If you wanted to create the perfect village, you would end up with something like Holbeton, surrounded by beautiful South Hams countryside. This idyllic spot with a smattering of thatched cottages has a village pub, Post Office, shop and school with a two-mile drive to the nearest beach, the beautiful and unspoilt Mothecombe. Within easy reach are Dartmoor National Park, the coast and the yachting havens of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo.
The local area, with its proximity to the River Yealm and the coast, was home to several country estates. Flete has its roots in Saxon times and was the seat of Baron Mildmay of Flete. The Grade I listed Flete House on the site today was remodelled in a Gothic style in 1835. During the Second World War it was used as a maternity home, away from the Blitz-battered city of Plymouth. Nearby Mothecombe was also acquired by the Mildmay family in 1876. The local family-run pub is called, unsurprisingly, The Mildmay Colours Inn and has regular activities and the chance to watch big sporting events.
The Village Hall is at the heart of activities in Holbeton and even has its own film club with reasonable admission prices and refreshments (although you can bring your own alcoholic drinks!)
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It may be quiet, but Holbeton is well connected. The A38 Devon Expressway is about six miles away and the city of Plymouth around ten miles away.
As you would expect, given its location, Holbeton Primary School places an emphasis on the great outdoors, aiming to teach two lessons a week outside. There is a forest school and also a beach school plus an orchard and an adventure playground.
The 14th century All Saints Church has beautiful stained glass windows and a spire which can be spotted from miles around.
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On a hill overlooking Holbeton village is an Iron Age fort, known as Holbury. A Scheduled Ancient Monument, little remains of the settlement but the area makes for an interesting walk and there are dramatic views from Holbury including other hill forts in the area.
Local website via www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk