History - The main house, originally known as 'Chycowling' has its first record of ownership in 1565 named as Darrel Stephens. Following this, many documents name a Richard Cowlinge, son of John Cowlinge and also Geoffery Cowlinge as residents. This would most likely be where the name initially came from: 'Chy' is from the ancient Cornish Celtic language meaning 'house of' and therefore 'Chycowling' would mean 'house of the Cowling'. After this, Chycowling was owned by the Earl of Falmouth (the Boscawen family) who also owned the Tregothnan Estate. The grounds of The Emerald (farmland, fields and meadows) was owned in pre-Victorian times by a small number of Cornish families: names such as Tremayne and Lemon of Carclew, Boscawen and Agar-Robartes of Lanhydrock appear on many land deals and leases in this area over several generations. Each of these families were wealthy, all owing their fortune to mining alongside backgrounds as merchants and bankers. The families of Agar, Lemon and Boscawen owned most of the land which now makes up the village The Emerald is situated in: Carnon Downs. Since 1920, the property has undergone several changes of ownership. In recent years it operated as a small caravan and camping park until 1999 when the old house and the remains of the outbuildings were demolished and replaced by the present house. The formal gardens were established during this time and the current owners moved here in 2019 with all the properties subsequently undergoing extensive refurbishment.
The Emerald's extremely high standard of accommodation and its unique sustainable credentials means it is at the very pinnacle of self-catering complexes available in Cornwall. Awards include Silver in the Sustainable Tourism category at the Visit Cornwall Tourism Awards and a Special Award for low impact building and water management at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards. The Emerald consistently excels in providing its guests with the highest standards of luxury. The zero carbon holiday homes at The Emerald have been built to exacting standards both in terms of the finish and in their green credentials. The Code for Sustainable Homes is a voluntary national standard for the sustainable design and construction of new properties. Assessment encompasses nine categories and marks each against a star rating of one to six. Level six is the highest achievable and reflects exemplary development in terms of sustainability. The Emerald has achieved a coveted maximum six star rating and features include sedum roofs, air source heat pumps, grey water recovery systems, rainwater capture, triple glazing, ultra thick earth wool insulation, timber framed buildings clad in accredited sustainably sourced cedar and the use of thermal panels to heat water and photovoltaic panels to generate electricity.
Melody Farm - A former farmhouse, facing south over its own gardens and grounds, Melody Farm represents an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully renovated country home with privacy and seclusion, yet just four miles from the schools and main line railway station of Truro. Specified and maintained to a very high standard, the house takes full advantage of its south facing site, plenty of light and views over the sub-tropical plantsman's gardens and lake being brought into nearly all of the rooms. Of particular note is the large live-in family kitchen/dining room which opens into the conservatory, and in turn leads out onto the upper terrace and lawns overlooking the lake. Upstairs, the main suite comprises a large dual aspect bedroom, dressing room and an en-suite bathroom. There are three further bedrooms and a family bathroom with a further guest bedroom suite and shower room on the ground floor. In all, a hugely desirable and impeccably presented private country house
The Gatehouse - The Gatehouse is a detached house situated in the orchard. The house was refurbished in January 2025 and maintains the exacting standards found throughout the site and benefits from features such as the under floor heating and vaulted and beamed ceiling. Entrance to the open plan kitchen and living area with double patio doors overlooking the delightful orchard. The principal bedroom has an en suite shower room and double patio doors to the orchard, second double bedroom and family bathroom
Coast and Drift - Drift and Coast are stunning semi-detached units with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and two sitting rooms arranged over two floors. They continue the outstanding finish found in Fern and Cedar with smooth oak floors, thoughtful décor and attention to detail. Accommodation includes: Entrance hall, utility room with space for both a washer and dryer, downstairs cloak room. Hallway leading to an open plan kitchen and living room with spacious dining area and double patio doors. Bedroom one is located on the ground floor with en suite with monsoon shower. The first floor has a second sitting room and sliding doors to access the balcony. The principal bedroom has an en suite shower room and his and hers basins, there is a further twin bedroom and a family bathroom with a walk in shower and a large bath.
Fern and Cedar - These large one bedroom single storey properties are semi-detached with insulated and sound proofed walls and mirror their arrangements. They are finished to the highest standard throughout with under floor heating, oak flooring, granite worktops. Accommodation includes: Entrance to utility room with space for a separate washer and dryer leading to open plan kitchen and living room. The bedroom has an en suite bathroom with large oval ceramic bath with skylight over, separate monsoon shower and his and hers basins. Access from the bedroom onto private external decked area with hot tub and glazed balustrade and views over the countryside.
Willow - Willow is a detached timber frame lodge with a private rear garden, kitchen dining room a bedroom/sitting room with patio doors to the rear garden and a shower room and WC. An Electric car charging point is on the outside wall.
Shepherds Huts - Juniper and Jasmine are two luxury glamping units set within the orchard of Melody Farm. The shepherds huts offer double bed and bathroom facilities, cosy living space and fitted kitchens. Each shepherd hut also has a wood burning stove and outside space for alfresco dining in the summer.
Gardens & The Exterior - Set in five and a half acres the mature, lush gardens and grounds are extensively stocked with both evergreen and flowering plants, trees, formal lawns, orchard and a large lake in front of the Melody house.
Large timber Shed - This is used as the gardeners shed with space for all equipment including a tractor and benefits from both water, power and a WC. To note there is extant planning permission exists for the conversion to provide a further unit of holiday accommodation and for the addition of two further shepherds huts in the orchard. Full planning information is available on the Cornwall Council planning portal under PA16/00720.
Pool House - The 10x5 metre swimming pool is housed in a separate building. LED mood lighting and underwater pool lights ensure a relaxing ambience as does the constant temperature of 32oC. Under pool insulation ensures as little heat escapes as possible, complimented by the electric energy saving pool cover. The pool is heated by a commercial air source pump (new). There is also a changing room and cloakroom and a Gym
Melody Farm and The Emerald is situated between Truro and the port of Falmouth in South Cornwall. Truro's highly regarded shopping centre is within four miles, where there is also the main line rail link to London Paddington and a number of state and private schools. About eight miles to the south, Falmouth is one of the world's largest natural harbours and home to the landmark National Maritime Museum Cornwall and the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, besides a host of superb yachting facilities. There are four golf courses within about 12 miles and a number of world-class surfing beaches on the north coast within 15 miles. For the equestrian-minded the Bissoe trail lies in the nearby Carnon Valley and links the south coast at Devoran with the north coast at Portreath. There are additional bridle paths in the locality. There are daily flights to London and other locations from Newquay Airport, about 22 miles away.
