Tara Fraser has kindly agreed for us to visit the grounds of her home off the A396 Tiverton to Bickleigh road. Coming from Tiverton, turn right into Ashley Back Lane and next left. Follow the lane down to the property. Her Regency house is surrounded by woodland & gardens overlooking the river Exe. She will provide refreshments at around 4pm for £3 per head.

Thursday 5 May – 2pm at The Manor, Uplowman EX16 7DW

Mr Lawder Smith has kindly agreed for us to visit his gardens near Uplowman Cross.

Directions: At the crossroads in the village where you find the Redwoods Inn, go down the road which runs at the side of the pub keeping the pub on your right. At the bottom of the hill you see the church ahead. Before the church take the first right signed for Hockworthy & Staplecross. The Manor is the first drive on the left immediately after a signpost showing steep hill. Follow the long straight drive to the house. 

Tuesday 24 May –  Powderham Castle, Exeter, EX6 8JQ

During each Sunday, Monday & Tuesday in May Powderham Castle is opening its doors 10am – 4pm to artists but only by registration. We plan to visit on 24 May. If you wish to come on this date please email sandymawer@ymail.com who will co-ordinate the entry with the castle. 

Wednesday 15 June – 2pm at 42 Francis Crescent, off Atherton Way, Tiverton EX16 4EP

Helen Fensome has kindly agreed for us to visit her garden which backs onto the canal & is near the bridge to cross over for a different view. Atherton Way is on the left going up Canal Hill.

Thursday 30 June – 1.45pm meet in Blundell’s car park to visit Great Gornhay House

Mr Chris Grundy has kindly invited us to visit his property which looks over the river Lowman. Meet at 1.45pm.

Wednesday 20 July – 2pm at the archway entrance to Holcombe Court, Holcombe Rogus TA21 0PA

This has been called the finest Tudor house in Devon and we have always enjoyed visiting the 7-acre grounds of this magnificent house with its herbaceous borders, walled garden, pond with duck house. Parking is in the road outside the property.

Thursday 11 August – 2pm near Witheridge Church, EX16 8AE

Built in 1428, St John the Baptist church has the remains of Early English & Norman features. Sketch the church or some of the buildings in The Square. We plan to have refreshments in the nearby cafe after sketching. 

Thursday 25 August – 2.30pm Tiverton Castle, Park Hill, EX16 6RP

Another favourite venue for sketchers with plenty of interest to sketch & paint including the castle & outbuildings, ruins and garden. The fee for this venue will be £5 per head to include refreshments. Parking is inside the grounds using the Great Gateway entrance. Meet at 2.30pm.

Tuesday 13 September – meet 1.45pm on Bolham Lane Bridge over the Link Road for visit to Coombeland EX16 7QP

Charlotte Lampard’s property is set in the hills high above Knightshayes with great views of the landscape as well as an interesting house. Heading out of Tiverton at the roundabout opposite Petroc College take the right turning into Lea Road towards Moorhayes & then second left into Bolham Lane to meet on the bridge over the A361. 

Thursday 29 September – 2pm in the car park of Castle Hill Gardens, Filleigh, Barnstaple, EX32 0RQ

Home to 17 generations of the Fortescue family, this 18th century Palladian house is set in 50 acres of historic parkland with a walled garden. Entry will be £4 per head and refreshments can be purchased from the cafe at 4pm.

Directions: Leave the A361 North Devon Link Road at a roundabout west of South Molton onto the B3226 & follow signs for Filleigh. Pass through Stags Head & go through the gates to Castle Hill and the car park.

If you wish to have a lift to a venue or would like to offer space in your car to others, please drop an email to sandymawer@ymail.com.