Overbecks is a small National Trust property at Sharpitor, overlooking Salcombe in the South Hams. The house is Edwardian with a surrounding garden of about seven acres. It is named after it’s last private owner, Otto Overbecks. The house has a small museum, a collection of rather bizarre objects, some of which I’ll try to show you in a few days. The drive down to Overbecks isn’t one that I’d bother with for the house, but the garden is a sub tropical delight, surrounded by woodlands. To get there take the A381 as far as the hill leading down into Salcombe, and then pray that you don’t meet any vehicles along the way. The road goes down steeply with sharp bends big gaps between passing places, cars parked anywhere they can, before it climbs back up around hairpin bends that give you white knuckles. This is coming from a Devon lass, who fearlessly drives narrow, winding lanes in the dark. Of course you might get lucky and not meet a soul! Parking is limited, but we were lucky, so we climbed the last quarter mile up the hill.
Where this view waited.
Through the imposing wooden gate.
And the first of many lovely paths opened up.
But we won’t go down the steps to the lower garden yet, we’ve had a long drive and need some refreshments. This is the view from the café.
I really wanted to sit in the conservatory.
Can you see those legs stretched out between the plants? Well there were two very comfy seats, but every time I went past they were occupied, how rude!
Let’s stretch our legs, gently of course, it’s too warm for dashing about.
The planting is very exotic.
Some lush bark for Meg.
Something blue in the distance, but we’ll check that out later.
I liked the look and feel of the stair rails.
No I’m known for my wonky horizons, but honestly it wasn’t me, the silver pear trees were growing sideways.
There’s one of several lawned areas up on the high garden. I failed to capture the true magenta colour of the gladioli’s, never mind, I can see it in my mind’s eye, and you can see how bright the sun was.
This lass is a lot more calm.
Looking down over the wall there is a small, but very neat box garden.
We walked on down to try to find it, but got waylaid in this sunroom.
Surrounded by the banana garden.
which of course had Datura’s as well. I should make the effort to call them Brugmansia, but is doesn’t roll off the tongue as nicely does it?
I could sit there all day, but there are lots more lovely plants to see, so off I stroll.
Up another flight of steps,
to the highest point and the best view.
Some more exotica on the way down for ice cream, Salcombe Dairy Honeycombe, it would be rude not to.
I still didn’t get to sit in here!
So it’s back down the lane, past the Acer glade.
I probably only strolled a mile and a half around Overbecks, but I think Jo would like it there and happily share the walk. If you come to Devon and like the idea of visiting Overbecks, I’d go on a weekday during school term, the last couple miles of road should be a lot easier.
Lucid Gypsy 
What a lovely place, Gilly! Thank you so much for taking me there. I can just picture you and me sitting there admiring the view. Your photos are superb. 🙂 🙂 Hugs, darlin’. Have a better week!
I enjoy these virtual outings with you Gilly. Eclectic looking collection of plants too.
I couldn’t possibly pick one photograph. They’re all fantastic. They took me on a beautiful stroll through such magnificence. I do think I could see myself on a comfy rattan chair in the atrium. A pity people didn’t allow others to have a try. I enjoyed our visit to Overbecks. I don’t feel tired yet we saw so many things. ~~~ : – ) Great post …. 😎
An absolutely divine stroll behind you, Gilly. Spectacular gardens, flowers, trees, walks, staircases. Love the entry gates. Feels magical The pictures are superb. ❤ ❤ ❤
Wonderful!
Such a lovely garden and one I haven’t been to or heard of – I think a week in south Devon is on the cards for a holiday next year. I haven’t been there since I was 12 years old! Lovely photos Gilly and so exotic looking. I want that conservatory roof!
What a beautiful garden to take a walk! Thank you for taking us there. 🙂
It looks like a wonderful place to visit. Thank you Gilly for the stroll through the many beautiful gardens.
Connie
What a lovely stroll, Gilly! Those gardens are just heavenly. I love all the sun hats in the conservatory. Plenty to choose from. 🙂
Beautiful – but you’ve terrified me about the drive!
Delightful Gilly (and the music kept playing, but I have tracked it down Le loc de Come ) What a charming garden I could almost imagine it was here in the sub tropics, even the sunshine. I love the quirky touches of the rail along the steps and the hats in the conservatory. So much to look at, and a café too…
Many thanks Gilly. Another to add to the ‘must visit’ list!
I enjoyed breathing in all the clean fresh that your walk has taken me. Enjoying the scenes as I walk. Thank you Gilly..
Gorgeous journal. Did you get to the blue gates, or did I miss that part?
Great post about one of my favourite gardens…I took my American friend there last summer and she has just written a blog on Overbecks, Dartington and Coleton Fishacre if you fancy taking a look here’s the link….loads of photos too! https://nanquick.com/2016/05/25/part-two-a-well-spent-week-in-southern-devon-england/
What a rich post, Gilly. Thank you particularly for the bark. But here are a lot more treasures for my soul – the pathways, the views to the sea, the staggering diversity of plant shapes, the stair rails, the statue. Your words are a pleasant guide to the world you offer in the photos. Having negotiated the road in you absolutely deserved a seat in the conservatory!
What a beautiful place .. And such fun to visit and photograph. Thank you 😀
Spectacular, is all I can say. 🙂