Project to protect unique 16-sided A la Ronde and transform the experience for visitors begins

The National Trust has begun a project to secure the internationally significant interior at A la Ronde in Devon, and to transform the experience of A la Ronde for visitors and volunteers.

Built in the 18th-century by cousins Jane and Mary Parminter and inspired by their travels, the house at A la Ronde is well known for its unique 16-sided exterior and the fascinating decoration and collection inside the house.

Throughout September and October, visitors to A la Ronde will be able to see conservation specialists in action as they work to secure the internationally significant interior including the Shell Gallery, Grotto Staircase, Octagon and feather frieze which need stabilising due to their age and delicate design.

This latest conservation work is the next stage of A la Ronde’s ongoing restoration journey, with work having already taken place to address deterioration in the roof and to replace several of the property’s distinctive diamond shaped windows which are known to have been the inspiration for Shell Cottage as seen in the seventh Harry Potter film.

Emma Mee, National Trust Project Manager at A la Ronde comments “After much planning and a pause due to Covid-19, we are excited to be beginning the vital work to secure this truly special place.”

“Over the next few years we will be sharing the project’s progress every step of the way as we conserve the unique decorative environment of the house, open new spaces, and create dynamic and different experiences for our visitors.”

“We will be sharing stories from the house, grounds and wider estate both through new and improved visitor information both at the property and online through A la Ronde’s website and social media channels. We want to play a greater part in the life of our local community, so will be working with local and regional partners, neighbours and volunteers as participants and contributors in telling these stories.”

David Ford, the National Trust’s General Manager for South Devon, said: “We’re enormously grateful for the support the project has already received – from visitors and from donors, whose generosity has made what will be a transformative project possible. The next few months offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for visitors to share in the story of its restoration together”.

“Having a specialist conservation team on site is really momentous for the house” remarks Salli Carr-Griffin, Operations Manager at A la Ronde. “We want to encourage visitors to experience the conservation and to come to A la Ronde before the house closes for the winter months”.

This project has been made possible through money granted from the Wolfson Foundation, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the National Trust’s central conservation fund.

A la Ronde is open every Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30am to 3:30pm until the end of October. Normal admission applies. Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk.