Saltram House Plympton - National Trust

Saltram House

Plympton, Devon

 

National Trust. Members pay coach only.

 

Saltram overlooks the River Plym and is set in a rolling landscape park that provides precious green space on the outskirts of Plymouth. A house full of treasures, stories & intrigue. A secret garden to lose yourself in, plus a park that cyclists, walkers, & our four legged friends love.

 

Saltram was home to the Parker family from 1743, when an earlier mansion was remodelled to reflect the family’s increasingly prominent position. It's magnificently decorated, with original contents including Chinese wallpapers and an exceptional collection of paintings (several by Sir Joshua Reynolds). It also has a superb country house library and Robert Adam’s Neo-classical Saloon. The lifestyle the Parkers enjoyed can be clearly seen through the sumptuous original furnishings and significant collections still on display, including stunning paintings, ceramics and textiles.

 

Ever since the Parker family came to Saltram and remodelled their fine house, it became a place for visiting, for refreshment, and for entertainment. Visitors to Saltram’s house, garden and parkland can still enjoy the same atmosphere today. Whether you are visiting to see the fantastic collections and Robert Adam interiors, to take a stroll in the garden, or to cycle along the river path, Saltram really has something for everyone.

 

Here are some of my ‘must-sees’ for any visit to Saltram:

• The Robert Adam Saloon is A ‘Great Room’ designed to host the most extravagant of parties. Saltram’s saloon is one of the finest surviving Robert Adam interiors in the country. 

• Sir Joshua Reynolds was the first President of the Royal Academy and famed portrait painter of the wealthy and the famous. Born in Plympton, less than a mile from Saltram, he was friends with John Parker and the family, painting them on many occasions.

• Wonderful Wedgwood is described as a Wedgwood showroom as 'very tempting shop.' Don't miss some of the exquisite pieces purchased for display at Saltram.

• Chinese design, English interiors  The Chinese wallpapers at Saltram are a rare survival. With four different styles dating to the mid 18th century, these wallpapers are a must-see.

• The 18th century landscape at Saltram was made for exploring. Many thousands of people still enjoy the gardens and grounds today that were shaped by the family 250 years ago.

• Saltram's library was remodelled by architect John Foulston in 1818, the fascinating library at Saltram is home to over 3000 volumes. Look a little more closely and you won’t find it all weighty tomes. Saltram’s library contains a wealth of books from antiquarian texts to popular novels.

 

Learn about some of the fascinating characters and family stories, including the correspondence between Frances, the first Countess, and Jane Austen.

The garden is mostly 19th century, with a working 18th-century orangery and follies, beautiful shrubberies and imposing specimen trees providing year-round interest.

 

Saltram House