Knightshayes Court

One of the finest examples of Gothic revival houses in the country, Knightshayes Court was built to a design drawn up by the rather eccentric but very gifted architect William Burges. Knightshayes was commissioned by the lace millionaire, Sir John Heathcoat-Amory (grandson of mill founder John Heathcoat) in 1867 and the foundation stone laid in 1869. By 1874, the building was complete, although not to Burges' original designs, and work had begun on the interior. However, unlike Burges' partnership with John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute, the relationship between architect and client was not successful, Sir John objecting to Burges' designs both on grounds of cost and of style. This disagreement led to Burges' sacking in 1874 and his replacement by J.D. Crace. The garden was designed by Edward Kemp.
Bolham, Tiverton, Devon EX16 7RQ.