Our second ‘free day’ gave us time to re-explore Babbacombe where the hotel is situated. The weather had taken a turn for the worst but we weren’t going to let that spoil our day.
So first thing, we set off down to Oddicombe beach via the funicular railway (www.babbacombecliffrailway.co.uk). At only £2.90 return it’s well worth taking a ride on this historic transport. Once at the bottom we walked along towards Babbicombe beach. A small waterfall and some dogs playing in the sea added interest. Unfortunately, it started to rain so we headed back to the hotel for lunch.
After a little post-lunch snooze, we awoke to the sun shining. Refreshed we set off over Walls Hill downs, through the woods and along to the pretty Anstey’s Cove. We encountered a grey squirrel on the way and returned via the main road to go for another ice cream at Scoopy Doo’s Ice Cream Parlour.
Todays flavours: Ian – Blackcurrant & Cream, Laurie – Salted Caramel (again)
The owner told us about a lovely park nearby which turned out to be an absolute gem! Lovely wild flowers, tended lawns, peace and quiet (no children allowed) and a very friendly squirrel!
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Tessier Gardens
At the Stanley Road end of Tessier Gardens apartments now stand on the site of a house named ‘Carrigbawn’, the residence of Mr and Mrs Tessier.
Mr Tessier’s family descendants operated a family jewellery business in Mayfair, London. Although any connection with the business ceased in 1877 the business continues to trade under the name ‘Tessier’ to this day.
Due to Mr Tessier’s health Mr and Mrs Herbert Tessier moved into ‘Carrigbawn’, Stanley Road, Babbacombe in 1903. Mrs Tessier’s mother Eliza lived with them. Eliza died on August 4th, 1921. In 1906 Mr and Mrs Tessier purchased the three acres of land between Stanley Road and Babbacombe Road to ensure any buildings would not overlook them. The gardens at this time contained a well maintained lawn, kitchen garden, arbours covered in roses and two glass houses. In one of the greenhouses Mr and Mrs Tessier cultivated chrysanthemums and dahlias which they exhibited at ‘ horticultural shows at St Marychurch Town Hall and Cary Castle. Mr and Mrs Tessier often opened their garden for charitable causes. The abundant supply of strawberries ensured that friends and visitors to the charity events held within the gardens could enjoy strawberry and cream teas. The last garden party held was on behalf of the Primrose League. The Primrose buds, dressed up as flowers, danced around the arbours. Unfortunately some apples were stolen and cucumber frames damaged. This culminated in the end of the garden parties. Mr Tessier was a prominent member of the community who gave thirty two years of service to All Saints Church, Babbacombe. Mr Tessier was also clerk to the managers at Babbacombe Church of England School, a county councillor, Justice of the Peace, President of Babbacombe Regatta committee, member of the Fanciers Society and St Marychurch Horticultural Society.
Mrs Tessier donated Tessier Gardens to Torquay Town Council in 1933. The deeds to the gardens were formally handed to the Mayor Mr W Dennis Thomas, Chairman of Parks and Pleasure Grounds Committee on Friday October 23rd, 1933. Due to inclement weather the ceremony was held at St Marychurch Town Hall instead of Tessier Gardens. The Sun Temple built in 1933 in recognition of Mrs Tessier’s donation of the garden contains an inscription recording the gift.
One of the covenants states that the gardens were to be for the use of ‘adults’ only.
Mrs Tessier died in 1940 and Mr Tessier in 1942, aged 82.