Dartington Hall, Nr Totnes, S.Devon, TQ9 6EL.
www.dartingtonhall.com
Dartington Hall was originally built in 1388 for John Holand, the half brother of Richard II. He was beheaded in 1400 and the property then belonged to the Crown and various other owners.
In 1559, it was purchased by Sir Arthur Chamernowne, the Vice-admiral of the West under Elizabeth I. It remained in his family until it was purchased by Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst in 1925.
The hall was in a terrible state and it is said that the long drive to the grounds was completely overgrown and that the courtyard was in a state of disrepair.
The Elmhirsts had plans for Dartington hall, firstly to repair the hall and bring it back to life, then to create a school. This school is sadly closing down and is being relocated elsewhere.
They also set up a textile mill, a cider making plant and various workshops.
The hall is now run by the Dartington Hall trust and they hold very successful annual summer schools and literary festivals. There's even a permanent 'Barn cinema' and of course the 'White Hart' pub.
It's a very popular wedding location, you can have a very grand reception in the Great Hall. There is even accommodation which includes a fabulous cooked breakfast.
The landscaped gardens are breathtaking, there are Henry Moore sculptures, and an abundance of unusual plants and flowers. The bronze donkey is well known amongst children from at least the last 4 decades and many a photo album contains a photo of a child sitting on dear old Dartington donkey.
My photos don't justify Dartington Hall but they will perhaps inspire you to visit this beautiful place. I've grown up with Dartington Hall and adore it. There's something truly magical and unique about it.
Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst, Foundation Day 1967.
Entrance to the Great Hall.
'Summer House'.
Built in 1929, used as a temporary location for the Dartington nursery. Then it was used as a studio by Willi Soukop.
In the 1980's it was burnt to the ground. It has since been re built and is used by the gardening department as their office.
The Tiltyard.
Another view of the Tiltyard.
Spring is on it's way, a blanket of crocuses.
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