Where do I put the furniture - none of my rooms are square!! (A La Ronde (Exmouth))

Member Name: cmh4135

Product:	A La Ronde (Exmouth)
Date:	08/07/09 (49 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Unique property

Disadvantages: High(ish) NT entrance fees

One of the most unusual buildings owned by the National Trust, this 16 sided property is a testament to English eccentricity! Built by two spinsters on their return from their "grand tour" in the 18th Century this building is bound to inspire and intrigue.

The guides here are amongst the best that the NT has to offer and they will guide you through the myriad of tiny rooms with enthusiasm in buckets!

The first thing you'll notice about the property, aside from its odd shape and look, is just how tiny it is. As a result you'll be asked to leave all bags in lockers at the entrance (save for small handbags) as there simply isn't the room for them in the house. You will then be guided from room to room by room-based guides, all of whom will be delighted to impart their bit of knowledge about the house and its occupants. You'll patch together a picture of what life must have been like for the spinster sisters and what caused them to create such an oddity in the Devon countryside. One can only wonder at the child-like architecture (perhaps created by the architect John Lowder?) and the state of mind of its owners. Was it folly or exhibitionism? Did it reflect the feeling of the "Grand Tour" or was it more of a reflection of the personalities of the Parmentier sisters? Visitors will surely draw their own conclusions.

The highlight of the tour and the thing that will most be remembered about the house is the shell room in the top of the property. This, for reasons of preservation, now has to be viewed through CCTV but you are able to control the camera and zoom in on anything that takes your fancy. It's a work of sheer folly and pleasure and yet a work that is undeniably skilled and laboured.

Unlike many National Trust Properties the grounds are not much to write home about. There is space for a short walk but little more to draw the visitors. The tea-room in the basement of the property is well worth a visit and the food of excellent quality. It's perhaps not cheap but is certainly wholesome.

It's well worth a short detour to visit this property if you're in the Exmouth area.

Up to date entrance prices are available on the National Trust website. Like many of their properties I don't consider the entrance cheap but then the experience is worth the fee in my opinion.

Recommended.

Summary: A unique property preserved for you and me!