Official list entry
Heritage Category: Listed Building
Grade: I
List Entry Number: 1164838
Date first listed: 06-Dec-1949
List Entry Name: A LA RONDE
Statutory Address 1: A La Ronde, Summer Lane, Exmouth, Devon EX8 5BD
Location
Statutory Address: A La Ronde, Summer Lane, Exmouth, Devon EX8 5BD
County: Devon
District: East Devon (District Authority)
Parish: Exmouth
National Grid Reference: SY 00480 83390
Details
Withycombe Raleigh A-la-Ronde 1798. A circular stone cottage ornee built by the Misses Jane and Mary Parminter. The cottage consists of the central octagon which is thought to have been modelled on the basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. (The Misses Parminter visited Italy and much of Europe between 1784 and 1794). The octagon is surrounded by 8 rooms each connected to the rest through an ante-room. Above the octagon is a gallery the outer wall of which is covered with designs in shells and feathers probably planned as an C18 domestic echo of the mosaics of San Vitale. This gallery is reached by a tiny staircase with grottos covered with designs in shells and other materials. Other rooms have some interesting craft work by the Misses Parminter including a feather frieze in the drawing room. Originally had thatched roof terminating in an octagonal gallery with bell cupola above. Tiled roof and dormers added early C20. Sash windows with diagonal glazing bars and diamond shaped windows to ante rooms.
© Historic England 2024
About A la Ronde
This unique 16-sided house was described by Lucinda Lambton as having 'a magical strangeness that one might dream of only as a child'.
It was built for two spinster cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter, on their return from a grand tour of Europe in the late 18th century. It contains many objects and mementoes of their travels.
Outside, there’s a sense of harmony around the orchard, hay meadow and colourful borders, and views over the Exe Estuary.
The orchard is home to old Devon varieties of apple trees, along with plums and medlar trees. A part of the grounds known as the Bee Garden, not usually open, is now a space for quiet reflection. The meadow is full of butterflies and crickets. Why not bring a picnic and enjoy it in the orchard or on the haha lawn.
