Cotehele House in the Tamar Valley in Cornwall began life around 1300 when it was owned by a family of the same name. Fifty years on, a marriage delivered it into the Edgcumbe family who owned it for the next (almost) 600 years. These new owners remodelled the house in the 15th, 16th, and 19th centuries, as well as building themselves another (their principal) house further down the Tamar River at Mount Edgecumbe.
In 1947 the 6th Earl gave the house to the nation in lieu of death duties, and it is now owned by the National Trust, one of their more atmospheric properties. It was particularly atmospheric on the rainy May day when we were last there, and also on the rainy December day when we went there to see the famous Christmas garland.
15th century Gatehouse
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The house has extensive grounds. In the 16th century there were two parks and orchards. The 1730s estate map also shows a bowling green, and the dovecote of the first photo. This dates from around the end of 16th century. The lantern top provided access for the birds, which were of course cropped for meat.
The gardens we see to today were most shaped in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and extend to around 6 acres: lovely even on a wet, and gloomy Cornish day.
Tish Farrell 
what an absolutely lovely place –
I love Cotehele, have you been down to the quay? It’s like another world tucked away at the top of the Tamar, I can never believe that river ends up down at those industrial docks at Plymouth. It’s just too picturesque!
Yes indeed, the quay and the mill beyond are such other-worldly places. Trevor Nunn used the quay as a location in his brilliant film of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, and also the house interiors for Duke Orsino’s palace. The Tamar Valley is a special place.
I wish I could stay longer, but my hours and stress are killing me. Tish, you always show such irresistible places that I really don’t wish to leave here. Thank you. xx
Sounds like you truly need a quiet garden for a bit of stress relief. I’m sorry you have such tough schedules.
I very much enjoyed this early morning (for me) wander, Tish. Thanks! It’s a lovely way to start the day.
janet
Happy to take you on a nice wander, Janet.
Years and years since I visited, so enjoyed these images, Tish
Nice to revisit footsteps past if vicariously đ
Indeed!
My favourite NT property. It was my late mum’s, which makes it extra special.
Nice to share a favourite spot đ
A garden that I have not yet visited but I hope to remedy this year, maybe to see the Christmas garland. That first picture is sublime.
Thank you, Jude. There’s a lot to see there – not just the house and garden, but the quay and the mill. Can involve quite a hike actually.
Ahh one of my favourite places, for the daffs in spring.
I can imagine. May be next time we go it won’t be raining.
Fascinating place, really!
It’s beautiful and very atmospheric. I always think that gloomy, rainy days allow the greens to really pop. Some gorgeous photos, Tish!
Thanks, Susan. I agree about gloomy days. They do have their high points đ
I’ll have to get Jude to take me along! I remember that lovely Christmas garland, Tish. đ đ I’m just back from enjoying very different garlands in Tavira.
That garland was such a treat. In the depths of December it still smelled of summer đ
It is my experience that it always rains at Cotehele but it’s still worth going.
đ
This is a beauty!
Beautiful!
What a perfectly wonderful place to call home.