The Remarkable Renovation of Rockbeare Manor

Ten Years Since the Renovation of this Historic Devon Landmark

On 18 September 2015, our role as custodians of Rockbeare Manor began.

For over 160 years this elegant estate had been home to the Follett family, whose ancestors first arrived in 1855. Its walls echo with stories of celebrated figures — from Sir William Webb Follett, the “greatest advocate of the century” knighted in 1835, to Brigadier Eric Llewellyn Griffith-Williams, a key figure in the Dunkirk evacuation.

Photo: Rockbeare Manor, taken from a 1930 edition of Country Life Magazine

From Family Home to New Beginnings

In its more recent history, Rockbeare Manor was the much-loved family home of Caroline Griffiths-Williams (a direct descendant of the Follett family) and Gerard Noel, who married at Rockbeare Church on 28 June 1965. Together they raised five children and enjoyed decades of life at the Manor. Yet, as with many stately homes, the relentless upkeep eventually took its toll and in 2013, the estate was placed on the market.

With little interest from buyers, the future of Rockbeare Manor looked uncertain, until a chance introduction between our Founder, Andy Carveth, and the family changed everything. Inspired by its history and classical Regency features, Andy envisioned transforming the Manor into one of Devon’s most beautiful wedding and events venues.

Having already built a strong reputation for operating two other successful wedding and events venues , Rockbeare Manor was set to become the third in the collection for Andy and the team at PM Hospitality.

Photo: Rockbeare Manor, pre-renovation.

Photo: Renovations begin. September 2015.

Bringing Iconic Spaces Back to Life

The Dining Room

Once the heart of the Noel family’s daily life, the Dining Room at Rockbeare Manor has been lovingly restored to its former grandeur. Its centrepiece is a magnificent crystal chandelier which was originally brought from Riddlesworth Hall in Norfolk, another of the family's estates which later became a school, attended by Lady Diana Spencer.

Today, this elegant room serves as one of our key ceremony spaces, where couples exchange vows surrounded by family and friends. By morning, it transforms again, welcoming overnight guests for breakfast at a large oval table, echoing the convivial gatherings of the past.

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The Ballroom

A completely new addition, built over a challenging winter, the Ballroom became the key to welcoming larger wedding parties of up to 160 seated guests.

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The Drawing Room

Adorned with a rare 1920s trompe l’oeil created by an Exeter theatre company, this once-tired space has been reimagined as a breathtaking bridal preperation suite — the perfect backdrop for a wedding morning.

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The Atrium

Formerly an exposed inner courtyard with a small pond, the Atrium is now a bright, sociable heart of the Manor, crowned by a skylight that floods the space with daylight.

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The Fountain

The old courtyard fountain found a new home on the South Lawns, becoming a striking centrepiece for outdoor gatherings. It's hard to imagine the lawns without it now as it's become the backdrop for many cocktail and canapé receptions.

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The Hallways

The hallways of Rockbeare Manor act as the connective tissue of the house, linking each grand room with a sense of flow and heritage. A number of the original flagstones were damaged beyond repair and so we sourced high quality replacements, to match the character of the building, extending them into the newly built Atrium and Ballroom so old and new blend seamlessly underfoot.

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The Staircase and Landing

The sweeping staircase and its landing are the showpiece of the central hall. Over decades of wear, it required some attention, and so our team carefully repaired, polished and redecorated every inch of this area to further enhance its original elegance.

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Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Above the public spaces lie twelve beautifully appointed bedrooms. Each was reimagined to provide a tranquil retreat, combining high ceilings, period features and modern comforts. From bespoke bathrooms to refined décor, these rooms now offer guests the perfect balance of heritage and luxury.

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The Billiard Room

Even before it's restoration, The Billiard Room was a very striking place. The antique Billiards table, made by Thurstons of London, has been at the heart of the room for around 100 years.  It was made for Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Spencer Follett who inherited Rockbeare Manor in 1914 and lived there until 1940 when he died.

Our idea, was to transform this large, atmospheric room into a luxurious place for the groom and his groomsmen to use on the morning of a wedding.  With its intimate lighting and dark grey tones, it provides a stylish, peaceful retreat to enjoy throughout the day.

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Milestones Along the Way

Every great love story begins with a moment in time… and ours started with receiving the keys to Rockbeare Manor. From heartfelt renovations to our very first wedding and the unveiling of twelve luxurious bedrooms, this timeline captures the journey of sensitive restoration and transformation.

Photo: Aimee and Andy (Directors of PM Hospitality) pictured with Gerard Noel, who lived at Rockbeare Manor until 2015. 

Looking Back — and Ahead

Renovating Rockbeare Manor was a whirlwind of dedication and detail. We’re deeply grateful to every couple, guest and team member who’s been part of our story so far. Together we’ve transformed an at-risk estate into a vibrant, welcoming space filled with love and celebration.

Here’s to the next decade of weddings, events and memories at Rockbeare Manor.

Thinking about your own celebration?

Visit our  weddings page  or events page or call 01392 797444 — we’d love to show you around.