bochym manor

BOCHYM MANORNEAR MULLION | CORNWALL

An important Grade II* Jacobean and Gothic Revival manor house in an enchanting and tranquil wooded valley

SITUATIONBochym Manor is situated in an enchanting and tranquil wooded

valley on the Lizard Peninsula, about five miles north of Lizard

Point, the southernmost part of the United Kingdom.

The property is about one and a half miles from Poldhu Cove, a

delightful sheltered sandy bay on the western side of the Lizard, and

about three miles from the international sailing waters of the

Helford River, romantically linked with the novels of Daphne du

Maurier. Bochym is the most southerly mansion in the country.

Truro, the cathedral city and county town of Cornwall, with its fine

Victorian cathedral, is able to offer a comprehensive range of

facilities and a number of excellent independent schools for boys

and girls of all ages. There are also primary schools at Cury and

Mullion and a secondary school at Helston.

Cornwall was recently voted by Country Life magazine as “one of

the most attractive and desirable counties to live in the British Isles”.

It has one of the finest coastlines in Northern Europe, much of

which is in the ownership and protection of the National Trust and

varies from the rugged and dramatic granite coastline in North

Cornwall to the multicoloured and towering cliffs and gorgeous

coves of the Western Lizard Peninsula and the deep wooded valleys

of the Helford River and Carrick Roads.

Cornwall has a number of wonderful gardens benefiting from the

Gulf Stream and providing a wide variety of sub-tropical plants,

with magnificent displays of camellias, magnolias and rhododendra

in the spring.

Cornwall also has benefited from the Eden Project near St Austell,

the rediscovery of the Lost Gardens of Heligan, near Mevagissy, and

other interesting attractions in the area include the Minack Theatre

at Porthcurno and the Maritime Museum at Falmouth. The Isles of

Scilly, with their turquoise bays and white sandy beaches, can easily

be accessed via a helicopter service from Penzance, aeroplanes from

Land’s End and Newquay, or the Scillonian boat from Penzance.

COMMUNICATIONSRoad – The A30 from the M5 at Exeter now provides a superb dual

carriageway (with few exceptions) link to West Cornwall.

Rail – Regular intercity trains operate from Truro to London

(Paddington).

Air – Newquay Airport provides flights to London, the Isles of Scilly

and a number of continental destinations. Plymouth and Exeter

Airports provide further flights to the Continent. Those wishing to

view by helicopter should contact the agents, who will make

arrangements either to land at the property or at a nearby airfield.

Ferry – Cross-Channel ferry services operate from Plymouth to

Brittany and Northern Spain.

RECREATIONSailing – In the nearby Helford River, Carrick Roads (Fal Estuary)

and along the South Cornish coastline.

Bathing – In a number of sheltered nearby sandy coves around the

Lizard Peninsula.

Walking – Along the South West Coastal Footpath.

Golf – At Mullion and a number of local golf courses.

Riding – In the surrounding countryside.

Field Sports – Facilities and clubs in Helston.

HISTORICAL NOTEArchaeological evidence suggests that the site of Bochym Manor has

been inhabited since the Stone Age. However, the earliest

documentary evidence is to be found in the Domesday survey of 1086

(Exeter Roll). The Reverend Alfred Hayman Cummings published his

‘Churches and Antiquities of Cury and Gunwalloe’ in 1875 and wrote

of Bochym: “It is, indeed, a remarkable manor and estate, with a

pedigree as long as any could wish for, and a history romantic enough

for the most ardent imagination. The ancient house and manor of

Bochym is truly the first and last gentleman’s house in England.”

At the time of the Domesday recording of Bochym, it would seem that

the property was then owned by Robert, Count of Mortein, who was

half-brother to William the Conqueror. The survey also mentions a

mulberry tree in the lower gardens, which can still be seen and is

believed to be the largest and oldest surviving specimen in the country.

By the end of the 13th century Bochym was owned by the Le Bret family

and was passed by marriage to John Winslade. As one of the ringleaders

of the Prayerbook Rebellion, he was beheaded and his property forfeited

to the Crown. Bochym Manor was eventually passed, again by

marriage, to Francis Bellot of Corsham in Wiltshire.

During the Civil War in 1648 the property was a Royalist

stronghold and was consequently ravaged and put to the torch by

Cromwell’s troops. The Bellot family had therefore to rebuild, at

great expense, and a date stone inscribed ‘RBM 1699’ was put up

on the east wing, commemorating the completion of the work.

Unfortunately the costs incurred crippled the family financially, and

the property was sold in 1712 to George Robinson of Nansloe,

whose family subsequently sold it to the Trelawney family. After

this, Bochym Manor was again sold to Robert Furneaux, who was

best known as the designer of the first Lizard lighthouse. The house

then fell into disrepair until it was purchased in 1825 by Stephen

Davey from Redruth, whose fortune was derived from tin mining

and brewing (the Redruth Brewery). During his ownership the

manor flourished and was completely restored, while the family’s

fortunes were added to with ownership of serpentine quarries on the

Lizard. The magnificent serpentine entrance pillars, the French

Empire drawing room, the battlemented clock tower and the

exceptional Italian walnut panelled library are examples of Stephen

Davey’s imprint on Bochym Manor. In addition in 1851 a secret

passage was discovered, which is said to have run to Mulllion and

which is alleged to have been used by smugglers. Known

throughout the Lizard as ‘the torchlight tunnel’, its location was

subsequently lost.

At this time Stephen Davey became Member of Parliament for West

Cornwall and in 1846 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stayed at

Bochym when they visited Kynance Cove and popularised the Lizard

Peninsula and its spectacular serpentine rock.

It is understood that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle also stayed at Bochym

Manor before the First World War and set his Sherlock Holmes

story ‘The Adventure of the Devil’s Foot’ on the estate.

W Herbert Thomas wrote in his book, ‘A Visit to Bochym’ in 1895:

“As one wanders . . . one can readily imagine Mr Davey’s fondness

for the home of his ancestors, and will not fail to recall in after-years

the atmosphere and over-shadowing presence of the past that

pervades the place, and the many beautiful avenues, gardens, paths

and tumbling waterfalls of Bochym.”

Today the privacy, beauty, serenity and tranquility of Bochym are

still remarkable.

BOCHYM MANORBochym Manor is Listed Grade II* as being of Significant

Architectural Importance and Historic Interest. It dates partly from

the late mediaeval period, was extended in the mid 17th century

and, by 1699, partly remodelled, then rebuilt in the 1840s. The

principal accommodation in the manor house is laid out in four

wings lying at right angles to each other and dating from the 17th

century (East and West Wings) and early 19th century (South West

and South Wings). The property is principally of serpentine ashlar

stone and coarse dressed serpentine with granite dressings for the

principal architectural details. The house has many lovely old stone

floors and elegant mullion windows, some of which have beautiful

stained glass, under a Delabole slate roof with ashlar chimneys of

the 1840s over the gable ends and the gabled lateral stacks.

The original house was probably a three room and through passage

plan house, with the lower end to the left. In the 17th century a

long cross wing was built at the higher right end, turning the

original inner room into a stair hall, and adding a parlour to the

front and service rooms at the rear. By 1699 the parlour wing had

been extended by a further parlour to the front and remodelled.

The original three room and through passage range was rebuilt in

the 1840s, probably retaining the rear wall with its central lateral

fireplace, but the plan was remodelled to form two equal-sized

principal rooms on either side of the central entrance hall.

Today Bochym Manor retains a dazzling wealth of fine architectural

features including an exquisite drawing room to the left of the

entrance hall in the French Empire style with ornate wall panels,

pilasters, door architrave and ceiling cornices and a stunning

fireplace. The library contains exposed and chamfered beam and

joists and ravishingly beautiful hand-carved Italian walnut linenfold

panelling. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London holds all the

original documentation for the library panelling which cost in the

region of £2,000. It was carved in Bond Street in the 1840s (by the

firm that undertook similar panelling in the rebuilt Houses of

Parliament) and shipped from Tilbury to Falmouth Docks and

transported by cart to Bochym. Two craftsmen accompanied it and

it took 72 days to install with the two craftsmen only taking two

days off during that period.

The Jacobean drawing room has a substantial and very early plaster

relief ceiling with robust oval roll-moulded central feature, moulded

in high relief as well as bolection moulded English walnut panelling .

In the main hall is an impressive cantilevered Jacobean oak staircase

and the house contains a number of fine marble, serpentine, granite

and other (around 20 in total) fireplaces.

Bochym Manor contains seven elegant and well-proportioned

reception rooms, a number of which are illustrated by colour

photographs in the brochure and as shown on the floor plans. On

the ground floor are atmospheric early Victorian service rooms

comprising scullery, kitchen, game larder, dairy, laundry and

dispensary, while under the house is a charming wine cellar and a

very large principal cellar.

At first floor level there are 10 bedrooms (five panelled) and three

bathrooms, each in a different style, including Art Deco, Art

Nouveau and Gothic Revivial. At the far end of the first floor is a

self-contained apartment, ideally suited for staff and comprising

sitting room, kitchen, two bedrooms and bathroom.

On the second floor there is a complete run of five principal

ancillary rooms (boarded), plus one substantial unboarded room

and several smaller boarded rooms, the total extending the full

length of the house and accessed by two staircases.

Bochym Manor circa. 1870

ESTATE BUILDINGSApproached via a continuation of the main entrance drive, and also

via a spur drive to the north, is a charming former farmhouse,

known as ‘Swift’s Cottage’. This is understood to have originally

been the estate steward’s house and manor bakery, and is built in the

Gothic Revival style of the 1840s with Gothic doorways,

honeysuckle covered porch and diamond paned windows. The

farmhouse is currently divided into two apartments.

Bochym Manor has 13 holiday cottages, all skilfully created from

early Victorian coach houses, stables and barns, and formed from

part of the early Victorian Model Farm.

Above Swift’s Cottage is Davey Barn, a very large cottage which

sleeps up to 10 and is ideal for large family holidays.

Six of the cottages, formed from early Victorian coach houses and

stables, are arranged around the delightful and spacious historic

clock tower courtyard. These comprise three two bedroom cottages,

two one bedroom cottages and one three bedroom cottage. There

are a further six one bedroom cottages formed from the Victorian

Model Farm.

The cottages are let mainly between Whitsun to September and have

a large number of repeat visitors coming back to enjoy the peace and

tranquillity of Bochym Manor and the wonderful Lizard coastline.

Adjoining Davey Barn is a large barn on two levels and several

further structures with potential to complete the conversion works

to provide an additional seven cottages, if required. Full planning

permission has been obtained.

The business turnover is substantial and could easily be increased.

Alternatively, the holiday cottages could be simply derated and

returned to stables, domestic storage and accommodation if any

purchaser so wishes.

The clock tower to the north west of the manor house affords

magnificent views and is the Lizard Peninsula’s tallest building.

The outbuildings and clock tower are all Listed Grade II, to form,

together with the manor house and garden walls, one of the largest

and most complete assemblies of Listed structures in Cornwall.

GARDENS AND GROUNDSOne of the principal features of Bochym Manor are the delightfully

tranquil and landscaped gardens and grounds which extend in all to

about 18 acres.

“The intact formal gardens of Bochym Manor are an improbable 17th

century survivor, a genuine time trip hidden down narrow winding

lanes, and most rewarding . . . the garden has hardly suffered a scrap

of change and remains one of the most likeable and covetable gardens

in Cornwall . . its particular charm is its mystery.” (Dr Mowl, Reader

in Architectural and Garden History at the University of Bristol. From

his book ‘Historic Gardens of Cornwall’.)

The gardens comprise formal terraces, semi-formal areas and

extensive areas of wildlife garden. One of the features of the garden

is the large mulberry tree, which is mentioned in the Domesday

Book and is, as mentioned, understood to be the oldest mulberry

tree in the country.

In addition to the many mysterious and enchanting tracks and

pathways in the grounds, the gardens include 17th century walled

parterres, a substantial serpentine ha-ha, the Regency period

romantic remodelling of the Poldhu River to create a series of

ornamental ponds connected by rapids, ravines and waterfalls as it

races down to the sea, and early Victorian arboretum, over half a

mile of three ancient tree-lined carriage drives, a Jacobean bowling

green, a Victorian croquet lawn, an Elizabethan serpentine wall-

walk, a venerable holy well, an historic bridge over the Poldhu, a

Regency rock dell and pool garden, mediaeval earth ramparts, an

early Victorian bothy, ancient half-moon steps and numerous stone

pillars, balls and other features.

The sub-tropical climate of the Lizard Peninsula enables the growth

of a number of trees and shrubs which are rare in other parts of the

country. There are some magnificent trees including English oak,

Holm oak, beech, horse chestnut, Spanish chestnut, ash, hazel,

copper beech, mimosa, palms, lime and Monterey pine. Like most

Cornish gardens, Bochym Manor contains a profusion of shrubs,

including echium, azaleas, camellias, escallonia, fuchsia and

rhododendra. In the spring there are swathes of snowdrops,

primroses, daffodils, orchids and bluebells. Later there are drifts of

ox-eye daisies, valerian and many other wild flowers. Ferns abound

all year-round. The wildlife within Bochym is prolific and includes

abundant species of butterflies with nearly 30 species (over half the

national total) having been recorded at Bochym. There are large

Nearby Poldhu Cove

spring there are swathes of snowdrops, primroses, daffodils, orchids

and bluebells. Later there are drifts of ox-eye daisies, valerian and

many other wild flowers. Ferns about year-round. The wildlife

within Bochym is prolific and includes abundant species of

butterflies with nearly 30 species (over half the national total)

having been recorded at Bochym. There are large numbers of

nesting birds at the property and newts, toads and frogs in the River

Poldhu, which is a trout river.

The lower garden comprises of some of the most impressive

flowering shrubs and trees in West Cornwall and the River Poldhu

flows through the property with cascades, waterfalls, pools and two

stone bridges.

A delightful woodland walk, carpeted in the spring with bluebells,

wild garlic, orchids and campion, leads down to the southernmost

part of the property. A bluebell wood with a central track, runs for

nearly a third of a mile down the Poldhu valley towards the sea and

contains numerous wonderful mature trees.

In all about 18 acres with an enviable level of privacy and

tranquillity, an almost total absence of road noise and with birdsong

all around. Bochym Manor offers a combination of history, beauty,

atmosphere and serenity almost unique, even for magical Cornwall.

GENERAL REMARKS AND STIPULATIONSTenure: The property is offered for sale freehold, by private treaty

Services: Mains electricity and water. Private drainage. Night storage

heaters in the manor house, farmhouse and cottages

Local Authority: Kerrier District Council, Dolcoath Avenue,

Camborne, Cornwall TR14 8SX, tel. 01209 614000

Bochym Manor House Council tax – Band G

Cottages, business rating £6,583.50 per annum

numbers of nesting birds at the property and newts, toads and frogs

in and by the River Poldhu, which is a trout river.

The lower garden comprises of some of the most impressive

flowering shrubs and trees in West Cornwall and the River Poldhu

flows through the property with cascades, waterfalls, pools and two

stone bridges.

A delightful woodland walk, carpeted in the spring with bluebells,

wild garlic, orchids and campion, leads down to and through the

spectacular arboretum. A bluebell wood with a central track runs

for nearly a third of a mile down the Poldhu valley towards the sea

and contains numerous wonderful mature trees.

In all about 18 acres with an enviable level of privacy and

tranquillity, an almost total absence of road noise and with birdsong

all around. Bochym Manor offers a combination of history, beauty,

atmosphere and serenity almost unique, even for magical Cornwall.

GENERAL REMARKS AND STIPULATIONS

Tenure: The property is offered for sale freehold, by private treaty

Services: Mains electricity and water. Private drainage. Night storage

heaters in the manor house, farmhouse and cottages

Local Authority: Kerrier District Council, Dolcoath Avenue,

Camborne, Cornwall TR14 8SX, tel. 01209 614000

Bochym Manor House Council tax – Band G

Cottages, business rating £6,583.50 per annum

Notes: All items known as tenants’ fixtures and fittings are excluded

from the sale. The fire surround in the dining room is not part of

the Listing and will be removed by the owners prior to completion.

The holiday cottages will be sold with their contents to enable a

buyer to continue to run the holiday cottage business, if so desired.

Certain items may be available in addition, by separate negotiation.

Electrical and other appliances mentioned in the sale particulars

have not been tested by Strutt & Parker LLP or Lillicrap Chilcott,

therefore prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves as to their

working order.

Rights of way, wayleaves & easements: The sale is subject to all

rights of support, public and private rights of way, water, light,

drainage and other easements, quasi-easements and wayleaves, all or

any other like rights, whether mentioned in these particulars or not.

DIRECTIONSFrom Helston take the A3083, signposted to the Lizard. Continue

south for about three miles to Cury Cross Lanes. Just after passing

the Wheal Inn public house, fork right marked unsuitable for heavy

goods vehicles and signposted Chypons and Trewoon. Continue for

about 300 yards and the entrance drive to Bochym Manor will be

seen on the left, marked by two serpentine stone pillars.

Viewing strictly by confirmed appointment with the vendor’s joint

agents, Strutt & Parker 01392 215631 or Lillicrap Chilcott 01872

273473.

The Davey Family circa. 1870

Tel: 01392 21563124 Southernhay West, Exeter, Devon, EX1 [email protected]

Tel: 020 7629 728237 Davies StreetLondon W1K [email protected] www.struttandparker.com

Tel: 01872 273473Landrian House, 59 – 60 Lemon Street,

Truro, Cornwall, TR1 [email protected]

www.waterfrontandcountryhomes.com

If you require this publication in an alternative format, please contact this office on tel: 01392 215631. IMPORTANT NOTICE Strutt & Parker LLP for themselves andfor the Vendors of this property, whose agents they are, give notice that: 1. The particulars are intended to give a fair and substantially correct overall description for theguidance of intending purchasers and do not constitute part of an offer or contract. Prospective purchasers and lessees ought to seek their own professional advice.2. All descriptions, dimensions, areas, reference to condition and necessary permissions for use and occupation and other details are given in good faith, and arebelieved to be correct, but any intending purchasers should not rely on them as statements or representations of fact, but must satisfy themselves by inspection orotherwise as to the correctness of each of them. 3. No person in the employment of Strutt & Parker LLP has any authority to make or give any representations orwarranty whatever in relation to this property on behalf of Strutt & Parker LLP, nor enter into any contract on behalf of the Vendor. 4. No responsibility can be acceptedfor any expenses incurred by intending purchasers in inspecting properties which have been sold, let or withdrawn. Photographs taken, details prepared April 2008.Ref: 13AE/2653. MEASUREMENTS AND OTHER INFORMATION All measurements are approximate. While we endeavour to make our sales particulars accurateand reliable , if there is any point which is of particular importance to you, please contact this office and we will be pleased to check the information for you, particularlyif contemplating travelling some distance to view the property.

bochym manor

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