Commanding a panoramic view of the ancient Knightshayes estate is the splendid Victorian gothic mansion that replaced an earlier Georgian house. This grand, imposing residence tempts today's visitors with a mere flavour of the elaborate embellishments that were originally planned by the ingenious architect, William Burges. Had his designs for Knightshayes Court been implemented in full, the interiors would have been far more striking, taking on the sumptuous flambuoyance that was not uncommon during this period. Detail exaggerated to the extreme, heavily carved features, and an abundant use of rich textures would have made this country house a medieval showpiece. The owner took a much different view on the intended décor, and the enormous expense of carrying out this work.

John Heathcoat was one of the 19th century's entrepreneurs, making his fortune in textiles. He first established his business in Nottingham, but later moved to Devon, and the family eventually owned the largest lace-making enterprise in the world. Building the new country house at Knightshayes was the responsibility of his grandson, Sir John Heathcoat Amory, who wanted a home to symbolise his wealth and his status as a country gentleman. Commencing in 1869, Knightshayes Court took about five years to build, and a further nine years to complete the internal decorations. When the structural work was finished, Sir John decided to engage the services of a more conventional, and less expensive, architect to carry out the decorating as Burges' suggestions were just too fantastical and too costly. Even then he was not entirely satisfied with the results, and subsequently much of John Crace's work was eventually covered up.

The Heathcoat Amory's continued to live at Knightshayes Court until 1972, but during those 100 years the house was subjected to many alterations as fashions dictated. Since Knightshayes Court has been in the care of The National Trust, they have strived to bring it back as close as possible to its original appearance. With most of the structural work being that of Burges, and the finishing details down to Crace, Knightshayes Court portrays a wonderful amalgamation of Victorian creativity. Working with old drawings, photographs and fragments of materials that have survived, many of the rooms have now been restored to reflect the work of both architects. Despite Crace's style being considered more conservative than that of William Burges, there is a wonderful sense of richness throughout, combining perfectly with hints of the bizarre. Contemporary furniture is gradually being reintroduced into Knightshayes Court, although some pieces remain from the early Heathcoat Amory's occupation, and many of the pictures are part of their original collection.

Not only can the visitor experience a glimpse of elite Victorian lifestyle in this fine house, but they can also discover the spectacular gardens, largely created during the 1960s. To try and describe the many facets of this amazing creation, could not begin to do it justice. It is a celebration of seasonal colour spreading through woodland areas, glades and dells, across terraces, around ponds and paved enclosures. There are water features, sculptures, some amusing animal topiary, and a mass of plants, shrubs and trees. Finding Knightshayes Court and its gardens is something a bit special.