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Location
near Kenton, Devon, England
Description
Only 7 miles from Exeter, Powderham Castle is set beside the Exe estuary in the middle of a deer park.
The castle is a mixture of styles comprising mainly of Georgian, Victorian and Gothic, with the east and west battlemented towers being the oldest parts dating back to the 14th century. Powderham Castle is still used as a family home it has been renovated and both the castle and the gardens are well kept. Within the castle grounds are a gatehouse and chapel; also dating back to the 14th century.
Facilities
The castle is open from 11am between Sunday and Friday from April until October.
Visitors can discover the estate and castle either alone or with the help of a guided tour. Tours of the house are given by experienced guides and cover some of the stories of the people who occupied the house, the architecture and the history. There is also a tour of the Deer Park and gardens where visitors can meet the castles pets, find the 'secret garden' and visit the Courtenay Fort an adventure castle.
As well as a tourist attraction the castle hosts wedding receptions in the music room, dining room or library, accommodating up to 170 guests or for a truly large affair a marquee can be erected in the Deer Park.
History
The castle was founded by Sir Philip Courtenay between 1390 and 1420 and remains with the Earl of Devon, one of his direct descendents. It was built as a quadrangular fortress.
The castle survived despite a great deal of damage which it sustained during the Civil War and in 1646 when it was taken by the roundheads. The castle was subsequently remodeled in both the 18th and 19th centuries by the architect James Wyatt.
Today's castle is the home of the 18th Earl of Devon who lives in private quarters within the castle.
The Arts
The castle was used as a location for the film 'The Remains Of The Day' in 1993 and the comedy 'Churchill; The Hollywood Years' in 2004.
During the summer the castle has also hosted concerts which in 2008 included names from the 1980's such as Midge Ure, Banarama, Rick Astley, Heaven17, Nick Heyward and guest star Katie Melua.
Other Castles in the Area
Berry Pomeroy Castle, Devon
Castle Drogo, Devon
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