The future of Exeter’s historic Larkbeare House is still uncertain, despite the a cabinet minister’s decision to put its gardens on a ‘special interest’ list.
Conservation campaigners had hoped the listing would stretch to the house itself as well as its gardens, saying it is a ‘wonderful example’ of a Victorian villa.
But the listing does not include the building, and Devon County Council says it makes no difference to its decision to seek a buyer for the property.
Once used as lodgings for crown court judges, Larkbeare House is off Topsham Road overlooking the Exe and is used as a register office for weddings.
It is one of a number of properties declared ‘surplus to requirements’ by the county council, which says it needs to sell some assets to cut costs.
The council says it will try to honour bookings already made by couples planning to get married there.
At the time the decision was taken, Cllr John Hart (Con, Bickleigh and Wembury) said: “These are financially challenging times, and these are the responsible decisions that we must take to reduce costs, put us on a firmer financial footing, and make us a stronger and more sustainable council.”
Exeter Civic Society has lobbied for the building to be retained, and said the decision by the secretary of state for culture, media and sport, Lisa Nandy, would help safeguard the grounds from potential development.
The gardens have been added to the register of parks and gardens of special historic interest in England.
Chair Keith Lewis said: “We are disappointed that the house and garden structures have not been listed. We will be studying Historic England’s report and considering what more can be done.
“Although the secretary of state does not consider the house of national significance, the society considers it to be a wonderful example of grand villas that dotted Topsham Road with views across the Exe valley towards the Haldon Hills.”
A spokesman said: “The property was declared surplus to requirements and its disposal was approved by cabinet. The listing of the grounds does not alter this decision.”
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