalogues for upcoming sales are released online in advance, giving bidders time to browse and plan. Viewing days - typically on the Tuesday and Wednesday before an auction - let potential buyers examine items in person, ask questions and get a feel for what’s on offer.
If you’re unable to attend in person, Rendells will happily provide extra photographs and condition reports by email on request, and offers absentee and telephone bidding options for convenience. For international or remote buyers, online bidding through The Saleroom means you can participate in live auctions from anywhere.
Comprehensive Valuation Services
Rendells’ expert team are not only auctioneers but experienced valuers. They offer free pre-sale valuations — either by phone, email or in-person visitsto advise whether items are suitable for auction entry. A trained valuer will assess your item, suggest a realistic guide price and recommend an appropriate reserve - the minimum price at which the auctioneer will sell.
In addition to pre-sale advice, Rendells conducts probate and insurance valuations. Household contents are often undervalued for insurance purposes, and Rendells’ valuations help ensure that items are correctly recorded for probate, taxation, family division or household insurance needs. Written valuations are provided upon request, with straightforward arrangements available through the Saleroom Manager.
House Clearance and Logistics Support
For clients needing a full property clearance, Rendells can arrange trusted staff to attend the property prior to collection or oversee removal at the point of collection with a haulier, simplifying the process during what can be a stressful time.
Once items have been sold, Rendells also assists with packing and shipping. The preferred methods of dispatch are via Mailboxes or Royal Mail tracked services, and while the buyer is responsible for insuring items in transit, Rendells will pack goods with care. Some fragile or prohibited items may not be suitable for this service, but the team will always advise on the most appropriate logistics solution.
A Hub for Collectors and Enthusiasts
Over the years, the Ashburton saleroom has developed a reputation for offering intriguing and diverse lots, attracting dealers, collectors and interior decorators alike. From everyday antiques to standout treasures that make headlines - such as rare tiles, fine art, or unusual collectables - there’s always something to pique curiosity and spark conversation among buyers.
The regular monthly rhythm of sales provides a reliable schedule for both sellers and buyers: items can be entered into specific themed sales (such as silver, jewellery, postcards or ephemera), catalogues are produced for each auction, and the global online presence ensures that items receive wide exposure.
From guiding you through your first auction to helping with complex valuations or house clearances, Rendells blends traditional knowledge with a modern approach - making antiques accessible, enjoyable and rewarding for both buyers and sellers alike.
Ashburton
A TOWN SHAPED BY TRADE, CRAFT AND COMMUNITY
Set at the southern gateway to Dartmoor National Park, the town of Ashburton has long been shaped by its position between moorland and fertile valley. Sitting beside the upper reaches of the River Dart, Ashburton developed as a natural meeting point for travellers, traders and farmers moving between the uplands of Dartmoor and the markets of South Devon. Its origins reach back to Saxon times, but the town grew in importance during the medieval period when it became a thriving centre for trade, agriculture and craftsmanship.
Ashburton’s long history is still visible in its streets today. Granite cottages, Georgian townhouses and historic shopfronts line the main thoroughfare, creating a distinctive townscape that reflects centuries of prosperity and adaptation. At the centre of the town stands the impressive parish church of St Andrew’s Church, Ashburton, a landmark whose
origins date back to the fifteenth century. Nearby lanes and courtyards hint at a time when merchants, wool traders and craftsmen filled the town with activity, supplying goods to surrounding villages and markets.
For generations Ashburton was closely connected with the wool and cloth industries that shaped much of Devon’s medieval economy. Local mills, workshops and trading houses brought wealth and influence, turning the town into an important commercial centre for the surrounding countryside. Weekly markets and agricultural fairs were a regular feature of life here, reinforcing Ashburton’s role as a gathering place for farmers and traders across Dartmoor and the South Hams.
Today Ashburton retains much of its historic charm while offering a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Independent shops, artisan businesses and traditional cafés create a distinctive high street that encourages exploration rather than haste. The town has developed a particular reputation for antiques, craft and specialist food shops, drawing visitors who appreciate both heritage and individuality. Markets and community events continue to bring residents together, maintaining the social traditions that have long defined the town.
Living in Ashburton means enjoying a close relationship with the surrounding landscape. Dartmoor rises just beyond the town, offering open tors, wooded valleys and miles of walking, cycling and riding routes. At the same time, the South Devon coast lies within easy reach, allowing residents to enjoy both countryside and seaside within a short journey. This balance between rural tranquillity and accessibility makes the town particularly appealing for those seeking a slower pace of life without isolation.
Ashburton today feels both historic and quietly vibrant - a town where centuries of trade, craft and community have created a strong sense of identity. Framed by the dramatic landscapes of Dartmoor and sustained by a lively independent spirit, it remains one of South Devon’s most characterful and welcoming market towns.
Brown Brothers Clearances support homeowners, families, landlords, estate agents and businesses with reliable domestic and commercial property clearances across South Devon and the wider South West.
Run by brothers George and Henry Brown, our company provides a professional, straightforward service designed to make what can often be a difficult task far easier to manage. Whether clearing a home after a sale, dealing with the effects of messy tenants, or helping families through bereavement clearances, we approach every job with care, discretion and respect.
Our work ranges from full property clearances to smaller jobs such as garages, lofts, garden sheds and storage spaces. No property is the same, and the brothers pride themselves on providing practical advice and efficient solutions that suit each situation.
With experience in identifying items of potential value, we can also arrange for suitable pieces to be forwarded to auction where appropriate. Wherever possible, items are reused, recycled or responsibly disposed of, ensuring an environmentally conscious approach to every clearance.
If you’d like to talk through a clearance or simply need some advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Westmoore Farm, Diptford, TQ9 7PE
A secluded and versatile farm centred around a Grade II listed farmhouse, ring fenced by its own land. The property includes four residential barn conversions and a holiday let, together with stabling, a 20 x 40 arena, lake and building plot. Nine pasture enclosures, gardens and grounds extend to approximately 38.47 acres. An agricultural barn also benefits from planning permission with a separate access track.
Whether you are buying your first property, selling a manor house, or making an investment purchase, we have a large team of skilled and respected property lawyers who know the South West and can guide you safely through the pitfalls of moving.
We always put our clients first. We’re Tozers, thoughtful legal partners for a changing world.
