Widdicombe House

Designation:
All on Devon Local List
Type:
  • Parkland
Period/Century:
  • C18
Parish:
Stokenham
Local Authority:
South Hams
OS Grid Ref:
SX 812 417
Map no.:
Landranger 202
Description:

On the site of an older house which belonged to the Heles.  The main range, of coursed stone, was probably built by Arthur Holsworth in 1726 but in the manner of a late seventeenth gentleman’s house.  The attribution of Capability Brown to the landscaping of the park would appear to be unfounded.  White (1850) noted that it was “a picturesquely situated mansion”.  The sale particulars of 1921 stated that it was “a fine family residence….beautifully situated in charmingly wooded grounds and commanding glorious views”  and “….the grounds are tastefully laid out…pretty shrubberies and walks, thatched summer house . . .”  The summer house is no longer there.

Listed Buildings

Widdicombe House is listed Grade II*. The stables 270m. north west are listed Grade II

References

Cherry & Pevsner: The Buildings of England – Devon, 1989: 766
S Pugsley: Devon Gardens – An Historical Survey, 1994: 12
T Gray: The Garden History of Devon, 1995: 236-37
D Stroud: Capability Brown, 1975: 244
D&S Lysons: Magna Britannia – Devon, 1822, II: 463

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