Trereife House and Gardens

Fi Read discovers the timeless charm of a fine Queen Anne manor house, and its delightful surroundings.

Trereife, first opened to the public in 2002 and continues to add new features, and improvements as the years progress. Dating from the early 18th Century, the house itself has an architectural elegance not often found in West Cornwall. Together with the tastefully designed gardens, the estate has a timeless quality reminiscent of an idyllic, pastoral setting for a Jane Austen novel.
The literary connection is a significant one as Charles Valentine Le Grice, who came to own Trereife through marriage some 200 years ago, was not only a prolific writer and poet in his own right, but also a contemporary and friend to Coleridge and Wordsworth.
Monthly poetry events, featuring both local and international poets, have been hosted by the current occupant, Tim Le Grice, set up ‘…to promote and foster the understanding and enjoyment of poetry in Cornwall.’

Upon leaving the car park, the approach to the house takes you past a curious pair of pigs, and a sloping field with horses in it. On the left, is an unusual Medlan orchard. An informative board explains that the trees planted here in January 2003, were once widely cultivated in Tudor England, and bear a fruit botanically similar to a cross between a pear and a hawthorn. When picked in Oct/Nov the flesh of these dark greeny-brown fruit is still hard. Keeping them cool until the pulp softens and mellows is a process called ‘bletting’. This pulp can be made into a jelly or preserve, or folded into whipped cream and sugar to make a delicious dessert.

Originally, the layout of the gardens was extremely formal, reflecting the symmetry of the house and the fashion of the times.
Later, this was altered to create a landscaped park area, a terraced section and a large walled garden. The final transformation took place in 1999 with major re-planting and refurbishment having been undertaken by family members. What used to be a lawn immediately to the front of the house, now boasts an intricate parterre. Designed by Lyn Le Grice, the pattern was inspired by the ornate Italian plasterwork ceiling found in one of the bedrooms overlooking the garden – the intention being to mirror the interior outside. Individual beds, divided by gravel paths, have been planted with silvery grey Santolina, blue-hued Ceanothus, and lined with Box to produce a subtle interplay of colour.

Alongside is a small terrace, where two circular water features are fed by narrow stone troughs, and surrounded by lush leafy green foliage. Steps, leading up to the walled garden, are framed by twin granite spheres and clumps of aromatic Lavender. A magnificent Magnolia Campbelii by the doorway, erupts into fragrant blossom in February, while running along the length of the wall, is a Wisteria thought to be 150 years old. The view from here of Mounts Bay is simply stunning, and the sight of a child’s wooden rocking horse at one of the windows, lends an air of nostalgic enchantment.

The extensive walled garden, no doubt previously an essential, kitchen garden, seems empty now, save for an expanse of grass, an abundant patch of silver beet, and a small swing and climbing frame. Around the inner walls, thin branches splayed out against the tiny red brickwork, are a promise of Autumn’s harvest to come: apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, apples, pears and cherries. Birdsong, constant and varied, muffles the distant traffic noise, and together with the wind-rush in the treetops, soothes and calms.
Next to the play equipment, a sandpit still harbours last season’s child-sized footprints; a solitary, up-turned plastic starfish’s red outline drawing the eye – a vestige of a summer scene. If less is more, the sense of freedom in this space is an antidote to the usual, contrived, children’s play areas, where imaginations and little legs have plenty of scope to wander.

It is now mid-winter; the rich greens throughout the grounds, a welcome relief to an overcast, grey sky. Snowdrops and pale yellow primroses are beginning to appear, but the daffodils remain furled. Clusters of Camelias, planted in the 1920’s and 30’s, are dotted with waxy flowers in shades of red, pink, and white.
Rhododendrons, passively wait for their turn to flower; each bud like a pointy-headed ballerina, the drooping foliage forming a tutu skirt below. To the left of the house, hidden behind a chicken wire fence, lies an, oval-shaped, pea-green pond. Primordial, and undisturbed, it too waits to cast off its blanket of sleep. Exploring this section unearths all kinds of interesting things. An unusual tree fern, laced in ivy, looks as if it might have been blown in from neighbouring Trewidden Gardens, while ditches and nooks make ideal places to discover nature’s secrets.

Although neither grand, nor imposing, Trereife has a strong sense of family history, and a beauty nourished by the affectionate care of Tim Le Grice. Despite his continuing work as a Solicitor, he is the perfect host and guide – accommodating, and welcoming to visitors, and genuinely pleased to have people share in the simple pleasures of his house and gardens. With well-planned planting providing colour and interest throughout the year, whatever season you choose to visit Trereife, you’re guaranteed a memorable experience.

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v Entry to the gardens includes access to Mark’s Ark – a small zoo containing a selection of animals, birds, reptiles and insects – a popular attraction for both adults and children alike.
v For an additional fee, it’s also possible to ‘paint your own pottery’ at Crazy Crockery. Situated in one of the attractive outbuildings to the rear of the house, and adjacent to the stables, everything is provided to while away a crafty hour or two.
v Nearby, is the opportunity to take part in Covert Combat’s new Lazertag. Players are equipped with ‘weapons’ and given exciting missions to complete in this new game of simulated warfare.
v Alternatively, a cosy café serves teas and refreshments after you’ve enjoyed sampling the delights of Trereife.

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v Located on the outskirts of Newlyn and Penzance on the A30
v Disabled and parent/toddler parking close to entrance
v Opening times from May to October
v Family saver rates apply
v Dog friendly
v A venue for Civil wedding ceremonies and receptions

Contact Details:

Trereife Park, Penzance, Cornwall, TR20 8TJ
tel. 01736 362750 fax. 01736 366690
enquiries@trereifepark.co.uk
www.trereifepark.co.uk