The rise of slow living in the South Hams

1st July 2025

In today’s fast-paced world, more people are turning their backs on the rush of urban life in favour of something altogether more meaningful: slow living. This rising lifestyle trend is all about embracing simplicity, connection, and community, and there’s nowhere better to live it than in the South Hams.

Our charming villages, the likes of Malborough, Stoke Gabriel, and Loddiswell included, are becoming havens for those seeking a better balance. With stunning countryside, character homes, and a genuine sense of belonging, village life in South Devon offers a welcome change of pace. Find out more about them below:

Just minutes from the glamour of Salcombe but without the bustle, Malborough has an enviable position with coast, countryside, and community in equal measure. With pubs, a shop, and scenic footpaths down to Hope Cove and Soar Mill, it’s a magnet for walkers and beach-lovers alike. For those looking to settle into this coastal lifestyle, The Bolt Cottage, located just off the main high street, exudes warmth and character, offering three bedrooms and a sun-drenched garden room. It's the perfect home for year-round coastal living.

Slightly more in-land, but perched on the River Dart, Stoke Gabriel is a postcard-perfect village with a vibrant community spirit. It’s a dream for those drawn to water, and a prime example of how slow living doesn’t mean going without. For a truly special spot, Little Hayes is an three-bedroom home, set in a tranquil cul-de-sac and offers light-filled living spaces, a landscaped garden, and easy access to the water.

If you’re looking for something a little more rural, take Ugborough, for example. Tucked beneath the moors, with its iconic village square and strong community feel, it’s exactly the sort of place where people know your name at the local pub and fellow dog walkers greet you with a friendly ‘hello’ each morning. If you're looking for property for sale in Ugborough, Ware House, a beautiful and recently renovated, Grade II-listed home, set just off the main village square, offers a perfect mix of rural charm and modern comfort.

Surrounded by lush farmland on the edge of the Avon Valley and just five minutes from Kingsbridge, Loddiswell is another pastoral village. With a strong local community, a highly commended primary school, and woodland walks, it’s a popular choice for families and nature-lovers. For those seeking a blend of traditional and modern touches, Court House, a characterful Georgian home in the heart of the village, offers space, style, and stunning surroundings, ideal for growing families or a peaceful retreat. Plus, with a self-contained annexe, it’s great for guests, multi-generational living or additional income potential.

Perched above Start Bay, a stone’s throw from the South West Coast Path and beautiful Blackpool Sands, Stoke Fleming is yet another sought-after village offering dramatic sea views and a strong sense of place. Dartmouth is just down the road, giving you access to fine dining, boutique shopping, and maritime charm. Harwill is a modern coastal residence that delivers sleek interiors, open-plan living, and a private garden, all just a short stroll from the beach. Perfect for those wanting a slow life by the sea.

Newton Ferrers might just be the South Hams at its finest; yacht moorings, riverside walks, and a calendar full of community events. Slow living here looks like morning coffee on the quay, low-tide strolls to Noss Mayo, and spontaneous sunset sails. If you’re looking for a home that can offer you all that and more, 1 Yealm View Road boasts estuary views, luxurious interiors, and easy water access; the pinnacle of calm, collected riverside living.

South Hams village life is more than a pretty setting; it’s a way of living. From enjoying local farm produce to swapping the supermarket dash for leisurely high-street strolls, people are re-evaluating what matters. With remote work now the norm and a renewed appreciation for green space, these villages offer the best of Devon living. Whether you’re searching for a forever family home or a weekend escape, our handpicked selection of South Hams village properties for sale captures the very best of slow, meaningful living.

Ready to make the move? At Marchand Petit, we’ve been helping people put down roots in South Devon for over 30 years. Explore our full range of properties and find your place in the calm, connected rhythm of the South Hams.