Properties To Rent in Farway, East Devon

The rental market in Farway reflects the village's position as a premium rural location within East Devon. While property availability fluctuates given the small population of just 242 residents, rental opportunities in the area typically consist of traditional cottages, farmhouses, and character homes that showcase the region's distinctive architectural heritage. Our platform monitors listings across major property portals including home.co.uk and homedata.co.uk, connecting renters with available properties as they come to market. Properties in Farway rarely come available, so registering with local estate agents who work in the East Devon area is essential, as homes often come to market through local connections rather than national portals.

Understanding local property values provides useful context for renters in Farway. The overall average property price in the village stands at £500,000 according to recent sales data, though this figure represents a 45% decrease compared to the previous year and is 56% down from the 2022 peak of £1,128,700. This price adjustment reflects broader market conditions while still demonstrating the premium nature of property in this sought-after East Devon village. Recent sales have included Ball Farm at £800,000 and Summercroft at £910,000, illustrating the range of values across different property types.

Detached properties command the highest prices in Farway, averaging around £784,869 based on sales data since 2018. Semi-detached homes average approximately £725,000, while terraced properties typically sell in the £567,500 range. Flats in the village average around £613,000, though the village's character means terraced homes and flats are less common than in urban areas. Rental prices naturally reflect these sale values, with traditional cottages and character homes commanding premiums over modern equivalents in nearby towns.

Life in Farway offers a rare opportunity to be part of a close-knit rural community where neighbours know one another and village life continues at a gentler pace. The village has approximately 104 households according to census data, creating an intimate atmosphere where community spirit thrives. Local amenities include a village pub, the Farway Primary School, and the picturesque St Michael's Church, which dates from medieval times. The village hall serves as a hub for community events and activities throughout the year, from village fairs to quiz nights and craft workshops.

The surrounding East Devon countryside provides exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation, with extensive footpaths and bridleways criss-crossing the rolling hills and valleys. Farway Countryside Park offers further recreational space for residents, while the proximity to the Jurassic Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) means world-class beaches and coastal walks are within easy reach. The nearby market town of Honiton, just 3.5 miles away, provides essential shopping facilities, supermarkets, and additional amenities for daily needs. Many residents enjoy exploring the network of public rights of way that connect Farway to neighbouring villages like Colyton and Musbury.

Farway sits within the East Devon National Landscape, meaning development within the village is carefully controlled to preserve its character and the surrounding natural beauty. This protection ensures that the village retains its historic appearance, with 35 listed buildings including notable structures such as Netherton Hall (built in 1607 and restored 1836-44), Poltimore Farmhouse (recognised as one of the finest traditional Devon farmhouses in the region), and Woodbridge Farmhouse (probably early or mid 16th century with later improvements). For renters, this means living in an area of genuine architectural and historical significance, where traditional building methods using local stone rubble, Beerstone ashlar dressings, and thatch or slate roofs remain the norm.

The local economy is predominantly agricultural, with some residents commuting to nearby towns like Honiton or Exeter for work. The village pub provides a focal point for social life, while Farway Primary School serves families with young children. Many residents appreciate the balance between rural tranquility and practical connectivity that Farway offers, with the A30 providing easy access to Exeter (approximately 30 minutes by car) while the village itself remains free from the traffic and noise of larger settlements.

Education for families considering renting in Farway is anchored by Farway Primary School, which serves the village and surrounding rural community. This community school provides primary education for children in the immediate area, with small class sizes that allow for individual attention and a strong sense of pastoral care. The school's village location means children can walk or cycle to school, promoting both independence and a healthy lifestyle from an early age. Farway Primary School is a commercially owned property in the parish, and families are encouraged to visit the school to appreciate its friendly atmosphere and dedicated teaching staff.

For secondary education, students from Farway typically travel to schools in nearby towns. Honiton Community College offers secondary education approximately 3.5 miles away, while Colyton Grammar School, a highly-regarded selective school in the nearby town of Colyton, attracts students from across East Devon. Colyton Grammar has built an excellent reputation for academic achievement and is often oversubscribed, so families should familiarise themselves with catchment areas and admission arrangements well in advance of secondary school applications. The school consistently achieves strong results and many students go on to attend Russell Group universities.

Further education opportunities are well-served by colleges in Exeter and surrounding towns, providing a range of A-level and vocational courses for older students. The proximity to Exeter, Devon's major city, means families in Farway have access to comprehensive educational pathways from primary through to higher education, while still benefiting from the distinctive advantages of rural village life during the formative years. Families moving to the area should note that school transport arrangements and catchment boundaries can affect options, so researching specific schools before committing to a rental property is advisable.

Transport connections from Farway reflect its rural village character while still offering practical options for commuting and travel. The nearest railway station is at Honiton, approximately 4 miles from the village, which provides direct services to Exeter, Bristol, and London Waterloo via the West of England Main Line. These regular connections make day-trips and business travel to major cities practical for residents without relying solely on car transport. Exeter St David's station, accessible via the same line, provides connections to further destinations including direct services to London Paddington.

Bus services operate in the area, connecting Farway with nearby towns and villages, though service frequency reflects the rural nature of the location. For those working in Exeter, the journey by car typically takes around 30 minutes via the A30, which passes nearby and provides a direct route to the city. The A30 also connects Farway to the M5 motorway at Exeter, opening up wider regional connections to Bristol, Plymouth, and beyond. Many residents of Farway appreciate that commuting to work remains manageable despite the village's rural setting, and the village's position away from major roads contributes to its peaceful atmosphere.

For air travel, Exeter International Airport is approximately 12 miles from Farway, offering domestic flights and a growing range of European destinations. This accessibility adds to the appeal of Farway as a place to live for those who need to travel occasionally for business or leisure. Locally, cycling is popular given the scenic countryside routes, though the narrow lanes typical of Devon villages require careful cycling. Parking availability in the village is generally good given the low traffic volumes, which contributes to the peaceful atmosphere that makes Farway so attractive to renters seeking a quieter pace of life.

Renting in Farway requires careful consideration of several factors specific to this rural East Devon village. The significant number of listed buildings in the village means many properties carry restrictions on alterations and modifications. Tenants should understand that listed status can affect what changes are permitted during a tenancy, and any proposed works would require landlord approval and potentially planning permission from East Devon District Council. With 35 listed buildings in Farway, including several Grade II* structures, understanding the implications of listed status before signing a tenancy agreement is essential.

Flood risk represents a practical consideration for properties in Farway. The village sits on the River Coly, which rises in the north of the civil parish and is crossed by a ford in the village centre. Properties located immediately adjacent to the river or in low-lying areas may carry elevated flood risk. Prospective renters should enquire about flood history with current or previous landlords and consider the potential implications for buildings insurance and personal belongings. Surface water flood risk would depend on local topography and drainage, so viewing properties after heavy rainfall can provide useful insights.

The rural setting of Farway means that maintenance and repair responsibilities may take longer to resolve than in urban areas. Specialist tradespeople for historic or listed properties may have limited availability, so understanding the landlord's approach to maintenance and their typical response times helps set expectations. Properties in the village typically use traditional construction methods including local stone rubble, cob, Beerstone ashlar dressings, and thatch or slate roofs, so issues such as damp, timber decay, and the condition of older roof coverings should be carefully assessed during any viewing.

Many properties in Farway date from the 16th and 17th centuries, meaning defects common to older homes are frequently encountered. Rising damp is common in older properties without adequate damp-proofing, while penetrating damp may occur through cracks or poorly maintained external features. Structural cracks require careful assessment, as hairline cracks are common but diagonal or step-like cracks wider than 5mm can indicate foundation movement or subsidence. Outdated electrical wiring poses fire risks in older properties, and many lack adequate insulation, leading to higher energy bills. Given these factors, obtaining a thorough survey before committing to a rental is advisable, particularly for longer-term tenancies.

Understanding the costs involved in renting a property in Farway helps prospective tenants budget effectively and avoid surprises. The initial costs typically include the first month's rent in advance, plus a security deposit equivalent to five weeks' rent. This deposit is protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of receiving it, providing security for both tenant and landlord throughout the tenancy. The scheme protects your deposit and ensures you receive it back at the end of your tenancy, minus any legitimate deductions for damage or unpaid rent.

Additional upfront costs may include a holding deposit (typically one week's rent) to secure the property while references and paperwork are completed, and this amount is usually deducted from the first month's rent. Tenants should also budget for referencing fees, which cover credit checks and employment verification, along with the cost of an independent inventory check conducted at the start of the tenancy. These professional fees typically total between £100-200 for a straightforward rental. The inventory check is particularly important in older Farway properties where pre-existing wear and tear may be evident.

For those renting older or historic properties in Farway, additional considerations apply. Properties over £50,000 annual rent require deposits equivalent to six weeks' rent rather than five. The village's significant number of listed buildings may require additional insurance considerations, and tenants should confirm their contents insurance adequately covers their belongings in a property with elevated flood risk from the River Coly. Many historic properties in Farway use traditional construction methods that can affect insurance requirements, so discussing these specifics with your landlord or insurance provider is advisable. Obtaining quotes for rental budget agreements and understanding all associated costs before committing to a tenancy ensures a smooth and stress-free move to your new home in Farway.