Poltimore House

Poltimore House is a historic mansion in the village of Poltimore, just north of Exeter in Devon. For roughly seven centuries it was the seat of the Bampfylde family. Today it is run by a charitable trust, and since the fire of 2024 it stands as a symbol of the effort to save an endangered piece of heritage.

What is Poltimore House?

The manor of Poltimore belonged to the Bampfyldes from the 13th to the 20th century, and the family was given the title Baron Poltimore in 1831. Richard Bampfylde began the present house in 1550, and its 16th-century core survives within the walls. Sir Coplestone Bampfylde added the south entrance range in the early 18th century, a Rococo saloon enriched the interiors, and a grand staircase followed in the 19th century. The house is Grade II* listed, one of the higher tiers of protection in England.

What happened to the house later?

The family left in 1921. The building then served as a girls' school, housed Dover College during the war, and became a hospital that stayed open until 1975. After that it stood empty, decayed and suffered repeated vandalism. Building preservation charities took it on in the late 1990s, and Poltimore House Trust has cared for it since around the turn of the millennium, working with East Devon District Council and English Heritage. English Heritage contributed £500,000 towards making the building watertight.

What happened in 2024?

In the early hours of 9 April 2024 an arson attack destroyed much of the interior. The trust is raising funds to make the house and grounds safe and is developing a realistic plan for restoration.

What can you see today?

The house is in poor condition and is not a regular interior-tour attraction. Visitors mainly come for the grounds and the exterior, and for occasional events: exhibitions, talks and Heritage Open Days (a history exhibition ran in September 2025). Branches Café on site serves light lunches and refreshments from Thursday to Monday.

How do you get there, and when should you go?

Poltimore lies a few miles from Exeter, and driving is the easiest option. Free parking is on a grassy area beside the main drive, with accessible spaces behind the café. Aim for the warmer months, and check the trust's website (poltimore.org) beforehand for events and current access.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Poltimore House? Usually not. The interiors are unsafe after the fire, and entry is limited to selected events run by the trust.

Is there an entry charge for the grounds? Parking is free, and many events, including open days, have been free of charge. The trust publishes current terms.

Is there somewhere to eat? Yes, Branches Café, open Thursday to Monday.

When was the house built? Construction began in 1550, and it was extended many times afterwards, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries.