Ben and Kelly Lanbury’s Exeter Urban and Country Estates

We ask estate agent couple Ben and Kelly Lanbury their thoughts about living in the areas of Exeter. 

Here’s what Ben and Kelly Lanbury said: 

Exeter is a city that offers a blend of historic charm and modern living within the wider Devon countryside and coastline. This makes living there (with the wonderful landscape) incredibly diverse, with distinct areas that appeal to multiple people, from young professionals and families to those after a quieter, more country-feel lifestyle. 

Here’s an overview of four key areas that capture the essence of living in and around Exeter.

Ben and Kelly Lanbury State: Lovely area, we adore the properties here. 

St Leonards: 

St Leonards is a leafy, affluent suburb with a distinct village feel and possibly one of the most desirable places to live in the area. Boasting elegant Victorian and Georgian terraced houses and a number of large, detached family homes, it oozes history, high grade architecture and therefore attracts a mix of professionals and families, with residents living there . With good schools, village type shops, and cafes along Magdalen Road, affectionately known as the “village.” Its close proximity to the city centre as well as the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital adds to its appeal, making it a highly sought-after location with a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere.

While St Leonards doesn’t have large, post-war housing estates, it could be described as an “estate” in a different context. Its properties are often large, high-value, and may have originally been part of large, private landholdings or “gentlemen’s estates.” You might find a modern housing development here, but it would be more boutique and high-end, rather than a sprawling, mass-built estate.

Ben and Kelly Lanbury State: Heavitree is a family-friendly community

Heavitree: 

Located to the east of the city centre, Heavitree offers a more suburban and family-oriented environment. It’s a popular choice due to its range of period properties, from terraced homes to larger houses with driveways and front gardens as well as back gardens. The area has a bustling high street with all the necessary amenities, including supermarkets, local shops, and a variety of parks and green spaces. Heavitree has a community spirit and accessible transport links into town, making it a convenient and practical choice for those who want a blend of city access and a more relaxed pace of life.

This area is the most likely to have residential “estates” in the classic sense of a large housing development. As a more suburban and family-oriented area that has seen a lot of development over the decades, it has a mix of older victorian and edwardian terraced housing alongside later-built, residential estates from 50s, 60s and 70s. 

Ben and Kelly Lanbury state: This is a vibrant, bustling and fun area. 

The Quayside: 

Exeter Quayside is the perfect spot for those who enjoy a more lively town life, being around people and evening entertainment. It’s an historically significant part of the city, the port was once bustling with imports but not is now a hub of culture, entertainment, and quayside living. The ports old warehouses have been converted into stylish modern flats with pubs, restaurants, cafes, and shops making sure there’s a bustling feel throughout the quay. 

Ben and Kelly Lanbury state: A Riverside Gem

Topsham: 

Just a few miles south of Exeter, the picturesque village of Topsham gives an entirely different vibe to the city centre’s hustle and bustle. Near to the river Exe Estuary, it is a charming and highly sought-after location offering stunning river views and a feel of history. Topsham’s streets are lined with a mix of traditional fishermen’s cottages, grand Georgian townhouses, and contemporary housing. The village has a number of high-quality independent shops (not the types of chains that you’d see in the city centre) and a good choice of pubs, and restaurants.