Find out about: A la Ronde

About Us

A la Ronde

Quirky 18th-century house with fascinating interior decoration and collections.

A unique 16-sided house with an impressive collection of Grand Tour mementoes and distinctive interior décor, including a 'feather frieze' and shell gallery which due to its fragile condition can only be viewed via a 360 degree touch screen tour.

A La Ronde offers stunning panoramic views over the Exe Estuary.

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Facilities

  • Parking available

    Parking Available

  • Toilets On-Site

    Toilets On-Site

  • Wheelchair access

    Wheelchair Access

  • Cafe on-site

    Refreshments On-Site

  • Childrens activities

    Family friendly

  • Gift Shop

    Gift Shop

Our Next Event

Wildflower Walks

When: 29 May 2012
Where: A la Ronde

11.30 &2.30pm

Come and explore the wonderful wildflower meadow at A la Ronde.

No Charge - but numbers limited, tickets available from shop on day.

more events

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Our Collections

A unique 16 sided house built for two spinster cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter, on their return from a grand tour of Europe in the late 18th century. Contains many objects and mementoes of their travels, and the extraordinary interior decoration, includes a feather frieze from many species of birds. The fragile shell encrusted shell gallery said to contain nearly 25,000 shells can be viewed via a 360 degree touchscreen virtual tour.
The house is an unusual shape and will be of great interest to anyone with an interest in architecture or interior design. Artists will also find inspiration here.

 

Feather frieze

The feather frieze made by Jane and Mary Parminter contains feathers from many species of birds including pheasants, chickens, guinea fowl and parrot feathers.

Feather frieze

Paper cut

Jane and Mary Parminter created many unusual papercuts which are still displayed inside the house. Using tiny scissors, (also on display) and fine attention to detail, to create these popular paper artworks.

Paper cut

Inuit items

One of many Inuit figures collected by the last family owner of A la Ronde, Ursula Tudor-Perkins. Made from wood, seal skin and gut. Displayed in the Music room with other Inuit items.

Inuit items

Cabinet of Curiosities

Immerse yourself here in the unconventional world of the Parminters. The Cabinet of Curiosities in the Library contains many items collected during Jane and Mary Parminters travels. Family members have continued to add to the collection over the years.

Cabinet of Curiosities

Oswald Reichel as a child.

The only male owner of the house. Reverend Oswald Reichel made changes to the house. He removed the thatch and replaced with tiles. He installed dormer windows in the roofspace to create bedrooms on the first floor level. Come along to find out about more changes that he made.

Oswald Reichel as a child.
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Our Latest news

  • Property seeks extra help

    08 May 2012

    Due to increased opening hours this year we are looking for additional volunteers to join ...read more

  • Opening extra days

    11 April 2012

    Visitors may be keen to know that during the Summer school holidays A la Ronde will be ext...read more

more news