Built by eccentric architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1976, it was known at the time as "a home for fallen buildings".
That means people from the real world, people who have survived great disadvantage like Alan Johnson and David Blunkett, those who come from a background outside politics like the Totnes GP Sarah Wollaston, and even the eccentric grandee Sir Peter Tapsell.
The story of the neglected son of the flamboyant and eccentric Edwardian painter, Sir William Nicholson, who made it big while simultaneously abandoning a succession of wives and mistresses, may look like promising tabloid material, but viciousness had little to do with it.
The labour of love of eccentric English aristocrat Sir Stewart Gore-Brown, it is approached down a long, tree-lined drive, flanked by farm buildings, settlements and workers houses, giving it the air of an old feudal domain.
Often compared to eccentric Virgin Group chairman Sir Richard Branson, Fernandes, 50, is known for his casual style, often seen wearing jeans and a baseball cap.
Especially memorable is the account of his eccentric and dominating father, Sir George Sitwell, whom he succeeded as the 5th baronet in 1943.
Where Lord Olivier was known for his physical daring and Richardson had a gift for eccentric characterization, it was Sir John who elevated language.
Yale University Press and Bard have published a 448-page catalog with 16 essays, including one by Mr. Mowl and another by David Watkin, who writes about Beckford's relationship with the eccentric neo-Classical English architect Sir John Soane, one of Beckford's few friends.
If Sir George was merely eccentric and remote, Lady Ida was all too horribly present.
