The entire village of Bantham on sale for £11.5 million[SWNS]Located just over 20 miles east of Plymouth, Bantham is comprised of more than 40 homes, a pub, a shop and a harbour.
The unusual sale has already sparked lots of interest, both here and abroad. Super-wealthy property buyers from Singapore, Australia, Russia and even India may join the bidding process soon.
Bantham boasts popular surfing beaches and is a privately-run estate which has been owned by the same family for generations.
Lieutenant Commander Charles Evans purchased the rural idyll in 1922 however the family has now decided to sell up and put the village on the market for £11.5million.
Also home to a golf course and boathouse, Bantham inspired Agatha Christie who penned several of her books on nearby Burgh Island.
Residents looking for a buyer who will maintain the village's identity [SWNS]"This is one of the most unusual sales, it is so rare and unique," said James Baker, a partner in the agency.
"The current owners are keen to find a buyer who won't change anything and will maintain Bantham's beauty.
"As well as the UK, we've had interest from around the world including Australia, Singapore and India.
"The National Trust are one of the bodies we're currently speaking to.
"Preserving the estate is of paramount importance so we will be choosing the most appropriate buyer."
Local residents have been concerned that the new owner will maintain the policy of not letting out the cottages to holidaymakers or allowing second homes in the village - a tradition that started in the 1920s.
Mr Baker added: "The Evans family have never said why they want to sell but their decision was met with trepidation among the village's inhabitants.
"Many of the tenancies have been passed down through generations of families who fear the new owner could evict them or overturn the decades-old ban on holiday lets and second-home owners."
Aerial view of Bantham [SWNS]She said: "They could be a very good option because they value that sense of community and society that we've got here."
The National Trust said it is "actively discussing what role it could play in helping protect the area from future development", but admitted that it would need a "significant fundraising appeal" to buy it.
The charity has saved coastal property along the South Hams shoreline from falling into private hands before.
Its first acquisition in the area occurred as far back as 1928 when the Trust bought 26 hectares of land on the mouth of the Salcombe Estuary.
It now owns, manages and cares for over 40 miles and 3,000 hectares of the South Devon coast.
David Ford, who is general manager for the South Devon area of the National Trust, said: "When an opportunity arises to acquire and protect a stretch of coastline that may be at risk from unsympathetic or damaging development, we try to look at ways we can play a role.
"However this always has to be balanced against our existing commitments to protect other areas; so we need to ensure we are careful in our assessment of any future acquisition."
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