Coleton Fishacre, a National Trust property nestled in the Devon countryside, might not be your first thought for a day trip. 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 breath-taking tropical gardens with sea views that are simply paradise.
Located in a valley near Kingswear and along the South West Coast Path, Coleton Fishacre is a true gem in the National Trust’s collection. Picture 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, reports Devon Live.
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 story of the family is as enthralling as their exploration of their picturesque sanctuary. Rupert, the son of Richard D’Oyly Carte – the genius behind Gilbert and Sullivan and the Savoy Hotel, took over as Chairman of the Savoy Hotel Company in 1903 after his father.
Ten years on, he also assumed control of the Opera Company from his stepmother. Rupert brought a dynamic and innovative approach to both companies, modernising them and supporting artists and designers.
In 1907, he wed Lady Dorothy Gathorne-Hardy, daughter of the second Earl of Cranbrook, who was famed 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 gave her the chance to enjoy her favourite hobbies of fishing, gardening, and sailing. Rupert and Dorothy shared a love for the outdoors and their garden.
They often set off on weekend yacht trips to south Cornwall in search of new inspiration. On Saturday mornings, they would stroll around the Coleton Fishacre garden together, discussing their planting plans.
The couple also had a penchant for throwing 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 help with garden weeding.
The D’Oyly Carte family, made up of Rupert and Lady Dorothy, had two children, Bridget and Michael. However, in 1932, the family was hit by a devastating blow when Michael tragically died in a car crash in Switzerland at just 21 years old.
This heartbreaking incident caused a deep divide between Lady Dorothy and Rupert, leading to their split in 1936. After their divorce, Lady Dorothy moved from England to Plymouth, Tobago, where she quickly became a key figure in the community, dedicating her time and efforts to raising funds for local charities.
Their daughter, Bridget, was one of the first students at Dartington School. After finishing her education, she tied the knot with her cousin in 1926.
The marriage was short-lived, lasting only four years. From 1939 to 1947, she dedicated 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 snapped up by Rowland Smith, a well-known 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.
Tucked away in a valley, Coleton Fishacre is home to a climate as mild as South Cornwall, allowing many exotic and tender plants to flourish. The garden, which has been 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 the mercury rises, Coleton Fishacre bursts into life with vibrant colours. Protected from harsh weather, delicate and exotic plants thrive 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, located 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, nestled in front of the house, is a dazzling display of fiery red and orange flowers. These upward-facing blooms create a ‘firework’ effect from summer to late autumn, reflecting Rupert D’Oyly Carte’s favourite hues, which he could admire from his library desk.
The Rill Garden, named after the formalised stream that runs through its heart, boasts borders filled with a mix of hardy herbaceous and semi-tender perennials in pastel shades, Lady Dorothy’s preferred palette. Her room offered a charming view of this garden.
Echoing 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 burst into life with a multitude of flowers, providing a rich source of nectar for insects such as butterflies, moths and bees. Interestingly, the stone used to build 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 soak in the breathtaking sea views.
Scout Point, the gazebo and the summerhouse all offer expansive vistas.
The woodland at Coleton Fishacre is a delightful mix of broadleaved trees and conifers, providing a home 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.
At all National Trust properties, it’s tradition for the staff and volunteers to engage children in fun activities. At Coleton Fishacre, kids can participate in a unique game where they search for different patterns within the rooms of the manor house.
There’s no prize – just tick off the patterns as you find them and let the friendly staff member at the entrance know if you’ve found them all. If you’re struggling, the volunteers stationed in various rooms are always ready to lend a hand.
Additionally, there’s an activity sheet that encourages exploration of nature in the garden. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a volunteer playing the piano in the Saloon, adding to the early 20th-century atmosphere.
The ashtrays in every room serve as a reminder of the era when this house was in its prime. As you explore each family member’s bedroom, furnished with original pieces and clothing, it’s easy to imagine their lives within these walls.
The sight of young Michael’s bedroom, who tragically passed away at just 21, is sure to stir emotions. It’s hard to comprehend the sorrow that would have engulfed what was once such a vibrant home.
Don’t forget to check out the on-site cafe and shop, although note that the cafe is due for refurbishment during a period in February. For more information on Coleton Fishacre or any other National Trust property, click here.
