Nestled in the heart of South Devon, Chillington is a charming village that offers a quintessential slice of English countryside life. Located a stone’s throw from Kingsbridge, it’s a place that many might imagine retiring to, but what about living there as a full-time resident? Opinions are mixed, but one thing is clear: Chillington has its own unique charms and quirks. While the picturesque surroundings make it seem like an ideal retreat, there are certain realities to consider. From community spirit to the local amenities—or the occasional lack thereof—there’s plenty to weigh up when deciding if Chillington is the right fit for you.
Is Chillington Safe?
The general consensus among locals is that Chillington is a pretty safe place to call home. With lower crime statistics compared to the regional average, residents enjoy a sense of security that many larger towns can’t boast. While no place is entirely without its incidents, the numbers suggest a tranquil environment where one can easily sleep with the windows open during the summer. Local chatter often highlights minor incidents that occur near popular hangout spots, but the community is quick to rally together and maintain the peace. In short, safety is one of Chillington’s more appealing attributes.
Is Chillington a Nice Place to Live for Families?
Parks and Recreation
Families in Chillington are never too far from a park or playground. The Chillington Playing Fields are a local favourite, offering open spaces for children to run wild and for parents to relax on sunny days. While the village itself may not be bustling with dedicated family activities, its proximity to the coastline means beach outings are an easy weekend option.
Schools and Education
When it comes to education, Chillington presents a bit of a mixed bag. The local schools, like Stokenham Area Primary School, are well-regarded and rated ‘Good,’ but the lack of ‘Outstanding’ schools might give some parents pause. The catchment areas can also be a hassle, meaning parents might need to drive a bit further afield for more options. For those prioritising education, this could be a sticking point, though the community-driven atmosphere often makes up for it.
Is Chillington Expensive?
Property prices in Chillington are relatively high, with the average home costing around £375,000. Detached homes tend to fetch the highest prices, sitting at about £425,000, whereas semi-detached properties are a bit more affordable at £265,000. The rental market is also somewhat limited, though the available options hover at competitive rates compared to nearby areas. For those looking for a cheaper alternative, nearby Kingsbridge offers a bit more bang for your buck, with more varied housing options and amenities to boot.
What Transport Links Are There?
Transport in Chillington isn’t as limited as one might expect from a small village. There are regular bus services connecting it to Kingsbridge and other nearby towns, making commuting a feasible task. The roads are generally well-maintained, offering decent accessibility for those who prefer driving. However, for those looking to commute to larger cities like Plymouth or Exeter, the journey can be on the longer side, making it a less ideal option for those who work in the city.
What Amenities Are Available in Chillington?
Chillington is home to a handful of local shops and amenities that fulfil most daily needs. The village shop serves as a convenience store, stocking everyday essentials and acting as a bit of a community hub. There are also a few doctors’ surgeries for healthcare needs. However, for larger grocery shops or a wider array of dining options, residents often head to Kingsbridge or Totnes. Pubs and eateries in the village offer a quaint charm, making them popular spots for locals to gather and unwind.
What is the Surrounding Outdoor Area Like?
The countryside around Chillington is nothing short of spectacular. With the South West Coast Path nearby, walking enthusiasts have access to some of the most breathtaking coastal vistas in England. The surrounding fields and woods offer ample opportunity for hiking, dog walking, or simply enjoying the fresh air. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a more demanding trek, the outdoor offerings are sure to satisfy nature lovers.
So, What’s the Verdict?
Chillington has much to offer for those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle, with its beautiful surroundings and strong sense of community being its standout features. However, it may not suit everyone, particularly those who prioritise quick access to city amenities or need a wider selection of educational options for their children. For those who value tranquillity and a close-knit community, it could very well be the perfect fit.
What Are the Alternatives?
If Chillington doesn’t tick all your boxes, Kingsbridge is a mere hop away, offering more amenities and a similar sense of community. For those needing better transport links or more robust school options, Totnes might be worth a look. Each neighbouring area has its own pros and cons, so exploring them would be a wise step before making any final decisions. Ultimately, the right choice depends on what aspects of livability one values most.
What's your experience of Chillington?
Let us know your views of Chillington. Alternatively, if you'd like to suggest an amend to our article, please get in touch.The very last thing this village should be categorized as – is either peaceful or tranquil. That stereotypical estate agent terminology for rural locations is nonsense with reference to Chillington. It is actually more peaceful on the outskirts of most towns or cities. The location is situated in a natural valley with low traffic rates. Because of this, there is no ambient background noise and sound travels further. For six years, all we heard were lawn mowers, holiday makers, chainsaws, property renovations, workshop activity, kids on skateboards, farm animals, dogs barking at all hours and noisy neighbors gossiping in the street. Actually the noisiest and busiest location I have ever lived, with an average of 100 people passing our property each day to use local facilities (medical center & pharmacy, shop/post office, pub, local businesses in mini retail area and town hall park facilities) . Particularly busy in the spring and summer months with a thriving air bnb populus renting to tourists (who are equally noisy). Everyone there seems to be a bored retired contractor, making themselves busy with home renovation projects 24/7. We were shocked how quiet our recent urban location is in comparison with this sonorous nightmare village.
This is a truly awful village to live in. There is a reason accommodation and property prices are cheap (compared to other similar areas within the region). Everyone has heard of village mentality, where ‘marge is supposedly having an affair with the binman’ or ‘next door must be fiddling their taxes because they buy a new Audi every year’.. this place operates at 100% worse capacity than those stereotypical examples of hearsay. A toxic location, where local gossip has actually become the currency. Groups of pensioners form nasty little alliances, while facelessly advertising others troubles in the local shop. People there seem to think they live in some ‘gated community’ where anyone can do what they want regardless. This extends from everything like planning permissions to letting dogs foul all over others gardens, or parking where they want to. It’s like a wild west nursing home, full of senile people with severe mental health issues and boomer privileges, as well as air bnb tourists making a nuisance of themselves. Coupled with the fact it is really inconvenient from any practical perspective to live here (try getting any tradesman out to the sticks) it put me off ever choosing to live in a village again! Horrible dead end Little-Englander hovel.