Penryn Gardens and woodlands are a haven of tranquility. Its ancient buildings have been largely abandoned since the mid-20th century, but are gradually awakening from their long slumber.
The buildings at Penryn Gardens have changed little over time, and bear witness to the history of the place. The centrepiece is of course the Mansion House, a large house built in the 1830s.
The main part of the Mansion House is over two levels featuring a hall with an impressive curved staircase under an overhead lantern that allows natural light to fill the large open hall. In addition to the hall, the ground floor also features three large tall reception rooms (dining room, library and drawing room), and a smaller writing room. The grand portico at the main entrance gives onto a wide carriage sweep, where visitors carriages would have turned before driving back up the main entrance track. The back of the house is a cobbled yard which served the stables and coach house. An unusual feature is the clock tower, believed to be unique on Cornish estates. Strolling through the yard, you can observe the mounting block next to the stables.
The gardens offer a unique, tranquil and unspoilt experience, presenting a wide variety of peaceful garden vistas. It features a number of distinct but linked areas, each with its own individual character, flowing from one theme to another. Within the 30 acre gardens lie the open meadow, where the spring show of bluebells is breathtaking; the ponds, where the waterwheel can be found;The flower garden, a more formal space laid out with borders and flower beds; the elegant broad walk laid out to draw the eye to the thatched shelter at the end of the wide path; the summerhouse, providing a lovely viewing point over the surrounding parkland; the stumpers, a striking display of upturned sweet chestnut roots that resembles a modern sculpture park; a collection of rare Cornish apple trees in the orchard.
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