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About this place
Escot House is a Gothic-style country mansion in the parish of Talaton, close to Ottery St Mary in East Devon, England. It sits at the heart of the Escot estate, which has belonged to the Kennaway family since the late 1700s. The house is a private home, so visitors mainly see it from outside and enjoy the surrounding grounds.
What is Escot House?
The present building dates from the late 1830s (sources give 1837 or 1838) and was commissioned by Sir John Kennaway from the architect Henry Roberts. It is a Grade II listed building, and the Kennaway baronets still live here.
What is the history of the estate?
An earlier mansion was built in the later 17th century by Sir Walter Yonge, 3rd Baronet, to a design by Robert Hooke, the scientist and architect who helped rebuild London after the Great Fire. It burned down in 1808. The Kennaways had bought the estate in 1794 and replaced the lost house with the current one.
George III and Queen Charlotte called at Escot in 1789, a sign that its gardens were already admired. The estate also has a literary footnote: William Makepeace Thackeray drew on his visits when writing the novel Pendennis.
What can you see here?
The landscaped park covers roughly 220 acres, with lakes and woodland paths. Wildwood Escot, a family wildlife attraction on the former estate, keeps birds of prey, otters, red squirrels and wild boar. The house itself is used for weddings and conferences.
How do you get to Escot?
The estate lies around 3 km from Ottery St Mary and a short drive from Exeter. A car is the easiest option, and walking routes in the area include the Feniton to Ottery St Mary trail. Parking is available at Wildwood Escot.
When should you visit?
Late spring, summer and early autumn suit the park best, when the paths around the lakes are dry. The house is private, so check current opening times with Wildwood Escot before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Can you tour the inside of Escot House? No. It is the Kennaway family's private residence. You can view it from outside, and the interior opens only for events such as weddings or conferences.
Who designed the present house? Henry Roberts, for Sir John Kennaway. The 17th-century predecessor was designed by Robert Hooke.
Is Escot House a listed building? Yes, it is Grade II listed.
What is there for children nearby? Wildwood Escot, with birds of prey, otters, red squirrels and wild boar.
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