YOUR SOUTHGATE GUIDE TO HEAVITREE

The former village of Heavitree is now a popular suburb of Exeter, located approximately one mile to the east of the city centre. Widely regarded as an affordable alternative to neighbouring St Leonards, the area has been subject to a degree of gentrification over the last 20 years and is now considered to be one of Exeter’s most desirable neighbourhoods. It is sometimes described as Exeter’s ‘Notting Hill’, partly due to its gentrification and partly down to its sense of community.
Part of the appeal of this area is its location in relation to the Met Office and the RD&E Hospital, both of which are nearby.
It is also well-placed for many of Exeter’s leading schools, including St Peter’s Church of England Secondary School, Ladysmith Primary School, St Nicholas Catholic Primary School, and St Michael's Church of England Primary School. All of these are highly regarded within the city. For those looking for private sector education, Exeter’s two main public schools, Exeter School and Maynards are on the doorstep too.
Over recent years, the area has become particularly popular with professional families. The housing in the area comprises a range that suits most budgets. There are pockets of relatively affordable housing including developments such as Carlyon Gardens and Hamlin Gardens located adjacent to streets such as Sweetbrier Lane and Chard Road, where there are plenty of detached and semi-detached 20th Century homes. The central part of Heavitree offers mainly period property, with a great range of Victorian terraced housing around the South-Lawn Terrace area. House prices in most areas are typically less than those in neighbouring St Leonards, but still higher than most areas of the city.
If looking for something more elaborate, the elegant Georgian townhouses of Mont-le-Grand and ‘The Avenues’ offer extensive period properties, set around leafy streets and green spaces.
Heavitree is well known for its sense of community. Heavitree Pleasure Grounds are host to the Parklife Community and offer a great inner-city park for getting away from the hustle and bustle of urban living. The annual Parklife Fun Day is a particular hit with the locals. Other events include picnics in the park, Easter egg hunts and community carols at Christmas. There’s even a Park Life café on the grounds, offering a permanent community hub and a central meeting point within the community.
As a former village, Heavitree offers a great selection of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, mainly located along the Heavitree Fore Street. There are several convenience stores and supermarkets, including Exeter’s flagship Waitrose Store.