Cadhay, Devon
A Brief Introduction to Cadhay Tudor Manor House
Image courtesy of Historic Houses
Cadhay House is a Tudor manor house in rural East Devon, in the parish of Ottery St Mary, about ten miles east of Exeter. A Grade I listed building, Cadhay has a fascinating history:
Constructed by John Haydon in 1550, the building incorporates the remains of a pre-existing structure. John’s nephew, Robert Haydon, later expanded the property. He was married to Joan, the daughter of Sir Amias Poulett, a Privy Councillor, former ambassador to France and Keeper of Mary Queen of Scots during her captivity. Robert expanded the estate by adding the Long Gallery. This extension enclosed the southern side, creating a courtyard known as the ‘Court of the Sovereigns’ which housed statues depicting Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary and Elizabeth, positioned above the doors.
Over the centuries, Cadhay went through various stages of neglect, ownership and repair. In 1737, its new owner, Peere Williams, restored the house, sadly covering up most of the Tudor hearths. To create the present dining room and upstairs roof chamber, he installed a lower ceiling in the Great Hall beneath the timbered roof. Later, in 1910, Cadhay was bought by Dampier Whetham, who restored the house and uncovered the Tudor hearths.
The house is currently owned by furniture maker, Rupert Thistlethwayte, a direct descendent of the Pouletts, who owned the house during the 1900s, and whose coat of arms appear above the fireplaces. Over the past decade, he has restored Cadhay to its former glory and it is now available to let as holiday accommodation.
Stay at Cadhay
Cadhay Manor offers self-catering holiday accommodation for couples and groups, with a range of cottages available, as well as the manor house which is beautifully restored with modern comforts, and sleeps up to 22 people. The property is available for weekly rental throughout the year, weekend bookings are available outside of the holiday season.
The accommodation is set over three floors, with central heating and wood burning stoves. The kitchen has an Aga and an electric oven is well equipped for self-catering. There are two additional holiday cottages that sleep up to six people and a third that sleeps two. The Cadhay Estate is dog friendly.
Historic Properties Nearby
Bickleigh Castle (20 miles)
Forde Abbey (24 miles)
Berry Pomeroy Castle (35 miles)
Visitor Information
For more details on the accommodation, check out Cadhay’s website.
Contact Details: Use the contact form here or call +44 (0)1404 813511.
Address: Cadhay, Ottery St Mary, Devon, EX11 1QT.
