Overbeck's

Overbecks is an Edwardian house perched on a cliff above Salcombe Estuary, surrounded by Mediterranean gardens. Inside, rooms display inventions, maritime objects, model ships, and dollhouses from different periods.

The house was built during the Edwardian era and came under the ownership of Otto Overbeck in 1928, who filled it with collections over his lifetime. Upon his death, he bequeathed it to the National Trust, transforming it into a public museum.

The house displays early 20th-century photographs documenting life in Salcombe, along with dolls, toys, and a mechanical music box called a Polyphon. These objects tell the story of leisure habits and interests of the wealthy families who lived here.

The property is best explored wearing comfortable shoes, as walkways and stairs are sometimes steep and uneven. It is advisable to allow plenty of time to view both the house and gardens at a leisurely pace.

A hidden door in the center of the house opens into a special room filled with antique dollhouses, a surprising discovery for visitors exploring the collections. This concealed space displays detailed miniature homes and furnishings from different periods.

Location: Salcombe

Operator: National Trust

Address: Sharpitor, Salcombe TQ8 8LW

Website: https://nationaltrust.org.uk/overbecks

GPS coordinates: 50.22270,-3.78310

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:02