Built / Designed For: Hugh Stafford

House & Family History: In the mid-19th century Sir Stafford Henry Northcote, 8th Bt., altered Pynes House, leaving it as seen today. Sir Stafford was a noted politician who served as chancellor of the Exchequer, foreign secretary, president of the Board of Trade, secretary of state for India, and first lord of the Treasury. In 1885, in recognition of his service, he was created 1st Earl of Iddesleigh by Queen Victoria. Sir Stafford was close to the royal family, having assisted Prince Albert in 1851 with the planning and preparation for the Great Exhibition. After the success of the exhibition it's likely that the prince and Queen Victoria came to Pynes House for an overnight visit. The 2nd Earl, Walter Stafford Northcote, was a huge admirer of Jane Austen and a firm believer that his house was the inspiration for Barton Park in "Sense and Sensibility." In her 2003 book, "In the Steps of Jane Austen," Anne-Marie Edwards writes that she believes Pynes House was indeed the model for Barton Park, and, going even further, states that it's likely that Jane herself stayed at the house during one of her many holidays to Devon. In the early 2000s the four tenanted flats in the lower ground floor of the Pynes House were reclaimed and the original floor plan reinstated. In late 2008 the house and 36 acres were sold for approximately £2.5 million. The estate was listed for sale again in November 2010, for £3.25 million, and sold for £2.85 million in 2011. The new owners, the Tille family, have restored the house as a private home and event venue.

John Bernard (J.B.) Burke, published under the title of A Visitation of the Seats and Arms of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland, among other titles: Vol. II, p. 15, 1853.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Not Listed

Current Seat / Home of: Jon Tilley; here since 2011.

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSES: Du Pin family, 13th century until 15th century. Larder family, 15th century. Sir John Copleston, 17th century. SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: Hugh Stafford, 18th century. Sir Stafford Henry Northcote, 8th Bt., later 1st Earl of Iddesleigh, 19th century. Jonathan and Deborah Custance Baker, 2000-08.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Wedding & Event Venue

House Open to Public: By Appointment

Phone: 07899-796-150

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.pyneshouse.co.uk/

Historic Houses Member: No