A Knighthayes Court Christmas Season Visit

Knighthayes Court is a Victorian Gothic-styled house with beautiful woodworks, intricate ceiling designs, and a lovely garden and woodland. Its exterior features carved gargoyles and fantastical beasts. In 1868, Sir John Heathcoat-Amory commissioned architect William Burges to design the house. It was the only complete country house Burges ever designed.

Sir John was the grandson of John Heathcoat, the inventor of the mechanized bobbin lace-making machine and the proprietor of a lace factory in Tiverton. In 1816, Sir John Heathcoat and his family relocated to Tiverton following the destruction of their lace-making factory in Loughborough.

Sir John constructed his new residence with a view of the factory, and while the foundation stone was laid in 1869, the interior designs were not finalized until 1873. Upon their father's passing in 1914, just before the onset of the First World War, Sir John's eldest son, Sir Ian, along with his brother Ludovic, assumed control of the business. Sir Ian and his wife resided at Knightshayes until his death in 1931.

During the Second World War, Knightshayes became a USAAF rest home for the American Air Force, but has since been changed.

The final family owners of Knightshayes were Sir John and Joyce, Lady Amory. Joyce Wethered was not only a distinguished gardener but also a celebrated golfer, having won the British Amateur Championship four times in 1922, 1924, 1925, and 1929. Additionally, she claimed the English Championship from 1920 to 1924 and served as the playing captain of the Curtis Cup team against the United States in 1932.

Sir John lived until 1972, at which point the house was entrusted to the National Trust following his death. Joyce remained in the east wing of the house until her passing in 1997.

We got to try the common medlar fruit for the first time from the garden - quite and interesting fruit as you have to wait for it to almost start moulding for it to be at its sweetest and softest, over-ripe if you will.

A little late on this blog post but maybe for good reason. Later this year, in the Christmas season, you might want to take a visit to Knighthayes Court. The Christmas tree displays and indoor decor were grand and spectacular, making it the perfect quick photo-up for your family’s or couples Christmas photos.