Coleton Fishacre, a National Trust property nestled in the Devon countryside, may not be the first location that springs to mind for a day trip.
Despite being a relatively recent addition, constructed in the 1920s as a rural retreat, it’s not the house that takes centre stage but the breathtaking tropical gardens with sea views that are simply heavenly.
Located in a valley near Kingswear and along the South West Coast Path, Coleton Fishacre is a true jewel 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 blend 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 captivating story of the family is as intriguing as their exploration of their idyllic paradise. 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’s tenure.
Ten years later, he also assumed control of the Opera Company from his stepmother. Rupert brought a fresh 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 opportunity to enjoy her favourite hobbies of fishing, gardening, and sailing. Rupert and Dorothy shared a love for the outdoors and their garden.
They often embarked 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 beautiful view from the Coleton Fishacre estate (Image: Emma Slee/DevonLive)
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, composed of Rupert and Lady Dorothy, were parents to two children, Bridget and Michael. Tragically, in 1932, the family was hit by a devastating event when Michael lost his life in a car accident in Switzerland at just 21 years old.
This unfortunate incident led to a permanent divide between Lady Dorothy and Rupert, resulting in their separation in 1936. After their divorce, Lady Dorothy moved from England to Plymouth, Tobago, where she quickly became a vital part of the local community, dedicating her time and resources to supporting local charities.
Their daughter, Bridget, was one of the first students at Dartington School. Upon finishing her education, she married her cousin in 1926.
However, the marriage was short-lived, lasting only four years. From 1939 to 1947, she dedicated her time to child welfare work in London.
After 1948, Bridget devoted herself to managing the opera company. She founded the D’Oyly Carte Opera Trust as a charity, accepted a directorship at the Savoy Hotel group, and was awarded a Damehood in 1975.
In 1949, Bridget chose to sell Coleton Fishacre due to its distance from London. The property was bought by Rowland Smith, a well-known London motor trader and owner of the Palace Hotel in Torquay.
Rowland and his wife Freda meticulously cared for the house and garden until his death in 1979. Just before Freda’s death in 1982, Coleton Fishacre was offered to the National Trust.
Coleton Fishacre, nestled in a valley, 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.
One of the incredible views from the gardens of Coleton Fishacre estate (Image: Emma Slee/DevonLive)
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, located in front of the house, is a dazzling display of red and orange flowers. These upward-facing blooms create a ‘firework’ effect from summer to late autumn, reflecting Rupert D’Oyly Carte’s favourite colours, which he could admire from his library desk.
The Rill Garden, named after the formalised stream that runs through its centre, 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.
The terraces and walls, mirroring the architectural lines of the house, 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.
Coleton Fishacre’s woodland, a mix of broadleaved trees and conifers, is a haven for tawny owls, great spotted woodpeckers and various other birds. Log piles are a common sight near Scout Point in the woodland, as they provide an essential habitat for insects and fungi.
As you delve deeper into the valley, the garden adopts a more laid-back atmosphere. At the valley’s base, a glade brimming with tree ferns houses a stream that gently meanders towards the coast, where hydrangeas thrive in the summer.
A gate opens onto the South West Coast Path, offering views of Pudcome Cove and the old tidal pool once frequented by the D’Oyly Carte family. Coleton Fishacre’s garden, with its blend of flower borders, woods, grassland and streams, is a wildlife hotspot all year round.
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 popular with voles and meadow grasshoppers, and host plants like the ox-eye daisy, bird’s-foot trefoil and betony.
The garden is a sanctuary for unusual trees and shrubs, thanks to the stream flowing down the valley and the nearby sea. The stream and pools are bustling with newts, dragonflies and toads.
On a sunny day, you might even spot snakes and lizards basking on a smooth rock.
The National Trust’s Coleton Fishacre offers a unique experience for children, with an engaging activity that involves finding different patterns within the rooms of the manor house. There’s no prize, but the thrill of discovery and the friendly staff make it a fun adventure.
If you’re stuck, volunteers are on hand to assist. A nature discovery sheet adds another layer of exploration in the garden.
The ambiance is further enhanced by the occasional volunteer playing the piano in the Saloon, evoking the early 20th-century opulence. The ashtrays in every room hark back to the house’s heyday.
Each family member’s bedroom, furnished with original pieces, paints a vivid picture of their lives. The sight of young Michael’s bedroom, who tragically died at 21, is particularly moving.
The sorrow that must have enveloped this once vibrant home is palpable. The on-site cafe and shop add to the experience, though note that the cafe is due for refurbishment in February.
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