Huntsman's Pool

Built in 1898 opposite Seaton Junction Station it was originally a hotel with a public bar. Danny and Betty Brown owned it between 1982 and 1985 and in 1982 it burnt down and was rebuilt by them during 1983. Other landlords/owners were 1902 William Hayward Wilkins, 1910 Henry Thomas Weeks and 1914 and 1923 Harry Edward Hewes. A John Burgum also owned it for a time, possibly prior to the Browns. Planning was approved in March 2008 for conversion to five residential units after 3 previous applications had been refused.

The London and South Western Railway opened 'Colyton for Seaton' station on 19 July 1860. Architecture was standardised on a Gothic design produced by Sir William Tite. Whilst based on the same fundamental design, variation always existed between the station buildings. Extending from the building’s southern façade was an attractive flat-roofed canopy, 60-feet in length, supported upon four cast-iron stanchions. When the Seaton & Beer Railway opened in March 1868 the name was changed to 'Colyton Junction' and then 'Seaton Junction' on 18 July 1869. Starting in 1927 the station was substantially redesigned by Southern Railway with changes to platforms and canopies. Around this time on the up platform emerged the buildings of Express Dairies, which opened a milk processing plant beside the station, partly visible on the right of the photo. From 1955 the Southern Region started cosmetic refurbishment of the stations resulting in the main building being subjected to an all-over crème paint scheme. The branch line closed on 7th March 1966, the station ceasing to passenger traffic on the same date. Goods traffic ceased in the April but facilities were still maintained for Express Dairies until about 1973. All structures upon the down platform were removed but the platform left in situ. By April 1989, the crème finish of the main building had mostly gone but the main entrance doors had been restored. The British Railways Board (BRB (Residuary) Ltd.) sold the main buildings to a developer in November 2008 (probably the same one that bought the Shute Arms Hotel) and in Oct 2010 and again in May 2014 planning was approved for two dwellings.

Good evening sunshine

Colyton Fire Station, South Street, Colyton, Devon.

The tailrace from Lexhayne Mill, now a residence, with the next leat to Colcombe Castle blocked off with bits of old corrugated iron. Looking south-south-east towards Colcombe

Looking north towards the station site - trains no longer stop here; the footbridge which once crossed at least four tracks is visible on the left of the image. The footpath runs near the route of the now vanished branch to Seaton

The Church of St Andrew dates from Norman times. Its lantern tower is one of only three in the country and was used to guide ships up the River Axe Estuary. The interior of the church is well worth a visit.

This is road junction at Seaton Junction. The railway bridge is just behind the photographer.

View across farmland and the Axe Valley.

Northern terminus of the Seaton Tramway. The Tramway has been built along much of the former Southern Railway Branch line to Seaton. Tourist website at Link

Easy Bridge over the Umborne Brook.

Over the bridge, which crosses the Umborne Brook, the lane to the left runs on to Colyton. Watchcombe is reached by turning right