Devon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>A beautiful Georgian market town with a population of just 1700, <a href="https://www.visitmodbury.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Modbury </a>is known for the town&#8217;s ground-breaking decision to ban plastic bags back in 2007 – no doubt spurred on by its designation as a South Hams Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Today, the close-knit community still take huge pride in the town which is very easy on eye, thanks to its slate-sided town houses, Georgian and Victorian piles. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/curator-modbury.jpg" alt="The Curator café Modbury " class="wp-image-60674" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/curator-modbury.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/curator-modbury-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/curator-modbury-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/curator-modbury-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/curator-modbury-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/curator-modbury-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Curtor</figcaption></figure>



<p>The hot new ticket in town is <a href="https://www.thecurator.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Curator</a> café, an indie coffee house already well established in nearby Totnes, which is popular for its superb Italian wood-roasted coffee and homemade breads. Here you&#8217;ll find a pretty courtyard to eat by day and monthly supper clubs for tasty evenings out. There are a few good locals, including The Modbury Inn and <a href="https://www.whitehartmodbury.co.uk/en-GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The White Hart</a> for gastropub fayre and <a href="http://theexeterinnmodbury.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Exeter Inn</a>, a 14th century hostelry with a big, beautiful beer garden. <a href="https://www.coolbeanscoffeebar.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cool Beans</a> is a family run café who do good breakfasts and lunches, with a pretty little al fresco seating area out front. For seafood, <a href="https://www.oystershack.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Oyster Shack</a> at Bigbury serves quality local caught fish and shellfish, but remember to check the tides as access is restricted when the tide is high!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1775" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/461251358_18282369580234839_8584076557357171607_n.jpg" alt="Shop at the Top" class="wp-image-70054" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/461251358_18282369580234839_8584076557357171607_n.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/461251358_18282369580234839_8584076557357171607_n-649x800.jpg 649w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/461251358_18282369580234839_8584076557357171607_n-811x1000.jpg 811w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/461251358_18282369580234839_8584076557357171607_n-768x947.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/461251358_18282369580234839_8584076557357171607_n-1246x1536.jpg 1246w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shop At The Top</figcaption></figure>



<p>Modbury has a buzzing high street with all boxes ticked, including a newsagent, pharmacy and post office. For groceries, there&#8217;s a Co-op and an excellent butchers, <a href="https://www.aunevalleymeat.co.uk/shops/#modbury" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aune Valley Meat</a> and <a href="https://www.southdevonfood.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mackgills Delicatessan</a> for wine, cheese, cakes annd charcuterie, or for the weekly shop it&#8217;s a trip to the supermarkets at Kingsbridge. The high street hosts a well-stocked mix of quality gift shops, boutiques and galleries, including Ringrose, a third generation jewellery store, Hatton Jewellers, who also do repairs, as well as a vintage store, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shopatthetop/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shop at the Top</a> selling pre-loved clothes and homeware, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fifthsensemodbury/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fifth Sense</a> for Cornishware and vegan/eco skincare, and a new popup lifestyle store, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Fourteen-A/61559521449824/?_rdr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fourteen A</a>. And something you don&#8217;t see often – a <a href="https://www.toysoldieremporium.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toy soldier shop</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s a health centre, opticians, dentist and vets, and a minor injuries unit at nearby Kingsbridge. Modbury&#8217;s first ever <a href="https://www.modburytherapycentre.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">therapy centre</a> offers counselling, homeopathy, acupuncture, reflexology and a number of weekly yoga and Pilates classes. For a spot of pampering, locals go to <a href="https://www.beautiquemodbury.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beautique</a>. If you get your wellbeing from outdoors, here&#8217;s perfectly placed for walks on the SW coast path and Dartmoor national park, with local beaches at Bantham and <a href="https://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/things-to-do/bigbury-on-sea-beach-p232883" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bigbury on Sea</a> just five miles away. Wonwell is a less touristy locals&#8217; favourite, accessed down a single traffic lane, so popular for post-work swims. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.brownstonart.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Brownston Gallery</a> holds regular exhibitions and events, including talks and workshops. The main events are the May Spring Fair when the town puts out the bunting with stalls and live music, and the summer <a href="https://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/places/modbury-p246273" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Modbury Carnival </a>which comprises a week of live performances, performances, a vibrant parade with costumes and vintage cars, and family-friendly activities. There&#8217;s a Merlin Cinema at nearby Kingsbridge and <a href="https://shilstonedevon.com/whats-on/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shilstone Estate</a> hold regular talks on rural life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Modbury folk are brilliant at galvanising around the town to create the annual events which are volunteer-run. <a href="https://modburyparishcouncil.gov.uk/news/modbury-food-and-produce-show" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Modbury Show</a> is 118 years old – a big tradition supported by the local stores and in which everyone gets involved, from wonky veg to art, craft and photography. There are also walking groups, a film club, an annual wassail and a pantomime which the whole town gets behind. Local residents also proactively collaborated with the Parish Council to create a <a href="https://mg.swdevon.gov.uk/documents/s30009/Appendix%201%20Modbury%20Neighbourhood%20Plan%20-%20Referendum%20version.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neighbourhood Plan</a> which aims to safeguard the town&#8217;s character while accommodating the need for new homes and infrastructure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/shilstone-courtyardcafe.jpeg" alt="Shilstone Manor Courtyard café" class="wp-image-69156" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/shilstone-courtyardcafe.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/shilstone-courtyardcafe-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/shilstone-courtyardcafe-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/shilstone-courtyardcafe-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shilstone Manor</figcaption></figure>



<p>There are six <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Trust</a> gardens close by, including Greenway, Agatha Christie&#8217;s former holiday home. <a href="https://southdevonchillifarm.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The South Devon Chilli Farm</a> is legendary for its homegrown sauces and chilli chocolate, while at <a href="https://shilstonedevon.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shilstone Manor</a> you can take a wander around the garden, enjoy a coffee in the courtyard (or Sunday lunch) and spend a fascinating hour or two in the rural archive of Devon. For kids, there&#8217;s the Muddy Award winning <a href="https://www.pennywellfarm.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennywell Farm</a> for meets with farm animals, <a href="https://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk">Paignton Zoo</a>, home to 2000+ animals, <a href="https://www.woodlandspark.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woodlands Theme Park</a> for rides and water and <a href="https://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Devon Railway</a> which run family-friendly themed steam train tours all year round. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-price">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE</h2>



<p>Homes averaged £451,872 over the last year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/modbury-2025.jpeg" alt="slate-clade property for sale in Modbury Devon " class="wp-image-69847" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/modbury-2025.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/modbury-2025-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/modbury-2025-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/modbury-2025-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Grade II Listed townhouse take your fancy? This<a href="https://www.marchandpetit.co.uk/properties/19545301/sales" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a>5-bed beauty is located in the heart of Modbury. <a href="https://www.marchandpetit.co.uk/properties/19545301/sales" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £535,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.modburyprimaryschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Modbury Primary School</a> is rated Good by Ofsted and is the feeder for <a href="https://www.ivybridge.devon.sch.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ivybridge Community College</a> (Ofsted Good) and <a href="https://www.kingsbridgecollege.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kingsbridge Community College</a> (Ofsted Good). Bright sparks go to one of three Plymouth Grammar Schools for boys and girls. Independent schools include <a href="https://www.st-christophers.devon.sch.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Christopher&#8217;s</a> at Staverton, and <a href="https://blundells.org/senior-school/information-1/bus-service" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blundell&#8217;s</a> at Tiverton (bus service runs daily from Ivybridge).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s a pre-school at Modbury Primary which is well supported and offers wraparound care. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Hold onto your hats! Would you believe <a href="https://www.modbury-heritage.co.uk/the-stetsons-family/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the stetson</a>, associated with the Wild West hails from a Modbury family of settlers the same name? Here was also the site of two battles in the English Civil War, recently covered by C4&#8217;s <em>Time Team</em>. History has it that the roundheads hoodwinked the Cavaliers by reversing their horses shoes sending their adversaries in hot pursuit – in the wrong direction. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s a 20 min/ 12 mile drive to the A38, the main Devon Expressway between Exeter M5 and Plymouth. The nearest main trainline is Totnes 30 mins/ 14 miles away for London/Bristol trains. There&#8217;s also a regular bus service between Modbury, Plymouth and Kingsbridge. </p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;</em><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/"><em>Top 300 Best Places to Live</em></a>.</p>


Modbury

See more in Devon