Coleton Fishacre reopens servants’ rooms after five years 

National Trust Coleton Fishacre, the 1920s Arts and Crafts house nestled near Brixham, has reopened two rooms to the public after five years of anticipation.  

The Servants’ Sitting Room, where most of the household staff would gather to eat once they’d finished their chores, and the larder next to the kitchen, have now been reopened after being closed since 2018 due to repairs needed to the roof.  

Visitors can peek into the rooms looking just as they would have when the family were in residence and imagine what daily life would have been like behind the scenes.  

“We’re delighted to be able to open these rooms once again” explained Belinda Smith, Visitor Operations and Experience Manager, adding “Have you ever imagined what life would have been like for a servant in a country house such as Coleton Fishacre? Many of the places we care for contain sculleries, butlers’ pantries, servants’ bedrooms, and other downstairs rooms, which gives us a chance to explore these histories.” 

The house, with tropical garden by the sea, was built as a country retreat for the D’Oyly Carte family. Designed as a place to rest, relax and host friends, the far end of the house also included servants’ quarters where a team of staff would live all year-round.  

The rest of the Service Hall, which include a brushing room, laundry room and drying room, are still closed due to ongoing repairs to the roof.  

Coleton Fishacre is open daily from 10.30am-5pm. To plan your day out, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre