Private Function

I had a poor night's sleep - as I often do on our first night away. I was up and about by 6:30, showered, blogged for yesterday, and ready for a walk. The temperature was hovering around 5C, so I put on my biggest sweater and my jacket and headed out into the burgeoning dawn. 

I started by walking up Peak Hill to the Connaught Gardens, then through the archway onto the overlook above the beach, then marched down the hill via the slipway to the walk under the cliffs, back towards the town. This is called the Millennium Walkway.

At the far end of the Millennium Walkway, I picked up the Esplanade. There was a stiff breeze, which made it quite bracing. My AirPods chatted away in my head as I walked to the end then turned to retrace my steps. It was a good start to the day.

We met up with Jane and Trevor over breakfast. They had planned an outing to Powderham Castle and invited us to join them. We thought it would be a nice trip, particularly as we had a tenuous link to the estate. Alan's stepfather used to be the church chaplain in the grounds and had his accommodation there. We went to Emma's Christening there back in the 80s. We set off and made good time. Our plans were thwarted, however, when we arrived to find a sign saying it was closed today for a private function. (There was no mention of this on the website). Plans were rapidly changed and we headed back to the M5 and up towards Tiverton.

Much of Tiverton grew up around the manufacture of lace. The industry was brought to the town from the Midlands when Mr Heathcote relocated his workforce and machines after industrial unrest at the introduction of mechanisation. His nephew built a magnificent house called Knightshayes, overlooking Tiverton. We parked up and then made our way to the restaurant for a coffee before starting our visit to the house and grounds.

For a change, the National Trust allowed (non-flash) photography in the house, which was beautifully decorated for a Victorian Christmas. 

As we entered the main hall we were greeted by a huge Christmas tree, and there were others in virtually every room we visited.

The most astonishing aspect of Knightshayes is the decorated panels that make up the ceilings. These had been covered by false ceilings within a few years of the house being completed but were rediscovered when a workman broke through during renovations.

It was a homely house, and though given to the NT in 1972, Lady Heathcote-Amory continued to live there until she died in 1997. (Having said it was homely - I wouldn't like to pay the heating bills.

From the house, we strolled out into the gardens. It was still quite chilly, but not uncomfortable. After a circuit of the woodland walk, we headed back, via the NT shop, to the restaurant for a cup of tea before returning to Sidmouth.

Back at the hotel, Trevor went for a Spa treatment, Diane and Jane went to the shops, and I went for another walk. The breeze had picked up to the point that the AirPods were in danger of being whipped away. I walked with just the sound of the wind and the waves. It was perfect.

We met up for a drink in the bar before going in for dinner. As usual, the food and service were excellent and when we finished we retired to the lounge to sit and chat before bed.