Colebrooke: Architectural History and Walking

Colebrooke can be explored from two different perspectives: through the architectural history of several named buildings and along the route of the Devonshire Heartland Way. The historic examples range from medieval origins and buildings dating from the 16th and 17th centuries to Paschoe House, a farmhouse from the mid-19th century. When planning your trip, you can weigh up whether architectural history, walking, or a combination of the two is your main interest.

Historic Buildings and Their Construction Phases

A distinctive feature of the Church of St Andrew is a uniquely preserved oak prayer desk from the mid-15th century. It was moved from Coplestone Chapel to the nave. This means the piece of furniture has its own earlier origins as well as its described position in the church. As part of the furnishings, it offers a different perspective on the building’s history than its roof shape or floor plan.

At Great Wotton Farmhouse, architectural features and historical development can be considered together: the house has a thatched roof and an L-shaped floor plan. Its origins probably date to the 16th century; it was rebuilt and extended in the early 17th century.

Higher Wotton Farmhouse dates from the mid-to-late 16th century and was improved and extended in the 17th century. Comparing it with Great Wotton Farmhouse reveals two different building histories: at Great Wotton, the focus is on its probable origins and rebuilding, while at Higher Wotton, it is on its period of construction and later structural changes.

Paschoe House adds another example: a farmhouse built around 1850–1860 in the Tudor Gothic style. Much of its original woodwork and fireplace surrounds have been preserved.

Whelmstone Barton was a former manor house with medieval origins and was rebuilt in the early 17th century. Its history therefore links medieval beginnings with a later phase of construction. Together with Paschoe House, it offers a contrast between these origins and the 19th-century farmhouse; the different building types remain clearly distinct.

The Devonshire Heartland Way near Colebrooke

For walking, the Devonshire Heartland Way provides a clear point of reference. Near Colebrooke, it connects with the long-distance Two Moors Way. After Colebrooke, the Devonshire Heartland Way follows the narrow track of Drunkards Lane. The section near Colebrooke also runs along a footpath past Paschoe Farm and House before reaching the village. The routes’ connection and the named sections provide several points of reference along the way.

If you include this route in your plans, check the current local path directions before setting out: route details may change. The architectural history and the walking route offer different topics to consider when deciding on your trip, without requiring the same kind of interest.

Discover more destinations: Longdown, Honiton, Combe Martin, Southleigh, Parracombe, Postbridge, Torquay, Yealmpton.

For the wider travel overview: Devon.