12 minute read
Boconnoc Estate: A Stately Home in the Cornish Countryside
Boconnoc Estate has a story that begins thousands of years ago. Set within the flourishing Cornish countryside, it’s a space to enjoy nature and revel in the magic of a centuries-old Georgian house, alive with history.
After twelve years of dedicated refurbishment, Boconnoc offers Dream Escape guests a ‘private estate experience’ with the opportunity to stay at an enchanted stately home, set amongst nature with lashings of Cornish luxury at its heart.
Tucked at the end of two miles of private drive, the opulent country pile provides a haven of tranquility against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery – all with a centuries-old Georgian house front and centre. Surrounded by ancient trees and bourgeoning gardens, it’s a truly special place for a countryside escape, with the properties cleverly weaving a historical thread into modern design.
There’s a bounty of parkland to explore and a rich history to discover within acres of lush gardens, ancient woodlands, a peaceful lake, myriad of walking trails and a hidden tennis court. Above all, it’s a place to reconnect with nature and the wildlife that inhabits it.
Boconnoc is located just a 15-minute drive from the quaint market town of Lostwithiel – famous for its antiques – and a 40-minute drive to the coastal town of Fowey, home to Daphne Du Maurier, horseshoe bays, picturesque estuary views and an array of independent cafes, boutiques and galleries.
The first record of Boconnoc is from the Domesday Book in 1086. The estate has since attracted a host of interesting characters including royals and famous personalities from King Charles I to Thomas ‘Diamond’ Pitt, the former Governor of Madras.
Now, Boconnoc belongs to the Fortescue family. When Elizabeth’s late husband Anthony first brought her to Boconnoc, they sat looking at the most exquisite but derelict house.
“He promised me that one day the lights would be back on and 25 years later, after a 12-year restoration, the house is complete. It’s the ultimate retreat from the outside world,” says Elizabeth.
An extensive renovation project has transformed the house and cottages to their former glory, offering a luxurious retreat where eye-grabbing interior decor and modern furnishings are fused with period features, all amidst striking Georgian architecture. The collection of properties forming Boconnoc have been masterfully revived by interiors guru Sarah Fortescue, daughter of Anthony and Elizabeth Fortescue. To date, Sarah has completed the interior of Boconnoc’s main house, The Stewardry – a Georgian manor – alongside three of the estate’s cottages.
Sarah grew up living and breathing her father’s restoration of the Grade II-listed family home. Her bold redesign is an eclectic fusion of texture and colour; vibrant and evocative prints inspired from her childhood in Cornwall and Africa with neon colour pops, tropical palms and greens reminiscent of the surrounding countryside. Every nook is carefully considered.
“It was my father’s dream to see the lights on again after falling into a state of disrepair, and over a 12-year period, I watched him lovingly restore Boconnoc with the help of local master craftsmen,” says Sarah.
Boconnoc offers a completely immersive experience on a staggeringly beautiful estate, inviting guests to relax and explore hidden corners, steeped with history. The 18th century Bath House makes for a unique dinner setting and just steps away from the house is Boconnoc’s own historic church. Both the house and grounds provide ample flexibility for use – think candlelit dinners, cosy movie nights in the library, cream teas on the lawn or a spot of cricket on the estate’s own pitch.
STAY AT BOCONNOC AND ENJOY A PRIVATE ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Boconnoc House itself sleeps 19 in total, with comfortable beds made up with crisp cotton bed linen and bright spacious bathrooms kitted out with large rain showers, stand-alone baths and luxe toiletries. Rooms within the main house are opulent, each with their own unique features; think decadent fabrics, statement mirrors and high-end furnishings with a modern edge and neutral palettes that give way to bright colour-pops and intricate patterns. The Stable Yard is home to three cottages – The Dairy House, The Grooms Cottage and Head Grooms Cottage, sleeping eight, six and four respectively.
Recently redesigned by Sarah, The Stewardry is a wildly romantic, 18th century manor house hidden at the end of a private drive. A wonderful base, the ivy-clad property was once the house for the estate’s land agent and boasts seven bedrooms and a Georgianfront, alongside a rich history. Set in a peaceful valley surrounded by acres of parkland and ancient woodland, it is a blissful spot to take time out.
The property has been thoughtfully redesigned in homage to its unique history and distinct character, showcasing Sarah’s love of pattern, colour and fabric. It creates a fluidity from room-to-room; Sarah’s own wallpaper design features in the Drawing Room, inspired by the garden’s flourishing magnolia grandiflora. Georgian proportions are flooded with natural light, opening up rooms with panelled doors built by Charlestown Joinery, creating magnificent spatial flow.
Downstairs, rooms have open fireplaces and within the Breakfast Room, a large modern wood burner sits centrally between two vast gilt antique-mirrors. Most of the furniture was sourced throughout the UK and from family at Boconnoc. Pink and red hues are balanced with blues and greens, the former juxtaposed with earthy tones and splashes of yellow within interiors, art and a painted staircase to the back of the house.
Sarah’s late father, had his own furniture business creating handmade British goods in Chippendale style. The ‘Ante Room’ pays homage to him with brown leather Anthony Fortescue chairs, offsetting coral-pink walls. The house is a legacy to both Anthony and Elizabeth Fortescue.
To showcase the Ante Room, large oak panelled doors were custom-made, opening out into the drawing room and creating two glorious spaces that flow as one. Handpolished wooden floors were brought back to life alongside an existing Wedgewood fire-surround and a beautiful ornate glass door leading onto the lawn, overlooking the stream and across the valley.
Staying in The Stewardry is special – it’s a real treat to walk into the thriving kitchengarden. Pick raspberries for breakfast, stroll the greenhouse for tomatoes, red chillies, cucumbers and courgettes, or gather fresh mint for tea by the fire – all whilst listening to the gentle flow of the river and uplifting orchestra of birdsong.
With its fascinating history and distinct décor, the Dairy House is the ultimate fusion of old-meets-new. A space to unwind, whilst drinking in some of Cornwall’s most beautiful scenery, it's recently been transformed with playful décor – delightfully bright and textured interiors now set the tone of this gorgeous 18th century stone cottage. It's been in the family for over 100 years and has a fascinating history at the heart. Boasting high ceilings, cosy and inviting rooms and quirky elements throughout, furnishings that have been sourced from around the globe sit alongside distinctly local touches, hidden within the uncompromising scheme. Classic Boconnoc toile and hand-carved oak furnishings were sourced directly from the estate and set against Sarah’s signature floral wallpaper and clever colour pops.
It’s a peaceful space to enjoy the beauty of Boconnoc, and the transformation project provided an opportunity for Sarah to enhance the use of colour. This is achieved through an eclectic mix of textures and fabrics, inspired by the vibrancy of nature’s palette in spring –particular the hues in the garden from March through to June like peony, salmon-pink, berry fizz, lime sherbet and sunshine yellow.
Upstairs there are three pretty bedrooms, with the master bedroom boasting Pierre Frey fabric on the blinds. It's reminiscent of the Fortescue family's ancestors, who were great travellers – the fabric is adorned with camels, cows and Asian elephants. Governor Pitt, who bought Boconnoc with the biggest diamond in the world at the time, along with other estates in the UK, was Governor of Madras in India.
The Dairy House sits above the main house of Boconnoc, surrounded by ancient woodland. It's beside the Georgian Bathhouse and dovecote and has exquisite views across to the 14th century church and surrounding parkland. With its unrivalled position, it’s a treat to sit at the table beside the stoep, looking down across the lake that's abundant with Canada geese and swans.
It’s an incredibly restorative house – the perfect spot for a Cornish adventure. Think peaceful coastlines, deep valleys and cider farms – all with the exquisite energy of the estate. It was important to the Fortescues that the history of the estate remained at the heart of this fascinating transformation, with the Dairy House a reminder of the historic threads woven through the property. With its fabulous fusion of design blending eras and styles to create a completely unique aesthetic, it provides a special place for guests to stay that is both vibrant and alluring.
ON-SITE ACTIVITIES
Boconnoc provides a spectacular base, offering the opportunity to immerse yourself in the surrounding landscape and enjoy some of the onsite activities. Dream Escape will take care of every element of your stay, including organising tailored activities, bespoke events and private catering experiences.
A fabulous foodie experience with local Cornwall chef, Fiona Were: With over 30 years of experience, Fiona Were is an award-winning international chef with a wealth of knowledge from her travels. Fiona brings her passion to the kitchen to create something exciting and truly memorable for every occasion. From intimate suppers to exquisite tasting menus and celebratory dinner parties, a private dining event at Boconnoc is an unforgettable experience.
Kitchen Garden: The beautiful kitchen garden allows guests to pick fresh, seasonal produce during their stay. Located just a short walk from The Stewardry, it’s a wholesome spot to spend time before heading back to your cottage to create delicious dishes with zero food miles.
Private catering on the estate: Boconnoc offers a varied list of local caterers and private chefs to cater to your requirements, as well as endless unique dinner settings. If you’re looking to elevate your stay with a private dining experience, Dream Escape will take care of all your catering needs, bringing you a completely unique, bespoke and delicious dining experience. The outdoor kitchen is a superb space to gather everyone together, light the camp fire and enjoy al fresco dining under the wide skies. Set next to the waterpowered sawmill, surrounded by nature, it’s a truly magical setting.
Walking and running trails: Boconnoc boasts endless countryside walks, with plenty of routes on the doorstep. Enjoy exploring the expanse of this ancient land, discovering hidden areas that are steeped in history; Boconnoc is a peaceful space to soak up the very best of the seasons - stroll the grounds from the waterfall, along the Stewardry, walk to the tennis court, take the path up to the Dorothy Gardens, picnic at the lake, hike up to the deer park or fish for trout in the nearby River Fowey. Outside of the estate, discover the South West Coast Path to the picture-perfect Lantic Bay – a large shingly beach, great for picnicking.
Mountain Biking: Explore the endless tracks, private roads and trails, within the confines of the estate by mountain bike, available to guests as a brilliant way to discover the estate, ensuring no path is left uncovered.
Yoga session: Take your relaxation up a notch with a private yoga session. Surrounded by nature, the estate boasts a super restorative setting to embrace your inner zen.
Tennis: Perfect your forehand to the glorious backdrop of Cornish countryside; the stunning tennis court is tucked away between the Shrubbery and Stewardry, providing the perfect setting for this quintessentially British game.
Foraging: Dream Escape can arrange private foraging walks around the estate with a local foraging expert. Breathe in the fresh Cornish air whilst foraging at the many bountiful spots around the estate – think wild garlic, tart blackberries and an abundance of leafy greens - the perfect accompaniment to your evening barbecue dining experience.
Games and creative crafts space: Let the landscape of Boconnoc inspire you, and allow your imagination to run wild in the gorgeous Stable yard, a brilliant spot with plenty of resources to embrace your creativity. There’s a fully equipped games room, perfect for the younger generation – complete with table football, pool table, ping pong. and also plenty of outdoor games available from football goals and croquet to giant jenga, and ring toss.
Treatments: Boconnoc is a prime space to rest and recharge with an inhouse treatment from a private therapist, allowing you to maximise your relaxing stay.
Private live-in chef: Alongside the delicious breakfast hampers, including a selection of rustic breads, pastries, Hugo’s Cornish granola, fresh berries, Greek yogurt, local jam, and freshly ground coffee, (guests of the Stewardry and Boconnoc House) Dream Escape can arrange for guests to have a private live-in chef for the duration of your stay.
Dining experiences in the local area: From the creative, in-house dishes at The King of Prussia in Fowey to the succulent Cornish steaks and seafood served at The Longstore overlooking the harbour, the local dining scene is a real treat. North Street Kitchen entices foodies with its rustic, open-plan space, offering inventive seafood plates alongside stunning views of Fowey’s estuary, while Crocadon Farm prides itself on organic ingredients, crafting menus based on produce grown right on its soilcentric land.
In the charming village of Lanlivery, The Crown Inn is one of Cornwall’s oldest pubs, serving hearty seasonal dishes complemented by local ales. Not far away, The Fish Market in Looe specialises in tapas-style dining with the freshest fish and shellfish, all enjoyed with picturesque river views. With such a delightful array of restaurants nearby, there’s no shortage of delectable experiences waiting to be savoured.
Words: Natalie Millar-Partridge
