Trewithen House

One of the most elegant examples of eighteenth century architecture in Cornwall

Trewithen House is an architectural gem that hasn’t significantly changed its outward appearance since 1715 when Philip Hawkins first bought it.  Since then, ten generations of the same family have lived there. Trewithen’s current owner is Sam Galsworthy.

First mentioned in the Domesday Survey of 1086 when it was owned by the Count of Mortain, the historic House owes its unique design to the expertise of two famous London architects, Thomas Edwards who rebuilt it between 1715 and 1725 and Sir Robert Taylor who enlarged it and redesigned the interior from 1740.  The rooms are intimate and boast architectural features unlike anything else in Cornwall.

Trewithen House is constructed on three sides from granite worked from the Pentewan quarries that were owned by the Hawkins family.  When exposed to the wind and rain, the stone produces a small lichen that creates the effect of a gentle pink shadow.  The north side of the house was brick-faced in 1730 – matching the two elegant flanking buildings that are known as the French Pavillions.

The Great Saloon or Dining Room is Trewithen’s most splendid room.  Occupying the full length of the five bays of the south front, it looks out on to the spectacular South lawn and, with its Ionic columns, arcading, plasterwork and carved and painted wooden candle brackets, is a wonderful example of the rococo design so popular in the 1750s and 60s.

VISITING THE HOUSE

Trewithen House reopened in 2022 following a period of sympathetic restoration.

The House is open to visitors by guided tour on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays between 30th April and 4th July at 14:00 and 15:00.

Please see VISIT US for more information or contact the Estate Office tel: 01726 883647 / email: office@trewithenestate.co.uk

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ACCESSIBILITY

The guided tour of Trewithen House  itself is located on ground floor level and we can provide a small ramp up to the saloon entrance upon request in advance, however with the inherent restrictions of a listed historic building not all areas of the tour are fully accessible, including low level lighting and uneven flooring.

Click here for Trewithen’s full Access Statement

If you are unsure or feel that we do not cover your access requirement in this statement, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01726 883647 or email office@trewithenestate.co.uk and we will be happy to discuss your needs.