Haldon Belvedere/Lawrence Castle is a landmark on the Devon skyline which is visible from miles around. It was originally built by Sir Robert Palk, a past Governor of Madras who was reputed to be one of the richest men in England in the late 1700’s. He had made his fortune in India while in the employ of the East India Company and this allowed him to purchase Haldon House in Dunchideock and estates extending to 11,600 acres. The house was extended to establish a grandiose mansion designed on Buckingham House in London. All that remains now is the stable block and staff quarters which have been converted into the Lord Haldon Country House Hotel and a private dwelling. The Palks used the belvedere to entertain special guests such as King George III and later, Marconi is said to have carried out tests at the site which has evidence of having been a Neolithic settlement. The triangular tower was extensively renovated in 1994 to illustrate the magnificence of its fine architecture, its ornate plasterwork, gothic windows and mahogany flooring. The spiral stone staircase with cantilevered steps, wrought iron and mahogany balustrade and hand rail, leads to the roof terrace where the best views are to be had. The building is, without doubt, one of the finest examples of this type of 18th Century tower, the design of which is based on the Shrub Hill Tower which stands in Windsor’s Great Park.

The restoration was commended by winning a Civic Trust award in 1999.

Visitors are welcome from February to the end of October on Sundays and Bank Holidays between 1.30pm and 5.30pm. The premises are closed to the public at other times but available for civil ceremonies and corporate events. The top floor holiday apartment is very popular for that special occasion celebration such as a birthday or wedding anniversary.

A private car park is sited within the grounds but coaches will have to use the parking splay at Haldon Gate junction. Vehicle access to the drive is restricted to the disabled, elderly or infirm.

Admission charges are :-

Adult £2.00

Children (in attendance with an adult) Free.

Groups (min 20) by appointment.

Disability access to the ground floor is available but upper floors may be difficult to access because of the spiral staircase . Some surfaces (particularly the roof terrace) may be uneven and slippery which can be a trip hazard. The roof terrace may have to be closed in bad weather conditions and no unaccompanied children are permitted on the roof at any time.

Contact: Ian Turner on Tel/Fax 01392 833668 or

Post Code : EX6 7QY

Ordnance Survey ref: SX875 861

Ballroom

Stairwell

by Terry Squires