Youlston Park

Youlston House, Shirwell, Devon, 19th-century engraving with caption: "Goulson [sic], Devonshire, the seat of Sir A. Chichester, Bart., to whom this plate is respectfully inscribed by the publishers". Drawn therefore during tenure by either Sir Arthur Chichester, 7th Baronet (succeeded 1808, died 1842) or Sir Arthur Chichester, 8th Baronet (succeeded 1842, died 1898)

Youlston Park also known as Youlston House is a privately owned 17th-century mansion house situated at Shirwell, near Barnstaple, North Devon. It is a Grade I listed building. The parkland is Grade II listed in the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

The mediaeval origins of the house including a detached Hall and a kitchen block were incorporated into the new house built in the late 17th century by Sir Arthur Chichester, 3rd Baronet (d.1718), Member of Parliament for Barnstaple, who died in 1718. (He was a younger son of the first of the Chichester baronets.)

The south facing two storeyed entrance front has seven bays, two of which are set within each of the gabled projections to the east and west. The entrance porch supported by four classical columns sits within the western projection. A recessed wing of seven bays adjoins to the west. The rear domestic wing carries an octagonal bell turret and clock dial.

There are many fine 17th- and 18th-century internal features.

In 1872 the mansion sat within its own park and estate of some 7000 acres

The present owner (as at 2011) who bought the house in 2001, offers the accommodation on short term holiday lets.

External links

• Archives of Chichester of Shirwell, North Devon Record Office, 1478M