Lanhydrock House and Gardens

The great avenue of sycamores was originally planted in 1648, but few of the original trees remain today. These have been replaced mainly by a double row of beech trees, leading towards the old gatehouse. When Lanhydrock was in its heyday, there was a deer park south of this avenue, but this disappeared towards the end of the 18th century.

As with many gardens, the best time to visit Lanhydrock is when the azaleas are in bloom in the Higher Garden behind the main house. The scent and sight of the flowers is quite overwhelming. But there is something to see whenever one visits these lovely landscaped gardens. The fast-flowing Borlase stream runs from the hillside down towards the house underneath some lovely magnolias of many different varieties. There are a lot of bog plants around the stream. Higher up the hillside are the pretty native woodlands.

Near the edge of these woodlands is the thatched gardenerâ€™s cottage, unoccupied for more than a century but providing a shelter for the wanderer caught in a sudden shower. It commands a great viewpoint above the valley towards Bodmin Moor. The River Fowey flows far below. Many points in the garden overlook the pretty church of St Hydrock.

The lower gardens are far more formal and there are several parterres of bedding plants, interspersed with Irish yews. Several bronze urns have been placed at various focal points in these gardens. The 17th century urns came from a French chateau and were designed by Louis Ballin, the goldsmith to Louis XIV. The formal areas are enclosed by castellated walls, built in the mid 19th century to complement the decoration on the old gatehouse.

Although the original house was built by John Robartes in the first part of the fifteenth century, little remains from that time. A severe fire in 1881 destroyed much of the property so most of the house is late Victorian. It is well worth a visit as it contains many interesting artefacts from that period. Lanhydrock was donated to the National Trust in 1953.

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Lanhydrock House and Gardens
Review by: HP, Germany on 2007-03-10 22:24:07
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The first time I've been there was in 1981 and from than on it is always a must, when I am in Cornwall.
I've never seen such an impressive house. Most interesting to me was the kitchen and the library, absolutely fantastic. It's always a place worth going to, no matter if season or not. Always worth paying a little entrance fee. You will understand, when you see it.

Please excuse my bad English, it's not my native tongue.

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Lanhydrock House and Gardens
Review by: Chris L on 2005-12-30 13:12:45
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I went over to Lanhydrock at the end of November as I was in the area taking photos. I parked up on the estate mid-morning.
Upon entering the estate I was greeted by the resident flock of sheep that were wondering around the park lands that lead to the house. The weather that particular day was beautiful, although the sun was only just peeking over the hill to the east of the house. In retrospect I think these are probably the perfect conditions to visit the estate, out of season, in the morning on a beautiful day.
After parking up I wandered round to the church, which was basking in a hazey light. What struck me was how quiet it was, there was nobody else around.
Behind the church was the house itself. The scale of the house is quite impressive, with extensive servant and stable blocks to the rear. Looking for a good view of the house I made my way up the sloping garden paths until I reached some empty woodland at the top.
On heading back down I approached the house from the front and the stunning tudor gatehouse. To one side of the gatehouse is an avenue of trees throught the extensive park, to the other is Lanydrock house with the formal garden and the front of the main house.
I didn't actually go into the house itself, content just to have most of the estate gardens to myself, maybe next time.
Anyway, can't recommend a trip here in the Spring or Autumn enough. Best of all it's free!

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