Tetcott Barton and Manor Cottage, Tetcott, Devon
Tetcott Manor House dates from the 16th and 17th centuries with substantial 18th, 19th and 20th century alterations. The house was downgraded from the manor around 1700 when a new brick Tetcott Manor was built immediately to the east in the Baroque style. The old buildings became the home farm. This situation continued until the estate was inherited by the Molesworths of Pencarrow in 1788. The old manor house was turned into a house again in 1935 by Sir John Molesworth-St Aubyn and was later converted into 3 separate houses. A branch of the Arscott family purchased Tetcott in about 1550. Much history and legend surround the life of the Arscotts in this house, including several curious tales concerning their late 18th century jester 'Black John'. They were famous for their skill in hunting which is celebrated in a west country ballad. The Arscott family and their house are said to "epitomise all the ancient Devonshire Squires and their homes".
