Powderham Castle

Powderham Castle is a fortified manor house near Exminster in Devon, about 6 miles south of Exeter, set beside the River Exe estuary. Although known as a castle, it was originally a fortified manor built after 1390 and later expanded, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. It remains the ancestral seat of the Courtenay family, Earls of Devon, and is a Grade I listed building.

The medieval core was built by Sir Philip Courtenay in the late 14th century. While it never had a keep or moat, it featured defensive walls and later acquired castle-like elements. The building was involved in the Wars of the Roses and suffered serious damage during the English Civil War, after which it was repaired and gradually transformed into an elegant country house.

Today, Powderham Castle is noted for its blend of medieval architecture and Georgian interiors, including the Marble Hall and richly decorated rooms. Surrounded by historic parkland and gardens, it is an important heritage site, open to the public and used for cultural events and filming.

Address
Exminster, United Kingdom

Established
c. 1390