England’s Christmas Stately Homes.

Powderham Castle.

Home to Charlie Courtenay, 19th Earl of Devon, and his family. 

Originally built by Sir Philip Courtenay in 1391. the castle has had many incarnations, add ons and remodernisations – but I’m not here to describe its history or architecture, as I’m no expert. I just enjoyed the Christmas feel, the lights, the volunteers, secret doors and even windows. The tables, not bare or only covered with crisp white table clothes but laid out for elaborate dinners. The beds were made up, jigsaw puzzles on tables, secret doors behind bookcases, with ghost stories about the ‘Grey Lady’ ghost. Debatable where she actually appears or may wander but we were assured that she is often sensed by visiting dogs on the first floor landing. 

Next on the trail:

Dunster Castle.

Built on land invaded by Saxons in 700 AD and named after the Anglo Saxon general Dun/Dunna. Dunster Castle itself was built in 1376 and owned by the Luttrell Family until taken over in 1976 by the National Trust and lovingly maintained by their enthusiastic volunteers. 

In 1868, George Luttrell asked the architect Anthony Salvin to redesign the castle and create a comfortable Victorian family home. By all accounts he wasn’t afraid to change the exterior, adding towers and battlements. Making it more medieval, which gives it a wonderful atmosphere. 

What I really liked was the bathroom, certainly no tin bath there but hot running water and enough space to stretch out. The bedrooms felt vintage and a home from home.

Now owned by the National Trust – it provided a seasonal and atmospheric Christmas visit and in spite of its medieval past a real homely feel.