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Hidden along narrow wooded country lanes, then entered courtesy a medieval pathway, is an atmospheric granite stone Cornish property built by the Godolphin family. The family made their wealth courtesy the surrounding land which was mineral rich in tin and copper. However, once political power from the royal court beckoned, the grounds and buildings then became a tenant farm holding.
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The colonnaded appearance of Godolphin house creates an imposing impression.
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Whilst the courtyard and remaining walls hint at the vast scale of the original layout.
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A medieval Bee Bole and Skep
In 1650 Godolphin house was the largest and most fashionable house built in Cornwall. Sadly we were unable to venture into the house as it is only open on selected dates each year. However, as we wandered around the lost medieval gardens, now adorned with wild flowers, barns and estate outbuildings, there was a palpable sense of a history lost pervading the air.
After exploring the area we enjoyed a caffè latte together with a delicious homemade chocolate brownie in what had once been the "piggery" before venturing further afield to the Cornish estate of Trelissick
Trelissick's prominent peninsula position offers far reaching and impressive views from both the garden, and the house. The mild marine climate allows the garden to host a collection of tender and exotic plants.
The wider countryside made up of parkland and woodlands are managed to promote rare habitats for wildlife.
Love this Cornish slate wall - sometimes made using a herringbone design.
Adieu from Cornwall
Love all the beautiful floral photos, the slate wall, and the medieval bee bole and skep!
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DeleteWhat lovely places to visit on what looks to be a sunny day. In Daphne du Maurier's novel Frenchman's Creek, the main protagonist is Lord Godolphin. I wonder if she took the name from this estate and what her connection to it was. It looks to be a place of intrigue and mystery.
ReplyDeleteThe gardens at Trelissick are beautiful - I especially like that slate wall.
This corner of Cornwall is very mild as a result of the Gulf Stream which is also why there are so many sub- tropical gardens in the area.
DeleteWhen Daphne due Maurier moved to live in Cornwall it is well known that she soaked up the atmosphere of Cornwall’s wild countryside so that its places, people and unique inspirations materialise in her work. I am sure that is why she used the name Godolphin, and how interesting that you should have made that connection.
Beautiful place. Especially at this time of year with nature at it's best. Was out today enjoying the bluebells, wild garlic, and flowering shrubs in a local gorge. A fantastic time of year to visit places outdoors in the UK.
ReplyDeleteI wish that time would stand still so that I can continue to soak up this magical time here for longer.
DeleteI am pleased that you have been out enjoying the bluebells, the wild garlic and flowering shrubs too.
The path leading to the fantastic Cornish property is like leading out of a fairy tale.
ReplyDeleteAmazing building and the surrounding nature with the mild marine climate is in full bloom.
It reminds me a lot of the climate and fauna of Corfu (Greek island).
Thanks so much for the photos and info!
Glad that you enjoyed seeing the property Katerina.
DeleteFirst photo is intriguing to me as one wonders what's beyond.
ReplyDeleteThe flowers are beautiful in the garden also lovely scenery.
The pathway takes you through the woods until the outskirts of the property and its estate are reached.
DeleteAmazing photos. I love the strange Godolphin House.
ReplyDeleteIt took me by surprise when I first came across it.
DeleteHello, Rosemary. A lovely visit at such a right time and weather of May! Walking through the bluebell woods is one of my longings. I love the architectural style and beauty of Godolphin House, and the Cornish slate wall, too. I have an attachment to granite stone. Granite stone is mainly called “Mikage-ishi” (for stonework) despite its proper stone name “kako-gan” in Japanese. The kako-gan from the Mount Rokko backside of Mikage, my hometown, is called “mikage-ishi, which was often used for stone walls surrounding a estate in Mikage. I like it as kitchen worktops.
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Hello Yoko - thank you for telling me about the slate found in your home town. I too like the use of slate within the home. In a previous house I had a slate fireplace made of slate found in the English Lake District, which was a lovely blue/green colour, and in my current home the windowsill in the conservatory are also made of slate.
DeleteGodolphin House is indeed intriguing and different from many English stately homes. I love the bee bole too. It is my understanding that one line of my ancestral family came from Cornwall - what a lovely place it is.
ReplyDeleteReally lovely to hear from you Patricia - Cornwall is a delightful county which I am sure you would love.
DeleteBetween 1815 and 1920 many thousands of people emigrated (moved) from Cornwall to seek a better life. Some went to different parts of Britain, while others moved overseas to countries like the USA, Australia and South Africa. As a result of the Great Emigration, there are now more than six million people of Cornish descent around the world.
A boat called the Empress of China, built in Padstow, Cornwall, took hundreds of Cornish emigrants to Australia.
Beautiful photographs from your visit to Cornwall.
ReplyDeleteIsn't the slate wall amazing.
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan - yes, it is an attractive feature often seen scattered around the Cornish landscape.
DeleteSo beautiful! I love every picture!
ReplyDeleteTitti
Thank you Titti for your very kind comment💚
DeleteYou took wonderful photos. Thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteI love interesting buildings. The Godophin House has a wonderful atmosphere, as do the magnificent gardens.
A cheerful greeting comes to you from Viola
Greetings to you too Viola and thank you for your visit.
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