Countess Wear (Inc. The Rydons)

Countess Wear covers a fairly large area either side of Topsham Road between Northbrook Golf course/Ludwell Valley Park and the M5 flyover. It includes the new developments of The Rydons and Greenacres.  In general, the area has much to offer, with nearby schools, shops, services and local parks within walking distance. There is easy access to Exeter’s city centre along Topsham Road, although this and the Countess Wear roundabout can be slow during busy periods, and there is easy access to the M5 motorway and A38.  The Rydons in particular benefits from the newly opened Newcourt Railway Station which offers access to Exeter City Centre and Exmouth and is popular with Rugby fans travelling to Sandy Park. 

The area can be divided into smaller residential areas by its various green spaces. For example Southbrook Road is close to Ludwell Valley Park while Countess Wear Road is closer to the river and King George V Playing Field. Lower Wear has open space at The Sheep Field while Greenacres and The Rydons are separated by the Golf course belonging to Exeter Golf and Country Club.

The Southbrook Road / Bishop Westall Road area consists mainly of 1970’s properties such as 2-3 bed terraces, semi-detached houses and a few bungalows and is within walking distance of Pynes Hill Business Park and Ludwell Valley Park. The Mill Road area benefits from its proximity to the river Exe for views, walking and cycling. It consists mainly of mixed sized family homes from approximately the 1930s – 60s including semi-detached and detached houses and bungalows. Countess Wear Road has a few older, character properties such as a thatched cottage built around the 1800’s. Lower Wear (around Glass house Lane and Lower Wear Road) has a mixture of 1950s British Steel houses and Cornish Units along with ex-council flats and houses while the Higher Wear Road / Newport Road area is mainly 1950/60s semi-detached family houses.

The Rydons and Greenacres are new developments on the opposite side of Topsham Road to Lower Wear. The Rydons has six different house styles, including: 2 bed apartments and coach houses, 3 and 4 bed terraced and detached homes and 3 bed townhouses. All homes come with a parking space or garage and the development is close to Newcourt station. The Greenacres development offers a range of 2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes and is closer to Topsham Road.