A La Ronde gets major investment

16-sided house is in Exmouth

A famous Exmouth landmark is to get a major spruce-up.

A la Ronde, which is owned by The National Trust says it will "secure the internationally significant interior" of the 16-sided building and "transform the experience" for visitors and volunteers.
 
Built in the 18th-century by cousins Jane and Mary Parminter, the building will be worked on by conservation specialists. The Shell Gallery, Grotto Staircase, Octagon and feather frieze need stabilising because of their age and delicate design.
 
Work has already taken place to address deterioration in the roof and to replace several of the property’s distinctive diamond shaped windows which were the inspiration for Shell Cottage in the seventh Harry Potter film.
 
Emma Mee, National Trust project manager at A la Ronde says: “After much planning and a pause due to covid-19, we are excited to be beginning the vital work to secure this truly special place.”
 
“Over the next few years we will be sharing the project’s progress every step of the way as we conserve the unique decorative environment of the house, open new spaces, and create dynamic and different experiences for our visitors.”
 
“We will be sharing stories from the house, grounds and wider estate both through new and improved visitor information both at the property and online through A la Ronde’s website and social media channels. We want to play a greater part in the life of our local community, so will be working with local and regional partners, neighbours and volunteers as participants and contributors in telling these stories.”