Stoke Gabriel, Devon

Stoke Gabriel, nestled on a serene creek of the River Dart in the South Hams Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in South Devon, is a beautiful, unspoilt English village of approximately 1,400 inhabitants. This rural parish is surrounded by rolling green hills, picturesque countryside and a strong sense of history. With its charming atmosphere, winding streets and proximity to the popular maritime port of Dartmouth, historic market town of Totnes and beautiful Torbay, Stoke Gabriel is a popular place to live and visit. With its Church mentioned in the Domesday Book, an 800 year-old yew tree in the Churchyard and many ancient cottages, the village can trace its history back well over a 1,000 years.  The Church House Inn has been owned by the Church for over 500 years.



The village is a significant tourist attraction, luring many repeat visitors from nearby Torbay and wider Devon, as well as from much further afield.   There are bed and breakfast, Airbnb and holiday rental properties to suit all budgets, and several very popular camping facilities all within easy walking distance of the centre of the village.  In addition to the annual influx of holiday makers, the local population comprises families who have lived in the village for many generations, people who have retired to the area from other parts of the country, and young people who commute to nearby towns for work. 



Unlike several other villages in the area, Stoke Gabriel has a high proportion of permanent residents across a wide age range and is therefore able to support a very broad variety of social activities.  The Village School has up to 80 pupils up to the age of 11.   



The annual Carnival and Mill Pond Challenge; junior and adult sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding with the village boating association; the Scout Group, Art Group, football and cricket clubs, Women’s Institute and British Legion are all thriving, with many active participants.  The Winter Wassail takes place in the orchard opposite the premises and is a popular attraction.



The Church House Inn is situated on Church Walk at the centre of the village, almost opposite the local Post Office, shop and primary school. Stoke Gabriel is a short drive from Paignton and the wider conurbation of Torbay to the east, and Totnes and the South Hams to the west. Both are accessed primarily from the A380, which leads directly to Totnes and links with the M5 at Exeter and the wider UK road network.