Photo by kind permission of Dries Raeymaekers
An 1878 print of the Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna, which may have inspired the design of A la Ronde.
Built / Designed For: Jane and Mary Parminter
House & Family History: A la Ronde is a unique 16-sided circular cottage orné built in the late 18th century to the designs of two cousins, Mary and Jane Parminter. The cousins had traveled extensively on the continent and, in particular, spent much time in Italy, where they were probably inspired for the design for A la Ronde. The House is focused on a central octagon (probably modeled on the 6th century AD Byzantine Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna; see "Images" section) that is surrounded by eight rooms. A la Ronde is most famous for its shell gallery and feather frieze, which were created by Mary and Jane, together with other handcrafts. In its 200-year history A la Ronde has only had one male owner: The Rev. Oswald Reichel, who owned the House between 1880 and 1923. A la Ronde was purchased in 1991 by the National Trust with the help of a grant of £250,000 from the National Heritage Memorial Fund.
Title: Disintegration of a Heritage: Country Houses and their Collections, 1979-1992, The
Author: Sayer, Michael
Year Published: 1993
Publisher: Norfolk: Michael Russell (Publishing)
ISBN: 0859551970
Book Type: Hardback
House Listed: Grade I
Park Listed: Grade II
Past Seat / Home of: Jane Parminter, 1798-1849. The Rev. Oswald Reichel, 1880-1923.
Current Ownership Type: The National Trust
Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction
House Open to Public: Yes
Phone: 01395-265-514
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Historic Houses Member: No