Ryall's Court, Seaton, Devon

 

I'd completely forgotten about this photo shoot until very recently. It's an interesting one and I'm really excited to delve into it. I had a walk here in August 2013 and it was fascinating to see the house gradually reveal itself as I walked nearer to it.

A fabulous Victorian Gothic style house, now a Grade II Listed building. According to the listing it was built circa 1840, which is a bit early for this Gothic style by about 10 to 20 years, but the embattled parapet was added later and that could have included updating other features.

I did come across a snippet of information from the Archaeological Data Service in my original notes, stating that a Captain Proby RN had Ryall's built in 1834. There is also another snippet from the National Children's Home Forum to say that it was originally a farm, becoming a private school for girls in 1920.

Another source also states that it was built in 1834 as a private residence until 1916 when it was used as a Red Cross Hospital during WWI until 1919, before adaptation for the school. So maybe there was a farm, originally there before this particular house was built.

Bought by the National Children's Home in 1941 to provide a school for approved girls and later a community home for boys and girls in 1970 until the late 1990s.

The then derelict building was bought by a developer and split into two semi-detached residences. Other houses were built around it, creating a small housing estate, which is now called Ryall's Court. There are also other parts to the house which belong to separate residences, including the chapel, parts of the surrounding wall and another outbuilding.

Now a beautiful white, the building was originally rather solemn in dark tones. I vaguely remember it from some 45 years ago when I accompanied an associate who had a short visit to enquire about something.

This house, now called the Tower House named for the central porch tower, includes bays on either side with the most delightful windows consisting of three light casements and the gothic arches of the time. An oriel window is situated above the door on the first floor of the tower and above that is a rather neat little wall niche.

Moving around, the building directly to the left is where the north-west wing once was. It is now the other semi-detached residence, which can be seen below.

The small building with clock tower and weather vane is in the grounds of this house and I'm presuming that it was an original part of Ryall's Court. The weather vane is totally charming in the shape of a kestrel, also often called a windhover.

Now used as a garage, I think it may have been a stable for the school, or possibly a gatehouse for that side, although it has the same style as many stables built then. I love the range of windows in this building.

Also nearby is what was once the chapel to the school, situated in the garden of another private dwelling called Chapel House. I only have the one photo for this below, showing the west facing arched window.

The other interesting feature found whilst wandering around was this lovely old wall with a fabulous arched doorway.

As a gateway to someone's garden, it's a delightful use of some of the remains of Ryall's Court. Such gorgeous weathered brick in mellowed orange and grey.

And that's about it for this article. There was a lot of stuff to shift through, some of it a bit confusing, but I really enjoyed doing this one and I'm on a bit of a roll lately so there might be a few more this month. 

Next one up is a post about former schools and colleges in Seaton, including another - albeit briefer - Ryall's Court entry. Now either residential or having other uses, with one that was sadly demolished, it's interesting to see the different educational provisions there were.

Until next time, cheers! :)