Castle Drogo

Castle Drogo is a country house and revivalist castle near Drewsteignton in Devon, built between 1911 and 1930. It is the last castle constructed in England and was designed by architect Edwin Lutyens for Julius Drewe, founder of the Home and Colonial Stores. Drewe chose the dramatic granite site believing it was linked to his medieval ancestors. Although Lutyens preferred to design a country house rather than a castle, the result is regarded as one of his finest works.

Construction was slow due to World War I, economic difficulties, and the use of only a few craftsmen. The original design was never fully completed, and the finished building represents only about one third of Lutyens’ plans. Despite its medieval appearance, the castle was modern for its time, with electricity, lifts, and hydroelectric power from the river below.

After remaining in the Drewe family for several decades, Castle Drogo was given to the National Trust in 1974, becoming its first 20th-century property. The castle is Grade I listed, and its formal gardens, designed by Lutyens with contributions from Gertrude Jekyll, are Grade II listed.

Address
Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton, United Kingdom

Established
1911-1930