Powderham Castle
Powderham Castle is less of a castle and more of a fortified manor-house. It is situated close to the city of Exeter in the county of Devon, bordering the river Exe. The grounds are stunning. Extensive parkland and woodland combine natural beauty with superb views over the Devonshire countryside.
Powderham Castle was originally built in 1391 by Philip Courtenay, the Earl of Devon, and it has remained in family hands. Little of the original medieval building remains, but that often happens with continued ownership, which tends to move with the times. So the house contains a ‘powder mix' of Tudor, Baroque, Rococo and Georgian elements. There is much evidence of Victorian styling too, as most of the façade was fashioned in the 19th century by Charles Fowler, a local architect from Exeter who also designed the Covent Garden market hall in London.
Great treasures here include the baroque bookcases, on permanent loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum, ornate music room by James Wyatt, and the grand rococo staircase in the main hall. The outer part of the estate features a deer park, while closer to the house itself, the kitchen garden features kids’ play area and mini-farm.