A La Ronde stands as one of England's most distinctive historic houses, built around 1796 by two remarkable cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter. The house's unusual sixteen-sided design is believed to have been inspired by the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy, which the cousins visited during their extensive European Grand Tour-an unusual undertaking for women of their era. Jane Parminter, born in Lisbon in 1750, was the daughter of a Devon merchant involved in the wine trade. After her father's death in 1784, she embarked on a journey across Europe with her sister Elizabeth, their orphaned cousin Mary, and a friend, visiting France, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland. This remarkable adventure profoundly influenced their architectural and artistic vision. The interior of A La Ronde showcases the cousins' exceptional artistic talents, featuring intricate decorations crafted from souvenirs collected during their travels. The house contains a remarkable shell gallery, delicate feather friezes, and elaborate paper cuttings-all created by the Parminter cousins themselves. These decorative elements transform the interior into a unique artistic expression of their European experiences. The gardens and grounds surrounding A La Ronde reflect the Parminters' vision of a 'ferme orn�e'-a harmonious blend of ornamental beauty and practical functionality. The estate features a heritage orchard with traditional apple varieties, plums, and medlar trees, reminiscent of the original orchard planted by the Parminters. A wildflower meadow attracts butterflies and provides a serene setting for visitors, while the Bee Garden offers a peaceful space for quiet reflection. Recent archaeological work has uncovered fascinating elements of a lost historic garden, including features such as an urn, obelisk, fountain, and a 'Shellary'-a shell-encrusted structure that echoes the decorative style of the house interior. The ongoing restoration of the perimeter walk around the meadow continues to enhance the visitor experience. After Jane's death in 1811, she was buried in the Point-in-View chapel, a small chapel built on the estate. Mary continued to live at A La Ronde until her death in 1849, and her will stipulated that the property should be inherited only by unmarried female relatives-a condition that remained in effect until 1886. Today, A La Ronde is owned and maintained by the National Trust, preserving the remarkable legacy of these pioneering women and offering visitors a unique glimpse into their extraordinary lives and artistic achievements. The gardens are listed as Grade II on the Historic England Register, recognizing their significance in landscape design history.