Overbeck’s Museum & Garden
The house
Overbeck’s, originally called ‘Sharpitor’, was built by Mr and Mrs George Medlicott Vereker.
Unfortunately, the Verekers enjoyment of their new home soon came to an end when Great Britain declared war on Germany on the 3 August 1914.
Sadly, their second son was killed at Mons, Belgium on the 25 August 1914. In memory of him, Mr and Mrs Vereker offered their new home to the Red Cross Society to be used as a Voluntary Aid Hospital for the treatment of convalescent British and Allied Troops.
After the war, the house was bought by Otto Overbeck, an accomplished inventor, linguist, and art collector.
His most successful invention was the ‘electrical rejuvenator’ which is on display in the museum.
Nowadays. the museum is mainly dedicated to natural history, with collections of eggs, butterflies, beetles, shells and stuffed birds.
Subtropical garden
But most people visit this National Trust property to admire the luxuriant subtropical garden.
Clinging to a cliff-top above the Salcombe Estuary in South Devon, this sub-tropical garden paradise has unusual plants from all around the world.
The views from the garden over the estuary and coast are truly amazing!
Walking
We enjoyed a wonderful 4,5-mile circular walk starting at Overbeck’s.
We first walked inland towards East Soar. Then we walked along the South West Coast Path towards Bolt Head. The views of the Salcombe Estuary are breathtakingly beautiful.
You could also start at East Soar and walk towards Overbeck’s.
This 1,2-mile linear walk takes you along the runway of what used to be RAF Bolt Head. With panoramic views of the South Hams coast and countryside.
If you like a challenge, then you should start in Bigbury and walk along the South West Coast Path towards Salcombe.
This 14-mile linear walk offers spectacular views as the Path passes through fields above beautiful sandy coves, all part of the South Devon AONB.
Cool Places to Explore: Salcombe | Plymouth | Dartmoor National Park | Hope Cove | Dartmouth.
