Hortus House

11/07/2025

Our new lodger

22/05/2025

We used to live just down the road from Buckfast Abbey when we lived in Totnes 🥹—and I absolutely LOVED hearing the stories of the monks and their miraculous wine.

No one brings these tales to life better than Steven! 🥰 His storytelling is sharp, surprising, witty and always deeply human. If you’re curious about the strange, spirited, and sometimes scandalous 👀 history behind Britain’s drinks, you’ll love what he pours forth.

🍷 Dive into his fascinating new Substack, Past and Curious:
👉 https://stevenparissien.substack.com

And don’t miss his official pages for more:
📸 Instagram:
📘 Facebook: Dr Steven Parissien

Follow along with us 🙏—you’ll never look at your glass the same way again.

02/05/2025

Looking forward to reading all about it Dear Steven!

A tribute to Paul Mellon's impactful generosity in safeguarding Hawksmoor's iconic St George's Church, Bloomsbury. Recently wrote about its rich history and stunning beauty.

A true testament to impactful generosity! 🇬🇧🏛️✍️”

26/04/2025

Meet the mesmerizing Mermaid of Ludlow! This stunning misericord, carved around 1425, is a highlight of the medieval treasures at St Laurence's Church.

19/04/2025

For those of you who feel that passionate link with the past, our dear friend, the beloved and brilliant Dr Steven Parissien (Oxford's very own!), has just launched a brand new port of call for architectural and cultural history delights.

Steven's unique insights as an author, arts consultant, and cultural historian will definitely inspire those who find magic in history and believe the past enriches the present.

Author of acclaimed works like “Regency Style”, “The Georgian House”, and “Building Britannia”, his highly anticipated new book, 'Another Round?: A Post-War History of Britain in Twelve Drinks', arrives this September – delicious history served with a fascinating twist!

Christopher has shared many a historical adventure with Steven over the years (and I love him because he’s so bloody joyful and hilarious! 😃), and we warmly invite you to join his brand new online community. Let’s all raise a virtual glass to support him! 🥂 Go Steven, GO!

Find his official page here: https://www.facebook.com/DrStevenParissien
And his brand new Substack: “Past and Curious” https://stevenparissien.substack.com/

15/09/2024

Afternoon Autumn light illumnates Hortus' private garden.
We'd love to spoil you and host your Brixham getaway! 🥹

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/bespoke-regency-apartment-attached-parking-brixham

31/08/2024

"Dear Bethany and Chris,

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here at Hortus House, especially the shower which made me think of Angel Falls cascading over us and the bed which felt like being in my mother's arms once more!

The welcome pack was exceptional (and too much for us to consume!). When we discovered (no, I didn't read the list) there was no TV, we found our conversation and connection with each other!

Best wishes from us both.

Peter and Valerie"

Why not book your stay at Hortus House, today?

20/08/2024

Catching time 🕰

There a few places in Hortus House that just catch random and ancient objects, much of what this bowl holds comes from within the House and garden.

An early 19th century bowl atop a 17th century table in the afternoon sunlight.