The Vean is an elegant, recently restored 8-bedroom detached Georgian country house situated on the Caerhays Castle Estate on the south coast of Cornwall. The accommodation comes staffed with housekeepers and they will respect guest privacy at all times. As well as being a perfect location for special events or family celebrations, the property holds a civil wedding licence and can cater for small intimate weddings for up to 60 guests. It can also cater for receptions of up to 120 guests on-site or arrange for larger receptions in conjunction with nearby Caerhays Castle.

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Location

The House enjoys a private setting at the end of its own drive on the edge of the village of Caerhays, overlooking a secluded valley. The village lies at the top of the Roseland Peninsula between St Austell and St Mawes and is a 2.5 hour drive from Bristol. London is 5 hours. Inter-City trains stop at St Austell, 20 minutes away. Newquay Airport is 45 minutes and is served by regular flights from a wide choice of airlines including Ryan Air, Air Southwest, Air Arann, BMI Baby and Flybe. Helicopter transfers can also be arranged to The Estate through Castle Air, based in Liskeard.

The History

The Estate has been in the ownership of the Williams family since 1853. It was John Charles Williams who inspired the creation of the Estate’s famous gardens. He was an avid horticulturalist and plant breeder who financed and masterminded many plant hunting trips to Southern China from 1905 –1925. ‘J.C’ also had a similar passion for Camellias. The breed of x williamsii Camellias take their name from ‘J.C’s’ hybridisation work. The hybrids which he developed from the original plants he collected are now admired around the world. The Gardens are also home to the National Magnolia collection.

The Vean was originally built in the 1830’s as the village rectory. Sadly, it had fallen into a state of disrepair when it was sold by the Church of England to the Estate in 1948. Following the purchase, its condition continued to deteriorate and The Vean became derelict for a further 50 years. The House has now been painstakingly restored by Charles and Lizzy Williams, using the same footprint, architecture and original stone. The project took 5 years from inception and was completed in November 2006. Guests will be delighted with the results and Lizzy Williams’ exquisite use of colours and fabrics.

The Accommodation

The accommodation can be booked for a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 16 guests. It has been furnished with adult guests in mind wanting a fully-catered experience.

The Vean is furnished to a standard where it is not suitable or equipped for large numbers of unsupervised children under the age of about 12. The Vean is however equipped for babies and would expect to accommodate children for weddings, family reunions, anniversaries and other special events. Please outline your plans with us when discussing your booking.

Ground Floor:

1. Entrance hall
2. Sitting room with open fire, large screen Sky TV and DVD player
3. Dining room with open fire and seating for up to 20 guests if required
4. Drawing room with open fire
5. Cloakroom with wc
6. Utility room

The bedrooms have been individually designed with beautiful fabrics, antique furniture and high quality bathroom fittings. Each bed is a 6’ zip 'n’ link, which can convert to 2 x 3’ single beds on request.

First Floor:

1. 4 large double/twin bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms

Second Floor:

1. 4 smaller double/twin bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms

The Grounds

The property has a south facing paved terrace with garden furniture to the front, making the most of the views. To the side is a lawned garden. Guests will also be given access to selected parts of the Estate. There is ample parking.

The Services

The following services are included in the rent:

1. Breakfast
2. All linen & towels supplied
3. Toiletries
4. Utilities (except phone, calls charged on departure)
5. Broadband connection in all bedrooms
6. Daily housekeeping service
7. Free entry to Caerhays Castle Gardens
8. Free entry to Porthluney Beach Car Park (owned by Estate)
9. Free attendance to RHS recommended lectures (subject to availability)
10. Discounts to visit other Great Gardens in Cornwall
11. The Nare Hotel will provide a taxi free of charge to guests who pre-book lunch at either of their 2 restaurants.

1. The Nare Hotel, near Varyan, 01872 501111
2. Hotel Tresanton, St Mawes, 01326 270055
3. The Old School House, Pentewan, 01726 842 474

Pubs:

1. The Rashleigh Arms, Charlestown, 01726 73635
2. The Kings Head, Ruan Langhorne, 01872 501263
3. The Roseland, Philleigh, 01872 580254
4. The Kings Arms, Tregony, 01872 530202
5. The Rising Sun, St Mawes, 01326 270233

Price

The following prices are calculated on a daily basis and are inclusive of staff, bed and breakfast and VAT.
Minimum of 2 nights over a weekend and 3 nights for a Bank Holiday.

There are two excellent chefs who can provide meals for you if required but this service is extra and needs to be booked in advance. This is not a self catering house.

The Vean has a licence to sell alcohol but you are welcome to bring your own wines. There is a corkage charge of £6 per bottle.