Knightshayes

Today I'd like to continue sharing our Golden Anniversary to Britain.  It's taking quite a while to record all of our visit as we were there for four weeks.  Believe me we took advantage of every moment there.  We had a marvelous time and I do appreciate you visiting with us.  

After visiting Arlington Court,  we drove to visit Knightshayes.  This very large estate is located in Bolham, Tiverton, Devon.  Come along with us as we travel to a most interesting estate. 

The rolling hills of Devon are delightful to view.  We secure a spot in the car park and head to the stable.

It has been converted into a reception area along with a shop and a cafe.  You know me, I don't miss a meal so let's stop and eat before we tour Knightshayes in the cafe.  I didn't take photos of our meal, but I did record in my journal that Grayden had quiche and I had a Teddy Devon Pie, which is a savory pie made of potatoes and onion.  I understand in Devon, teddy is a potato!  

Walking out of the small courtyard, a lovely visitor pointed out this adorable dormouse resting in a garden ornament!  Isn't he darling?

Knightshayes is a Gothic Revival house.  The house is a rare example of the work of  Victorian architect, William Burges.  You may remember reading about his work in other spots we have visited.  He is mostly known for his work on churches.  Knightshayes is the only Burges designed home that the public can tour.

Knightshayes has been the home of three generations of the Heathcoat Amory family.  The family made their fortune in lace.  John Heathcoat Amory had the house built.  He was the grandson of  Sir John Heathcoat who was the creator of the lace bobbin making machine.  He owned the lace factory in Tiverton.  The family gave the home to the National Trust after living here for over 100 years.  Come inside with us.

Stepping inside we realize the massiveness of this house!  The family was not happy with William Burges' progress on Knightshayes so they fired him after he worked on the project for four years.  They then hired John Crace to finish the inside of the home.  Most of his work was covered up by the family until the National Trust restored the property.  

Possibly the family was trying to make their home less imposing and more cozy.  

The last member of the family to live at Knightshayes was Joyce Wethered.  She was a gardener and a world championship ladies golfer.  She won the English ladies championship four times.

Upstairs the bedrooms were lovely.

I think my absolute favorite was the view out the upstairs window of the lovely gardens below.  This tree took my breath away!!

Let's stop for tea while we continue to visit.

You can clearly see the ornate bed and decor. 

The ceilings in Knightshayes are most ornate.  

Let's go into the dining room and view the beautiful room.

This walnut linen press may be the largest we've seen and oh so handsome!

In the dining room we were told that the ceiling was covered up and discovered by the National Trust during renovation.  The Heathcoat Amory family covered up paneling and ceilings.

  
Perhaps they didn't like the reminders!

The library next to the dining room was a very cozy room.  Of course, it too had an elaborate ceiling.

There is so much to see in the two stories that the public is invited to tour in this three story house.  Let's go outside and get a little look at the gardens.  First we pass by the flower arranging room.

So many lovely arrangements awaiting their turn in the home. 

When we step outside there is that very large bonsai style tree!  It is just lovely in the sweeping lawn and flower beds.

Gardens were very important in remote estates in Victorian times.  To grow food first and then to have lovely flowers for your home. 
After the two World Wars the walled garden was in poor condition and was restored in 2001. 

The formal gardens were restored by Sir John and Lady Heathcoat Amory after WWII.  It has won many awards with its many species of plants.  

I was intrigued to learn that Knightshayes served as a rest home for American soldiers during WWII.  It was a place of respite from the war.  Many large estates took on this role during the war.

We enjoyed our visit to another very interesting and multi-layered home in Devon, England.  Thank you for traveling along with us!