A gorgeous apartment in an Elizabethan house near one of the best beaches in the South Hams
Flete House is not only beautiful and has an interesting history, but is located in one of the most sought-after areas in the South Hams, just walking distance from one of the best beaches in the area.

Twelve glorious acres of manicured grounds surround partly Elizabethan Flete House, former seat of the Mildmay family, which overlooks Ermington and Dartmoor, enjoying ‘probably the finest situation in Devonshire’ according to Cornish poet and historian Richard Polwhele (1797).
Apartment 12 is currently on the market via Luscombe Maye for £440,000.
At Holbeton in the South Hams, not far from Georgian Modbury, it was used as a maternity hospital in the Second World War and has now been converted into 29 apartments, retaining the principal rooms (library, dining, drawing and billiard rooms and others) for communal use, exclusively for over 55s.
Currently on the market, Apartment 12, on the first floor — once two separate flats, now converted into one, so extra spacious — has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, original panelling, a large drawing room with impressive bay windows and a triple-aspect master bedroom with views over the tennis court, croquet lawn and grounds. There are a further three apartments available currently.
Apartment 12 in Flete House is currently on the market with Luscombe Maye for £440, 000 — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Holberton: What you need to know
Location: Holberton is a small village located in the South Hams, in-between Yealmpton and Modbury. Plymouth is approximately 16 miles away, where there is a train station offering services to Cornwall and London. Totnes is also approximately 35 miles away, which also has mainline train services.
Atmosphere: Although small, the village has a strong local community with a local pub, village shop, restaurant, church and village hall.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Things to do: Ideally situated near the south west coast path, the area has countless beautiful walks and beaches to explore. The little market town of Modbury also has a number of cafes and boutique shops on the high street, and nearby Kingsbridge also offers more in terms of restaurants, shops and access to water. Surfing Cow — a locally owned ice cream company is well worth a visit on the way to or from Mothecombe beach.
Schools: Local primary options come in the form of Holberton Primary School, Ermington Primary School and Modbury Primary School. Local secondary options include Kingsbridge College, Ivybridge Community College and Plymouth College.
See more property for sale in the area.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
'One of the finest houses in Cheshire' blends Georgian architecture, modern exoticism and space to park your helicopter
Penny Churchill looks inside Stretton Hall, an exceptional house for sale
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Marilyn, maraschino cherries and classic movie musicals await you in Country Life's Quiz of the Day, August 29, 2025
Friday's quiz puts your cocktail knowledge to the test.
By Country Life Published
-
'One of the finest houses in Cheshire' blends Georgian architecture, modern exoticism and space to park your helicopter
Penny Churchill looks inside Stretton Hall, an exceptional house for sale
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Splendid isolation at four gorgeous properties for sale around the world
For those craving a home that offers a true escape from the world, some wonderful properties are on the market right now. Here's our pick of some of the finest — ideal for nature lovers, those in search of tranquility and Bond villains alike.
By Toby Keel Published
-
The market for super-prime houses in England's biggest millionaire's playground is booming — and this £10m example is one of the best
Whirley Hall is a 17th century building that's a perfect example of how 21st century updates can transform an old home almost beyond recognition.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
If I had to spend the rest of my life living underground, I would do it in this four-bedroom house for sale in the Peak District
The aptly named Underhill is a 'a work of inhabitable art' that was built in the 1970s. And there's a swimming pool in the middle of it.
By James Fisher Published
-
A micro estate for sale in west Wales shows that the best things come in small packages. In this case, three of them
Brithdir is a remarkable collection of properties centred around a lake and just five miles from the sea.
By James Fisher Published
-
This blissful converted mill has sweeping views, a breathtaking library and gardens by a Chelsea gold medallist
Penny Churchill takes a look at Stanbridge Mill, one of the finest properties for sale today in the west country.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Portmore has it all: A 3,459-acre Scottish estate for sale, with a signature Baronial sandstone mansion at its heart
For sale for the first time in 40 years, Portmore Estate is everything you could ever want in Scotland.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Location, community and charm: the enduring desirability of London's mews houses
From birds, to horses, to beautiful family homes, the mews of London are some of the nation's most sought-after homes. But why?
By James Fisher Published