CONTACT
Tel: 01392 439 000
Email: home@southernhayhouse.com
Southernhay House Hotel
36 Southernhay East
Exeter, EX1 1NX
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History
SH in Exeter
As Daniel Defoe said, visiting Exeter in the 18th century, “‘tis full of gentry and good company, and yet full of trade and manufacturers also.”
The Georgian terraces of Southernhay lie at the heart of the bourgeoise city. While Southernhay House stands out because of its detached grandeur, the main terraces were the work of two local builders from 1789 onwards: William Hooper and Matthew Nosworthy, whose portrait hangs on the first floor at Southernhay House.
We like the fact that the terraces were built by the middle class builders who were destined to live in them, together with the staff, the doctors, lawyers and artisans who looked after them. Between 1800 and 1840, the city doubled in size.
In 2021, Exeter was again the fastest growing city in England, its population increasing by almost a fifth.
Captain William Kirkpatrick 1754-1812
THE FIRST OWNER OF SOUTHERNHAY HOUSE
William enjoyed a stellar career in the East India Company, which he joined in 1771. He was promoted to Captain by the time he was 27 and Major at 36. In 1793, William was despatched as envoy to Nepal to mediate between the Nepalese, Tibetans and Chinese; his facility for languages lead to his nickname “the Orientalist”. The first European to reach Nayakote, where the Nepalese Rajahs then held court, William mapped his journey: an original etching of the route hangs in reception at Southernhay House, with William’s portrait.
Why Exeter?
William’s personal life was complicated, as was the case for many gentlemen of the time. In India, William had become close to Sir John Kennaway (1758-1836), part of an ancient and still strong Devon family. On leave from India in 1784 with his two Anglo-Indian children, William spent a happy month with the Kennaway family at their home, Escot House near Exeter. The memory lingered when the time came to retire: William’s sweet correspondence with John is captured on the lighted bar window at Southernhay House.
There's more to Explore
BOUTIQUE SHOPS
If you’re after a taste of South West eccentricity and beauty, Exeter is the place to stop and shop. With a treasure trove of antiques, modern independent boutiques, bespoke jewellery and county classics - there’s something for everyone. Oh, and we have an Apple Store and John Lewis too!
Historic Houses
Southernhay House is not the only building bursting with historic character in or near Exeter. Strolling through the city streets, you will find quirky homes dating back to Tudor times, all circled within our Roman walls. And, of course, at the heart of the city stands our Gothic Cathedral, the present building dating from 1114.
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TIDAL LIFE
In the past, goods were landed and traded right on Exeter’s Quayside.
Now it’s a centre for leisurely antique shopping, kayaking and coffees. From the Quay the river runs down to classy Topsham with it’s Dutch-influenced streets. Strike further afield for the British seaside experience to Victorian Exmouth: sea bathing and surfing are the story here.
UNIVERSITY CITY
Exeter University is in the Russell Group and one of the top 1% of universities globally. It's campus is a 40 minutes’ walk from Southernhay House Hotel and 20 minutes by car. We are the perfect base for parents looking for accommodation near to Exeter University.