Contrary Life

Contrary Life is a website covering quirky events across the UK.

  • Home
  • About
  • Events by region
    • North East
    • North West
    • Yorkshire
    • East Midlands
    • West Midlands
    • East
    • London
    • South East
    • South West
    • Scotland
    • Northern Ireland
    • Wales
Home > Heritage > A la Ronde in Devon

A la Ronde in Devon

By Caroline King - February 1, 2019Posted in : Curiosity of the week, Heritage

Exterior view of A la Ronde, Devon

The exterior of A la Ronde in Devon (Image: National Trust/Andreas von Einsiedel)

Our latest Curiosity of the Week is an unusually shaped building in Devon.  A la Ronde is a quirky 18th century, 16 sided house, with a fascinating interior.

A la Ronde, which is looked after by the National Trust, has a wealth of unusual features including diamond-shaped windows, a shell grotto and a cabinet of curiosities.

This unique house was originally built for two spinsters, Jane and Mary Parminter, and still contains many of the objects and mementoes gathered from their travels to Europe.

Step inside A la Ronde and you will find an eccentrically decorated interior that includes a feather frieze, pictures made from sand and seaweed, and a beautifully decorated Shell Gallery, made to resemble an under water grotto.

The shell-encrusted gallery is thought to contain a whopping 25,000 shells, lining the walls with natural patterns.  The gallery has been closed to visitors for the last few decades due to its delicacy, but visitors can now view the room via a touch screen 360 degree virtual tour.

Entrance to the Shell Gallery at A la Ronde, Devon

Entrance to the Shell Gallery at A la Ronde, Devon (Image: National Trust/Andreas von Einsiedel)

A la Ronde will reopen this weekend for the season.  There will be a grand opening with the Town Crier and the Mayor, and a chance to win a cream tea in the refurbished cafe.

If you have an idea for Curiosity of the Week then please do get in touch, we welcome suggestions from everyone. You can contact us by emailing info@contrarylife.com or send us a message via Facebook.

We are always on the lookout for interesting customs, hidden places, and unique buildings and landmarks, to share with our readers.

Related Posts

  • Exhibition focusing on creative and unusual uses for paper

Tagged With: Curiosity of the week, Devon events, National Trust, South West

Curiosity of the Week

Woodhenge, Stonehenge’s lesser-known neighbour
Woodhenge - ©English Heritage, Historic England Photo Library

You have heard of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, but have you heard of its lesser known neighbour, Woodhenge? Find out more in our latest Curiosity of the Week…

Top Story

Lip-sync challenges and live street art at Another Fine Fest
Another Fine Fest 2017 - Ulverston - Cumbria - Contrary Life

Today and tomorrow, Ulverston will come alive with everything from live street art to lip sync challenges as Another Fine Fest returns to the Cumbrian town…

What are you looking for today?

  • Alternative Sport
  • Art
  • Cabaret and Circus
  • Cinema
  • Classes, Workshops & Talks
  • Club Night
  • Comedy
  • Dance
  • Exhibitions and Installations
  • Fairs and Markets
  • Festival
  • Food & Drink
  • Heritage and History
  • Interview
  • Literature
  • Museum
  • Music
  • Nature and Outdoors
  • Review
  • Science and Technology
  • Theatre
  • Walks and Tours

Sign up to our Newsletter

Copyright © 2022 · Contrary Life