Property description
A wonderful example of a Victorian gentlemans residence with a plethora of period features, that could benefit from attention to some of the
internal aesthetics; set within delightful, well-maintained, terraced gardens and woodland of approximately 1.75 acres within a two minute stroll of the town centre.
Described in the revised Cornwall volume
of Buildings of England by Peter Beacham and
Nikolaus Pevsner (published 2014) as dating
from 1860, and built at the behest of the affluent Whitford family, who had the foresight to see that St. Columb Major, if not to become the cathedral city, was soon to become the thriving market town for the area. As the family prospered, the house was extended and altered internally by the Cornish architect, Silvanus Trevail in 1879. This wonderful example of a Victorian house was clearly intended as a statement to one-and-all. In many ways, this initial intent has transcended down through the ages, as the house and the fabulous grounds that surround it still instil a sense of grandeur and opulence upon every acquaintance.
The property is approached from a wooded lane
through gated, granite pillars into a spacious
gravelled drive that leads along the uppermost
of the terraces to the opposite side of the house where a concealed, detached triple garage is conveniently located; completely out of sight of this otherwise entirely period property.
Upon reaching the front door and crossing the
threshold, one is instantly transfixed by not only the period charm but also the generous size of the accommodation as a large hallway leads away from you to an elegant returning stair whilst two panelled doors to either side access the ground floor principle rooms.
The formal drawing room, with a working open
fireplace, provides a glorious view over the east
facing gardens that gently cascade down over
two delightful terraces providing excellent views.
Needless to say, the drawing room offers a good range of period features, including the elaborate cornice, exposed, broad timber floor-boards, and bay window.
The dining room is located adjacent to the
drawing room and provides similar views across
the main terrace and down towards the gently
sloping lawned gardens. It also boasts original
cornice, broad timber floor-boards, bay window
and working fireplace. A glazed door opens
from one side of the room leading to the loggia,
providing a delightful, covered exterior as well
as a splendid outlook over the south-facing
flower garden.
The kitchen and breakfast room are located to
the western side of the property and provide
spacious family living areas. The kitchen in
particular has been lovingly re-created by our
current vendors with a great deal of care creating a functional and welcoming area of this period home. This is an extremely practical kitchen with a range of hand-built, historically inspired furniture that incorporates a lead-lined double sink, a larder and spacious pantry. There is also a gas-fired Cornish Heritage range, within the kitchen completing this wonderful area. The breakfast room houses the back staircase whilst again continuing to embellish the charm of the property a Franklin wood-burning stove has been fitted within a spacious open fireplace that originally housed the kitchen range.
To complete the accommodation of the ground
floor there is a spacious north-facing study/studio, located just off the entrance hallway. This room leads directly to a small glazed lobby. Off this space, a now-defunct boiler-room would readily convert to an additional lavatory. The lobby has external access. Should one wish to work from home this separate entrance allows any guests/clients to enter directly into the study whilst not intruding on the main entrance to the property.
Ascending to the first floor, one is presented with a generously proportioned, T-shaped gallery, filled with an abundance of natural light. At the junction of the T is a double gothic wooden arch. Leading off from the gallery, there are five spacious, double bedrooms together with two well-appointed, family bathrooms. All bedrooms provide a wonderful outlook either over the surrounding gardens or out across the countryside in the distance. The two bathrooms are each completed in a white suite and are located at either end of the gallery, therefore, comfortably servicing each
of the bedrooms, two of which have their own
washbasins. One of the bathrooms has very
recently been upgraded by the current vendors.
Above the gallery, one of the vast loft spaces has been fully boarded with lighting and power points. Externally, the gardens and grounds encompass the entire property with the majority lying to the South and to the East. The gardens are an absolute delight. The current vendors have paid special attention to not only maintaining but also further improving the plantation of the terraces so as to build upon previous owners loving labours. With all this structural planting now taking shape, the gardens are at a stage where any new owner can take over and enjoy the hard work and
effort put in by our clients whilst continue to develop to their own taste. In total the gardens and grounds extend to circa 1.75 acres. In addition, our clients have created a woodland walk that provides a charming tour along the southern and eastern boundaries of this splendid garden opening a superb series of areas and vistas so that it is utterly impossible for children and adults alike not to love these wonderful grounds.
In all, this period residence must be viewed internally and externally in order to fully appreciate not only the size and space on offer but also the delightful gardens and grounds. Property of this nature, age and character
are a rare find within Cornwall. Therefore, we strongly suggest an early internal inspection through the vendors joint agents, Country & Waterside Prestige and Jackson-Stops & Staff.
Image of dining room