A La Ronde

Among a large number of large houses and estates in Devon, one of the most unusual must be A La Ronde. It is an 18th-century 16-sided house located near Lympstone, Exmouth and was buit for two spinster cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter. Jane was the daughter of a Barnstaple wine merchant and after living in London, she decided to set up home with her cousin. Although it is not clear if other people were involved in the design, the influence on the house of the two cousins was considerable and they were skilled at a number of handicrafts. The design is supposedly based on the Basilica of San Vitale with 20 rooms, the most notable is a high hallway, named "The Octagon", and originally connected by sliding doors. The cousins also built a chapel and almshouses on the grounds. It is now managed by the National Teust.