Pynes' Renovation
In December 2008 Pynes was purchased by Simon and Kirstie Robshaw. Simon Robshaw is a third generation farmer and property developer and grew up in another beautiful country mansion house in Lympstone, Devon. Pynes Mansion is in need of a large amount of restoration work including a new roof and extensive internal refurbishment. Planning permission for the roof has been granted by East Devon District Council and the Historic Houses Association, so work can start soon to make sure that the house is 100% water-tight!
Pynes’ gardens, parkland and outbuildings have already been transformed since the purchase at Christmas 2008. Work has included re-tarmacking the long driveway, repairing and restoring the farmland and house drainage; restoring the pond to working order to encourage natural life to thrive once again. Simon Robshaw has a passion for trees and has planted a great number of new trees and transplanted existing trees to new positions with the help and advice from local expert ecologist, Professor Peter Beale. New hedges and fencing have been put in place to border and divide the parkland and the once run-down outbuildings have been updated to house livestock including chickens, lamb, pigs and cattle. Pynes’ gardens have benefitted from care and pruning of existing plants as well as new planting. In addition, a vegetable plot and fruit orchard has been planted. A new Head Gardener, Dawn Chapman, has been recruited to continue the extensive work in the garden.
Simon Robshaw is used to undertaking large restoration jobs and building and developing successful businesses.