The history of Lewtrenchard Manor is rich and extensive. Mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086AD as a Royal manor owned by Roger de Moles, the property passed into the possession of the Trenchard family during the reign of Henry III. Silver coins from this time have been found in the walls and below the floors of the house. The Monks of Potheridge later owned the property but during the reign of James I, Sir Thomas Monk fell into financial difficulties and was put into a debtors’ prison in Exeter. He sold the estate to Henry Gould in 1626 and the Manor stayed within this family for many generations. Over the years, Lewtrenchard Manor became the home of some rather colourful members of the Gould family, some of whom are depicted in the portraits displayed in the house.

The picturesque gardens at Lewtrenchard Manor, originally designed by Walter Sorel with influences and input from the highly renowned Gertrude Jekyll, extend over several acres and feature streams and ponds, fountains and statuary, sunken lawns, a rustic dovecote and a recently restored walled vegetable garden, from where chefs regularly gather fresh produce for their menus. The parkland features ‘Madam’s Walk’, an avenue of splendid beech trees. Walks can be taken along the banks of the River Lew and through woodland around the lake.