Edward Prior blue plaque

This blue commemorative plaque records: The Barn Hotel. Designed in 1896 by the architect Edward Prior as a house, the building is an important example of the Arts and Crafts movement and may well be the first example in Europe of the 'Butterfly' plan for a dwelling. Constructed of local sandstone interspersed with large sea rounded pebbles and granite capped chimneys it was originally thatched with Slapton reed. Following the fire in 1905 it was rebuilt and roofed in slate. Recorded plaque organisation: Exmouth Society.

Edward Prior was an architect active in the late 19th century, known for his contributions to the Arts and Crafts movement; he designed The Barn Hotel, which is significant as potentially the first European example of a 'Butterfly' plan dwelling.