Still very much a castle in its appearance, Powderham has been home to the Earls of Devon for more than 600 years. The origins of its name mean 'a hamlet on a tidal marsh' but that is quite hard to imagine when looking at it today as it dominates the western bank of the River Exe estuary.

The present owner, Hugh Courtenay, is a direct line descendant of the first Earl. However, Powderham Castle first came to the Courtenays as part of a marriage dowry when the Earl of Hereford's daughter married the second Earl of Devon in 1325. The earldom underwent a turbulent period but in 1553 the title was finally established when Queen Mary created Edward Courtenay Earl of Devon.

Powderham Castle was largely built between 1390 and 1450, and much of the original structures still survive. No major changes seem to have been made then until after the Civil War, a time when the castle suffered greatly. It was during the early 18th century that much work was carried out to repair, refurbish and restore this great pile. On completion of an extensive programme of work, Powderham was less of a medieval stronghold and more of an extremely comfortable residential mansion.

The 18th century restoration included the transformation of the medieval chapel into an impressive library, with a remarkable rococo ceiling (the style and colouring reminiscent of something that Josiah Wedgewood may have created). Now located in the grange of the old castle, the Chapel was consecrated for use in 1861, having moved from its second re-siting where the North Gatehouse now stands.

At the same time, the old Great Hall of the medieval castle was partitioned to form two new areas, the Staircase Hall and the Marble Hall. Exquisite rococo plasterwork, shown off against a duck-egg blue painted wall, and a beautifully crafted wooden staircase are the main features of the Staircase Hall. The lower half of the Great Hall was reduced in height at this time by the insertion of two floors, and the resulting Marble Hall is now a comfortable 'reception' room.

James Wyatt, however, is responsible for the sumptuous feast of marble, alabaster, gilt and gilding in the Music Room. A very fashionable and elegant room, with a wonderfully ornate domed ceiling, the Music Room was probably commissioned to celebrate William, 3rd Viscount Courtenay's coming of age. A portrait of the young man, dressed in his masquerade costume, hangs above the fireplace. William and his sisters made good of use the facilities during their time at Powderham, and the current owners continue the tradition by hosting occasional musical evenings in this room.

The last major alterations were made during the latter half of the 19th century, which included moving the main entrance to the west side of the castle and completely remodelling the west front. A new dining hall was added at this time, styled as a late medieval hall with linenfold panelling and a decorative wooden ceiling. Dominating the room is a splendid fireplace built to commemorate the 11th Earl's grandfather, who was the Bishop of Exeter at the end of the 18th century. It is of similar design to the actual fireplace in the Bishop's Palace in Exeter.

When the main entrance was re-sited, the original entrance on the ground floor of the medieval clock tower became the Terrace Entrance, leading out to the gardens and the deer park. There are stunning views across the Exe estuary from the terrace.