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Cotehele
A late medieval manor house, Cotehele House is deemed to be the least altered house dating from the Tudor period in England. Cotehele house lies in St. Dominick, near the Tamar River in Cornwall. More than a house, Cotehele is an estate with extensive grounds including a tower, Cotehele Mill, a dovecote, and grounds which extend to the River Tamar where you can also visit a branch of the National Maritime Museum, Cotehele quay and the Shamrock , a working barge.Adding to an earlier 13th century structure, Cotehele House was built by the Edgecumbe family between 1485 and 1520 out of local granite, slate and sandstone. Although additions to the estate would continue till as late as 1627, the house itself remained unchanged and it has survived past the second millennium without ever having electricity fitted. In true medieval style, Cotehele's rooms are arranged around three courtyards. The Great Hall, once the heart of the home has a high arched roof, stained glass windows bearing the Edgecumbe family arms and walls hung with armour and weapons. In the old dining room, you'll see fine old tapestries and across the court the kitchen with a huge oven and 3 metre hearth. To the left-side of the south wing lies the Retainers Court which once provided outbuildings to the main house. Of most interest here is the 15th century chapel. Medieval tiles lie on the floor, a 16th century Flemish Crucifix on the South Chancel but it is the chapel clock which is the rarest feature to be found. Unmoved and unaltered since its installation in 1489, the working clock is pre-pendulum and though faceless counts out time by striking bells. Also pre-dating electricity, it is powered by two 40kg weights.
Cotehele House ceased to serve as the main residence for the Edgecumbe family with their move to Mount Edgcumbe House. However, Cotehele remained in the family's hands and continued to be used until 1946 when the property was passed over to the National Trust.
Outside Cotehele boasts lovely terraced gardens sloping towards the River Tamar. Exotic and native plants flourish here amidst ponds, trees, shrubs and hedges. You'll see the 15th century dovecote and Victorian Summerhouse. A gentle walk by the river will take you to Cotehele Quay which hummed with activity in a bygone age when the River Tamar was used to transport cargo. You'll still be able to see a barge, the Shamrock , an 1899 sketch-rigged vessel which does still go out on the River Tamar from time to time. Nearby, you can also visit a branch of the National Maritime Museum which houses displays on river-trading and local boat-building.
Cotehele Mill
Cotehele's extensive grounds include a working mill nestling snugly in the middle of woodlands. As well as traditional corn production, a range of outbuildings are set up as workshops lending visitors a glimpse into the bygone years of saddlers, wheelwrights and blacksmiths. You'll also see a cider press and carpenter's workshop.
Cotehele Mill lies approximately half a kilometre away from Cotehele Quay and this is the only parking available (except by prior arrangement for visitors with disabilities). If you want to make a day of it, leave you car in Calstock and take the Calstock ferry down the River Tamar to Cotehele Quay. For walks around Cotehele Estate, pick up a leaflet from the visitors' office.
Location
Address: Cotehele, St Dominick
Postcode: PL12 6TA
Town/city or near: Saltash
County: Cornwall
Admission
Adults: £8
Children: £4
Opening Times
Cotehele House is open everyday except Friday from mid-March till the end of September from 11am to 4.30pm and till 4pm in October. Cotehele Mill is open from mid-March till the end of September from 1pm to 5.30pm and till 4.30 pm. Cotehele Mill is open everyday except Fridays from March till end of June, September and October. Open everyday in July and August.
National Trust
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