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The Devon architect Thomas Lee built Arlington in 1822 for Colonel John Chichester, whose family had owned the estate since the middle of the 14th century. But what is most remarkable about this relatively little-known house is that the living rooms are almost exactly as Lee left them more than 150 years ago. Much of the furniture we see today was made specifically for the house by a Barnstaple furniture maker and each piece is still in the place it was made for.

Arlington also gets its special atmosphere from the extraordinary amount of clutter lying around in the house, most of it collected by Miss Rosalie Chichester, who was born in the house in 1865 and lived there until her death in 1949. Miss Chichester – a relative of round-the-world sailor Sir Francis Chichester – collected vast numbers of model sailing ships, pictures of ships, shells, candle snuffers, and much more. She filled the house with caged birds but allowed only the parrots to fly around at will. Rosalie introduced Shetland ponies and Jacob sheep to the grounds, and their descendants can be seen roaming there today. A wonderful collection of horse-drawn carriages is housed in the stable block.

SECRETS

ARLINGTON COURT, near Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4LP (nationaltrust.org.uk). 01271 850296. Open: House and Carriage Museum mid Mar–Oct 11.00–15.00. Limited access Feb, Nov, Dec. Price: adult £8.30, child £4.10, family £21, family (1 adult) £13.10. Gardens and Carriage Museum only: adult £6.30, child £3.10.

While you’re there

Visit DUNSTER CASTLE, Dunster, near Minehead, Somerset (nationaltrust.org.uk). Just short of 40 miles away and a drive through Exmoor National Park, this ancient site was remodelled in Victorian times and is still impressive.

Secret place to stay

YEO DALE, Barnstaple (yeodalehotel.co.uk). A splendid Georgian-fronted house.

The Regency house of Arlington Court is set in 19th-century gardens.