East Devon
The richly fertile valleys of the Exe, the Culm and the Clyst, to the north and east of the cathedral city of Exeter, are home some of Devon’s most attractive rural landscapes and historic estates. This is a long-settled, long-farmed land and the patterns of fields, hedges, woods, lanes, farms and hamlets knit together to form a harmonious patchwork: a gentle countryside of contrasting colours and textures and beautiful views. Close to major roads including the M5, and yet worlds away in peace and spirit, you can quickly escape into a pastoral idyll and leave the clamour of the modern world behind. Within easy reach – for a touch of contrast - is the vibrant city of Exeter with its magnificent cathedral and busy shopping centre.

Knightshayes
Knightshayes Court is a striking Victorian Gothic country house, set in beautiful countryside in the Exe Valley just north of Tiverton. The house is a flamboyant mixture of medieval romanticism with some lavish interior decoration – the result of the vivid imagination of the architect, William Burges. It was built for the lace-making Heathcoat Amory family and its interiors are truly remarkable. It is not only the house that is of interest: the spectacular garden, largely created in the 1960s, is considered one of Devon’s finest and combines beautiful woodland with specimen trees, glades, dells, topiary, terraces and ponds. There is also a large Victorian kitchen garden which has been restored and brought back into production with spectacular success. It now supplies the Knightshayes shop and restaurant, as well as local markets, with herbs, vegetables, fruit and plants. Holiday Cottage guests have free access to Knightshayes house during opening hours and the gardens at all times

National Trust places nearby: Killerton, Wellington Monument. Shop and pub: Tiverton 4 miles. Tea-room/café/restaurant: Knightshayes Court. Other attractions: Great Western Canal, Exmoor, North Devon, Exeter, Tiverton. Activities: walking, golf.

Ordnance Survey Landranger Map 192