During the last century Buckland Tout Saints, which consists of two hamlets, Goveton and Ledstone, and several outlying farms, has seen its role has changed radically.

At the turn of the 20th century the land provided work for most of the residents of Buckland Tout Saints. Everything changed when two world wars took men from the rural areas to serve in the armed forces, leaving the women to take over their jobs.

The effects of mechanisation also helped change parish during the latter half of the century. While several people could previously find work on a farm, more and more people started to work away from the land and in towns and cities instead. Nowadays it is usual for farmers to work alone.

Such is the change that by the year 2000 only 13 of the 70 homes were occupied by people linked with agriculture and quite a few houses are considered as second homes.

The parish's spectacular views are among the reasons for its popularity among second homeowners. From the church on the top of the hill the lighthouse on Start Point can be seen. Further towards Kingsbridge, in daytime, spectators can see right down to the Bag in the Kingsbridge-Salcombe estuary.

Parish matters are overseen by Buckland Tout Saints Parish Council. As there is no village or community building in the parish, the council holds its meetings in a barn, which had been converted into a games room, at Ledstone Farm.