Dartington Hall, Medieval country estate in Dartington, England.
Dartington Hall is a medieval country house in Dartington, England, built around a large courtyard with a hall and service ranges on an estate of approximately 1200 acres. The complex includes several preserved 14th-century wings, now used alongside modern outbuildings for educational and cultural programs.
King Richard II granted the estate to John Holland in 1384, who built the medieval complex as a grand double courtyard between 1388 and 1400. In the 20th century, the Elmhirsts restored the ruined property and founded a community for progressive education and arts.
The name derives from Old English and means settlement on the River Dart, reflected in its location along the riverbank. Visitors encounter a place where creative courses mix with events and conferences, while the medieval courtyard rooms continue to serve social gatherings.
The grounds are open to visitors and offer paths through the park, with access to selected rooms during events or guided tours. The gardens around the courtyard can be explored year-round, with spring and summer showing the most plants in bloom.
The garden contains a yew tree estimated to be around 2000 years old, making it one of England's oldest living trees. Landscape architect Beatrix Farrand designed the grounds and integrated several sculptures into the plantings.
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