Newton Ferrers/Noss Mayo: there is no more glowingly beautiful coastal scene in Devon than the lake-like estuary of the River Yealm, full of sailing boats and yachts, enclosed and sheltered by high, oak-wooded hillsides. These two adjoining villages are beside it; small, with riverside (and river view) good food (and children welcome) pubs, old fishermen’s cottages, essential shops. Very popular for sailing, especially dinghies; lovely, too, for walking (paths through the oak woods, brilliant views at every turn), or just sitting. Riding stables. Pedestrian ferry to coast walk to Wembury, and to secluded beach. Nearest sandy beach by car: Mothecombe (delightful), about 4 miles. Plymouth, 11; A38 road, about 7.

... high in farmland a mile from Noss Mayo and  mile from the sea at Stoke (splendid cliffs, coast path, cove beach), a number of cottages well converted from Grade II listed farm buildings, sharing a 1 acre garden (barbecue, picnic table), games/laundry room (table tennis, darts, washing machine, tumble drier extra), courtyards and hard tennis court. We let two of them.

... a south-facing, ‘upside down’ cottage with long tranquil views over the garden to farmland. Patio with furniture. Inside, large open-plan living/dining/fitted kitchen with ceiling to apex (beams, spotlights, CD player, games, books, videos), well-equipped kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge-freezer). Downstairs (stairgate), three bedrooms a double, a twin, and a single; bathroom (suite plus bath-shower). Good place to come home to in a very beautiful area. Payphone. No smoking.