In my latest novel, Sophie, Lady Lewisham fulfils her desire to travel abroad. Whilst researching ladies who travelled in Georgian times, I came across Jane and Mary Parminter. They were cousins who conducted their own grand tour and then returned to Exmouth and built A La Ronde in 1796. The unusual shape of the house meant that they would always have light from the sun. They built a gallery lined with shells which can now only be fully seen by virtual tour.
When you stand in the centre of the house and look up at the cupola dome and the gallery, you feel the clever and innovative design, as all the rooms radiate from it.
Small nooks and crannies link the rooms and not a jot of space is wasted.
There are hidden doors and locks throughout the house as when the house was built there was a real threat of invasion from France so the Parminters built escape routes into their design.
Jane Parminter insisted in her will that the house should only be lived in by unmarried kinswomen. She realised how lucky she had been to be an independent woman at that time and wanted to ensure others could follow her. This was not to be, however; her cousins Jane and Sophia Hurlock passed it to their niece Stella Reichel who handed it over to her brother!
If you are ever in Devon, it is well worth a visit!