St. Germans, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12

Introduction

Set within over four acres of private and secluded grounds in the highly regarded village of St Germans, Penmadown House is a substantial and beautifully realised country residence extending to just under 10,000 sq ft. Occupying an enviable position within the historic landscape of the Port Eliot Estate, the property offers a rare combination of architectural presence, heritage and refined modern living.

History

Originally constructed as a dower house for the Dowager Countess of St Germans, the house formed an elegant and important part of the wider estate. During the Second World War, the original building was struck by an incendiary bomb, leaving only the stone shell. In more recent years, the current vendors have undertaken an extensive and highly respected rebuilding of the property, carefully restoring its stature while creating a home of exceptional scale and comfort. Their approach has been one of respect for the site’s history, combined with a clear vision for contemporary family living, resulting in a house that feels both timeless and highly functional.

The Property

The accommodation is arranged over several floors and extends to approximately 8,754 sq ft within the main house, complemented by additional outbuildings and ancillary areas. On entering through the principal front door, one is immediately welcomed into an impressive and expansive entrance hall, setting the tone for the scale and elegance that unfolds throughout. From here, the principal reception rooms radiate, thoughtfully arranged to accommodate both formal entertaining and relaxed day-to-day living.

Ground Floor

These include a beautifully proportioned music room; which is a particularly striking space flooded with natural light. Indeed, a defining feature of Penmadown House is the exceptional quality of light throughout, with a high number of well-placed windows creating a bright and uplifting atmosphere across all floors. Further reception spaces include a generous drawing room with attractive bay detailing, a formal dining room, and a superb garden room which provides a natural focal point, enjoying views across the surrounding grounds.

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The kitchen is a particularly impressive and well-considered space, designed to balance everyday practicality with effortless entertaining. Centred around two substantial islands, the layout has been thoughtfully arranged to create distinct yet complementary zones. One island is dedicated to preparation, providing ample workspace for day-to-day use, while the second serves as a more social focal point, incorporating a generous breakfast bar ideal for informal dining, gathering and hosting.

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At the far end of the kitchen, the space opens into what is currently arranged as a garden room, a wonderfully light-filled area with French doors leading directly onto the terrace and grounds beyond. This versatile space is ideally suited to a variety of uses, comfortably accommodating both a dining table and relaxed seating, and creating a natural extension of the kitchen for everyday living and entertaining alike. A feature fireplace further enhances this area, adding warmth and a sense of character to this central hub of the house.

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The overall design allows for both functionality and flow, with excellent storage and working space, while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding reception areas and outdoor terraces. Whether used for family life or larger-scale entertaining, the kitchen provides a highly adaptable and inviting environment at the heart of the home.

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A notable architectural feature is the impressive double-width staircase rising between the ground and first floors, creating a strong sense of volume and connectivity at the heart of the house. In addition, a secondary staff staircase provides practical access throughout all levels, enhancing the functionality and flow of the accommodation while subtly reflecting the property’s historic origins.

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The vendors have also installed a discreet lift, serving from the ground floor through to the upper levels, further enhancing accessibility and ease of movement throughout the house.

Accomodation

On the upper floors, the bedroom accommodation is both extensive and flexible. The principal suite occupies a prominent position, featuring a large bedroom, dressing room and en suite bathroom. A number of additional bedrooms are arranged across the first and second floors, many with en suite facilities, allowing the house to comfortably accommodate family and guests alike. Further rooms, including a spacious hobby room and studio, provide excellent flexibility for creative pursuits, working from home or leisure use.

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A self-contained ancillary wing, previously used as a one-bedroom annex, offers easily adaptable accommodation ideal for guests, staff or multi-generational living. In addition, the lower ground floor provides a range of cellar and plant rooms, offering substantial storage and potential for further adaptation, subject to requirements.

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Despite its scale and history, Penmadown House is very much a home for modern living and is presented in a condition that allows for immediate occupation. At the same time, the property offers scope for further enhancement, whether through reconfiguration, cosmetic refinement or the potential to adapt certain areas to suit individual requirements, subject to the necessary consents. This balance of completeness and opportunity is particularly compelling, allowing an incoming purchaser to enjoy the house from day one while retaining the ability to shape and evolve the property over time.

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This extraordinary home represents a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial and historically significant country home, combining elegant proportions, extensive accommodation and a deep-rooted connection to one of Cornwall’s most distinguished estate settings.

Gardens and Location

The grounds extend to over four acres and are a defining feature of the property, providing privacy, space and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. The setting is both peaceful and picturesque, with mature planting and open areas that complement the scale of the house. A thoughtfully designed terrace extends from the front elevation of the house, accessed directly from the drawing and dining rooms, and continues to wrap elegantly around to the side of the kitchen.

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This expansive outdoor space has been carefully positioned to maximise both aspect and enjoyment, providing an ideal setting for al fresco dining and entertaining. Its orientation allowing for a natural progression with the sun from morning through to evening, creating a seamless connection between the principal living spaces and the surrounding grounds. The overall effect is one of seclusion without isolation, with the property enjoying a discreet yet accessible position within this historic part of Cornwall.

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The nearby village of St Germans is widely regarded as one of the most desirable in the region, known for its character, community and architectural heritage. At its heart lies the impressive Port Eliot House, a Grade I listed house set within landscaped parkland and host to a number of cultural events throughout the year. The village itself offers a mainline railway station with direct connections to Plymouth, providing access to London Paddington, while the A38 is within easy reach, offering convenient road links across the South West and beyond.

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The surrounding area is renowned for its natural beauty, with the riverside setting of the Tamar Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the nearby south Cornish coastline, both easily accessible. A wide range of sailing, walking and outdoor pursuits can be enjoyed locally, while the city of Plymouth offers a comprehensive selection of amenities, schooling and cultural attractions.

Services

The property is served by mains water and mains electricity, with the benefit of a three-phase electrical supply. Heating is provided via a ground source heat pump system, offering an efficient and sustainable solution, with the associated plant and infrastructure neatly housed within the lower ground floor plant room. Private drainage is via a sewerage treatment plant.