 Knightshayes Court
Commanding a panoramic view of the ancient Knightshayes estate is the splendid
Victorian gothic mansion that replaced an earlier Georgian house. This
grand, imposing residence tempts today's visitors with a mere flavour
of the elaborate embellishments that were originally planned by the
ingenious architect, William Burges. Had his designs for Knightshayes
Court been implemented in full, the interiors would have been far more
striking, taking on the sumptuous flambuoyance that was not uncommon
during this period. Detail exaggerated to the extreme, heavily carved
features, and an abundant use of rich textures would have made this
country house a medieval showpiece. The owner took a much different
view on the intended décor, and the enormous expense of carrying out this work.
John Heathcoat was one of
the 19th century's entrepreneurs, making his fortune in textiles. He
first established his business in Nottingham, but later moved to Devon,
and the family eventually owned the largest lace-making enterprise in
the world. Building the new country house at Knightshayes was the responsibility
of his grandson, Sir John Heathcoat Amory, who wanted a home to symbolise
his wealth and his status as a country gentleman. Commencing in 1869,
Knightshayes Court took about five years to build, and a further nine years to
complete the internal decorations. When the structural work was finished,
Sir John decided to engage the services of a more conventional, and
less expensive, architect to carry out the decorating as Burges' suggestions
were just too fantastical and too costly. Even then he was not entirely
satisfied with the results, and subsequently much of John Crace's work
was eventually covered up.
The Heathcoat Amory's continued
to live at Knightshayes Court until 1972, but during those 100 years
the house was subjected to many alterations as fashions dictated. Since
Knightshayes Court has been in the care of The National Trust, they have strived
to bring it back as close as possible to its original appearance. With
most of the structural work being that of Burges, and the finishing
details down to Crace, Knightshayes Court portrays a wonderful amalgamation of
Victorian creativity. Working with old drawings, photographs and fragments
of materials that have survived, many of the rooms have now been restored
to reflect the work of both architects. Despite Crace's style being
considered more conservative than that of William Burges, there is a
wonderful sense of richness throughout, combining perfectly with hints
of the bizarre. Contemporary furniture is gradually being reintroduced
into Knightshayes Court, although some pieces remain from the early
Heathcoat Amory's occupation, and many of the pictures are part of their
original collection.
Not only can the visitor experience a glimpse of elite Victorian lifestyle
in this fine house, but they can also discover the spectacular gardens,
largely created during the 1960s. To try and describe the many facets
of this amazing creation, could not begin to do it justice. It is a celebration
of seasonal colour spreading through woodland areas, glades and dells,
across terraces, around ponds and paved enclosures. There are water features,
sculptures, some amusing animal topiary, and a mass of plants, shrubs
and trees. Finding Knightshayes Court and its gardens is something a bit special. |
