Speaking ahead of the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, of which she is president, the Wolf Hall author recalls the first time she visited the East Devon town as a teenager.

World-renowned author Dame Hilary Mantel has spoken of her love for Budleigh Salterton in an exclusive interview with Devon Life magazine.

Speaking ahead of the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, of which she is president, the Wolf Hall author recalls the first time she visited the East Devon town as a teenager.

“It was a beautiful summer’s day. The pebbles on the beach were sparkling, the whole scene was…if you came from the north of England and you came from inland, it was exotic and foreign. I love the sea, I don’t know why, but I made up my mind on that day that one day I would get myself here.”

Dame Hilary, who now lives in the town, also talks of how she became involved in the literary festival during the first year of its existence – offering her assistance as a volunteer.

The third novel in her Thomas Cromwell trilogy – The Mirror and the Light – is eagerly awaited by her fans across the world and Dame Hilary will be reading exclusive excerpts for it at the festival.

She tells Devon Life: “As I work my way through the third book, it often feels as exciting as the first day I started. It feels as if nothing is fixed and everything is to play for and any number of decisions to be taken.”

The September issue of Devon Life also takes a look at Knowle House near Budleigh, where a major renovation scheme has transformed the Grade II listed home.

There’s also an interview with Exeter Chiefs’ coach Rob Baxter ahead of the Rugby World Cup matches at Sandy Park and the chance to win a stay at Dartmoor’s Two Bridges Hotel.

The Devon Life September issue is on sale from Thursday, August 27. Check out the magazine’s great subscription offer at subscriptionsave.co.uk/DEV