Poltimore House & Gardens

Poltimore House is a Grade II* listed 16^th Century country house with a fascinating history. During the English Civil War, an agreement was negotiated in the house between the Roundheads and Cavaliers. The house was originally built for Richard Bampfylde (from where we get Bampfield Street in Exeter) and last century it served as a school and hospital. The parkland was laid out at the same time as the original house and was grazed by a herd of fallow deer. You can take a walk in the parkland.

The gardens to the rear of the house were designed by James Veitch in 1840 and still retain some significant trees; five huge Wellingtonia (one is 137 foot tall), established from seed, and the first handkerchief tree Davidia involucrata, brought back as seed from China in 1902 for the Veitch nurseries. A plant hunters’ guide to the Devon Veitch legacy is available from the cafe.

Poltimore House was acquired by the Poltimore House Trust with funding from English Heritage and EDDC in 1997. A serious arson attack in the early hours of 9th April 2024 significantly damaged the house, but much of architectural and historic importance remains in this historic Devon mansion.

Branches café is a great place for coffee, cakes and local food - and hosts a farm shop from local Martinsfield Farm. The Trust host varied cultural events at the house throughout the year.  Visit Poltimore House online for more information.