Devon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Space to breathe! This small but perfectly formed town of around 1500 on the edge of Dartmoor, brims with useful stores, three good pubs and a hotel – there&#8217;s even a Post Office – and loads of amenities which the invested townsfolk keep going strong. While here&#8217;s a hub for walkers and cyclists who are just passing through, the farming families who have made a home here for centuries, along with the creatives and professionals, span the generations, making for a healthy mix. Pop your head in the town&#8217;s friendly Tourist Information Office or scan the town&#8217;s info boards, and both are a good litmus test of a thriving community with much to be proud of.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/bertos-moreton.jpg" alt="Berto's pizza restaurant Moretonhampstead " class="wp-image-68955" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/bertos-moreton.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/bertos-moreton-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/bertos-moreton-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/bertos-moreton-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Berto&#8217;s</figcaption></figure>



<p>Moreton does well for pub classics, whether you want walloping great plates of hearty pub grub (<a href="https://www.theunioninn.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Union Inn</a>), or prefer the genteel wallpaper of <a href="https://www.whitehartdartmoor.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The White Hart</a> Hotel (under new ownership), or a more contemporary Med vibe and excellent stone-baked pizza at <a href="https://thehorsedartmoor.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Horse</a>. The flowerpot-fronted Italian, <a href="https://www.bertospizzeria.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berto&#8217;s</a>, serves authentic pasta, pizza and antipasto every evening except on Wednesdays, while for café culture and homemade ice-cream, head to the dog-friendly garden of <a href="https://www.baskervilleestate.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hound of the Baskervilles</a>. It&#8217;s opposite the Square, so a great spot for people watching. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1081" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/308443798_614230390084964_6415151988673794817_n.jpg" alt="Zero Waste Store Moretonhampstead" class="wp-image-70051" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/308443798_614230390084964_6415151988673794817_n.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/308443798_614230390084964_6415151988673794817_n-800x601.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/308443798_614230390084964_6415151988673794817_n-1000x751.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/308443798_614230390084964_6415151988673794817_n-768x577.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Zero Waste</figcaption></figure>



<p>Here&#8217;s a wicker basket kinda place, thanks to a well-stocked grocers (who grow some of their own produce), a butchers, a newsagent, a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/zerowastemoreton/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zero Waste</a> store doubling as a gift and card shop, plus <a href="https://moretonpharmacy.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moreton Pharmacy</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/headcasemoretonhampstead/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Headcase Salon</a>. For bread with cred, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thevandupain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Van du Pain </a>sell their incredible artisan tarts, sourdough and Danish pastries from a vintage yellow Renault van on the Square every Tuesday and Saturday morning. Well worth moving to Moreton for alone.  </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/greenshoes-3.jpg" alt="Green Shoes Moretonhampstead" class="wp-image-71289" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/greenshoes-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/greenshoes-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/greenshoes-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/greenshoes-3-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Here is one of the few places in the UK you can make a handmade pair of Italian shoes in a day, thanks to <a href="https://www.greenshoes.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Green Shoes</a>. The classic shoe-makers have a rustic workshop on Chapel Street where they craft contemporary classics, including fishermen&#8217;s sandals, Mary Janes and covetable men&#8217;s and women&#8217; boots.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Moreton has its own wellbeing group, <a href="https://www.wellmoor.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wellmoor</a>, which organises activities around men&#8217;s health, arts and allotments. For local GPs, <a href="https://www.moretonhampsteadhealthcentre.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moretonhampstead Health Centre </a>is in town serving 3,000+ patients. There are also a couple of dentists, including <a href="https://www.mulaydentist.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Presh Mulay</a> who offers cosmetic dentistry. </p>



<p>No excuse to avoid exercise: there&#8217;s a heated outdoor pool, tennis courts, and a <a href="https://www.moretonhampsteadsportscentre.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sports and community centre</a> with a gym and offering Pilates, fitness and Tai Chi classes right in town. Plus, there&#8217;s the great outdoors. Head to Wray Valley Trail for walks, cycle rides or on horseback, while Mardon Down offers spectacular views – and an ancient stone circle. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Many of the local facilities, including the<a href="https://discover.librariesunlimited.org.uk/-/moretonhampstead-library#/"> library</a>, arts centre, <a href="https://moretonpool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outdoor heated swimming pool</a>, community orchard and allotments, are run by volunteers, ensuring lots of community contact. Moreton is quite creative, so no surprise there&#8217;s a Maker&#8217;s Market on the third Saturday of every month, and <a href="https://visitmoretonhampstead.co.uk/calendar-of-event/moreton-makers-open-studios" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Studios</a> every November. The popular <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MoretonFoodFest2020/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food Festival</a> every August celebrates local producers, and founded by a former TV producer who lives in the town. The annual Flag Festival creates a colourful community stitched flag fest, while <a href="https://visitmoretonhampstead.co.uk/things-to-do/annual-events#:~:text=The%20Moreton%20Carnival%20Week%20takes,live%20music%20in%20the%20evening." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carnival Week</a> is a fun family annual event. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/11/bovey-castle-fotor.jpg" alt="Bovey Castle interior aerial shot " class="wp-image-26491" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/11/bovey-castle-fotor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/11/bovey-castle-fotor-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/11/bovey-castle-fotor-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/11/bovey-castle-fotor-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/11/bovey-castle-fotor-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bovey Castle</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you drive into town via Cross Street, you&#8217;ll spot the ancient almshouses which housed the poor in Medieval times. There&#8217;s a charming <a href="https://www.moretonmotormuseum.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Motor Museum</a>, home to 150 vintage cars and cycles which people come for miles around to see. For five-star luxury, cocktails and a pamper, the Muddy-approved <a href="https://www.boveycastle.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bovey Castle Hotel &amp; Spa</a> (above) is your nearest go-to. The last castle to be built in England, the National Trust-owned <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/castle-drogo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Castle Drogo</a>, is nearby with fabulous Teign Valley walks and a tea room. For family days out, <a href="https://www.houseofmarbles.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">House of Marble</a>s runs demos of glass blowing, a café and seasonal family events. And not forgetting the natural star of the piece, <a href="https://visitdartmoor.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmoor National Park</a> where you&#8217;ll find wilderness, wild ponies, stunning granite tors and cosy pubs and tearooms for a traditional cream tea. Lovely Chagford is just down the road, with <a href="https://www.thechagfordinn.co.uk">The Chagford Inn</a>, a great boutique, plus cafés, a good bakery and galleries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>The Muddy Awards-shortlisted <a href="https://www.greenhillarts.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Green Hill Arts Centre</a> curates a changing exhibition programme showcasing local artists from across the South West, along with regular talks and demos. Nearby Chagford runs an annual September <a href="https://chagfordfilmfestival.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Film Festival</a> which promises a line up of eclectic films and special guests, including Oscar winners. On <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MoretonMusicDay/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moreton Music Day </a>the whole town comes out to party for a jam-packed line-up of local musicians, while for under 18s there&#8217;s also a Mini Moreton Music Day, and regular live music at The Horse. For theatre and music gigs, it&#8217;s a trip to Exeter for university venues and city bars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-price">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE</h2>



<p>Properties averages £517,889 over the last year. Prices are going north, 34% up on the previous year and 41% up on the 2021.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="679" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/moreton-20251-1000x679.jpg" alt="chalet bungalow for sale in Moretonhampstead Devon " class="wp-image-69849" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/moreton-20251-1000x679.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/moreton-20251-800x543.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/moreton-20251-768x521.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/moreton-20251.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This sprawling 4-bed chalet bungalow is sitting pretty in 2.67 acres of land and comes with an annexe. <a href="https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/properties/residential/for-sale/moretonhampstead-newton-abbot-devon-tq13/she012462357" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market with Knight Frank for £850,000</a></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.moretonhampstead.thelink.academy/web/foundation_stage_unit/474043" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Tors</a> take children from age 2 yrs and is based at <a href="https://www.moretonhampstead.thelink.academy/web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moretonhampstead Primary School</a> which was rated Good by Ofsted in December 2023. In the summer the children take classes at the town swimming pool.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>Senior School children have a choice of <a href="https://www.southdartmoor.devon.sch.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Dartmoor Community College</a> or independents schools at <a href="https://stover.co.uk">Stover School</a> or <a href="https://www.exeterschool.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exeter School </a>(which has a school bus which stops in town) both co-eds for 3 – 18 year olds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>TV presenter and adventurer, Simon Reeves, moved from London to the town with his wife Anya and young son and has lived here for over 10 years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>A regular bus service runs between Exeter (12 miles away) and Moretonhampstead every two hours, Monday to Saturday. For major train stations, take you pick between Newton Abbot (12 miles away) and Exeter and Plymouth (26 miles). National and regional trains run regularly to all three stations all year round.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;</em><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/"><em>Top 300 Best Places to Live</em></a>.</p>


Moretonhampstead

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