The Grotto

The grotto and rock garden, to the South East of the Mansion, is a Grade 2 picturesque feature within the 17-acre grounds at Oldway.

Designed by Frederick W. Meyer and built with leading nurserymen, Robert Veitch and Son. Meyer used over one thousand tons of natural limestone for the Grotto and rockery, some of which came from his own rock garden at Abbotsbury, Newton Abbot.

The Grotto features a cave formed by what appears to be massive rocks, from which descends a small stream of water feeding the Lily pool. The massive rocks are an illusion, and are a series of stones weighing around one ton and joined together in such a way that they appear united.

This hidden garden was intended as a tranquil retreat, tucked behind a ridge and separate from the more formal parts of the estate and was a smaller version of the one in Verseilles.

The Ram pump which was installed at the time to pump the water to the rockery and pond still works today some 125 years later and is highly efficient and very eco friendly.

The severe storms that hit Devon in January 2026 caused significant damage to this fragile historic feature. The Grotto, which had been fenced off due to years of deterioration, was further impacted by high winds and torrential rain. A large Monterey Pine tree also fell onto the exposed rockwork, causing additional damage.

The Council acted quickly to make the area safe and remove several dangerous trees. A detailed structural assessment was completed, and the Grotto has been carefully dismantled stone by stone.

The Council together with the Oldway Gardens Group remains committed to preserving and restoring this important part of Oldway's heritage for future generations.