I started working for the Landmark Trust in 1992 after the previous housekeeper and friend, Dorothy Orchard, retired. She was very enthusiastic and took great pride in The College. When the vacancy arose I jumped at the chance. My children had reached school age, which meant I had the time to take on the role. I am currently in my 23rd year working for the Trust. My husband, Merv, is now the Gardener at The College.
The College was the first School in Week St Mary. It’s founder was a lady named Dame Thomasine Percival. Born in Week St Mary, Thomasine moved to London and worked as a servant girl before marrying her employer who was a wealthy merchant. When her husband died and Thomasine went onto marry twice more. It was after her third husband died that she decided to build a school in Week St Mary in 1506.
It is a pleasure to help maintain and care for The College so others can also enjoy it. The unique granite doorways are stunning and welcoming as is the spacious sitting room with the large granite open fireplace. My favourite room is the twin bedroom. It’s light and spacious with two windows; one looks out over the front of the house and the other over the meadow with Dartmoor in the distance.
The early morning sun fills the bedroom. A local farmer grazes his cattle in the meadow in the summer months. We also have a nosey badger who often visits the garden late at night.
The visitors like the peace and tranquillity of The College and many enjoy walking the local footpaths. As we are only a few miles away from the coast the beaches and coastal walks are also very popular.
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