‘Hidden gem’ in Devon is one of Britain’s ‘poshest villages’

Nestled in the creek of the the Salcombe-Kingsbridge estuary is a picturesque. Village which has been described as one of Britain’s “poshest villages”. Devon‘s South Pool village is lined with chocolate-box cottages, complete with thatched roofs, and surrounded by rolling hills of green.

The tiny village is home to approximately 150 residents, meaning peace and quiet are abundant. 

However, the average price for a property in this tiny village sits at approximately £400,000 based on sales over the last 12 months, according to Zoopla. The village was also recently named as one of Britain’s 48 “poshest villages” by The Telegraph.

South Pool was also listed as one of the 20 most beautiful villages in the UK by Condé Nast Traveller in 2022.

Though tiny, the village is steeped in history, and its timeless buildings and winding lanes “would befit any chocolate box or postcard”, according to local cottage rental service Toad Hall Cottages. They also described the village as one of the region’s “hidden gems”. 

South Pool is home to a Grade-I listed church, thought to date back to 1318, which is perched at the highest point of the village. There’s also the Millbrook Inn, an award-winning gastropub which can be reached on foot, by car and, uniquely, by boat.

Nestled between land and sea, at the top of a tidal creek on the Salcombe estuary, the Millbrook Inn describes itself as a “hidden haven” where those on canoe, boat and even paddle board pull up for a pint of local ale or a freshly made pub classic.

The idyllic English countryside serves as the backdrop to this quaint village, with fields and foliage as far as the eye can see. The views are particularly impressive on a summer’s day when the sun lights up the surrounding hills.

With the serene backwaters of the South Hams within reach, water-based activities are popular in the region, including guided canoe tours and stand-up paddle boarding. The village is also within easy reach of local beaches, including Lancombe Beach, South Sands Beach and Salcombe North Sands.

Of course, country living doesn’t come cheap. The Telegraph quotes some of the most expensive properties in the area selling for as much as “£844,429”.

Meanwhile, according to Rightmove properties in South Pool had an overall average price of £305,000 over the last year.