A 'quintessential English cottage' in Devon with endless charm, spectacular outdoor space, and walking distance from the beach
This picture-perfect cottage in Devon is a real mix of modern and traditional — and it's all set in a gorgeously private little valley.


Describing an English home as a ‘quintessential cottage’ gives it quite a high bar to clear. However, like Dick Fosbury himself, Pear Tree Cottage in Devon leaps over with ease. It's on the market through Marchand Petit at £1.15m.
The number of boxes this delightful home ticks is quite wonderful. There’s a thatched roof, period features such as open fireplaces and exposed beams, and a gorgeous setting within walking distance of Bantham beach and Thurlestone golf links.
Inside, the property has been recently renovated to the highest standard, an example of which being the bespoke kitchen with its granite worktops and Aga.
However, the pièce-de-résistance is the garden room, which overlooks beautifully landscaped gardens.
The room is a recent addition, and boasts a floor-to-ceiling curved glass wall, with bi-folding doors.
What’s that you say? You’re still not satisfied? Well, there’s also a separate annexe offering a workshop, triple-bay garage, and living accommodation — all accessed, quite brilliantly, by a little wooden bridge.
And then there are the gardens, wonderfully landscaped to give a feeling that you're looking out over your very own private valley. Which is exactly what you have here: there is a stream at the bottom, and the whole thing is exquisitely private.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
The cottage is actually in a hamlet called West Buckland, an unspoilt place just inland from the coast and enjoying peace and tranquillity, away from main road traffic and protected from the prevailing wind.
Nearby are the larger coastal villages of Thurlestone and Bantham. The former is famed for its 18-hole links golf course but also has some fine beaches, a village pub, shop, church and a hotel which offers country club-type membership to non-residents — it has squash courts, a swimming pool and even its own 9-hole golf course.
The other nearby village, Bantham, is one of the prettiest villages in the South Hams, sitting at the mouth of the River Avon and protected by sand dunes and vast expanses of golden beach.
Pear Tree Cottage is for sale via Marchand Petit at £1.15 million — see more details and pictures.
Eight irresistible thatched cottages for sale, from under £450,000
The romantic appeal of an English country cottage with a thatched roof never fades, as these wonderful homes show.

James Fisher is the Digital Commissioning Editor of Country Life. He writes about motoring, travel and things that upset him. He lives in London. He wants to publish good stories, so you should email him.
-
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
-
Pugs in pearls: Nine times dogs stole the show on publishing’s most famous page
Every Monday, Melanie Bryan, delves into the hidden depths of Country Life's extraordinary archive to bring you a long-forgotten story, photograph or advert.
By Melanie Bryan 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
-
The distinctive and historic home that might just be 'one of Dorset’s most picturesque'
Grade II*-listed Manor House, set in just under eight acres, dates from the 16th century.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A 17th century farmhouse in Surrey with one of Britain's oldest squash courts
Fords Farm is on the market for the first time in over half a century.
By Penny Churchill Last updated
-
The 15 best-value commuter towns for people working in London, according to new research from one of Britain's top estate agents
Savills have released their list of the best-value commuter towns in Britain. But do the sums add up? Toby Keel takes a look.
By Toby Keel Published
-
What everyone is talking about this week: Where are the new Cotswolds?
The appearance of American Vice President J. D. Vance in the Cotswolds is a sure sign that they're saturated, but where else can you escape to that has the same charm?
By Will Hosie Published