Coleton Fishacre, a National Trust property tucked away down country lanes in Devon, may not be the first place that comes to mind for a day out. Despite being a relatively recent addition, built in the 1920s as a country retreat, it’s not the house that steals the show but the stunning tropical gardens with sea views that are simply paradise.
Situated in a valley near Kingswear and along the South West Coast Path, Coleton Fishacre is a true gem in the National Trust’s collection. Imagine this – Rupert D’Oyly and Lady Dorothy were sailing in the early 1900s when they spotted the valley leading to Pudcombe Cove.
Instantly, they knew they wanted to build their country retreat there, one that would complement their outdoor lifestyle. And so, they did.
The house was designed by architect Oswald Milne to harmonise with its surroundings. He aimed for the house to maximise the sea views and natural light from its position in the coastal valley.
The exterior’s Arts and Crafts design celebrated local materials, using stone quarried from the garden itself.
Work on their new country home began in 1925, and by 1926, Lady Dorothy and Rupert D’Oyly Carte had moved into Coleton Fishacre. The family were keen outdoor enthusiasts.
Sailing trips, swimming in Pudcombe Cove, and entertaining friends were all part of their life at this idyllic location.
The beautiful view from the Coleton Fishacre estate
(Image: Emma Slee/DevonLive)
The family’s tale is as captivating as the exploration of their idyllic haven. Rupert, the offspring of Richard D’Oyly Carte – the man behind Gilbert and Sullivan and the Savoy Hotel, assumed the role of Chairman of the Savoy Hotel Company in 1903 following his father.
A decade later, he also took over the Opera Company’s management from his stepmother.
Rupert introduced a vibrant and innovative approach to both companies, modernising them and backing artists and designers. In 1907, he married Lady Dorothy Gathorne-Hardy, daughter of the second Earl of Cranbrook, who was renowned for her ‘common touch’.
Lady Dorothy, a striking woman with dark hair and noticeably taller than Rupert, would spend weekdays at Coleton Fishacre while Rupert was in London. This allowed her to indulge in her favourite pastimes of fishing, gardening, and sailing.
Rupert and Dorothy shared a passion for the outdoors and their garden. They frequently embarked on weekend yacht trips to south Cornwall in search of fresh inspiration.
On Saturday mornings, they would wander around the Coleton Fishacre garden together, discussing their planting schemes.
The couple also had a fondness for hosting parties. Their weekend guests included notable musicians like conductor Sir Malcolm Sargent and painters such as Charles Ricketts.
Guests were invited for bridge parties and often enlisted to assist with garden weeding.
The D’Oyly Carte family, consisting of Rupert and Lady Dorothy, had two children, Bridget and Michael. However, in 1932, the family was struck by tragedy when Michael died in a car crash in Switzerland at the age of 21.
This unfortunate event caused a lasting rift between Lady Dorothy and Rupert, leading to their separation in 1936.
Following their divorce, Lady Dorothy relocated from England to Plymouth, Tobago. She quickly became an integral part of the community, dedicating her time and efforts to raising funds for local charities.
Their daughter, Bridget, was among the first students at Dartington School. After completing her education, she married her cousin in 1926.
The marriage was short-lived, lasting only four years. From 1939 to 1947, she devoted her time to child welfare work in London.
Post-1948, Bridget committed herself to managing the opera company. She went on to establish the D’Oyly Carte Opera Trust as a charity, took up a directorship at the Savoy Hotel group, and was honoured with a Damehood in 1975.
In 1949, Bridget decided to sell Coleton Fishacre due to its distance from London. The property was purchased by Rowland Smith, a renowned London motor trader and owner of the Palace Hotel in Torquay.
Rowland and his wife Freda meticulously maintained the house and garden until his death in 1979. Shortly before Freda’s passing in 1982, Coleton Fishacre was offered to the National Trust.
Nestled in a valley, Coleton Fishacre boasts a climate as mild as South Cornwall, allowing many exotic and tender plants to thrive. The garden, recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), offers a variety of landscapes from formal terraces to woodland, teeming with plants and wildlife to explore throughout the year.
As temperatures rise, Coleton Fishacre comes alive with vibrant colours. Shielded from harsh weather, delicate and exotic plants flourish from early spring to late autumn.
Daffodils and primroses line the paths leading to the house and garden, and from March, cherry trees begin to bloom.
Wellington’s Wall, situated to the right of the house, will soon be adorned with colourful native coastal flowers that thrive on the nearby coastline. Venture further down the valley paths for a splash of colour from camellias and hellebores at the garden’s base, all while enjoying expansive sea views through the trees.
Kent’s Border, named after the site foreman Mr Kent during the house’s construction in the 1920s, has undergone a transformation in recent years. Positioned at the top of the garden en route to the house, the border reflects the Arts and Crafts movement with hedging, topiary, soft planting and an abundance of colour.
The hedgerows also act as corridors linking different habitats, providing a sanctuary for the numerous creatures residing in the garden.
The Hot Border, situated in front of the house, is a vibrant display of red and orange flowers. These upward-pointing blooms create a ‘firework’ effect from summer through to late autumn, reflecting Rupert D’Oyly Carte’s favourite colours, which he could admire from his library desk.
Named after the formalised stream that runs through its centre, The Rill Garden boasts borders filled with a blend of hardy herbaceous and semi-tender perennials in pastel hues, Lady Dorothy’s preferred palette. Her room offered a delightful view of this garden.
Mirroring the architectural lines of the house, the terraces and walls are adorned with tender, sun-loving plants, each terrace featuring a pool. A local artist, Bridget McCrum, crafted an otter sculpture that beautifully complements the rounded outline of the upper pool.
During the warmer seasons, the terraces and flower borders come alive with a plethora of flowers, providing a rich source of nectar for insects such as butterflies, moths and bees.
Interestingly, the stone used to construct the house was sourced from the quarry wall located beneath the gazebo. It was transported up the valley on railway tracks, which have found a new purpose in the kitchen, supporting shelves.
There are several spots around the garden where you can take in the stunning sea views. Scout Point, the gazebo and the summerhouse all offer expansive vistas.
The woodland at Coleton Fishacre is a blend of broadleaved trees and conifers, providing a habitat for tawny owls, great spotted woodpeckers and a variety of other birds.
You’ll likely spot log piles in the woodland near Scout Point, as dead wood and leaf litter are crucial for insects and fungi.
As you venture further down the valley, the garden takes on a more relaxed feel. At the bottom lies a glade filled with tree ferns, where a stream gently flows out to the coast and hydrangeas flourish in the summer.
A gate leads to the South West Coast Path, offering views at Pudcome Cove and the old tidal pool once used by the D’Oyly Carte family.
The garden at Coleton Fishacre, with its combination of flower borders, woods, grassland and streams, hosts a variety of wildlife throughout the year.
During the warmer months, butterflies such as the marbled white and the common blue are often seen in the grassland areas around the garden’s edges. These areas are also favoured by voles and meadow grasshoppers, and are home to plants like the ox-eye daisy, bird’s-foot trefoil and betony.
The garden here is a haven for unusual trees and shrubs, thanks to the stream running down the valley and the nearby sea. The stream and pools are teeming with newts, dragonflies and toads.
On a sunny day, you might even spot snakes and lizards basking on a smooth rock.
As is customary at all National Trust properties, the staff and volunteers go out of their way to engage children. At Coleton Fishacre, there’s a fun activity where kids have to find different patterns inside the rooms of the manor house.
There’s no prize – you simply tick them off as you go along and let the friendly staff member at the entrance know if you’ve found them all. If you’re missing some, the volunteers stationed in various rooms to explain the history and detail of what you’re seeing will be more than happy to help.
Additionally, there’s a sheet that encourages you to discover various aspects of nature in the garden.
If you’re fortunate, your visit might coincide with a volunteer playing the piano in the Saloon, adding to the ambiance of early 20th-century opulence and excess. The presence of ashtrays in every room is a nod to the era when this house was at its zenith.
As you step into each family member’s bedroom, furnished with original pieces and clothing, it’s easy to envision their lives within these walls. The poignant sight of young Michael’s bedroom, who tragically passed away at just 21, is sure to stir emotions.
One can only fathom the sorrow that would have engulfed what was once such a vibrant and cheerful home.
The on-site cafe and shop are also worth exploring, although note that the cafe is scheduled for refurbishment during a period in February.
For more details on Coleton Fishacre or any other National Trust property, click here.