If you are considering a move to Exeter, the city in the countryside where you can still see the rolling hills that surround it from the centre then you’re making a great move! You might be looking to buy or perhaps to rent while you find your feet, but either way you’ll need to decide on an area to live.

All about St Leonard's for those relocating...

By far the most popular area in Exeter
There are many pleasant spots in Exeter, St Leonard’s being by far the most popular. Yes, you will get more for your money in other locations across the city (we’ll be exploring these in our next blog) but if your budget stretches to it St Leonard’s is extremely pretty and a short hop to the centre. 

First impressions...
Your first impression of St Leonard’s will probably be the elegant period houses that line many of the streets there. There is plenty of historical architecture and yet the once rural parish on the course of Larkbeare stream has somehow retained its appeal. All year round the gardens are full of delicate blooms, wisteria covered facades and blossoming trees.

So close to the city centre and quayside 
You will then note that it is very close to the city centre, in fact within five minutes you are walking through Southernhay gardens and can find yourself directly at the cathedral or Princesshay Shopping Centre. It’s extremely convenient and allows you to ditch the car at every opportunity and enjoy a glass of wine at one of many fine dining experiences Exeter has to offer. St Leonard’s is also a short walk to the historic Quayside, which puts a different spin on a working day during those beautiful summer evenings.

Magdalen Road - the heart of the St Leonard's community
The heart of St Leonard’s is most definitely Magdalen Road, where individual village style shops (a greengrocers, bakery, florist, farm shop etc.) are mixed with cafes and interesting gift shops. You soon get to know everyone and a Saturday morning jaunt to buy the paper and some croissants becomes a great chance to stop and catch up on all the news. At one of the best cafes The Sandwiched Inn (opposite the Weekes office) there is a farmhouse table where you can enjoy Exe Coffee Roasters coffee and join in the chat that is always going on between baristas and locals. Once a year the whole street is closed and a very atmospheric Christmas fair takes place with local crafts, music and food stalls. 

Things to do
There are lots of opportunities to make friends and learn new skills in St Leonard’s too. Whether you fancy Beginners Ukulele at Maker Maker, a fabulous shop at the end of Magdalen Road or want to join a local toddler group you won’t have to look far. There is just so much on offer right on your doorstep. (Link) The sense of community is certainly a big draw to many, but an aspect that a new resident would only usually discover for themselves on closer inspection. 

Which part of St Leonard's is right for me?
The question then remains as to which part of St Leonard’s you should go for and this depends, to some extent, on your own requirements. The older properties in streets immediately surrounding Magdalen Road are mostly period properties, but beyond these in the direction of the hospital are some very prestigious modern developments that also enjoy everything St Leonard’s has to offer. Gras Lawn and Fleming Way have been built with professional couples and families in mind. From one bed apartments to five bedroom townhouses they offer an array of accommodation set along tree lined streets or looking out on to village-green-style, landscaped areas or well maintained, grassy playparks. These developments are conveniently close to all the hospitals and some of the best schools Exeter has to offer. Though they may add minutes to your walk into town, they are linked by bus to the centre and university. 

Currently Weekes has several properties in these areas for sale and to rent in both Gras Lawn and adjacent Fleming Way. So if you're looking for a spacious family townhouse in Exeter, you’re relocating here or maybe your family has grown and you simply need more space then check out the links below.

Property with spacious living arrangements

Whether you use that fifth bedroom as an office or a bedroom 102 Gras Lawn has plenty of flexible living space to suit modern family life. It even has two sitting rooms, one on the ground floor and one of the first floor which means you can peacefully enjoy that glass of wine on a Friday night whilst the teenagers hang out equally undisturbed. Or you could use the downstairs family room as a huge office where everyone can get on with their homework while you meet your deadlines. Perhaps you have a budding musician in the family or shelves of vinyl – why not create a gadget free music room? The options are endless!

This five-bedroom, family townhouse has a hallway with cloakroom/WC, a family room, utility room and kitchen/dining room on the ground floor. The kitchen is fitted in a contemporary style with French doors opening out onto the garden. It has integrated SMEG appliances including double oven, dishwasher, fridge freezer and four burner gas stainless steel hob.

On the first floor is a light and airy sitting room with French doors to a balcony that overlooks the pretty green at the front of the property. There are two bedrooms on this level, one complete with modern built in wardrobes and an ensuite shower room.

On the second floor are three more bedrooms (including the master bedroom with ensuite) and a family bathroom. Other benefits include gas central heating and double glazing throughout. 

To the front of the property is a small garden area and at the back is an enclosed garden with two young trees, partly paved and partly decked so plenty of easy to manage space to enjoy in the summer months when it’s great to dine al fresco. A gate and a pathway lead from the rear to a larger than average garage.

102 Gras Lawn is for sale at £495,000. There is no onward chain.

For other properties for sale in both Gras Lawn and Fleming Way click here…

And if you are looking to rent in Gras Lawn or St Leonard's click here…

If you would like to book a viewing have any queries about your move to Exeter just ask our team, who are all local to Exeter. Sometimes we know about properties that are just about to come onto the sales or rental market so it is worth ringing us to discuss your requirements and find out what will shortly be available.