_Spotlight on: St Leonard’s, Exeter
What makes St Leonard’s so special?
St Leonard's is a well-established residential part of Exeter that many people have said has a truly village feel to it. This is recognised even more so now, as new housing developments are springing up across the city. The selection of independent boutique shops, the short walk to the centre and an excellent local primary school have all made it the number one location to move to in Exeter. So much so, that the area has seen a huge 24% increase in property prices over the last 5 years, which is out of step with many other parts of the city.
Village life
One of my favourite streets in St Leonard’s is Magdalen Road, right in the heart of the area and a regular destination for many locals. It offers a huge range of independent shops and is, in my opinion, what gives St Leonard’s its village feel. The shops on offer include a baker, a fishmonger, a florist, and a delicatessen. For a number of years now, Magdalen Road has held a Christmas and summer fair, both of which are season highlights for locals and other residents from further afield. There’s a really lovely atmosphere during these events as the road is closed to traffic and filled with festivities and people mingling.
Eating out
Bon Goût Delicatessen, which opened in 1987, prides itself on being Exeter’s only true independent delicatessen. I often pop in on the way home to pick up items (all sourced locally from the county). You can pick up your essentials as well as some delicious treats.
If like me, you’re often in the mood for some Spanish tapas, then Café Catalan on Magdalen Road should be your number one choice. It’s been described as a bijou, charming restaurant and offers completely authentic food. If instead you prefer a great local pub, then I’d recommend the Mount Radford, in the heart of St Leonard’s. It’s a real gem and they always make you feel welcome there.
Shopping
Whether you are looking for local produce or just essentials, there is something for everyone in St Leonard’s. Most notable are the independents, from the renowned Gibsons Plaice fishmongers selling fresh and local fish, to Leaf Street, which sells gifts and once loved clothing across two floors – a truly unique shopping experience. If health food is more your thing, then I’d definitely suggest a trip to The Bran Tub. There’s a huge amount of choice often at pretty reasonable prices.
The schools
The local primary school is one of the major draws to the area. St Leonard's Primary consistently achieving an outstanding Ofsted report making it one of the most popular schools in the city. Independent, private schools, The Maynard School (for girls) and Exeter School, are also both excellent and popular schools in St Leonard’s if you’re looking at secondary education options too.
Key streets
There are a number of fantastic streets in this part of Exeter. Victoria Park Road and Lyndhurst Road offer an excellent selection of fine period property. My personal favourites are the large Stucco, white Georgian houses found here, with plenty of period features – these are great “forever homes”. Nearby Matford Avenue and Marlborough Road are ideal for families. The classic 1930s homes here offer a selection of semi-detached and detached properties with great proportions. If an easy school run is what you’re looking for, then East Grove Road and West Grove Road are the ones for you! These pretty, entwined roads are made up of terraced Victorian houses with St Leonard’s Primary School at the bottom. Finally, there’s Baring Crescent, a prestigious street around a communal private park. It has a rather luxurious corner shop, in the form of a Waitrose!
The residents
I’ve noticed a changing dynamic in terms of the type of people moving to St Leonard’s and other areas of the city. With high speed internet allowing people to work efficiently from home over recent years, more young families have been able to achieve a better work/lifestyle balance and move away from the traditional, very urban London/south east living. But importantly, these individuals still want a slice of city living, and many buyers have told me that St Leonard’s has offered them the best of both worlds.
As a result, the changing of hands in St Leonard's is very low because people just love it here! They’re unable to find anything that can offer them more, in terms of lifestyle. So people live in their homes for many years and demand for homes in the area remains very high.
Louise Glanville is a senior negotiator in Knight Frank's Exeter office, specialising in city sales. Search for properties in Exeter or call us for a friendly chat about selling or buying property.