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This is one of those rare and fabulous English houses that has been many different things in its long life. It began as a Cistercian abbey in the mid-1200s but eventually became the home of one of England’s greatest seafarers – Sir Francis Drake. Yet despite Drake’s fame the house itself is not nearly as well known as it should be.

In 1539 Henry VIII evicted the monks, took possession of the house and two years later sold it to Sir Richard Grenville, who began the work of converting the monastic buildings. This work was more or less completed by his grandson, also Sir Richard. The second Sir Richard inserted three floors into the huge vaulted interior, so he could use the church as a house, but enough space was left for his great hall, which remains remarkably unaltered to this day. The fireplace is dated 1576.

Sir Francis Drake bought the house in 1580 and it remained in his family – two 18th-century Drakes were admirals – until the early 19th century. Drake planned his defeat of the Spanish Armada here, so it is perhaps fitting that the house is now home to the Drake Naval, Folk and West Country Museum. Drake’s own drum is still in the house. The abbey’s original tithe barn, at 49m (160ft) long, one of the biggest in the country to survive – is just a few yards from the house.

SECRETS

BUCKLAND ABBEY, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6EY (nationaltrust.org.uk). 01822 853607. Open: mid-Feb–mid-Dec generally 11.00–16.30; restrictions Mar, Nov, Dec; mid-Mar–Oct 10.30–17.30. Price: Abbey, garden and estate: adult £8.05, child £4.05, family £20.20.

While you’re there

Visit FINCH FOUNDRY, Sticklepath, Devon 01837 840046. The last remaining water-powered forge in England.

Secret place to stay

LEWTRENCHARD MANOR HOTEL, Okehampton (lewtrenchard.co.uk). 01566 783222. Jacobean manor in a hidden valley.

Buckland Abbey’s distinctive tower reveals the building’s religious origins.