Lanhydrock

History

The house dates from the 1620s, built for the Robartes family. A fire in 1881 destroyed much of the structure and prompted a substantial Victorian rebuild, including a new service wing. The parish church of St Hydroc stands within the grounds with parts surviving from the late 15th century, and a bell cast around 1599 that is still used for tolling. The National Trust acquired the property in the mid-20th century.

Architecture

The house combines its original 1620s core with extensive Victorian reconstruction following the 1881 fire, and holds Grade I listed status. The service wing added during the rebuild is a notable example of a fully worked-out Victorian country house kitchen and domestic quarters.

Worth knowing

The parish church of St Hydroc, standing in the grounds, contains a bell dating from around 1599 that is rung occasionally for tolling, a rare survival among its otherwise Victorian ring of bells.

Gardens & grounds

The estate includes formal gardens around the house and a hillside behind it planted with a notable collection of shrubs and trees.