The Knowle

The Knowle is a historic estate in Sidmouth, Devon, with a rich and varied history. Originally constructed between 1805 and 1810 as a thatched cottage orné by Lord le Despencer, the estate was designed as a picturesque marine villa. In the mid-19th century, it was owned by the eccentric collector T.L. Fish, who transformed the grounds into a public attraction featuring exotic plants and animals, including zebras and kangaroos. He opened the estate to the public on ""Fish's Mondays,"" drawing visitors from across the country.Over time, The Knowle underwent significant changes. In 1882, it was converted into a hotel, which led to substantial alterations that obscured many of its original architectural features. During World War II, the estate served as a Royal Air Force Aircrew Officers Training School. Post-war, it resumed operation as a hotel until the 1960s, when it was acquired by the Sidmouth Urban District Council for use as offices. Later, it became the headquarters of the East Devon District Council. The building stood empty for several years and was severely damaged by an extensive fire in 2023. There are plans to convert the building into a retirement development.The surrounding gardens and parklands, though reduced in size due to development, remain a public space managed by the Sidmouth Town Council. The area is notable for its diverse collection of mature trees, including cedar of Lebanon, tulip trees, and Persian ironwood. These trees are part of the Sidmouth Arboretum, established in 2010 to celebrate and preserve the town's rich tree heritage.For those interested in exploring The Knowle's natural beauty, the Knowle Tree Walk offers a moderate trail through the estate's impressive treescape, featuring over seventy exotic species from around the world. The trail is accessible from Station Road and is just a ten-minute walk from Sidmouth's High Street.For a more in-depth look at The Knowle's history, the Sid Vale Association offers a publication titled The Knowle, Sidmouth – A House and Its History, which details the estate's evolution from a private residence to its current status