A la Ronde
Visitor information
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© NTPL/David Garner
The Octagon at A la Ronde from above, which door should I choose?
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© NTPL/Geoffrey Frosh
Take a closer look at the the Cabinet of Curiosities at A la Ronde
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© NTPL/Geoffrey Frosh
One of the striking diamond-shaped windows at A la Ronde
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© National Trust - A la Ronde
Enjoy the fabulous views of the Exe Estuary from A la Ronde, Devon
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© NTPL/David Garner
The Drawing Room is home to the craftwork of the Parminter sisters
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© A la Ronde Staff
A la Ronde is now open to visitors in the winter
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© NTPL/David Garner
Step into this dreamlike house unlike any you've ever seen before
Quirky 18th-century house with fascinating interior decoration and collections
This unique sixteen-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.
The extraordinary interior decoration includes a feather frieze, gathered from native game birds and chickens, laboriously stuck down with isinglass.
There is also a fragile shell-encrusted gallery, said to contain nearly 25,000 shells, which can be viewed in its entirety using a touch screen 360 degree virtual tour.
Note: last admission at 4pm.
Exhibition and auction of paintings
Light reflects on lemons in a bowl in this painting by Mick Abbott
© Mick Abbott
An Instinct to Collect is an exhibition of new paintings by professional artist Mick Abbott which go on show from 6 – 19 June at A la Ronde. Many of the paintings were inspired by A la Ronde and items within the collection. Mick is generously donating the proceeds of the sale of his work to the property to aid the continued funding of conservation projects.
Exhibition and auction of paintings
Pink cup by Mick Abbott at A la Ronde
© Mick Abbott
Paintings will be on sale throughout the exhibition followed by an auction of unsold work on Tuesday 25 June 7pm—8pm at A la Ronde, under the direction of professional auctioneer Piers Motley. There is an opportunity to view the paintings and tour the house before the auction at 6pm. Please contact A la Ronde to reserve a place at the auction. Tel 01395 265514 or send email.
Exhibition and auction of paintings
Coloured cup by Mick Abbott on show at A la Ronde
© Mick Abbott
Mick’s astonishing ability to convey colour and luminosity is clearly evident in these exquisite paintings which will delight the viewer and show items from the A la Ronde collection in a new and contemporary light.
Exhibition and auction of paintings
Mick's studio as he prepares for his Instinct to Collect exhibition
© Mick Abbott
Mick Abbott is a full time artist, dividing his time between Cambridge, Brittany and New York. He was an art teacher at Comberton Village College, Cambridge for 22 years and loved it. In recent years Mick has been Artist in Residence at several Trust places, including Newark Park and Hanbury Hall, and in 2013 is delighted to be associated with A la Ronde.
Exhibition and auction of paintings
Artist Mick Abbott at A la Ronde
© Hilary Burrow
Mick says, “This set of paintings celebrates two things. The first is the passing of a cold, dark, wet and extended winter, without minding too much. The second is enjoying the eccentric collection of beautiful shells, shards and twigs that have gone into making the A la Ronde nest. I hope that you will be moved to buy one of my pictures and thus support the fabric of A la Ronde for future generations to enjoy”.
Exhibition and auction of paintings
White cup and saucer from the collection at A la Ronde
© Mick Abbott
"The instinct to collect and re-assemble is fundamental. We share the habit with many other species. It is probably a primary part of the survival instinct. It is linked to the urge to create, or at least acquire, that which is valuable to us, however irrational it may seem to others. In this way, choice becomes expression and lends meaning to personality and existence". Mick Abbott May 2013
While you're here
- Discover some of the plants and insects that inhabit the wildflower meadow
- Play croquet and other garden games on the ha ha lawn
- Enjoy an early summer picnic in the orchard
- Pick up nature and buildings spotter sheets and see what you can find
- Have a go at wildlife brass rubbing in the grounds
- Take your dog for a stroll around the Parminter Walk
- Visit Point in View church, resting place of Jane and Mary Parminter
- Say hello to our jolly rescue hens. Click the link to find out why feathers are important to us
Take a look at our unusual collections
A la Ronde has thousands of artefacts on display for you to enjoy when you visit. These objects can also now be viewed online.
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