Quay Street, Lostwithiel

Shire House

Full of charm, character and history, Shire House is a truly distinctive four-bedroom Georgian home set along historic Quay Street in Lostwithiel. Grade II listed and dating from the early to mid-19th century, the property incorporates an earlier structure associated with the historic Duchy Palace dating from 1265-1300. Local historical records suggest it once served as the residence of the governor of the former Stannary Prison. Today, its fascinating past sits alongside bold decorative touches, period features and a wonderfully individual style, creating a home full of personality. Arranged across three floors, the accommodation offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious kitchen and dining area, a reception room and a secluded south facing walled garden, making this a rare opportunity to own a property with such a distinctive story to tell. This is an unusually special piece of Cornish property. 

At the heart of the ground floor is a stunning open-plan kitchen and dining room, where exposed timber beams, brickwork and a characterful log burner create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Generous natural light pours into the space, enhanced by the glazed doors with shutters opening directly onto the garden, creating an appealing connection between indoor and outdoor living. There is ample room for both everyday dining and entertaining, making this a natural hub of the home. On this floor is a particularly spacious bedroom, with views to the garden, complete with a useful wardrobe nook. Also on this floor is a separate utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer and convenient under-stairs storage. Completing the ground floor, is a wet room with a walk in shower and exhilarating body jets.

The first floor offers a further generous bedroom, complemented by useful cupboard storage along the hallway. The bathroom provides a striking focal point, featuring a freestanding full-length bathtub, a separate walk-in shower and a distinctive washbasin alcove finished in burnt cherry. 

The property benefits from a system boiler and a 250-litre hot water storage cylinder, providing ample hot water to accommodate the simultaneous use of baths and showers. The combination of practical facilities and expressive design adds to the property's unmistakable personality.

The living room provides another inviting space in which to relax, with dual-aspect windows allowing natural light to flow throughout and offering views towards the River Fowey. Fold-out wooden shutters to this room, along with other front-facing rooms, add a traditional touch and further enhance the home's distinctive character. On the upper floor, two further bedrooms sit beneath the roofline, each offering a characterful retreat with exposed timber ceiling beams that beautifully showcase the property's architectural heritage. 

Outside, the garden feels like a secluded sanctuary, with established trees, mature planting and leafy greenery creating a wonderfully private setting. A pathway winds through the garden, leading past the planted borders and outdoor seating area, offering a peaceful place to unwind, enjoy the surroundings or entertain during warmer months. Outside storage sheds provide useful additional space, while the garden's established, almost secret-garden feel makes it a particularly special feature of the property.

The combination of period character, flexible accommodation, distinctive interiors and private garden makes it a property that stands apart from the ordinary. With its fascinating past and individual charm, Shire House is an appealing opportunity for anyone looking for a home with personality, warmth and a truly unique feel.

Shire House has previously been enjoyed as a successful holiday let, offering an interesting prospect for buyers seeking a home with a holiday-letting history, subject to any necessary permissions and requirements.

Location

Lostwithiel is one of Cornwall's most attractive and historic small towns, beautifully situated in the wooded valley of the River Fowey. Once the medieval capital of Cornwall and an important centre of the Duchy, the town retains much of its original character, with narrow streets, handsome period buildings, a medieval bridge and the historic Duchy Palace.

Today, Lostwithiel combines its rich architectural heritage with a thriving and welcoming community. Long celebrated as Cornwall's antiques capital, its picturesque town centre is home to antique dealers, galleries and an appealing variety of independent shops, cafés, restaurants and traditional inns, together with a bakery, delicatessen and convenience stores. Regular produce markets, antique fairs, music and cultural events, and popular annual celebrations contribute to the town's lively atmosphere and strong sense of community.

The Shire House enjoys delightful views towards the river and the river Fowey is central to the town's charm. The upper tidal reaches of the river extend as far as Lostwithiel with attractive riverside parks, open green spaces and peaceful walks providing opportunities to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and abundant wildlife. Footpaths lead through the wooded Fowey valley towards the historic riverside settlements of St Winnow and Lerryn, while upstream lie the romantic ruins of Restormel Castle and the extensive grounds of the National Trust's Lanhydrock estate.

Lostwithiel is also exceptionally well placed for exploring south Cornwall. The picturesque harbour town of Fowey, renowned for its sailing, waterfront restaurants and independent shops, is within easy reach, as are the beautiful beaches, secluded coves and coastal walks of the south Cornish coast. The internationally renowned Eden Project is another nearby attraction, while to the north the wooded valleys give way to the dramatic open landscapes of Bodmin Moor.

Despite its peaceful setting, Lostwithiel benefits from good transport connections. The town has its own station on the main railway line through Cornwall, with services towards Plymouth, Exeter and London Paddington. The A390 provides road connections to the A38 and A30, giving access to the wider region.

Other

Please note that an AML fee is chargeable to the buyer once an offer is accepted to cover the cost of carrying out the required identity and anti-money laundering checks. Once these checks have been completed, the fee cannot be refunded, even if the property purchase does not go ahead.

Viewings strictly by appointment with The Property Shop Cornwall.