Let Me Introduce You To… David Kivell

The driving force for people moving to Devon or Cornwall is very often the desire for a different lifestyle, perhaps the result of cherished memories of childhood holidays or holidays with their own children.

We made such a move in 2006, with three young boys, moving from the South East to Broadwoodwidger in Devon, buying and running our own holiday cottage business. And Devon is very much home for us now.

If you’re thinking of relocating it’s important to try to get it right of course and looking at the prospect of a new life through rose-tinted glasses needs a heavy dose of reality too. Here are some pointers to think about along the way. Some may sound blindingly obvious but they can get overlooked in the excitement of your search for your dream new home.

• Do your homework and explore different areas as much as possible – keep an open mind. If possible, consider renting first of all. Holidaying somewhere and living there are two very different things.
• Think about work and travel commitments. If you need to travel by car regularly then moving deep into Cornwall may not be ideal especially in the winter months. If working from home always consider internet connections and download speeds. These can be great but can also be patchy or downright poor depending on where you are.
• Visit schools for your children and make the most of open and taster days.
• When you live in the country you’ll spend more time in the car. Public transport is limited and taxis aren’t always easy to come by.
• Think about what there is to do in the area and how far you’ll have to travel to get to places and do the things you’ll want to do.

Rightmove is great of course but it’s always a good idea to be in touch personally with local estate agents. D R Kivell and Partners is one such agency with specialist knowledge in country properties across both Devon and Cornwall. David Kivell has 35 years of experience, a first-rate knowledge of the South-West property market and can offer detailed advice about the region when it comes to buying. For people living in London David has a presence at the London Property Centre on Park Lane and holds two West Country property showcases a year, every spring and autumn, at the Centre. Well worth a visit.