More information : (SX 98778503) Nutwell Court (NR) (1)
Nutwell Court was a separate estate in the Domesday Book. It was converted from a castle to a dwelling house in the reign of Edward IV (1461-1483) (c) (d).
The chapel of 1317 (4) was licensed in 1370 (b) though local tradition believes it was constructed at the time of Exeter
Cathedral.
The house was garrisoned for Parliament during the Civil Wars. (e). The house was demolished in the mid-18th century. In 1755 the two storey great gatehouse was demolished and the 14th century.chapel was converted into a library (3).
Its gothic windows were removed and the timber roof cut through to make a plastered ceiling.
The present house was built in 1810. It is a large square building covered with tiles made to look like brick. The porch is recessed with two Ionic columns. The front shows six modern double hinged sash windows. (4) (5).
One extension is of red brick, castellated with a slate roof, a large clock and a Gothic six-sided lantern. Parallel to this and forming the other wing is the chapel. The work on it in 1755 has been mainly cleared away. The stone building is castellated with three restored decorated windows at the side and east end. (5).
Grade 2. (2-5)
Nutwell Court, name confirmed (f) is generally as described above. The exterior of the main house appears to have been recently cleaned. This together with the windows being installed in the SW front give it a very modern appearance. The NE brick extension appears much older. The stable block at SX 98818505 is of the same style with mullioned windows, drip moulds and stops.
The chapel shows two phases of alterations on its north side: one, when the Gothic windows were removed and replaced by dressed stone leaving a smaller rectangular window; and two, when the latter were removed and the holes filled with brick similar to that of the NE wing. The arched doorway on this side had also been altered and a smaller tracery window infilled.
The east end of the chapel has a mullioned window below its big Gothic window and a rose window above.
On the south side the big tracery widows have been cleaned (f) and have a modern appearance.
The roof castellation have armorial bearings interspread with carved scenes. On the SE roof corner there is a pinnacle with the figure of a knight in armour. On the NE corner the pinnacle bears an angel. (See G P 's).
House correctly portrayed at 1:2500 on M.S.D. (6)
Nutwell Court. Grade II*. The former Indoor Riding School 10m SW of Nutwell Home Farm, built ca.1800, is also listed Grade II*. (7,8)
House of same type as Powderham. Probably a fortified house. (9) |