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 (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.
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