Couple looking for a home

I am a secondary school teacher and my partner is a steel erector/fabricator/welder. I have been living in Devon for years (and have a daughter nearby who has flown the nest) but my partner wants to relocate from Southampton so want somewhere to settle in Devon so we can get the feel of where we eventually would like to buy a house in. Ideally one day would like to own a small dog but not essential. Dave is ex army and very clean and tidy, we love to cook and chill of an evening. He is also very handy and can turn his hand to fixing most things around the house if needs be. I own a house which I am trying to sell and so don't have a reference as I have lived there since I bought it at 19 years old. I now live in my camper van and was happy on my own until Dave came along and made my life better so we want to rent somewhere to save together to buy our first place together. We are social and polite people and totally approachable. Please get in touch if you think you could give us our first place to live together as we won't fit in the van and my permanent contract is too far from Dave's house 120 miles away,