Meadow Perimeter Path
A perimeter path around the hay meadow has always been an important aspect of the original designed landscape ever since the Parminter cousins laid it out in the early 19th Century. As part of the project at A la Ronde, the team has reinstated the path over the past two years (2022-4).
Included on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England at Grade II, the original paths at A la Ronde have been lost over time. Throughout different periods, the paths have differed from mown grass to woodchip being in place since.
The team hoped to reinstate these walks to reflect the original use of the A la Ronde's landscape and provide the opportunity for wider and more accessible enjoyment of the estate.
Over a period of 18 months, in-depth research was undertaken. Advice was sought from internal and external experts: from Curators and Surveyors to Engineers and Arboriculture Consultants, no stone was left unturned.
The decision-making process was also informed through historical mapping and archaeological investigations, as well as Conservation Management Plans for the site.
Archaeological investigations took place in 2023. Five exploratory trenches were dug, revealing part of the original path. These finds indicated that the paths would likely have been layered with stone in a natural fashion.
Traditionally made of gravel, beaten soil, sand or stone and dug from nearby quarries, the use of local materials helps give historic landscapes their character. It wa important to replicate this but with a material and design that could withstand thousands of visitors a year. Therefore, a pinkish stone from Stoneycombe quarry, Newton Abbot was chosen for our path.
The meadow has three veteran trees, and the new path would be within their root protection areas. Therefore, we employed a ‘no dig’ design for these areas meaning the path would have to sit on top of the ground. A geocell cellular confinement system was used, which enabled the path to cross these areas without causing any compaction to the tree roots around these areas.
Planning Permission was successfully achieved in January 2024 and a contractor engaged with a very tight timescale of only two weeks to construct the new accessible path before we opened for the new season. An exciting conclusion to all the planning and research; as a fully accessible path for all our visitors to enjoy was laid out before us.
The new 2.5m-wide compacted stone path is now in place, taking visitors on a meandering journey past five new and unique ornamental benches made by local bench makers. You can also take in two newly planted shrubberies all whilst pausing and taking in historic key views towards the house and out towards the wider landscape.
The Compendium
The Compendium is a collection of stories to delight and surprise. You can explore all things A la Ronde here in one central place for the first time. We will be adding new stories for years to come.
The Estate
Learn more about the estate at A la Ronde. With views over the countryside to the Exe estuary, the estate is as beautiful and varied as the house itself.
The Ornamental Benches
As part of the development of the Perimeter Path at A la Ronde, a series of ornamental benches were commissioned. Learn more about this part of the project, inspired by the Parminters' original plans.
Our Project - A la Ronde: Conserving the Past, Creating the Future
In 2022 we embarked on a major project to transform A la Ronde’s offer for our visitors, volunteers, and local community.