A beautiful, modernist building in Devon, considered to be one of the finest architectural buildings of its kind in the UK, long hidden from most of the public, is to reopen.
High Cross House, based in Dartington, is to open in the spring, made possible by a partnership between Dartington Hall Trust and the National Trust. For those on a cottage break in the region in March, it is worth checking out an outstanding feat of engineering and artistry.
Commissioned by William Curry, the first headmaster at Dartington Hall School, a man with impeccable taste, the modernist house is seen as a triumph of style and functionality.
It was designed by William Lescaze, a renowned Swiss-American architect and completed in 1932. The brief was a home that was a "machine for living".
In recent years the building has become more of a space for other things than its own aesthetic appeal, most notably showcasing 20th century art. That said, the art, which comes from Dartington Hall's own collection, has been in line with the modernist origins of High Cross House.
"We’re very excited by this new partnership with the National Trust, said Vaughan Lindsay, chief executive officer of Dartington Hall.
"We hope the partnership will bring many new visitors to the estate to enjoy High Cross House, explore Dartington's glorious grounds and gardens and find out more about our charitable programmes in the arts, social justice and sustainability"
Robyn Brown, general manager of the National Trust, English Riviera, described High Cross House as among the top five modernist houses in the country.
"We are really delighted to be working with Dartington to offer this special place for members, visitors and locals to come and enjoy again and again," she added.
High Cross House opens on March 7th.
Eat – Waterside Bistro
With a view of the river and an exciting menu to boot, Waterside Bistro is a superb place to visit for breakfast and lunch.
For meat eaters, check out its warm Chinese crispy duck pancakes, hoi sin sauce, crème fraiche, spring onions and cucumber. Veggies are recommended to try the baked Sharpham goat's cheese in filo pastry with sun dried tomato and rocket.
Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you
