Jacobean house, neglected, renovated, ruined by fire, rebuilt in more intimate Victorian manner. The family suffered terribly due to the First World War, with the loss of the charismatic male heir, and subsequent family issues. From there, the familiar tale of gradually being unable to support the house, and offering it to the National Trust. The NT received a house with extensive library, furnishings etc and personal effects. So far, so familiar. Where Lanhydrock differs though is in the house and fittings themselves, and how it is purposefully presented and interpreted.




Rather than a "stuffy" stately home, there are fresh scones and gossipy letters on her ladyship's table, photographs of loved ones in the footman's room, and even a spider in the bath. The Long Gallery ceiling and collection of theological books may be hailed as the best of their kind, but the real accomplishment at Lanhydrock is how quickly two hours can vanish in engrossing delight. Get yourselves over there, and allow plenty of time to enjoy all the details.