National Recognition for the Grounds of Larkbeare House

The Society’s and others’ campaign to get added protection for the gardens of Larkbeare House and its wonderful trees which were the focus of our Tree Preservation Taskforce’s concerns has been successful. The Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy MP, has decided to include the grounds of Larkbeare House on Historic England’s national Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest at Grade II. National registration will give these historic grounds a better measure of protection, requiring special consideration if changes or proposals for development are being contemplated. It will help ensure that they are retained for generations to come in Exeter.

The grounds of Larkbeare House were designed by James Veitch in about 1862 at the same time as the house was built for John Charles Bowring. James Veitch of Exeter was a nationally important nurseryman – perhaps the most significant of his day. The owner, John Charles Bowring, was himself a noted botanist and orchid grower.

Historic England’s assessment summarised the strong case for registration as:

‘The gardens to Larkbeare House are a representative example of a mid-C19 modest villa garden with a layout and planting scheme that survives relatively intact. The retention of specimen trees introduced and popularised by the Veitch nurseries adds to its historic interest. The documented association with the nationally-important nurseryman, James Veitch, senior, particularly in the context of the owner’s interests in plant and botany and his known relationship with the Veitch nurseries, contributes strongly to the gardens special historic interest.’

You can find all the details of Historic England’s listing here:

Larkbeare House , Non Civil Parish – 1490143 | Historic England

Devon Gardens Trust were very instrumental in getting a positive decision with a comprehensive, thoroughly researched and authoritative submission. Dianne Long from the Trust will be our Saturday morning speaker on 21 September, so come along and hear her talk about the Trust and historic ‘designed landscapes’ in Exeter, including Larkbeare.

At the same time as considering the gardens, the Secretary of State also considered the case for listing the building and some structures in the garden, including the remains of an eighteenth century summerhouse. On the basis  of detailed advice from Historic England, she considered they were not of sufficient architectural and historic interest to merit listing.

We are disappointed that the house and other structures were not listed and are studying the reports to see what more can be done. However, having the grounds nationally registered is a major achievement and will provide some protection against inappropriate development of the house and other structures.