Watermouth Castle

Overview

Watermouth Castle is a striking Victorian country house built in the style of a medieval fortress, located near Ilfracombe in north Devon, England. Constructed between 1825 and 1845 for the Bassett family, the castle combines Gothic Revival architecture with castellated grandeur, reflecting the 19th-century fashion for romanticised medievalism. Though never a defensive structure, its battlements, towers, and turrets were designed to evoke the appearance of a Norman stronghold overlooking the Bristol Channel. Today, Watermouth Castle is a Grade II listed building* and serves as a family entertainment attraction and museum.

Early history

The Bassett family were long-established landowners in Devon, with records tracing their lineage back to the medieval period. By the early 19th century, the family sought to create a residence that would symbolise their heritage and social status. Joseph Davie Bassett commissioned the new house around 1825, replacing an earlier manor on the site. His vision — part fortress, part stately home — was inspired by the Romantic movement, which idealised chivalric and medieval architecture as expressions of lineage and tradition.

Building and layout

Designed in the Gothic Revival style, Watermouth Castle was constructed of local grey stone with crenellated parapets, corner towers, and mock arrow slits. The plan forms a large quadrangle enclosing a central courtyard. The main façade, facing the sea, is dominated by twin round towers and a grand arched entrance. Internally, the rooms were arranged with the main family apartments on the upper floors and service areas below. Decorative details such as vaulted ceilings, heraldic motifs, and pointed arches emphasised its medieval character while concealing modern conveniences of the age.

Later history

The Bassett family occupied Watermouth Castle until 1942, when the estate was sold following financial difficulties. During the mid-20th century, the castle served various purposes, including wartime accommodation and later a private residence. In the 1970s, the castle was transformed into a family theme attraction, incorporating a museum, gardens, and amusements while preserving the building’s historic core.

Present condition

Today, Watermouth Castle remains one of Devon’s most distinctive Gothic Revival landmarks. Its exterior retains the full dramatic silhouette envisioned by Joseph Davie Bassett, while the interiors contain period furnishings, family memorabilia, and displays interpreting Victorian life. The castle’s coastal location, with sweeping views over Watermouth Cove, enhances its romantic character. Though never a true fortress, Watermouth Castle stands as a testament to the 19th century’s fascination with medieval imagery and as a well-preserved example of the picturesque revival of the castle tradition in English domestic architecture.