Dartington Hall

History

The hall was built in the late 14th century, with construction dating from 1388, making its courtyard the largest built for a private residence before the 16th century. The medieval buildings fell into disrepair over the centuries before being restored between 1926 and 1938 after Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst bought the estate in 1925 and founded what became the Dartington Hall Trust. Under the Elmhirsts the estate developed a reputation for progressive education and the arts, hosting ventures such as Dartington College of Arts and, later, Schumacher College.

Architecture

The Great Hall is regarded as a major example of its date, and the west range of lodgings around the courtyard is considered one of the most important surviving examples of its type. Pevsner's Buildings of England ranked the complex among the most spectacular late medieval domestic buildings to survive anywhere in the country.

Worth knowing

The Elmhirsts' ownership from 1925 turned Dartington into a centre for progressive education and experimental arts, giving rise to institutions including Dartington College of Arts and Schumacher College. The estate continues to host music, theatre and cinema events in and around the medieval buildings.

Gardens & grounds

The gardens are Grade II* listed and include terraces, a tiltyard and mature woodland walks that form a major part of a visit.