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Historic Houses and Gardens

English summers are perfect for visits to the nation's historic homes and gardens and on the English Riviera we have a number of notable properties well worth a visit.  Because these properties open early in the spring and stay open well into late autumn they are ideal places to visit for guess on short breaks whatever the time of year. Furthermore, within a short distance of The English Riviera there are houses and gardens in other parts of Devon.

Torre Abbey

Located on the seafront in Torquay, this is probably The English Riviera's oldest surviving building. Originally established as a religious order of white friars, over the centuries it became one of the wealthiest monasteries in England with land holdings throughout the country. However in the 1500's it fell foul of Henry VIII's dissolution programme and susbsequently was transformed into the home of the Cary family who resided there until 1930 when debts forced them to sell up and move on. Thereafter it beacme the home for Torquay's municipal art collection and the Spanish Barn in particular became a functions venue. Today, after two massive refurbishments, it guides modern visitors through its amazing history with up to date technology.

The Abbey also has a fabulous walled garden located within the ruins of the original abbey. There is a palm house and arid house where visitors can see spectacular cacti.

 

Coleton Fishacre

Coleton Fishacre is located between Brixham and Dartmouth on a clifftop ovelooking the sea. The House is Arts and Crafts on the exterior  but clealry Art Deco on the inside. Owned by the D'Oyly Carte Family (who had theatrical interests as well as The Savoy Hotel and Claridges in London) it remained their family home until 1949 when it was sold to the then owner of The Grand Hotel in Torquay. The gardens are a particular feature of the property and are centred on a valley that runs down to the clifftop.

 

Greenway

 Now a National Trust Property, Greenway was for many years the holiday home of Agatha Christie. The House has been set as it would have been in 1950's when Agatha Christie and her family made full use of the house. There is also a walled garden with Peach House as well as woodland walks that take visitors down to the River Dart. Car Parking spaces are limited and so must be booked in advance either online or by telephone. For more details: Vsit the National Trust Website.

 

Compton Castle

Located only a very short distance from Torquay this Medieval Caslte has been home to the Gilbert Family for over 600 years. Perhaps the most famous family mmeber was Sir Humphry Gilbert who was half brother to Sir Walter raeligh and who himself in later years was an explorer and "sea dog". This is a National Trust Property and full details of it can be found if you: Visit The National Trust Website.

 

Overbeck's

 This National Trust Property can be a little tricky to get to from Torquay because of narrow country lanes BUT it is definitely worth the effort as it has got be one of the most beautiful locations in the World. It was the home of scientist and inventor Otto Overbeck and has the most amazing garden which is the hottest National Trust Garden on mainland Britain and has a truly unique micro climate.. Consequently, you find things in this garden that cannot survive in gardens less than two miles away. The house itself is nothing special from the outside but inside there are some very intriguing collections and the wonderful polyphon which the staff are delighted to play. This was a hospital in WWI and one can only wonder at how the troops felt being here after the horrors of the trenches. Visit the website by clicking here.