Although Caerhays Castle has the appearance of a Norman stronghold it was built in the 19th century for John Bettesworth Trevanion.
The estate he inherited in 1801, at the age of 21, had been in the hands of the Trevanion family since 1390. The fashionable architect, John Nash, was employed to create the splendid mansion. However, Nash proved very expensive and this, together with the cost of building such an impressive home, ruined the family. In 1840 the family were heavily in debt and fled to Paris, where John Trevanion died.
The castle fell into disrepair until 13 years later it was bought by Michael Williams, a Cornish Member of Parliament. He was also a prominent mine owner and industrialist and, together with his son John, set about the restoration of the castle.
Later generations of the Williams family created the 60 acres of informal woodlands and gardens that surround the house. At the turn of the century J C Williams arranged plant gathering trips to China.
The gardens are famous for their magnolias, camellias, oaks and rhododendrons. The fifth generation of the Williams family still lives at the castle and the Trevanions are recalled in a number of family portraits.
Today Caerhays is one of the few remaining Nash built castles.
Caerhays Castle Opening Times
2008 Garden: 18 Feb-1 Jun daily 10:00-17:00 (Last entry 16:00 ). House: conducted tour only, 10 Mar-30 May Mon-Fri (inc bank holidays) Tours 12:00-15:00 Booking advised.
Tel: 01872 501310 Caerhays Castle Website
