Not one of Devons grandest houses, but a personal favourite. Coleton Fishacre is a relatively modest home, designed by Oswald Milne (an assistant to Edwin Lutyens), and built, from local slate with a Delabole slate roof, between 1923 and 1926 on the outskirts of Kingswear, South Devon.


Characterised by the simplicity of design and craftsmanship associated with the Arts and Crafts movement, the interior shows influences of the later Art Deco movement. The house was built as a country home, for Rupert D'Oyly Carte (of the Opera company) and his wife Lady Dorothy.


The south facing gardens at Coleton Fishacre run down a narrow combe from the house to the sea at Pudcombe Cove. Originally planted by Lady Dorothy from plants which she collected on her travels. Many tropical and sub-tropical species have adapted to their location due to the mild climate occasioned by the proximity of the Gulf Stream.

This magnificent house stands in extensive grounds above the River Fowey. Originally owned by the Augustinian Priory of St Petroc, the estate passed into private hands following the Dissolution of the Monasteries during the 1530s. Construction of Lanhydrock House began in 1620, when the estate was acquired by Sir Richard Robartes, a wealthy merchant of Truro.


Much of the present house dates back to Victorian times but some sections survive from the 17th century. A major fire in 1881 destroyed a large part of the house, which was eventually rebuilt in the style of the original 1620 structure.


The Robartes family declined significantly during the First World War, and today only one descendant survives, living in a cottage on the estate. The house and estate were bequeathed to the National Trust in 1953, and are presented today as though the family have just 'stepped out'.

Tyntesfield is a Victorian country house and estate, originally home to four generations of the Gibbs family. The patriarch, William Gibbs, born in Madrid, the son of a Spanish cloth Merchant, accumulated vast wealth from the guano trade of the Pacific and South America.


In 1844 William Gibbs bought a modest Georgian house, called Tyntes Place, and “got the builders in”. Over the years he transformed the property into the Gothic masterpiece we, today, see as Tyntesfield House. The vast estate boasts formal gardens, avenues of sculpted Yew and Holly trees, and productive walled kitchen gardens and greenhouses.


Gibbs was a good man, a philanthropist and deeply religious. He commissioned the building of a private, purpose-built chapel in 1873, its architecture and decoration inspired by the flamboyant Gothic style of Sainte Chapelle in Paris. Whilst Gibbs oversaw the construction, he died in 1875, before the building was consecrated.

The Covid situation caused many of us to rethink our plans for 2020. Overseas travel ceased and even overnight stays away from home were discouraged. In between lockdowns we experienced a brief respite and during one beautiful Indian Summer's day we found an opportunity to visit the North Cornwall coast.

First up was a visit to Trerice, a stunning Elizabethan Manor House located near to Newquay, and surrounded by peaceful gardens. Originally built by the Arundell family in the 1570's, it was inherited by the Acland family (of Killerton) in the late 18th century. Whilst the Aclands restored much of the house, some parts had fallen into disrepair by the time the National Trust bought it in 1953, and leased it to John Elton, who invested much of his own money to restore the derelict North wing. The Elton's private quarters from this time are a snapshot of 1950's decor, looking somewhat incongruous in this grand old building.

We rounded out the day with a short drive to Carnewas and a walk on the cliff path, to Bedruthan Steps. This section of rugged Cornwall coast never fails to please, but on a sparkling blue late summer's day, it really uplifts the soul.

Knightshayes Court, on the outskirts of Tiverton, is an extraordinary building, it was commissioned by Sir John Heathcote Amory in 1869, and designed by William Burges in the Gothic Revival style. The richly designed and painted interiors proved to be "too much" for the family and Burges was eventually replaced by John Dibblee Crace, with a brief of “toning down” Burges’s extravagance. Once completed the house was still not to the taste of the family and so much of the work of Burges and Crace was covered up.

The last member of the family to live in the house, Joyce Wethered, died in 1972 and the property was passed to The National Trust. Initially the plan was simply to preserve the renowned 20th century gardens but it was eventually realised that the building was unique and architecturally important and so began the long task of uncovering, reinstating and restoring the 19th century design.


The grounds feature stunning formal gardens, parkland walks including spectacular Rhododendrons, Douglas Firs, and Acers, and a restored walled kitchen garden.