Historic Gardens & Houses

Poundstock Gildhouse

St. Winwaloe is the parish church of Poundstock, situated in a secluded dell by a small stream. Alongside stands its ancient Gildhouse, now a Grade 1 listed building, the best preserved example in Cornwall of a late medieval church house which has been in continuous use since it was built. Church houses were built with the aim of using them as extensions of the church and the one in Poundstock is contemporary with the late phases of the medieval church building.

Hartland Abbey & Gardens

Only one mile from Hartland Quay, Hartland Abbey lies across a narrow, sheltered valley which winds its way to the spectacular Atlantic Coast. Within a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ visitors may wander around the beautiful gardens and grounds which lead to the rocky cove. Peacocks and guinea fowl roam at will, whilst donkeys and Black Welsh Mountain sheep graze the Old Deer Park.

Prideaux Place

Prideaux Place is one of the very brightest jewels in Cornwall’s crown; one of the West Country’s oldest houses remaining in habitable condition, visually and essentially Elizabethan yet with a wealth of Strawberry Hill Gothic interiors. Fourteen generations of Prideaux have lived here and each generation has added its own contribution to the house and its historic garden.

Pencarrow

Still owned by his descendants, Pencarrow is anything but a museum. Family photos, children’s toys, hats on classical busts and pet dogs Oscar and Sambo bring this Cornish mansion alive and allow you a glimpse of what it’s like to live surrounded by so much history. And please don’t be too surprised at the odd cobweb here or there – after all, this really is a family home.

Lanhydrock (National Trust)

Lanhydrock is the perfect country house and estate, with the feel of a wealthy but unpretentious family home. Follow in the footsteps of generations of the Robartes family, walking in the 17th-century Long Gallery among the rare book collection under the remarkable plasterwork ceiling. After a devastating fire in 1881 the house was refurbished in the high-Victorian style, with the latest mod cons. Boasting the best in country-house design and planning, the kitchens, nurseries and servants’ quarters offer a thrilling glimpse into life ‘below stairs’, while the spacious dining room and bedrooms are truly and deeply elegant

The Old Post Office (National Trust)

Nestling among the modern buildings of Tintagel high street, this unusual and atmospheric 14th-century yeoman’s farmhouse, with a famously wavy roof, beckons the curious to explore. The name dates from the Victorian period when it briefly held a licence to be the letter receiving station for the district.

Clovelly Court Gardens

A classic example of a Victorian walled kitchen garden including magnificent glasshouses sheltering peaches, apricots, melons and grapes. The unique maritime micro-climate also allows the growth of tender and exotic plants. The Victorian glasshouses shelter tender plants and fruits and the herbaceous borders are ablaze with colour all summer.

Open from 1st April to 30th September, 10:00 am – 4:00pm with special arrangements for RHS members in March and October. There is a small admission charge.

And more ….