‘That tree’ overlooking the estuary at Salcombe is a much-loved landmark & situated in the grounds of Woodcot, a listed Georgian house perched high above the town.
Set in glorious and floriferous grounds, the house (divided into flats) opens its gardens each summer to raise money for the local minibus.
An apron of lawn surrounds the white, shuttered house, its wisteria-clad metal verandah offering shady relief from the scorching August heat.
The grounds stretch widthways from Woodcot where a shaded path leads to a further lawned area & an archway invites you to investigate the vegetable beds beyond, where the sloping site is cultivated to produce soft fruit as well as vegetables which are studded with towering jewel-like dahlias.
Below the lawns, a gravelled path leads through Mediterranean style planting dominated by enormous white & blue agapanthus & soaring spires of echiums. Cannas & banana plants provide a towering backdrop for the lower growing hot colours of crocosmia & rudbeckia beneath Woodcot’s other landmark, a stone bridge before the path then winds its way back towards the house & ‘that tree’, where delicious home-made teas were being served in the sunshine.
Salcombe itself has a fascinating history with its roots firmly in the sea. In high season it is hard to imagine the humble fishing village that has been transformed into a sailing metropolis in the summer. Despite the crowds, the charm remains and of course the views are second to none.
For further information on the history of Salcombe, see this website: http://salcombetowncouncil.gov.uk/town-history/
Woodcot is open in aid of the Salcombe minibus appeal. Open days are infrequent – for information see: https://www.salcombeinformation.co.uk/event/cream-tea-raffle-at-woodcot/
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