Great Bidlake Manor
A sixteenth-century Devonshire manor house with earlier origins, extensively restored in the mid-nineteenth century.
Bridestowe, Devon, EX20 4NT
Charles I reputedly stayed at Great Bidlake in 1644. The manor is surrounded by 13½ acres of gardens, woodland, two ponds (unfenced) and paddocks with uninterrupted views over rolling Devon countryside.
The gardens are split into different areas with, at the front, a lawned courtyard (croquet), mature planting and specimen trees, large terrace (lighting, barbecue, chimenea) surrounded by striking stone walls, and lawns with bench looking over the River Lew valley (lovely sunsets) and ample space for outdoor games.
To the rear of the house are a number of historic outbuildings, including an old cider press.