Quality of Life
Affordable and well connected coast and countryside location
Bringing together significant business prospects and desirable country living, Somerset West and Taunton is enjoying a property boom.
More than ever, employees are looking to achieve that perfect work-life balance and, with excellent transport links to London, Bristol and the wider South West, people from across the UK are discovering the many benefits of moving to the area. As a result, Taunton and West Somerset is becoming very sought after for those looking to combine convenience of location with a coast and country lifestyle. With house prices on the rise, the area is predicted to be a property hotspot;
Lucian Cook, head of residential research at Savills, believes this year’s hotspots will be further afield. So, although the Cotswolds will remain popular, he thinks Dorset and Somerset, including around Taunton, will be more sought-after.*
It’s not surprising, given the area is home to a stunning coastline and unspoilt countryside, vibrant towns and a thriving arts and culture scene, as well as top educational establishments, Somerset West and Taunton offers businesses and their employees the complete package.
Topping the table in Halifax’s UK house price growth tabl3 2020-21, it seems that the area’s popularity is soaring. Russell Galley, the managing director of Halifax, said: “This year’s house price winner, Taunton, has a lot to offer homebuyers with its high quality of life and great transport links to major towns and cities across the south-west.
“Like Taunton, many of the areas that saw the biggest house price growth over the last year enjoy a combination of greater affordability and space compared to nearby cities.”**
*House Beautiful January 2022
** The Guardian December 2021
Excellent connectivity & transport links
Located at junction 25 and 26 of the M5, the area of Somerset West and Taunton is the gateway to the South West, and the South West peninsula of Devon and Cornwall is within easy reach.
Plus, Somerset West and Taunton is well connected to the rest of the UK: London can be reached in under two hours by rail, and Bristol, with its international airport, is just 30 minutes away.
Extensive infrastructure improvements and investment in the area will further improve Taunton railway station and create a new station for Wellington.
Education for the next generation
Somerset West and Taunton is a great place for families. The area offers a wealth of outstanding schools to choose from, including some of the country’s top secondary schools.
West Country lifestyle for less
The district offers an enviable lifestyle at a lower cost of living than many other parts of the UK, and the cost of renting and buying a house in Somerset West and Taunton is more affordable than many towns and cities.
Living in Somerset West and Taunton offers a truly unique opportunity for adventure, relaxation and an enviable work-life balance.
The area is home to a dramatic coast and countryside including Exmoor National Park and the Blackdown Hills, and the wider South West is quite literally on your doorstep.
The town of Taunton offers green-open spaces, an expanding cycle network, a burgeoning arts and cultural scene, and a host of unique independent retailers.
Somerset West and Taunton is a foodies paradise, offering award winning eateries; serving fresh local produce, and of course a number of cider distilleries which the South West is famous for.
Vibrant arts & cultural scene
Home to leading creative hubs including the Brewhouse Theatre, Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre and Creative Innovation Centre in Taunton and the Regal Theatre in Minehead, the area has a strong arts and culture offer.
Regular events and festivals throughout the year contribute to the area’s vibrant, creative and eclectic offering.
Chris Winter, Managing Director, Cherwyn Developments Ltd