"Richard Huyshe's will proves his affinity to the Huyshes of Doniford and Sand..." and it is pleasing to note that the property at Sand is still in Huyshe hands.
The Huyshe connection with Sand dates from 1560-61 when Henry Huyshe of Lud Huyshe (Rodhuish) and Doniford in Somerset bought the property. It had been recorded from earlier times as being granted to William de Saunde and his son in the reign of Henry II. Since 1561 however the property has remained in Huyshe hands, although it has not been in continuous occupation by the family. The present owner is Lt. Col. P.V. Huyshe who inherited the property through his uncle, Rowland Huyshe II on condition that he changed his name from Patrick Vere Huyshe Swan. Col. Huyshe was granted Royal Licence to assume and bear the arms of Huyshe in 1975.
Rowland II died in 1950 and is described as the restorer of Sand. The earlier Rowland came to Sand in 1592 and is credited with the rebuilding of the house, completed 1594, although some parts have been dated as at least 100 years older. Essentially, the house is now much as it was then, the major exception being the loss, possibly through fire, of the chapel and part of the NW wing soon after 1834. The present owners have continued to maintain and improve the property, which is occasionally open to the public - usually the Spring and Summer Bank Holidays.
Among the historical events associated with the house, perhaps the most dramatic is the arrest of William Allen, a Cromwellian officer, who with his brother officer John Vernon, was a son-in-law of James Huyshe, they having married his daughters Mary and Anne. Allen's growing disillusionment with the cause led to his arrest while in his bed at Sand. This event is recorded both in the Sand guidebook and that of the Loughwood Meeting House at Dalwood near Axminster (National Trust). My correspondent Frank Huish had traced the contemporary records concerning 'Adjutant Allen' among the Thurloe State Papers and I was happy to convey copies on his behalf to Col. Huyshe.
The house contains a fascinating collection of Huish documents, early photographs of the property, and heraldic material in stained glass, records and shields. The major documents have been deposited in the Devon Record Office where they have been catalogued. A genealogical table starting with William the Conqueror has recently been brought up to date. Apart from the main house, the 'large outbuilding' has quite recently been ascertained to be the remains of a Medieval Hall House. The carved roof trusses and wind braces are particularly impressive. The gardens, and the views from them, are another feature of the property and anyone with an interest in Huish history is recommended to make the effort of discovering the opening dates and make a visit.