Bicton House, Devon, English country house and Grade II* listed building in Bicton, United Kingdom
Bicton House is a Georgian country house in Bicton, Devon, designed by architect James Wyatt toward the end of the 18th century. The three-storey building has a symmetrical facade with evenly spaced windows, which is typical of the classical style favored at the time.
Around 1800, John Rolle, 1st Baron Rolle, had the current house built to replace an older manor that stood on the same grounds. The estate remained in the hands of the Rolle family for generations before Devon County Council took it over in the mid-20th century.
The name Bicton is thought to derive from an old English word referring to a bend or curve in the land, reflecting how long people have settled in this corner of Devon. Today the house sits at the heart of a working college, where students pass through the same grand entrance that once welcomed aristocratic guests.
The house is now part of Bicton College and functions as an active educational facility, so access for general visitors is limited. It is worth checking in advance whether any part of the building or grounds is open before making a special trip.
During the Second World War, the house was used as a temporary home for St Ronan's School before the school moved to Kent. The building also holds a Grade II* listing, placing it in a category that covers only a small share of all listed buildings in England.
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