Powderham Castle

Powderham Castle was built between 1390 and 1420 by Sir Philip Courtney.

The Courtney family originated in France and were related to the royal house of Valois. The founder of this line came to Britain with Eleanor of Aquitane. The present owner, the Earl of Devon, is a direct descendant of Sir Philip Courtney.

During the Civil War the house fell to the Parliamentarians after a long siege and suffered much damage.

After 70 years the family returned to Powderham and set about rebuilding and restoring their property. This work continued into the 19th century. The majority of the alterations to the original house date from the 18th and 19th century and it is this era of opulence and grandeur that is reflected in the house today.

The Marble Hall forms the lower part of the medieval Great Hall and would have once been as high as the staircase hall. This was completed in 1755 and has an impressive mahogany staircase decorated with carved heraldic beasts and intricate plasterwork.

The spectacular Music Room was designed by James Wyatt for the 3rd Viscount and has a splendid Axminster carpet.

Upstairs the original solar has a collection of toys. The rest of the house is a mixture of medieval features and fine 18th century decoration.

There is also a collection of paintings and family portraits by many famous artists and a 14ft high Stumbels Clock.

Powderham Castle is set in a ancient deer park and the gardens and park are informally laid out beside the Exe Estuary.

The family's oldest member,Timothy the 155 year old tortoise, inhabits the Victorian Rose Garden. There is also a Children's Secret Garden and a Woodland Garden.