The House of Devon

By Linda Tancs

Just south of Exeter, over 600 years of British history stands resplendent over the estuary of the River Exe. This is the site of Powderham Castle, a home now occupied by the 19th earl of Devon (Charlie Courtenay) and his family. One of the grandest family estates in Britain, it was built in the 14th century by Sir Philip Courtenay, making the current occupants the 28th generation of caretakers. Little is off limits; the upstairs guided tour even includes personal family bedrooms. The other option, the State Room Tour, includes the castle’s grandest rooms, secret doors, long libraries and even a hidden ballroom. Among the highlights is the Rococo interior, especially the staircase hall that was immortalized in the film “The Remains of the Day.”