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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.

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Don't miss

  • Fortnightly art exhibition in the stable - free admission
  • Bring instant colour to your garden with our range of spring plants
  • Beautiful 'Octavia' red geraniums, to celebrate our Founders Centenary
  • A delicious cream tea in the award winning tea-room
  • Extensive range of books in the second hand book area in the house
  • Buy a copy of 'A la Ronde on a plate', a book of culinary delights

Take a look at our quirky collections

See the beautiful Torond silhouette in the Drawing Room at A la Ronde, Devon © NTPL/David Garner

A la Ronde has thousands of artefacts on display for visitors to enjoy. These objects can also now be viewed online.

Half term fun

Boy doing craft activity at A la Ronde © A la Ronde staff

Young visitor in the craft tent

© A la Ronde staff

Tuesday 5 June

Craft Activities 11 - 4pm Make some fun things to take home. Tickets £1.50 from shop on the day.

Mini Beast Safaris 11.30am & 2.30pm Discover some of the beasties that live in the meadow with our knowledgeable guide. Free, but numbers limited. Tickets from shop on the day.