7 bedroom detached house for sale

Tenure: Freehold

A superb and substantial property occupying its own peninsula with unrivalled views of Mounts Bay on three sides
• Immense Charm and Character
• Large Landscaped Gardens With Romantic Folly
• Gated Access To The National Trust Owned Beach
• 7 Bedrooms, 5 Shower/Bathrooms, 5 Reception Rooms


Property    Castle Gayer is a substantial Victorian property, thought to have been built in the early 1870s. This was an exciting period when architects broke free from the strict disciplines and symmetry imposed by the Georgians and explored elaborate and more decorative designs; Castle Gayer is no exception. It is thought to have been built on the site of a medieval castle for a Robert Glasson Michell, merchant, his wife Elizabeth and their four sons, one of whom, William Gayer Michell, became captain of the ship Trekieve. Subsequently the house was owned by the St Aubyn family who live on St Michael's Mount and was sold into private hands when the Mount and surrounds were gifted to the National Trust.

Situation    Castle Gayer occupies a small peninsula immediately opposite the alluring St Michaels Mount. South-facing, the views are quite simply stunning, extending from the Lizard Peninsula in the south-east to Penzance and Mousehole in the south-west. The two headlands enclose the sparkling waters of Mounts Bay which is recognised as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The outlook from the property is fascinating and constantly changing; small boats ply backwards and forwards to the Mount, kite surfers ride the waves and holiday makers seek out the sunshine on the beaches below.

Location    Marazion is an historic town, granted a royal charter in 1257. The narrow streets contain numerous picturesque old cottages and houses and an excellent selection of amenities including shops, restaurants, pubs and hotel. Penzance (4 miles) is the principal town in west Cornwall and offers additional facilities including a main line railway station to London Paddington with journey times from around 5 hours. Newquay Airport (35 miles) provides scheduled flights to London Gatwick with flights taking about one hour. The A30 is now a dual carriageway for most of its length to the M5 at Exeter (108 miles).

-    Leisure facilities abound in the area. In addition to the numerous water sports in Mounts Bay there is excellent walking along the coastal footpath or across the Penwith Moors and golf at The West Cornwall, Lelant (5 miles) or Tregenna Castle, St Ives (8 miles).

-    When the present owners acquired the property in the mid-1980s it was in two, the wing to the east known as The Parsonage being in separate ownership. Subsequently they also acquired this wing and have latterly restored the property to a single, very spacious dwelling.

Accommodation    The accommodation is beautifully appointed and, as one would expect, the majority of the rooms have fine views of the sea or coastline. Of particular interest is the quantity of original architectural detailing that has remained intact including cornices, panelling, skirtings, architraves and doors, marble fireplaces and fine tessellated floors.

Outside    Despite its position on the edge of the sea, Castle Gayer has superb gardens containing an excellent collection of flowering and ornamental shrubs which thrive in this maritime environment. The various tender plants are a testament to the mild climate with even the echiums surviving a comparatively cold winter for Marazion last year. Yuccas and Phormium add an exotic feel.

-    Immediately adjoining the property there is a paved sun terrace facing The Mount and enjoying panoramic views of the bay. Lawned terraces descend to the sea wall and to a Grade II listed gothic gazebo situated at the extreme of the peninsula. A broad grass walk with mature planting to one side looks east along the coastline and has steps down and private gate leading to the adjoining beach. Numerous sheltered sitting areas are cleverly distributed around the grounds. To the rear there is a particularly sheltered garden with greenhouse, summerhouse, herb garden, shrubs, perennials and a collection of bulbs resulting in interest and colour for all of the year.

-    An entrance drive passes through granite gateposts and gives access to a parking area and to two double garages.

Site    The total site area is approximately 0.74 acre (0.300ha).

Tenure    The property is to be sold Freehold with vacant possession.