St James is a primarily residential area of Exeter, found between Exeter University and the John Lewis end of the City Centre. It offers lots of period and character property. It is within easy walking distance of the City Centre and close to 3 railway stations, so is a big favourite with those looking to enjoy the benefits of urban living. Aside from housing, there are a number of convenience stores dotted around and St James is home to Exeter City Football Club, Danes Castle Fire Station and Exeter Prison.
Most of St James’ housing is made up of Victorian and Georgian terraced properties, although there are the usual scatterings of modern and some older properties. Due to the proximity to Exeter University, many students live in this area, which can lead to a vibrant inner-city atmosphere in some streets. There are of course, many streets that are unaffected by students, so check carefully before buying how many student houses are in the neighbourhood. Be wary of looking at properties here in university holiday times, as what appear to be tranquil streets can be transformed into the life and soul of Exeter’s student parties when the students come back.
For those looking to buy character property in this area, Horseguards is a prestige development in a redeveloped barracks, which offers a range of both modern town houses and apartments alongside beautifully converted military buildings, all set in landscaped gardens. If spacious period properties are more your thing, the areas around Thornton Hill, Vellwell Road and Powderham Crescent offer plenty of period detached, semi-detached and terraced properties.
The area is covered by an Article 4 Restriction, which loosely put, prevents any more houses being converted to multiple occupancy properties.
‘Home-made burgers, gourmet dogs, craft beers. This is a unique dining experience where you can come in, grab a beer, soak up the ambiance and get down an’ dirty with some Classic American style burgers’
183 Sidwell St, Exeter EX4 6RD
01392 258737
‘Micro-beer and modern takes on classic British fare amid rustic and playfully eclectic bar decor’
67 Howell Rd, Exeter EX4 4LZ
01392 214440
‘Smart gastropub with stripped wood flooring, dado panelling and a first-floor cocktail lounge’
60 New North Rd, Exeter EX4 4EP
01392 209050
‘Very popular with both students and Exeter locals alike due to its great atmosphere, good drinks and great food’
50 New North Rd, Exeter, Devon EX4 4EP
01392 277279
On the Exeter to Exmouth line
St James, Exeter, Devon, EX4 6QB
For stations to Exeter, Plymouth, Exmouth and London Waterloo
www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/EXC.aspxMain train station in Exeter
Bonhay Road, Exeter, EX4 4NT
‘With a playground, wooden activity trail and open parkland. The playground is suitable for toddlers and Under 12s and has a variety of equipment including swings, rockers, multiplay unit, slide, trampoline and roundabout’
New North Rd, St Davids, Exeter, Devon EX4 4JS
01392 262630
‘A Registered Botanic Garden, Streatham Campus is described by The Times as the ‘best-gardened campus in Britain’. The University’s sculpture collection includes works by Barbara Hepworth’
University of Exeter, Streatham Campus, Northcote House, Exeter EX4 4QJ
Open to non-students, offering a variety of indoor and outdoor sports including a (seasonal) open air swimming pool
Sports Park, University of Exeter Sport, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QN
01392 724452
‘Cornwall House outdoor pool (Streatham campus) is open throughout summer, making it the ideal place for a relaxing dip’
St German's Rd, Exeter EX4 6TL
01392 722515
‘Exeter Cricket Club runs three teams in the Devon Cricket League….. The brand new pavilion provides an elevated bar and clubhouse’ (2016)
The County Ground, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter EX4 4PR
01392 272773
‘Exeter City FC, also known as the Grecians, play at St James Park where there is a fans' merchandise shop’
St James Park Stadium Way, Exeter EX4 6PX
01392 411243
‘Giant rustic late night pizzas’
50 New North Rd, Exeter, Devon EX4 4EP
01392 277279
‘Showcasing fantastic local produce and beer from their own brewery’
67 Howell Rd, Exeter EX4 4LZ
01392 214440
‘Great for home-made burgers, gourmet dogs, craft beers’
183 Sidwell St, Exeter EX4 6RD
01392 258737
Danes Castle Fire Station is named after the former Danes Castle, which was never completed on Howell Road. The mound for the castle still exists, but is now houses a water storage tank for South West Water
www.exetermemories.co.uk/em/_places/danes.php‘Part of the University’s estate, unspoilt open green space - look our for sparrow hawks and buzzards’
www.exeter.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/walking-in-exeter/exeter-green-circle-walks/overview