Trewornan Manor
Wadebridge, Cornwall, United Kingdom
Reviewed by
Melissa Burfitt
To quote the great Kevin McCloud, “The best homes are autobiographical.” But what if you’re the biographer and it’s the building’s story that needs telling? Dating back to 1211, Trewornan Manor is one of the oldest houses in the country, and one of Cornwall’s most significant. So, after purchasing it in a dilapidated state, new owners Paul and Lesley were faced with the immense task of unearthing its past while also writing its newest chapter.
With support from English Heritage, they delicately coerced the Grade II* listed estate into the 21st Century - and their attention to detail is impeccable. Original wood panelling and Lewis and Wood wallpaper now sit alongside emperor beds and rainfall showers - and in one bedroom you can still see where an 18th-century bride excitedly scratched her new signature into a window pane using her engagement ring. In the guest lounge, Paul built the coffee table using slate from the garden, and chose authentic Farrow & Ball shades to frame the crackling fire. We loved it.
With support from English Heritage, they delicately coerced the Grade II* listed estate into the 21st Century - and their attention to detail is impeccable. Original wood panelling and Lewis and Wood wallpaper now sit alongside emperor beds and rainfall showers - and in one bedroom you can still see where an 18th-century bride excitedly scratched her new signature into a window pane using her engagement ring. In the guest lounge, Paul built the coffee table using slate from the garden, and chose authentic Farrow & Ball shades to frame the crackling fire. We loved it.
Highs
- Seven really beautiful bedrooms with emperor-sized beds, nespresso machines and homemade treats
- Great value for the level of luxury provided
- 25 acres of grounds including pretty gardens, a water meadow and woodlands; bring binoculars for bird watching
- Adults only, and the whole vibe is relaxation. Enjoy long lie ins and lazy breakfasts
- Close to Padstow, Rock, Polzeath and Watergate Bay for lovely beaches and fine-dining restaurants
Lows
- Breakfast is the only meal provided, and you’ll have to drive to the nearest restaurant
- Lundy and Harlyn lack the other rooms' grand proportions, though they are great value and certainly don't feel cramped
- Fairly close to the road and you can hear traffic from some rooms, but it's hardly a thoroughfare
- No check-in until 4pm
Best time to go
Any time of year would work. We arrived on a rainy blustery night in March and were instantly restored by the guest lounge's roaring fire. In the morning, springtime crocuses, bluebells, daffodils and primroses greeted us from under the garden's 800-year-old yew tree. And, of course, summer by the sea is heaven.
Our top tips
From the historic owners losing Trewornan to Cromwell (the cellar has never been found, and there’s a suspicion it was hidden with their riches buried inside) to the 18th-century bride's signature, this old house has many stories to tell - ask Paul if you want to hear more.