Trevilla, Feock, Truro, Cornwall

IN THE OWNER'S WORDS
"When I was asked to write why / what I had liked about living in Trevilla Manor a flood of warm and profound feelings tumbled out as bullet points, but trying to turn that into publishable dialog became amazingly difficult.
Exactly what would a prospective buyer love to hear most? Perhaps about the oh-so many memories with friends or family around the dinner table with the glow of the fire on a wintery evening or sitting out on the kitchen terrace in the summer for lunch or having buoyant conversations over a glass of wine as the sun goes down? The kitchen that's been the heart of our home or the grand drawing room which has seen its fair share of larger gatherings, especially with the family? Maybe the best thing is the wrap around garden with its private vistas and niches, full of interest and colour all year, or it's the peace and calmness the thatched roof provides in lashing Cornish storms? Perhaps it's sitting on the window seats captivated by the ever changing estuary view, the racing fleet, the superyachts, the cruise liners and the cargo ships moored out in the bay or it’s the subtle blend of being in a rural-coastal hamlet that's so close to the arterial routes and facilities of the city?

"Is it haunted?" people have asked. It's funny how the question implies that over a thousand years of memories must be negatives, yet Trevilla Manor is the happiest house I have ever lived in, it's as if the house itself has a confidence acquired with age and is amused we are just the latest in a long line of guardians on its route towards the next one thousand years.

The reality is we shall miss it all. Trevilla Manor has its own quirky individualism and it has certainly been a joy and a privilege to live in it surrounded by so much heritage, however we have a new adventure ahead in the same way the new owner of Trevilla Manor will be looking forward to their new adventure as part of this unique house."

HISTORY
Trevilla is mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086 and the Cornish Historian, Chales Henderson believes this property was developed in the 1600's from the original Manor house. There are a number of significant features which were uncovered during our clients renovations. An original 'bowl' fireplace was found in the centre of the existing sitting/dining room and the height and size of the fireplace alludes to a full height room.

The property is believed to have been owned by Robert de Mortaine, the half-brother of William the Conqueror. The home was then held in the same ownership between 1350 and 1921. Our clients purchased the derelict property in 2002 and set about a 3 year restoration, renovation and extension.

PROPERTY
This delightful Grade II Listed home has been sympathetically and meticulously restored by our clients. Consequently this house offers the character and charm of a 17th century, thatched manor house, with origins dating much further back, yet with modern wiring, plumbing and heating as well as large rooms that are far grander than expected.

While the home has a significant lineage and historical importance, it works fantastically well for a modern family.

The heart of the home is the large eat-in kitchen. A custom fitted kitchen has a range of base and some wall mounted cabinetry with an inset Belfast sink and a Sandyford Lady oil-fired range with boiler. There is a pantry and custom storage cabinets providing additional storage. There are French doors opening to a kitchen terrace, which despite being to the front of the property is remarkably private.

Passing through a custom oak door leads to a large sitting and dining room. A large fireplace is a superb focal point with a woodburning stove and the remnants of a clome oven. This room is ideal for entertaining with plenty of room for a large dining table and a door leading out to a gravelled patio area for dining al-fresco.

Adjoining this room is a study which could be used as a fourth bedroom. At some point in the properties history this room would have been used for agricultural use, a low door leading out to the garden is a remnant of that time. This room also has an (unused) inglenook fireplace

Additionally on the ground floor there is a utility room and a shower room just inside the front door.

Heading up the custom built staircase leads to three double bedrooms and a family bathroom. The master bedroom has a walk through wardrobe to an en-suite shower room. The second double bedroom also has the benefit of an en-suite shower room with a Jack and Jill arrangement allowing it to be alternatively be used as an additional family shower room.

In addition to the bedrooms, upstairs there is a superb second sitting room or library featuring exposed beams and a delightful arched window.

Outside, the house is wrapped to three sides by a charming garden. In addition to the aforementioned patio areas to the front of the kitchen and side of the sitting room, there is a raised lawned area to the opposite side of the house. From this elevated position, there are lovely views water over the Carrick Roads as far as St. Mawes and Pendennis Castle in Falmouth. A path cut into a terraced rear garden takes you from the raised garden past a greenhouse (housing a productive grape vine) to the lower side garden. The property has a number of well-established plants providing all year colour and interest including palm, apple and fig trees, Wisteria, Hydrangeas and Giant Sedums amongst many others.

To the front of the house is a double driveway leading to the adjoining double garage which has power and lighting.There is a second driveway to the opposite side of the plot which works well for storage of a boat or additional vehicles.

This home must be seen to be appreciated. Historically important with fabulous character yet with the benefit of up to date plumbing and electricity etc from the refurbishment. The superb location offers good sea views, and easy access to the coast and city amenities yet is quietly tucked away.

SITUATION
Trevilla is a small hamlet situated around ½ mile from the popular and sought-after village of Feock. The surrounding countryside is particularly beautiful with much being within the ownership of the National Trust.

Also a mile distant or thereabouts is Loe Beach, the Carrick Roads and River Fal which offer some of the best day sailing waters in the country.

Truro (5 miles) and Falmouth (10 miles) are readily accessible and contain excellent shopping centres.

DIRECTIONS
From Truro proceed in a south-westerly direction on the A39 towards Falmouth. On reaching the second mini-roundabout at Playing Place turn left signposted Feock. Follow this road through Penelewey, then turn left at the crossroads, signposted King Harry Ferry. Take the first turning right towards the end of the road the house will be found on the left.