My mother-in-law lived in a lovely village in Dorset with just a pub and shop as you described.
The bus service was rubbish, arts 40 mins away and taxis very very expensive.
When her husband died she decided to "future proof" by moving to somewhere wgerd she didnt always have to use the car. She wanted somewhere with good busses and easier for taxis.
She looked at lots of villages (and nearly went to the outskirts of Sherborne) but eventually went to the "oldest" part of Poundbury (which is virtually attached to Dorchester).
At the time we made lots of jokes about "toytown and model villages" and of course Poundbury has subsequently spread exponentially however it did turn out to be a surprisingly great place for her to live. The "old" part still has very much a village feel to it and there is still space to enjoy the countryside whilst having easy access to culture, transport (including trains).
Just a short step away in the newer area, Poundbury has it's own small Waitrose and hotel, another pub and even cafés, a hairdresser and restaurants- and a few independent shops too.
It was great for her for many years - well into her 90s. As it turned out she was still driving until 96 or 97 by which time she had moved to be near us (about four years ago).
People can be snippy about Poundbury (I know I was) - but actually the old part was fantastic with lots going on but not in each other's pockets.
Good luck.