Museum (The Knowle)

This is a two-storey villa, constructed in 1805 as a gentleman’s residence. It is built of stuccoed walls with a slate roof, featuring a coved eaves cornice and rendered stacks.

The symmetrical garden elevation presents three sash windows with glazing bars above three French windows on the ground floor. A two-storey, single-bay extension projects from the gable end, incorporating a round-headed doorcase with a semi-circular fanlight and a six-panelled door. The Barton Terrace elevation features a doorcase with reeded pilasters and a fanlight containing stained glass. Sections of masonry wall, some with railings, remain around the perimeter of the property.

The interior retains several early 19th century features including a staircase with a mahogany handrail, panelled doors with reeded architraves, moulded cornices, shutters, and fireplaces. A second staircase was added in the later 19th century. Some features have been incorporated as museum exhibits.

Historically, Knowle House was one of several villas built along Barton Terrace, reflecting the growth of Dawlish as a seaside retreat. The property lies adjacent to the leat that formerly supplied the Town Mills and served as a boundary to the garden on its south side. The house was adapted for use as Dawlish Museum in the late 20th century. The building is designated at Grade II for its survival as a good example of an 1805 villa, its retention of notable early 19th-century interior features like fireplaces and joinery, and its group value alongside other listed villas on Barton Terrace.