Devon


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



<p>With its thatched pub, a 13th-century parish church and the gentle River Kenn winding through it, the two side-by-side villages of Kenn and Kennford tick every countryside box. But don&#8217;t be fooled, you&#8217;re minutes from the A38, A379 and M5, making Exeter, Plymouth and the coast all an easy hop. For commuting families wanting urban options and golden sands, you have the best of all worlds. It&#8217;s country charm, city access and beach life all rolled into one irresistible lifestyle.</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="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/8TheLeyArms190415Matt-Austin.jpg" alt="The Ley Arms Kenn" class="wp-image-49808" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/8TheLeyArms190415Matt-Austin.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/8TheLeyArms190415Matt-Austin-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/8TheLeyArms190415Matt-Austin-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/8TheLeyArms190415Matt-Austin-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/8TheLeyArms190415Matt-Austin-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.kentonparkestate.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ley Arms</a> (pronounced <em>lay</em>), the 13-century pub with rooms, is fast making Kenn a destination. This family-run inn is bringing urban panache to the country with its monthly cocktail nights in the new Lobby Bar. It&#8217;s also a go-to for steak nights and on-trend cocktails. In Kennford, <a href="https://www.kentonparkestate.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Seven Stars</a> hosts monthly music nights in a cosy Tardis-like local, while <a href="https://brightside.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brightside Diner</a> on Haldon Hill is a cool American-style eatery, popular with families. Local vineyard, <a href="https://www.kentonparkestate.com">Kenton Park Estate</a> is supercool – like being on a South African vineyard *really* &#8211; and pops up with regular wine nights. We also rate Kenton&#8217;s nearby <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rodean_restaurant/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rodean Restaurant </a>for friendly fine-dining and al fresco pop-ups on the Green. When city lights call, go for glamorous dining at <a href="https://ivycollection.com/restaurants/the-ivy-exeter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ivy</a>. Exeter caters for all tastes, from the 100% vegan <a href="https://www.sacredgrounds.co" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sacred Grounds</a> to the Muddy Award-winning Best Restaurant, <a href="https://craverestaurant.co.uk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crave</a> on the Quayside. </p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/wobbly-wheelcafe.jpg" alt="The Wobbly Wheel Cafe Kennford Devon " class="wp-image-80332" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/wobbly-wheelcafe.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/wobbly-wheelcafe-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/wobbly-wheelcafe-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The local shop has recently closed, although the <a href="https://www.partridgecycles.co.uk/pages/cafe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wobbly Wheel Café</a> sells local Ryders Bakery bread and milk. At Powderham Castle, a few miles down the coast road, there&#8217;s a good <a href="https://www.powderhamfarmshop.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farm shop</a> with a bistro, post office, butchers, bakery and deli items. The boutique garden centre, <a href="https://www.urbanandruralplants.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Urban &amp; Rural Plants</a>, sells stylish plants, exotics and a range of well-curated cards and gifts. For your weekly shop, it&#8217;s around 10 mins on the Expressway to the Sainsbury&#8217;s at Alphington, or the Tesco Metro at Exminster, along with all the other city supers, including a Waitrose. </p>



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



<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/14/2022/07/dawlish-warren.jpg" alt="Dawlish Warren Devon " class="wp-image-44950" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/07/dawlish-warren.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/07/dawlish-warren-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/07/dawlish-warren-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/07/dawlish-warren-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/07/dawlish-warren-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The nearest doctors, <a href="https://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/things-to-do/dawlish-warren-beach-p261303" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Westbank Practice</a> is 10 minutes away with two surgeries at Starcross and Exminster. Walking, cycling and horse riding are all de rigueur, or head up the A38 to Haldon Forest for orienteering courses, treetop ropes, running routes, play areas and Nordic walking trails. <a href="https://www.kenncentre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Kenn Centre</a> in Kennford offers classes in Taiko, pickle ball, Pilates and junior martial arts, or join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/271713316216678/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kenn Cricket Club</a> to play a wicket on their beautifully manicured green. Beach lovers and wild swimmers head the six miles to <a href="https://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/things-to-do/dawlish-warren-beach-p261303">Dawlish Warren</a> – where there&#8217;s also a world-famous nature reserve for wading birds.</p>



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



<p>Locals gather around for regular events at The Kenn Centre, live music and party nights in both the pubs, and the community meadow, such as the Summer Fayre at Blacksmiths Meadow. </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="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/tk-maxx.jpg" alt="TK Maxx Live at Powderham stage at Powderham Castle in Devon " class="wp-image-80335" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/tk-maxx.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/tk-maxx-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/tk-maxx-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The 14th-century, family-owned <a href="https://www.powderham.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Powderham Castle</a> is a local star, with a garden festival in spring and a food festival in autumn. Big-ticket events include kids&#8217; heady favourite of survival skills and music fest, <a href="https://gonewildfestival.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gone Wild Festival</a>, and <a href="https://www.liveatpowderham.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TK Maxx Live at Powderham</a> gigs with Lewis Capaldi and Teddy Swims heading the 2026 line-up.</p>



<p>Popular with mums with young kids, <a href="https://tavernersfarm.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Orange Elephant</a> (known for the life-size orange elephant on the roadside) is a farm-based parlour making ice-cream from the dairy herd, along with their outdoor Summer Meadow play area for letting off steam. </p>



<p>Sports fans are spoiled too &#8211; cheer on the <a href="https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exeter Chiefs </a>at Sandy Park, or watch the action (with a side of VIP dining) at <a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/exeter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exeter Racecourse</a>. For a breath of fresh air, head to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.canonteignfalls.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canonteign Falls</a>&nbsp;with its waterfalls and playgrounds, or escape to&nbsp;Dartmoor National Park, just 15–20 minutes by car.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/RAMM-c-Matt-Round-7.jpg" alt="RAMM Exeter" class="wp-image-48881" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/RAMM-c-Matt-Round-7.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/RAMM-c-Matt-Round-7-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/RAMM-c-Matt-Round-7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/RAMM-c-Matt-Round-7-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/RAMM-c-Matt-Round-7-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Nearby Exeter has been awarded UNESCO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.exetercityofliterature.com/event-picks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">City of Literature</a>&nbsp;status, with&nbsp;<a href="https://exetercustomhouse.co.uk/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exeter Custom House</a>&nbsp;hosting talks, workshops and events all year. Take your pick of four theatres, from the university&#8217;s&nbsp;<a href="https://exeternorthcott.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northcott Theatre</a>&nbsp;to city culture hub&nbsp;<a href="https://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exeter Phoenix</a>, which also dishes up art exhibitions, creative workshops and al fresco theatre in summer.</p>



<p>The city museum,&nbsp;<a href="https://rammuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RAMM&nbsp;</a>(above) is a charming mix of modern and traditional Victorian glass-cased collections and home to more than one million fascinating objects from around the globe. </p>



<p>At the uni, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.exetercornexchange.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Douglas Cinema Museum&nbsp;</a>is an under-the-radar gem of movie memorabilia and one of Britain’s largest collections of moving image history. For big-name comedy and music there&#8217;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.exetercornexchange.co.uk/">Exeter Corn Exchange</a>, while cinema fans are covered with The Vue, Odeon and a Picturehouse. </p>



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



<p>Houses prices in Kenn average at £185,000, while Kennford is £307,500. If you fancy a recce, The Ley Arms does cottages with hot tubs and boutique rooms.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/kennford-cottage.jpeg" alt="cottage for sale in Kennford " class="wp-image-80607" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/kennford-cottage.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/kennford-cottage-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/kennford-cottage-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dreaming of chocolate box idyll? Try this <a href="https://www.stags.co.uk/properties/20165051/sales" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3-bedroom cottage</a> with adjoining paddock for size, on the market with Stags for £525,000</figcaption></figure>



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



<p>Kennford&#8217;s <a href="https://www.kennfordplaybox.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Playbox </a>is an early years preschool for 2-4 year olds, based in a modern, purpose built building, and was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2024. Sessions run Mon – Fri, 9.15am-12.45pm and 12.45pm-3.15pm, with an additional Rise and Shine Club available from 8.30-9.15am.</p>



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



<p><a href="https://kennschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kenn C of E Primary School</a> is in Kennford and rated Good by Ofsted. For private, <a href="https://www.exeterschool.org.uk/admissions/admissions-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exeter Pre-School </a>(formerly the New School) is the non-selective feeder school admitting boys and girls aged 3-7 yrs for Exeter School, a high-achieving city day school. Local secondary schools include <a href="https://www.iscaexeter.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISCA Academy </a>, rated Good in 2022, and <a href="https://www.exeterschool.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exeter School</a>, a leading independent through school known for its good grades and leafy city centre location,</p>



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



<p>The beautiful yew tree in front of St Andrews is rumoured to be 2,000+ years old. An anonymous donor buys the Christmas tree which goes up on the crossroads opposite out of their own pocket year after year.</p>



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



<p>Exeter is 15 minutes and Plymouth 50 mins by car. Or park and ride at Marsh Barton and make use of the new train station which takes you to the main line at Exeter. London is 2 hrs 10 mins from here.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/">Top 260 Places to Live</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>


Kenn & Kennford

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