The largely Georgian mansion is still owned and occupied by descendants of the family who settled there in the 1500s. Open to the public since the 1970s, Pencarrow House and Gardens is a great day out for families, history enthusiasts, nature and garden lovers, and of course the dogs. The family members are very involved with events and day-to-day management of the estate, as they face the ever-changing challenge of maintaining a historic home in the 21st century.

Pencarrow, whose name in Cornish means “head of the valley” or “high fort”, obviously occupies a favourable site – the Iron Age hill fort now bisected by the main drive attests that man was long ago attracted to its location and climate. Some form of large house stood on Pencarrow’s present site for centuries.

Pencarrow boasts a fine collection of paintings, most notably an important series of family portraits by Sir Joshua Reynolds, and two riverscape views of London by Samuel Scott. A favourite family work is a tableaux of the Four Misses St Aubyn in front of St Michael’s Mount, a delight of drapery by Sir Arthur Devis. Other artists include Richard Wilson, Henry Raeburn, and Charles Brooking.

Enjoy a lovely relaxing day out, exploring the house, gardens, shop and of course our cafe where you can treat yourself to a delicious light lunch or a traditional cornish cream tea!