School House, Sancreed, Cornwall

Thought to date to the 1750s, this exceptional school house occupies a quiet and rural position in a quintessential western Cornish hamlet. Breathing new life into the original foundations, the house has been renovated and extended to around 3,200 sq ft, pairing impressive architectural proportions and original stonework with an artful approach to colour and material finishes. Haven-like, the house's countryside position is exceedingly peaceful, though within easy reach of Newlyn, which lies a 10-minute drive away.



The Tour



Approached by a country lane, the house is set back from the road by a driveway and parking area, in a secluded pocket surrounded by mature trees. The building was entirely renovated, replumbed and rewired; it is also exceptionally well insulated and has a new heating system in place.



The original school entrance provides a seamless passage to the rooms across the ground floor. It guides towards a breathtaking living space: a double-height, open-plan room with vaulted ceilings, arched windows with army green trims, and Douglas fir floorboards underfoot. Natural light pours in and fills every corner.



The space has been sensitively divided, with a bespoke kitchen positioned in one corner. The grass-green cabinetry that neatly houses appliances is offset by decorative tiling from Darkroom. Walls are coloured in chalky off-white and carefully selected spot and pendant light fittings hang overhead to provide a soft illumination. An expansive glazed door leads out from here directly to the garden.



To the front of the plan lies a bedroom, or study, with a utility space and plant room set adjacent. A secondary living area lies opposite, with the original stone wall detailing retained wherever possible.



A solid timber staircase ascends to the upper level, which has four double bedrooms and the bathrooms. An excellent quality of light ripples across each space, with far-reaching views over field-upon-field of surrounding farmland. The family bathroom has been finished in Carrara marble, with a large walk-in shower.



Outside Space



There is a wonderful flow between the interior and exterior spaces, with dry-stone walls, specimen trees and mature hedging form the external boundary of the private garden. Expanses of lawn provide a wonderful opportunity for further landscaping, and the original school playground area stands as a reminder of the site’s history.



The Area



The location offers excellent access to the west Cornwall coastline and the popular destinations of Porthcurno, Sennen and Land’s End.



The picturesque fishing town of Newlyn is a 10-minute drive away; the area has long been associated with artists - including those of the Newlyn School - who have been attracted by the light, the sea and the historic architecture. The village is home to an independent cinema and The Newlyn Art Gallery, which has an impressive programme of modern art exhibitions from critically acclaimed artists. The town centre also plays host to the Newlyn Filmhouse Cinema and the celebrated art deco Jubilee Pool.



On Newlyn's seafront is the exceptional fish restaurant Argoe, headed by former Rochelle Canteen chef, Ben Coombs and fishmonger Richard Adams. Mackerel Sky is another great highlight. There are numerous specialist fish merchants as well as the Newlyn Cheese and Charcuterie, The Little Greengrocer (which supplies local and organic produce) and Lenterns, a traditional butcher. The long-established ice cream shop Jelberts, and the popular Lewis’s Fish and Chip Shop, invite a walk to the harbour. Lovetts, set centrally, has excellent coffee and natural wines and is a short stroll from Newlyn Fermentary, which - alongside its retail offering - hosts regular workshops and events.



There are some excellent schools nearby, including Mousehole School, as well as Ludgvan School, Nancledra School and St Hilary School in Penzance.



Direct train services run from Penzance stationto London Paddington in just over five hours. With easy access to the A30, Exeter is two-and-a-half hours by car, while London can be reached in six. Newquay airport is an hour away and has regular flights to London as well as many other UK and continental airports.



Council Tax Band: F