NEWTON FERRERS

Although they are a 20-mile drive west of Salcombe, Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo could be its disinherited siblings. They have the same estuary views, the same narrow streets, the same feeling that Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings might waddle into the picture at any time. For views of the area, visit www.newtonnoss.co.uk. What’s available: A two-bedroom flat, on the first floor of a block of six, with private access. In landscaped grounds, it has a balcony with views across to Noss Mayo and is “remarkably spacious”. For sale for £395,000 with Marchand Petit, 01752 873311, www.marchandpetit.co.uk

KINGSBRIDGE

A small market town just up the estuary from Salcombe, so you get great views over the water — as long as the tide is in. The good news is that property prices can be half those in Salcombe itself. No doubt that’s what Kate Bush had in mind when she bought a clifftop home nearby. What’s available: A three-bedroom, two-reception penthouse flat on the Promenade. One of three apartments in the building, it has views across the head of the Kingsbridge/Salcombe estuary. For sale for £435,000 with Marchand Petit, 01548 857588, www.marchandpetit.co.uk

KINGSWEAR

If Salcombe is Devon’s equivalent of Rock, then Kingswear, across the Dart estuary from Dartmouth, is the county’s equivalent of Port Isaac, a charming village that seems to tumble down to the waterside. Although, with its brightly coloured houses, it also has more than a touch of the children’s television programme Balamory. Popular with yachting folk — the village is home to the headquarters of the Royal Dart Yacht Club — it looks so authentically 18th-century that it was used as a set for both The French Lieutenant’s Woman and the long-running 1970s series The Onedin Line. What’s available: A two-bedroom maisonette with “outstanding water and rural views” and includes a terrace and decking. It is for sale for £360,000, or £395,000 with garage, through Charles Head, 01803 752321, www.charleshead.co.uk

EAST PRAWLE

Just across the estuary from Salcombe, East Prawle has all the advantages of that view, with the added bonus of lower prices and fewer crowds. There is easy access to a sandy beach, and a ferry to Salcombe from nearby East Portlemouth. In a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the village has a green, two pubs, a local shop and a tearoom. Jennie Bond, the former BBC royal correspondent, has a home here. What’s available: In Chivelstone, 1½ miles from East Prawle, Hyghdowne House, a four-bedroom, four-reception 1940s home, has a two-acre garden and views “to die for” across the South Hams and beyond to Dartmoor. For sale for £700,000 with Savills, 01392 253344, www.savills.co.uk

Additional reporting by Emma Wells

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