West Challacombe Manor

 Looking at Cruck Barn

 What the Cruck barn looked like

First post of 2015 Happy Healthy New Year to you.

As you may know we are members of the National Trust, I recently received an email showing what properties were open in the South West noticed West Challacombe Manor was open which is only once a year. It's normal use is a holiday let if you click on the link you will find details of it.
West Challacombe Manor  We had never visited the property so booked appointment straight away.
The day started very sunny but out of the sun it was very cold. We took Beau first on his Instow beach walk then made out way over to Combe Martin thankfully was told about the many road closures so I took to B roads & narrow lanes to get there. We were met in the car park & driven by mini bus to the manor this is because the lane was very narrow and not enough parking for many cars with the manor being so remote. Did hear visitors came from Plymouth & Bath. We were given a talk outside on the late 14th-mid 15th Century late medieval period and the changes which had gone on to the property we were shown all around the house which the trust had completed over a 5 year period restoring it to it original splendor.

I have scanned in part of the hand-out as it was to much to type in. As you can see from it the building is Grade II star which makes the property very special. I have also done another posting with the roof photos please scroll down to see them the timbers are from 1449-1474 3rd quarter of the 15th Century.

Stunning Hammer Beam Roof

The original family crest

My photos does not justify the quality & workmanship of this stunning hammer beam roof. In modern times three rooms with ceilings were put into the space which would have hidden this beauty. Also portions of wood have been cut off! for various reasons over the centuries.

Combe Martin Beach

After our wonderful visit to West Challacombe Manor did a doggie walk on the beach which was very cold once the sun had gone in..