Knightshayes Court & Gardens In Devon
1,221 views · Published 22 July 2013 · 8:35 · Indexed 25 October 2026
Channel: Menora James · 2013 · Travel & Events
This video was my last from the holiday in Exmoor. I always try to capture the best in flora which I always cherish and it ended up with my visit to this magnificient place. I visited the garden in May and I wonder what a paradise it must be in the summer. The three main areas that really captured my heart was the Knightshayes Court, the Topiary & the Woodland Gardens. You will see at 3.40 to 4.05 just a few secs into the woodland garden where I stopped filming and thought to enjoy it by myself. I cannot describe the beauty of it in words as it was purely magical. The Trust did not allow any photography in the court.We even had to keep the cameras in our bags.The amazing furniture, the rare collections and all the other iconic pieces in the house cannot be described in words. Looking at the beauty of the place it seems logical to think that the people who lived here lived a life of royalty in much splendour. Knightshayes Court Gardens ====================== Knightshayes Garden is one of the finest gardens in Devon.Its collection represents one of the most varied in the Trust with over 1200 plant species unique to Knightshayes and riotous seasonal colour. The Gardens had a landscape of woodland and carefully arranged plantings of flowering shrubs create a place of ever-changing vistas.There are a variety of amusing animal topiary and clipped hedges, spring bulbs, rare shrubs, a lily pool and excellent seasonal colours throughout.There are enjoyable walks through the mature woodlands surrounding the house. Formal & woodland garden ===================== Lose yourself in one of the finest gardens in Devon, enhanced by most unique and extensive plant collections in the care of the Trust.Diverse and magical, the formal and woodland garden is divided into eight separate areas. Fox and hounds ============ The quirky topiary, including the talbot dogs and the fox being chased by hounds, capturing the Heathcoat Amory's passion for countryside sports. Knightshayes Court A rich and varied history ================================== One of the finest surviving Gothic Revival houses, built in the lush landscape of mid Devon, Knightshayes is a rare example of the work of the eccentric and inspired architect William Burges. Built for the grandson of pioneer lace-maker John Heathcoat in 1869, the house was completed in 1874. He was a talented pioneer and the production creator of the mechanised bobbin lace making machine and owner of a lace factory in Tiverton In 1816, he brought much growth to the impoverished town of Tiverton through the development of a successful factory.The estate remained in the family for three generations, before being handed to the National Trust in 1972. The house is an exciting architectural experience, with extraordinary 'medieval' romantic interiors.Rich in eccentric decoration, the house has many incredible rooms to explore. Encounter the splendour of the medieval Great Hall with exquisite wooden carvings, sculpted corbels, dramatic period furniture and hand painted ceilings.Also with lavish Victorian decoration, billiard rooms, ceramics,elegant boudoir and drawing rooms all give an atmospheric insight into grand country palace. The display enables a great insight into the fascinating life of Joyce Wethered, described by Basil Ashton Tinkler as 'one of the greatest golfers, man or woman, of all time' and last member of the family to have resided at Knightshayes. The vast garden, which was the Heathcoat Amory family's great passion, is renowned for its rare trees, shrubs and seasonal colours. Though a relatively new house by National Trust standards, Knightshayes still has a rich and varied history, influenced by the people who lived and worked here.
