A La Ronde

A La Ronde is a sixteen-sided country house in Withycombe Raleigh with an octagonal central hall rising about 60 feet high, surrounded by rooms arranged in a circular pattern. The building displays the distinctive form of a cottage orné with decorative details that continue throughout its levels.

Jane and Mary Parminter commissioned this house in 1796 after their extensive travels across Europe, creating an inspired design reflecting their journey. The building received Grade I listed status, underlining its architectural importance in British heritage.

The interior features a remarkable shell gallery where thousands of shells cover walls and staircases, reflecting the sisters' collections from their travels across Europe. This ornate decoration shapes how the house looks and feels to visitors today.

The National Trust maintains the house and offers guided tours through its rooms with information about the architecture and conservation. Visitors should wear suitable shoes as the rooms span multiple levels and narrow staircases present a physical challenge.

The interior shell gallery is so delicate that visitors can only view it through video monitors, protecting its fragile state. This restriction reveals how intricate the original decoration is and emphasizes the effort required to preserve it for the future.

Location: Exmouth

Inception: 1796

Architects: Jane Parminter, Mary Parminter, John Lowder

Architectural style: cottage orné

Operator: National Trust

Part of: National Trust

Address: Summer Lane, Exmouth EX8 5BD

Website: https://nationaltrust.org.uk/a-la-ronde

GPS coordinates: 50.64170,-3.40880

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:40