Knightshayes Court Near Tiverton 22nd July 2009

[Dave]

Knightshayes Court Near Tiverton 22nd July 2009

Looking at the weather forecast last night, Cornwall looked like it was going to be very wet, so we decided to go the other way. Aussie mate, warming to the National Trust may be a sign of getting old, but both Carol and I love the places and houses etc we get to see.

We believe we got to see the whole house and what a place it is, sadly you are never allowed to take inside shots, a real pity, still just being there and seeing it was really special. Unlike Saltram house, we were able to learn about who lived there and the history of the house. I have included a small piece about the history. I did find one small inside picture shot on the internet and have added it at the end.

The pictures are of the house and just a few garden shots, a few close-up shots again, I was really pleased with my BEE shots.

When pioneer lace-maker John Heathcoat was chased out of Loughborough by the Luddites in 1816, his relocation to Tiverton led eventually to one of the finest surviving Gothic Revival houses being built in the lush landscape of mid Devon. In 1869 his grandson employed the architect and decorator William Burges – a passionate Gothic enthusiast – to build Knightshayes Court. He was an eccentric but inspired choice, responsible for a truly remarkable house and some extraordinary 'medieval' romantic interiors. The vast garden was the Heathcoat Amory family's great passion. They packed it with rare trees and shrubs, creating the celebrated 'Garden in the Wood'. Other features include a waterlily pond, amusing topiary and plenty of seasonal colour.

[Dave]

Is it really as long as five years ago Carol and I went to Knightshayes Court? Where has those five years gone. But then if I stop and think about all that has happened over the last five years in my life, I think I know the answer.

After introducing Lyn to the joy of exploring old castles( something she never thought she would love as much as she does) I thought it was time to carry out my threat and introduce her to the National Trust. I personally loved Knightshayes Court when I went to visit this wonderful house with Carol, the only down side was not being allowed to take pictures inside the house.

It’s a case of being able to in some National Trust properties and not in most of them, but when Lyn and I walked into the house we never saw any signs saying it was not allowed. I just assumed the Trust had relaxed its rules and so got clicking away. It was not until I was in the very last room I got told I was not allowed to take and pictures inside the house. I said I was sorry and had not seen any sign and the lady was fine about it all and at least I got the pictures I was after.

Lyn took a big interest in the house and spoke to a number of the staff in the house about the house and its history. She did not enjoy walking around the grounds as much, but like I told her, the grounds and the gardens are all part of the visit to any National Trust property.

She loved the house so much she wants to visit other houses when ever we get the time and I’m more than happy to visit all the ones I have been to in the past again and a few new ones.