Castle Drogo
Set high above the Teign Gorge on the edge of Dartmoor, Castle Drogo is a masterpiece of early 20th-century architecture. Commissioned by the millionaire entrepreneur Julius Drewe and designed by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, the castle is the product of a joint vision which took twenty years to realise. Crafted from local granite, the castle is reminiscent of a stark medieval fortress, complete with battlements, a massive entrance tower with twin octagonal turrets and genuine portcullis. Inside, the interiors appear to have evolved ‘organically’ through the generations. The Entrance Hall and Library recall the keep in Norman castles, the Dining Room evokes the 17th century and the Drawing Room suggests the Georgian period. These are cleverly unified by Lutyens’ use of a limited palette and powerful aesthetic. Despite the austerity of the exteriors, the bedrooms are comfortable and modest in scale with state-of-the-art Edwardian bathrooms. Additional modern services include a custom-built kitchen, working telephones and electricity generated by hydro-turbines in the valley below. Castle Drogo is a testament to the brilliance of Lutyens, the skill of the workforce and Drewe’s vision for his home.
