About Lavethan
A dwelling has stood at Lavethan for around a thousand years, close to an ancient well which still exists. Thought to mean “house in the meadow,” Lavethan began as a typical medieval Cornish longhouse which was gradually extended, with significant additions in the 17th and 18th centuries, to become a manor house surrounded by fertile land and springs.
Lavethan House
Lavethan’s estate once covered a huge area including Blisland Village, Lavethan Woods and large parts of Bodmin Moor. Over the past two centuries, almost all of this land was sold, or later given to the Woodland Trust.
Today Lavethan stands on 30 acres of land including the Grade II* listed manor house with two courtyards, adjacent buildings, formal gardens, woodland and pasture leading down to the lively Waterloo river. The house is an architectural historian’s dream, and also a comfortable and welcoming home. Since 2016, current owners Simon and Krysia have converted the long stone barn into a beautiful performance space, and are restoring the Victorian water garden.
Gardens
Lavethan is surrounded by gardens, meadows, and spectacular trees. In Spring, tall oaks stand over carpets of snowdrops, daffodils, primroses, and bluebells. The magnolia trees bloom in April and the azaleas in May, followed by blue and purple hydrangeas and an abundance of roses. The Water Garden is of particular interest.
We regularly hold Open Garden events, supporting charities such as the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Children’s Hospice South West.
Surroundings
Siutated in central Cornwall, Lavethan is just a few minutes walk from Blisland village, which has a shop, café, post office, Grade I listed church, and an excellent pub. The nearby Camel Trail, a disused steam railway line, is perfect for walking, cycling, and running. Lavethan is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the surrounding moors provide beautiful hiking opportunities.
For beaches and coastpaths, both the north and south Cornish coasts are a short drive away. Lavethan is also within a Dark Sky Landscape, and countless stars are visible on clear nights.