Cadhay's house and gardens are a Devon destination

Listed by Country Life as ‘one of the top ten manor houses in the country’, Cadhay is a splendid manor built in 1550. The present owner, Rupert Thistlethwayte, has spent the better part of a decade restoring Cadhay to its previous splendour while introducing modern comforts such as heating, additional bathrooms, as well as contemporary furniture of his own design to complement the antique furniture. The result is an understated, pleasing mix of the historic and the modern, and a lived-in comfort that makes a stay at Cadhay a true delight.

Cadhay is constructed around its central Court of the Sovereigns, overlooked by four carved images of the Tudor monarchs. There are three receptions rooms on the East side of the house where guests can gather in comfort. Adjoining these is the Georgian dining room which was created in 1739 by inserting a lower ceiling in the Great Hall. The dining room can accommodate up to 22 for formal or informal meals in splendour. On the West side there is a large kitchen with an AGA that radiates warmth and comfort all year round. Up to 10 can dine comfortably in the kitchen.

Upstairs, the Long Gallery, added in the reign of Elizabeth 1, is a notable feature, serving today as something of a family museum. The Roof Chamber, with its feature beamed ceiling, is a splendid venue for civic marriage ceremonies.

Cadhay combines the grandeur of aristocratic Elizabethan living with all 21st century comforts. The Grade 1 listed building has a wealth of period and contemporary features, such as stone fireplaces, leaded windows, stone mullions, stucco ceilings, oak floors, designer curtains, beautiful antique and contemporary furniture, paintings and portraits and other artwork and antiques.

Cadhay's garden is beautiful but it is not a formal show garden. Nonetheless gardening enthusiasts come here to enjoy its informal and natural design and relaxing beauty. The house is approached from the north down a lime tree avenue. On the east side it looks out over lawns with a ha-ha giving a seamless view over parkland - a very popular venue for wedding receptions.

After farm buildings on the south side were demolished in 1910, a border was established and a lawn was laid out and planted with Irish yews leading to the mediaeval fish ponds. Plants of note include an avenue of limes, Gunnera manicata, Cotinus coggygnia, Cosmea bipinnatus, Magnolia grandiflora, Dahlia hybrids and Echinacea purpure.

Behind the house, the walled kitchen gardens have been given over to allotments. At some times of the year, homegrown vegetables may be available to guests.

The gardens, together with the house, are open to the public on Fridays between 2pm and 5.30pm from May to September, and during late May and summer Bank Holidays. A Tea Room is open, serving  homebaked cakes and light refreshments.