Babbicombe; the Lord Bishop of Exeter. A very handsome Italian villa is just completed in the upper part of a small valley between two hills, with terraced gardens and suitable appendages, all in the same style; the architect, Mr. Gribble of Torquay. We have seldom seen any thing so complete; there is one walk which descends through the grounds to a secluded bay on the rocky shore, and another which ascends to a hill or piece of high open table land or downs covered with short turf, where the fresh breeze may be enjoyed, and from which extensive views are obtained. Before the entrance front of the house there is a mass of rock, which might be exposed in such a manner as to form a feature appropriate to the situation; but it has been earthed up and turfed over. Some broad margins of turf are wanted along the terrace-walls and parapets, to harmonise them with the exterior scenery; but these and other suggestions may easily be carried into effect, if they should be approved of. We found Scilla verna in flower as well as in seed on the downs, owing to the great heat of the summer and the recent rains; a circumstance which, we were afterwards informed by Mr. Gullet, the gardener at Woodbine Cottage, was not unusual. [Bishopstowe was built as a palace of the Bishop of Exeter in 1841-2]
