I live in a remote hamlet, and would suggest you find somewhere with more than just one shop and pub, as they could easily close, and then you'd be stuck.
I think Walsham le Willows in West Suffolk seems a great place to live - it has a lot of thriving local activities/groups, a wonderful open gardens weekend, quite a lively place with several shops, good butchers and DIY store, and pubs, about 11 miles from Bury St Edmunds and Diss. Not sure about a doctors though.
Or how about Halesworth - a small market town, but on railway line and with very friendly atmosphere, great arts centre with U3A etc. Probably larger than you were thinking, but attractive and lots to do. Personally I think a small market town would be less lonely, and you'd be able to fit in easily.