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Perched on the western bank of the Exe Estuary, Starcross is a village defined by its relationship with the water and the historic transport links that pass through it. It began as a small landing point for the Courtney family’s ferry from Powderham, but its character changed significantly in the 19th century with the arrival of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s South West Main Line. The distinctive Italianate pumping station, a relic of Brunel’s short-lived atmospheric railway, still stands as a prominent local landmark near the station. Geographically, life here revolves around the long stretch of the A379 and the railway line, both of which provide direct access to Exeter, about eight miles to the north. While the village has its own primary school and local pubs, many residents look to nearby Dawlish or Exminster for larger shops. The landscape is dominated by the tidal rhythm of the estuary, offering views across to Lympstone and Exmouth, and the village remains a key jumping-off point for the seasonal foot ferry that links the two sides of the river. It’s a place where the proximity to the marshes and the coastal path offers a great deal of natural space, balanced by the practicalities of being on a major commuter vein into the city.