Colonel William Hatchard-Smith - Blue Plaque

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Colonel William Hatchard-Smith designed over 50 buildings in Budleigh during the 1920s and 1930s, including the Public Hall.


The buildings he designed have a significant impact on the way that Budleigh Salterton looks today and are notable for their good design and high-quality construction.  


William Hatchard-Smith became a partner in his father’s business and in 1929 was commissioned to build ‘Watch Hill’, a large manor house in Cricketfield Lane, Budleigh Salterton. The house was built for millionaire Blake Thompson who was William’s father-in-law, and later William and his wife Margaret would live there themselves.


In 1986 Watch Hill was used for filming some scenes of the Miss Marple film ‘Sleeping Murder’. Today, the whole 9 bedroom house is currently available to rent as a holiday home.


William had an office in Budleigh Salterton town from 1924 and designed many other buildings in the area.


William spent his last few years in the St Cecilia’s Nursing Home, but continued to make frequent visits to his home at nearby Watch Hill. 


He died at the age of 100 on 9th October 1987, and Watch Hill was sold a year after his death.

 

References:

ova.org.uk

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