What’s going for it? Some places are synonymous with unhappy events. But as time passes, the notoriety usually fades. (Who now remembers the 19th-century Penge Murders? Exactly.) Boscastle has recovered from the devastating flash flood that poured into the valley – gosh, was it really 13 years ago? No doubt the night of 16 August 2004 is still scoured on the memories of locals, who have done a remarkable job of drying themselves off and reinventing the community as a kind of green hub. But in 100 years, perhaps Boscastle will be renowned again for its remarkable beauty and peace, its lovely little fishing port and harbour, its green hills sliced by cliffs into those classic Cornish coves that so delighted Thomas Hardy. Here for his day job as an architect, restoring St Juliot church in Lesnewth, one day the writer saw A Pair Of Blue Eyes belonging to the rector’s sister-in-law. Reader, he married her.
The case against The usual Cornish caveats: tourists, emmets (like you and me), unbalanced local economies, second homes, etc, etc.
Well connected? Not really its thing. Trains: not a chance. Driving: 15 minutes to Camelford, 30 to Launceston or Bodmin (where the mainline train is), 45 to Padstow.
Schools Primaries: Boscastle Community, alas, “requires improvement”, says Ofsted, though “changes are happening for the better”; nearby Otterham, though, and Tintagel are “good”. The nearest secondary is the “good” Sir James Smith’s in Camelford.
Hang out at… The cosy, crooked-roofed Harbour Light Tea Garden is pretty magical. Boscastle Farm Shop cafe has enormous (and delicious) cakes and great views of the coast.
Where to buy It’s a small town-cum-village, really, and delightful to explore. Think pretty whitewashed stone fishermen’s cottages and terraces, tumbling down steep slopes. In the hinterland, stone farmhouses and barns. Large detacheds and town houses, £400,000-£550,000. Detacheds and smaller town houses, £275,000-£400,000. Semis, £250,000-£350,000. Terraces and cottages, £150,000-£275,000. Rentals: not really, apart from holiday lets.
Bargain of the week You’ll be hard pushed to find any bargains. A modern two-bed terrace for £169,950 is as close as it gets. With bopproperty.com.
From the streets
Christine Elliott “A stunning location nestled between dramatic cliffs that can be navigated by the coastal path in either direction. In spring the whole trail smells of sweet gorse flowers.”
Joan Gilham “Walk along the beautiful Valency valley: secluded, with the sound of rushing water and birdsong. There’s wildlife galore.”
• Live in Boscastle? Join the debate below.
Do you live in Frome, Somerset? Do you have a favourite haunt or pet hate? If so, email lets.move@theguardian.com by Tuesday 3 October.
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