The Pynes House Story

A project of preservation, brimming with pride and passion

Since 2011 Pynes House has been in the loving hands of our family. From the very first time we (Geoff and Heather, Kate and Jon) approached this historic country house wedding venue, down the magnificent tree-lined drive, and arrived at the large ornate front doors, we knew we had landed upon something very special. The unique feeling you experience on arrival is like coming home, and we hope you feel the same.

In the years that have passed since we became custodians of this beautiful building from which we have created a historic wedding venue, we have set about breathing new life into the house. We have sensitively restored the historical features and retained the magic of its beginnings, whilst incorporating the modern facilities and stylish touches that any discerning couple would expect. From the ornamental plasterwork to the stained glass windows, every detail has been expertly renovated, proudly resulting in one of Devon’s most sought-after country house wedding venues.

A house like ours was made to be shared, to come alive with the buzz of activity and to witness some of life’s most precious moments. We can’t wait to show you around in person, and share our little slice of Devon with you.

PYNES HOUSE WEDDINGS

The History of Pynes House

Layered with centuries of stories

The estate itself dates back to Norman times, when the Du Pin family arrived in England from Aquitaine in France with the court of Henry II. As knights of the Royal Court, King John later granted them land near Upton Pyne in Devon and for 10 generations, this was their home.

At the end of the 15th century the estate passed to a number of other families, including the Larders and the Coplestons. It was while he was living at Pynes as it then was in 1655, that Sir Copleston, the then Sheriff of Devon, was knighted by Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England, as a reward for his unwavering support of the parliamentary cause during the Civil War of 1642 – 1651. If you would like to know more about the Pynes House history, we’d be delighted to share our knowledge with you, when you come to visit.

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Royal Connections

A prestigious Georgian country house for high society

Pynes House, as we know it now, came into being around 1700 when the original parts of the present house were built. The owner at that time, Hugh Stafford, altered and improved the house extensively so that it was in keeping with his position in society. The numerous developments included a magnificent stone entrance hall, designed by the celebrated architect of the day, Ambrose Poynter.

It wasn’t long after these works were completed that Sir Stafford is said to have welcomed Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to his home, a great honour for any house. It is believed that the myrtle bush in the rose garden at Pynes House has blossomed from a clipping given to Sir Stafford by Queen Victoria from her daughter’s wedding bouquet. Myrtle has grown at Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s holiday home on the Isle of Wight for around 170 years. Since then flowers from the same Osborne plant have featured in the bouquets of numerous royal brides, from Queen Elizabeth II, to Diana, the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine Middleton, and most recently the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle.

It’s no wonder myrtle is a favourite at weddings, featuring delicate white flowers it has represented love, fertility and innocence for thousands of years.

Literary Associations

Follow in Jane Austen’s footsteps

The tale of Pynes House also has close links with the world of literature and it is said to have played a part in one of the greatest novels of all time.

The second Earl, Walter Stafford Northcote, was a huge admirer of the literary talent Jane Austen and believed most fervently that his house was indeed the inspiration for Barton Park in her much-celebrated novel, Sense and Sensibility. This tale is still told in the local area and remains as enchanting and popular as ever.

Jane Austen expert Anne-Marie Edwards agrees with this assessment in her own book, ‘In the Steps of Jane Austen’. Edwards acknowledges that Barton Park is Pynes House and believes it likely that Austen would have stayed at the country house whilst holidaying in Devon, drinking in the scenery and inspiring some of her most famous tales. In the novel the sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood wander the countryside that surrounds Barton Park and we now invite you to do the same.