National Trust - Coleton Fishacre House & Garden

About

Travel back in time to the Jazz Age at the country home of the D'Oyly Carte family. 

In the house:

This most evocative of country homes, built in the Arts & Crafts style, is imbued with 1920s' elegance. A light, joyful atmosphere fills the rooms and music plays, echoing the family's Gilbert and Sullivan connections. Glimpse life 'upstairs and downstairs' in this award winning place, from the glamorous Saloon to the light and airy servants' rooms. This country home was built in 1926 for Rupert and Dorothy D'Oyly Carte, who were inspired to make the beautiful valley running down to the sea the site for an elegant home. Here they could entertain in style and indulge their passion for the outdoors. You get a real feel for their lifestyle of outdoor pursuits and entertainment as you explore the house; look out for the wind dial which indicated good sailing weather, and the bell on the side of the house which could be rung to call the family in from the cove at the bottom of the garden at meal times.

Inside, the house is dramatically Art Deco in design. The D'Oyly Cartes aspired to a minimalist design, which can be seen throughout the house in the use of pale rooms and strong accent colours, and a lack of adornment. On the room sheets as you go through the house you'll see images from Country Life published in 1930. From Lady Dorothy's room enjoy views of the Rill Garden, where the pastel shades of the plants reflect her taste. From the East Bedroom you can see the hot borders filled with the fiery colours that Rupert loved. While you're enjoying the views, you might notice the bat screen in the central window of Lady Dorothy's Room, which is original to the house.

In the garden:

With a climate as mild as South Cornwall created by the great trees sheltering this garden in a coastal valley, exotic and tender plants thrive in Coleton Fishacre garden. From formal terraces to woodland to explore, this garden is varied and filled with year-round interest, and one of the few National Trust gardens to be RHS accredited. You can lose yourself in the garden: viewpoints give enticing glimpses out to sea, paths weave through glades past tranquil ponds, and tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand thrive in the moist and sheltered valley.

Every day from Easter to the end of October, one of the garden team leads a free walk and talk around the garden. Join them from 2pm to find out more about what's in flower and the history of the garden.

Eating and shopping:

Whether you’re visiting the shop after exploring the house and garden, or just dropping in to browse the shop, there’s plenty to see in this destination lifestyle brand shop. Inside, the shop is filled with gifts, homeware, books, local produce and gardening accessories. In the courtyard outside the shop you could pick up a plant from the selection which changes seasonally to reflect what’s growing in the garden at the time. Café Coleton is the perfect place for lunch, a delicious Devon cream tea or a nice slice of cake.

Fun for families:

Coleton Fishacre house and garden are both chocka-block with fun things to do with your little-ones come rain or shine. The garden has bamboo to hide in, woodland to explore and a wild play area to discover. There are trails to complete, stylish accessories to try on in the house, and a 50 things to do before you're 11¾ event taking place in half-term.

Useful information:

Dogs are welcome in the garden, on short leads. There are tethering rings and water bowls in the archway next to the house, and dogs are welcome in the shop and café. Lockers are located by the entrance and near the house: these are free for charge. Before you go into the house, please store any large bags in the lockers. Photography is welcome in the house: no flash or video. From the garden you have access to the South West Coat Path.