Pencarrow

Pencarrow is a Georgian country house in north Cornwall, in the parish of Egloshayle, roughly three miles from both Wadebridge and Bodmin. The house is Grade II* listed and has belonged to the Molesworth-St Aubyn family for around five centuries. It is still a lived-in family home, opened to visitors through the season.

What is Pencarrow?

Part family seat, part historic interior, part large garden. Because the family still lives here, a visit feels closer to being shown around a real home than walking through a museum. The house counts among the finer Georgian buildings in the county.

What is the history of the house?

Work on the present building began in the 1760s, reshaping an older residence. Robert Allanson is considered the probable architect; he died in 1773, and Pencarrow was his major work. Sources date individual stages differently, so the second half of the 18th century is the safest summary. The architect George Wightwick made alterations in the 1840s, and Ernest Newton modernised the interiors in 1919. Sir William Molesworth laid out the gardens in the mid-19th century.

What will you see?

• The house is visited on a guided tour. In the 2026 season the first tour leaves at 11.15am, then every 45 minutes, with the last at 3.00pm. Tours cannot be pre-booked, so late arrivals may miss the final one.
• The gardens cover around 50 acres, with formal areas near the house and wooded parts further out. Allow a few hours to see them properly.
• Cafe and shop are on site. In 2026 the cafe opens 10.00am to 4.30pm, with lunches from 12.00 to 3.00pm.
• Dogs are welcome on the estate, which is not common at historic houses in Britain.

When should you go?

Pencarrow is seasonal. In 2026 the gardens opened on 1 March and are open daily, while the house, cafe and shop opened on 30 March. Older listings quote different hours, so check the official website before travelling. Spring and early summer suit the gardens best, but the house tour works well on a grey day too.

How do you get there?

The estate lies near Washaway, between Wadebridge and Bodmin. Driving is the easiest option: it is a few minutes from either town. Visitors park on site.

Frequently asked questions

Is the house open all year? No. The house and cafe run seasonally, while the gardens have a longer calendar. Dates change each year.

Do I need to book a house tour? According to the estate, tours cannot be reserved in advance. Arrive early in the day, since the last places can run out.

Can I bring my dog? Yes, dogs are welcome on the estate. Check the rules for entering the house itself before you go.

How long should I allow? Half a day covers the guided tour and a walk around the gardens, and longer if you stop for lunch.

Who owns Pencarrow? The Molesworth-St Aubyn family, who have lived here for about 500 years.