| Coleton Fishacre is situated near Kingswear, South Devon
and consists of a 1920's house and 25 acre garden in a wonderful coastal
setting. Now owned by the National Trust, the house was built in the 1920's
and designed by architect Oswald Milne, who was an assistant to Sir Edwin
Lutyens. The house was built for Rupert and Lady Dorothy D'Oyly Carte members
of the well-known theatrical family; Rupert was the son of Richard D'Oyly
Carte who had built the Savoy Theatre and hotel. The gardens were laid out
by Rupert and Lady Dorothy D'Oyly Carte between 1926 and 1948. Then, in
1949, Rupert's daughter Bridget sold the property. However the new owner
did little in the way of alterations and the National Trust acquired the
site in 1982. The garden is the mildest belonging to Trust, set in a sheltered,
stream-fed valley leading steeply down to Pudcombe Cove and the sea. The
microclimate in this small South Devon coastal valley means that many rare
and tender plants are grown to form a luxuriant garden full of exotic shrubs,
wildflower meadows, bluebell woods, formal gardens and water features. It
is simply one of the most interesting and enjoyable gardens we have ever
visited. |
