Unique National TRUST Visit | A La Ronde

National Trust - A La Ronde | Exmouth, Devon ​Perched on a hillside overlooking the Exe Estuary, National Trust - A La Ronde is an extraordinary 16-sided (hexadecagonal) 18th-century house. Grade I listed and cared for by the National Trust, it stands as one of the most eccentric and unique historic homes in the UK. ​About this Location: The house was built in 1796 for two unmarried cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter, following their extensive Grand Tour of Europe. Inspired by the octagonal Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy, the cousins designed a home that allowed light to enter every room as the sun moved throughout the day. The interior remains filled with thousands of craft items and treasures collected during their European travels. ​Common Questions about A La Ronde: ​Q: What is the famous Shell Gallery? ​A: Located high under the roof, the Shell Gallery is a breathtaking room decorated with over 25,000 delicate seashells, hand-applied by the Parminter cousins. To preserve the extremely fragile shells, physical access is restricted, but visitors can explore the gallery in detail via an interactive virtual touchscreen inside the house. ​Q: What other unique interior features exist? ​A: Beyond the Shell Gallery, the house is packed with unusual craft creations, including a feather frieze made from native British bird feathers, intricate paper-cut art, hand-painted wall coverings, and bespoke triangular and diamond-shaped furniture designed specifically to fit the 16-sided geometry. ​Q: What were the cousins' unusual terms in their will? ​A: Deeply independent, Mary Parminter left a strict legal condition in her will stipulating that the property could only be inherited by "unmarried kinswomen." This unique female ownership line preserved the house and its original contents almost completely intact for nearly two centuries. ​Q: What can you see in the grounds? ​A: The surrounding gardens and orchard offer peaceful walks with sweeping views across the Exe Estuary toward Dartmoor. The estate includes a traditional wildflower meadow, a kitchen garden, and an onsite tearoom serving local Devon cream teas. ​Q: Is it open year-round? ​A: The house operates on a seasonal opening schedule (typically from spring through late autumn), while the grounds, shop, and tearoom are often open for longer periods. Pre-booking entry tickets online via the National Trust is recommended during peak summer months. ​Visitor Tip: Look closely at the central hallway—it features a soaring 35-foot octagonal hall with a upper gallery ringed by 16 doors leading to the surrounding rooms. The layout was designed so the cousins could follow the natural sunlight from room to room throughout the day. ​#ALaRonde #Exmouth #Devon #NationalTrust #ShellGallery #ParminterCousins #EccentricArchitecture #DevonHeritage #HistoricHouses #HiddenGemsUK