Introduction
The impressive Italianate terrace gardens lead to the extensive collection of specimen trees planted by the Robert Veitch nurseries. Surviving garden features also include the pinetum and ornamental pond. The Palm House was removed to the Imperial Hotel in Exeter. The grounds are open to the public.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Telephone
0300 555 0214Website
http://www.reedhall.co.ukAccess contact details
The site is part of the University of Exeter, and is also a wedding and conference venue.
Directions
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/reedhall/location.php
Owners
The University of Exeter
The Queen?s Drive, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QJOther Websites
- History
Reed Hall, formerly known as Streatham Hall, is an Italianate mansion which was built for Richard Thornton West in 1867. It is now incorporated within the site of the University of Exeter.
The impressive Italianate terrace gardens lead to the extensive collection of specimen trees planted by the Robert Veitch nurseries that flourished in Exeter at that time. The sale particulars of 1903 provide extensive details of the planting of the pleasure grounds. It claimed that ‘the mansion is surrounded by most beautiful pleasure grounds arranged in terraces and including an exquisite Italian garden, with lake and superb conservatory and palm house. There are extensive fruit and vegetable gardens and complete range of glass . . . The Builder and Gardener have manifestly worked hand-in-hand and, under the mellowing effects of time, nature has perfected in her generous way the original design.'
Surviving garden features also include the pinetum and ornamental pond. The Palm House was removed to the Imperial Hotel in Exeter. The grounds are open to the public.
- Features & Designations
Designations
The National Heritage List for England: Listed Building
- Reference: Reed Hall and the series of steps with handrail supported on balusters
- Grade: II
Features
- Garden Terrace
- Tree Feature
- Description: Pinetum
- Ornamental Pond
- Mansion (featured building)
- Description: The Italianate mansion is now incorporated within the site of the University of Exeter.
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Key Information
Type
Garden
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Commercial
Survival
Extant
Open to the public
Yes
- References
References
- Pugsley, Steven {Devon gardens : an historical survey} (Stroud: Sutton, 1994) 15-16, 177 Devon gardens : an historical survey
- Pevsner, N {The Buildings of England: Devon} (Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1952) The Buildings of England: Devon
- Gray, Todd {The Garden History of Devon} (Exeter: Exeter University Press, 1995) 189-91, 190 The Garden History of Devon