Trewithen

The house at Trewithen was originally built by Philip Hawkins in 1715, and included a much smaller and older dwelling first recorded in the Doomsday Book. The Doomsday Book was completed in 1086 for William I of England (William the Conqueror) and included large scale surveys to determine how much land and livestock was owned by each individual landowner. The book became absolute law and was used to determine levels of taxation. The House was later enlarged and remodeled for Philip’s heir by the famous architect Sir Robert Taylor. The Estate has remained, through marriage, in perpetual ownership by one family for over 280 years.

At the front of the house there is a small museum housing a number of historical curios - including the only full set of horse boots in Cornwall. Horse boots were made of leather and were worn to stop hooves cutting up the lawn. As if horse boots weren’t interesting enough (ahem), the museum also houses the ‘Travelling Trees' Exhibition that details the gripping history of the Plant Hunters. Much more to my liking.

The gardens at Trewithen boast 24 Champion trees, and are renowned for their collection of Magnolias and Camellias. Also found throughout the garden is the wildflower meadow, woodland glades, exotic fern collections, treetop viewing platforms, a peaceful woodland walk, and the Sycamore Avenue. The avenue is one of the original parts of the garden, and is rumored to have a carriage horse (from the Hawkins coach which travelled between Trewithen and Trewinnard) buried under each of the trees. In 2007, the avenue was planted with 3000 Cornish bred daffodils, crocus, and scillas for a breathtaking spring display.

The nursery and plant center at Trewithen has attained international recognition due to the release of some wonderful cultivars, including Camellia ‘Trewithen Pink’, Rhododendron ‘Alison Johnstone’, and the ever popular Ceanothus ‘Trewithen Blue.’ Many of these beautiful “Trewithen” cultivars are scattered throughout the gardens. Sadly, my camera battery died early in my tour, so to see some of these amazing displays, you will all have to come visit the gardens for yourselves!