Thinking of upping sticks? There’s never been a more appealing time to escape the rat race and live the Devon dream, whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, looking for a holiday home or relocating for work.

Take my advice and have Ed Jephson and Nick Cunningham of Stacks Devon on speed dial. As experienced local property hunters, they have their fingers on the pulse of what’s on the market (sometimes before it’s on the market) and a bulging little black book of agents and insider know-how. I wished I’d known them when I moved here from the South East. I know how fantasy house-hunting on Rightmove is like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack, while juggling full-time work and a family, when your dream pad is 200 miles away.

Here’s how it works: once you’ve paid your retainer, and worked out which area you’re interested in you’ll get a Zoom call to find out what you want. Having come up with an initial hit-list and worked out the area, they whittle it down by visiting and videoing properties in which you’re interested, finally narrowing it down for your viewings. They’ll even help you find somewhere to stay if you have to travel any distance to do so.

Ed is really easy to work with; what’s more he’s done it himself, moving from London to Totnes with his own family. Close family links with the South Hams, plus over 10 years in the property buying and letting biz means his  advice is always on the money.

Likewise, Nick’s skills are keeping close to selling agents and local intel for tip offs of new property before it hits the market. If you’re looking for a location with an active community of like-minded people, the right schools, or need advice on whether a property is overpriced or a bargain he can steer you in the right direction and most importantly help to identify any potential pitfalls before you get too far down the line.

Itching to make that move? Read Nick’s tips on Moving to Exeter and Ed’s tips on Moving to Devon, and then give them a bell.

For South Devon, Dartmoor & The South Hams Property Finders (also covering West, and Northwest Devon) call Ed on 01803 732128 or 07711 724939 or email edjephson@stacks.co.uk.

For East, Mid and North Devon (also covering West and Northwest Devon) and West Somerset call Nick on 07977 490574 or email nickcunningham@stacks.co.uk. That call could remove much of the house-hunting headache (and potential heartache) and kickstart a whole new life in the West Country. And that’s got to be worth picking up the phone for.