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Coleton Fishacre - Inside the House

Coleton Fishacre has been described as "the perfect combination of the simple architecture and high standards of craftmanship of the nineteenth century Arts and Crafts movement with the modernity of the Jazz Age." I was told that there are not that many Art Deco style houses in the UK and this is one of the few private residences that are open to the public. Among the furnishings are Lalique wall lights, an eighteenth century Venetian chandelier and a carpet designed by Marion Dorn. Most of the furniture was designed by the architect of the house, Oswald Milne.   After Rowland and Freda Smith bought the house in 1949, they did not make many changes and the furnishings that they didn't use were stored. After the National Trust took over the property, they meticulously recreated the furnishings based on photographs that had appeared in Country Life magazine.   The library, pictured above and below, features a celebrated wind-dial map that was created by noted mapmaker Georg...
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Garden videos

Last spring, I made a few videos of the garden.

This is the front garden beginning at the front door and walking around the outside fence along the street -

 

A brief clip of the courtyard area in back -

 

 A longer clip of the back garden -

 

A video of the wall shortly after it was stuccoed but before painting -

 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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Comments

  1. Karin / Southern MeadowsJanuary 4, 2021 at 7:15 AM

    Love your use of space and how the plants all grow so well together. I am sure y'all enjoy the garden immensely!

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  2. chavlinessJanuary 4, 2021 at 9:07 AM

    It is astonishing how the front and back 'yards' are totally transformed into magical garden garden rooms, in only 5 years... Even though I follow your blog, I'm in awe of the transformation. I wish the former owners could see it now...

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverJanuary 4, 2021 at 2:17 PM

      It is funny that you said that because yesterday, as I was taking down the Christmas lights out front, a guy riding a bicycle stopped and said that he used to live here! He wasn't the last owner but the one before the last. We had a great conversation about the house and he gave me some interesting facts about it. He said he loved what we had done with it.

      Delete
  3. chavlinessJanuary 4, 2021 at 9:08 AM

    It is astonishing how the front and back 'yards' are totally transformed into magical garden garden rooms, in only 5 years... Even though I follow your blog, I'm in awe of the transformation. I wish the former owners could see it now...

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2021 at 10:12 AM

    Wow, what a labor of love. Thank you for sharing these videos of your beautiful garden.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kris PetersonJanuary 4, 2021 at 10:13 AM

    You have a truly spectacular garden, Phillip. I saw so many plants I love, some of which I can grow (but not nearly as well) and many that I can't. Thanks for sharing the videos.

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  6. Lisa at GreenbowJanuary 4, 2021 at 11:45 AM

    I can't get over how established your garden is no longer than you have been here. It is spectacular! So much inspiration. I also enjoyed hearing the birds in the background. I will be looking at the videos again. So much to see.

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    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverJanuary 4, 2021 at 2:18 PM

      The rapid growth surprised me too. It is hard to believe it has just been five years but also that five years have passed.

      Delete
  7. sweetbayJanuary 4, 2021 at 12:43 PM

    You have done so much work on the hardscape as well as the garden. It all looks wonderful! Your roses look magnificent. I love the pergola with the table beneath it and the steps leading up to the rounded arch.

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  8. Sandy PJanuary 4, 2021 at 6:58 PM

    I just love everything in your huge yard, so many beautiful garden rooms/spaces and places to relax and enjoy all the plants, shrubs and trees!
    You have so much variety in color, texture, and form, it all goes so well together with your hardscape. Thanks so much for sharing and giving me lots of inspiration!

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  9. Barbara H.January 9, 2021 at 4:37 AM

    I've been saving this for a time when I needed a respite and this morning decided this was the day after the horrors of the week. Love it all, Phillip, and I knew you would "do good" after seeing your Alabama garden but this is spectacular. Thanks for sharing.

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