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 Powderham
Castle
Powderham was begun by Sir Philip Courtenay in 1390,
and it has been the seat of the Earls of Devon ever since. It took Sir Philip
almost 30 years to complete this fortress on the banks of the Exe, but the castle
that greets the eye of visitors today is largely the result of Victorian renovation
by Charles Fowler, architect of Covent Garden, London. But
if the exterior is a Victorian recreation of an idealised medieval castle, the
interior is pure Georgian country house, with a profusion of elegant rooms topped
by carefully moulded plasterwork ceilings. An extraordinary centrepiece is provided
by the staircase hall, which rises the height of the building. The walls are encrusted
with plasterwork birds, animals, and a variety of artistic motifs celebrating
themes of peace and love. Amidst all this Georgian splendour
there are still traces of the original medieval house to be found; in the room
beside the great hall is an overmantle carved with the date 1533, but older still
are the 14th century arches leading to the kitchens and buttery. One
of the most enjoyable rooms open to visitors is the Music Room, created in 1794
by James Wyatt as a venue for the 3rd Viscount's coming of age ball. Throughout
the house are the requisite collection of family portraits, including some dating
back to trhe early 16th century. Across the rose terrace at
the rear of the house is the chapel, which boasts a wonderful 15th century timber
roof. GARDENS
The woodland garden in particular
is worthy of note; plantings of daffodils, primroses and Devon violets make for
a profusion of colour in the spring. Fallow deer graze in the Deer Park, and in
summer visitors can ride the special tractor trailer cart to view them up close.
Especially for the children is the new Secret Garden, full of animals of the soft
and cuddly sort, including guinea pigs, rabbits, and pygmy goats. The
house sits in a lovely location beside the River Exe, and wonderful views of the
Exe Estuary can be had by climbing the Belvedere Tower.
Details
Powderham Castle
Kenton
Exeter
Devon
England
EX6 8JQ
Location: 8 m SE Exeter, off A379
Website: Powderham Castle
Email: castle@powderham.co.uk
Phone: 01626 890 243
Fax: 01626 890 729
map
OS SX965 832
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