Best Places to Live in Devon

With 13 blue flag beaches (yes, that’s 4 more than our more illustrious neighbour across the River Tamar!) Devon is a big draw for outdoorsy types and marine enthusiasts who flock either to the rugged Atlantic coast in the North or to the sailor’s paradise along the English Riviera in the South and the harbour towns and villages of Salcombe, Dartmouth and Noss Mayo. Whichever way you like your scones (as long as it’s cream before jam…) we take a look at the best places to live in Devon, handpicked by our local experts.

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At a Glance

The Vibe: Outdoorsy, wholesome adventurers enjoying a taste of the West Country good-life without all the fuss. This is the REAL deal.

The Schools: 22 x primary schools and 5 x secondary schools with Ofsted Outstanding Rating. Highly rated independent schools include Blundells, The Maynard School for Girls, Exeter Cathedral School (prep) and St Peter’s Preparatory School.

The Restaurants: 22 Restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide. 3 x Restaurants with a Michelin Star. 4 x Bib Gourmand awards.

The Great Outdoors: Dartmoor, Exmoor, Black Down Hills, East Devon National Landscape…The English Riviera and 13 x blue flag beaches!

This guide is introduced by Rupert Stephenson, Regional Director of Black Brick, a leading London and regional buying agency.  Rupert has worked in prime property since 1989, in central London, and later in the home counties.  He relocated to Devon with his family in 2010 and sold his own land and estate agency in 2016.  Rupert now heads up the buying team for Black Brick in Devon.  Contact Rupert

Ashburton

It’s said that residents here outnumber ponies by just two to one (well we neigh-ver) but don’t let that fool you…this charming market town of little more than 4,000 residents is a buzzing and vibrant community in its own right. Locals love Ashburton for its boutique vibe with head-turning architecture and the huge independent spirit it retains despite its smaller size. When summer rolls in, head to the annual Ashburton Carnival (the oldest in Devon), or Little Big Town – founded by the same people as the Port Eliot Festival. The rest of the year, take visiting friends and family on the town’s renowned Antique Shop Trail.  We love Italian restaurant Emilia, featured in the Michelin guide, and known around town for its unrivalled risotto, as well as Old Exeter Inn once frequented by Arthur Conan Doyle and Frances Drake.

In terms of schools, check out the alternative Sands School (where children get a vote in the goings on), or down the road, the Outstanding Blackpool Church of England and Broadhempston Village Primary School.

Ashburton offers a unique blend of town and country living, serving as the southern gateway to the Dartmoor National Park, an intoxicating wilderness of craggy hills and breathtaking (literally) tors, and yet you are also only 30 mins to the larger town attractions of Exeter.  The fabulous beaches of South Devon and the Riviera are 40 minutes away.

Locals Love

Creamo’s ice cream for proper Devonshire ice cream…it’s the real deal!”

“Have a little mooch around Catherine Waters or Clinton House Interiors, for something unique and magical!”

Chagford

Stop the search, we might just have found the cutest market town in the whole of Devon (and possibly the South West?!), with a picturesque market square centering on the exquisite octagonal Market House, fondly referred to by locals as the ‘Pepperpot’. 

Nestled in the heart of the Dartmoor National Park you’ll have easy access to the Great Outdoors (just walk out of your front door…) and your pick of architectural styles from splendid Victorian villas and characterful barn conversions alongside stunning modern homes.   Nearby Moretonhampstead offers Jacobean farmhouses and quaint stone cottages.  

You are never far from a cosy pub and a roaring fire, or a tempting beer garden in the hotter months and we are particularly fond of the The Three Crowns, an ancient 13th century inn, with stylish interiors, a sumptuous menu and a great place to stay if you are visiting for a spot of house hunting in the area.  Other local favourites include the Chagford Inn, and Ring O’ Bells. 

For those warm summer weekends or school holidays, you can take the kids down to the open air swimming pool at the Chagford lido, a fabulous setting with views of the surrounding Devon hills, or pack a picnic (and your National Trust cards) and head to Castle Drogo.  

Chagford Montessori Nursery School has been rated Outstanding; for other options you’re only a 30-minute drive from Exeter’s world-class schools.

Locals Love

“Walk to the top of Easdon Tor for some of the best views of this part of Dartmoor.”

“For the wannabe pro-golfers, North Bovey Golfers has an 18 hole course – and spectacular river views.”

“The pizza at The Horse in Moretonhampstead!”

Exeter

A genteel and sophisticated cathedral city with sublime beaches and gobsmacking national parks on its doorstep (Dartmoor, Exmoor AND the Black Down Hills) Exeter is an ideal base for those in search of an outdoorsy lifestyle but without leaving their city comforts behind.  

The upmarket neighbourhood of St Leonards, a 10 minute walk from the city centre, is a charming urban village with some rather splendid georgian stucco fronted townhouses and victorian terraces and is a popular choice for families moving to the area.  At its heart you will find Magdalen Road (more Primrose Hill than Devon) with a feast of independent shops and enticing neighbourhood eateries.  We love the Common Beaver a specialist coffee house to rival the very best of Shoreditch and Maker Maker, a quirky antique and gift shop by husband and wife team Richard & Anita. 

Neighbouring Heavitree is another popular neighbourhood with families, and ticks the all-important Waitrose box, while young professionals might be drawn to the buzz of Exeter Quay, a vibrant  hub in the city centre with warehouse conversions and a favourite for cyclists and canoeists. 

Locals Love

Quay Climbing Centre – it’s the highest wall in the whole of the South West, with over 250 routes so there’s alway a new one to keep testing yourself.”

The Galley in Topsham – a fish and seafood restaurant.  The food’s incredible but we just love the relaxed bistro vibes.  It’s also great value for a top notch restaurant which features in the Michelin Guide.”

“We went to uni here and have recently moved back. We live in Pennsylvania which is high up and has views of the hills and city below.  Ok we might be biased but we think this is the best little city in the UK!”

Salcombe

Meet Britain’s most expensive sea-side ‘town’.  Well, it’s little more than a high street really but its setting on the glistening turquoise waters of the Salcombe estuary with white sand beaches and steep tree lined hills (more akin to Greece than the British Isles) makes this a true honey trap of a location for celebrities and those of us who can afford it.  This is a premier second home and holiday resort with the pick of properties located around South Beach and Bolt Head, in the wooded hills overlooking the water.  A tip from us:  Check out Kingsbridge a little further up the estuary for better value, albeit without the razzle dazzle of this buzzing gem of a town in the South Hams. 

Yachties, local residents and holiday makers can saunter down Fore Street amidst a plethora of upmarket shops and boutiques. Once the birthplace of entrepreneurial brands such as Jack Wills, Crew Clothing and Cuba & Co, Saclombe has become somewhat of a creative hub for new fashion brands and indie stores.  We love Will Bees Bespoke, a relative newcomer to the scene, offering wonderful homeware designs and apparel.

It’s fair to say that Salcombe’s impressive foodie scene also caters well to this affluent and discerning clientele.  The Jetty is a very popular all day seafood restaurant and bar with panoramic views over the estuary PLUS locally caught oysters, scallops and lobster.  There are rooms here too if you are looking for an excuse to make this your base while you’re house hunting.

For schools, nearby Kingsbridge Community College is a co-ed secondary state school rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Locals Love

“A bbq supper at the Winking Prawn, or one of their takeaway boxes to enjoy on the beach”

Cranch’s sweet shop, it’s the oldest in Devon”

“Drinks down at the Ferry Inn after a day on the water”

South Pool

If the idea of a quaint life on the water whets your whistle, look no further than one of the best villages to live in in the UK. And don’t just take our word for it; Conde Nast Traveler has rated South Pool as one of 20 of the most beautiful in the country. Surrounded by the South Devon Landscape area, an Area of Outstanding Beauty, it’s the proximity to the water that makes this village much sought after. After all, who wouldn’t want the ability to boat down Southpool Creek to some of England’s most glorious beaches – including nearby East Portlemouth, Smalls Cove, Gara Rock, or South Slapton, Blackpool or Thurlestone Sands? 

Taking centre stage, along a babbling brook, The Millbrook Inn is something of a local institution (we challenge you to find a more blissful setting for a glass of Rose or a pint of pale ale) and has an inspiring menu with ingredients straight from the family farm Fowlescombe Farm, with their meats reared in house. 

For shopping and schools, nearby Knightsbridge (a 15-minute drive) and Salcombe (30 minutes or a boat ride away) have everything you could need.

Locals Love

“Taking the paddleboard out at sunset”

“If you’re a keen cyclist, there are trails upon trails for you to enjoy. It honestly feels like you could go a completely different route every time!”

“Take the boat over to Salcombe! It sure beats sitting in the car.”

Totnes

A Bohemian Rhapsody if ever there was one, filled to the brim with vegan restaurants, artist (and yoga) studios, and with more alternative-therapy practitioners than anywhere else in the UK, it’s here you’ll want to finally try that reiki session. With more than 80% of its shops independently owned, Totnes has a thriving creative community that is perhaps more redolent of Brighton than a small-ish (10,000 residents) town at the tip of the River Dart.  And there are no pebbles here (apart from those in the apothecary and wellbeing stores)…just blue flag sandy beaches at nearby Dawlish and Blackpool Sands.

The central Market Square is the centre of the action with weekly markets held on a Friday and a Saturday and, just up the high street, you will find Gather (as featured on the Channel 4 series ‘Remarkable Places to Eat’ ), with an inviting seasonal foraging menu.

The Bull Inn by Geetie Singh-Watson (who also gave us the first organic gastropub, The Duke of Cambridge in North London) is also high on most people’s list of where to dine and sits elegantly on the highstreet in a beautiful blush palette that will beckon you in.  This is an exquisite restaurant with boutique bedrooms for overnight stays.

Locals Love

“If you like veggie food, go to a place called Seeds 2 and grab a plate of their all-you-can-eat vegetarian buffet.”

“There are more listed buildings (per head) than any other town in Britain. It’s quirky and charming, you’ll fall in love.”

“Anything goes, you can be whoever you want to be here. Also the countryside is amazing – the South Hams coast and Dartmoor are really close by.”