The house remains the private family home of the Molesworth-St Aubyn family, who have held the land since the 1500s.
The property contains a documented collection of over 600 varieties of rhododendrons.
It is home to one of the earliest examples of a Victorian-era rock garden in the United Kingdom.
The house was used as a filming location for the 2020 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma.
The grounds feature a rare 'Ice House' originally used for food storage in the 18th century.
Pencarrow House is a Grade II* listed Georgian mansion that has remained in the Molesworth-St Aubyn family for over 500 years. The house features a prominent collection of portraits, original Chippendale furniture, and a library containing over 5,000 volumes. The estate is noted for its early 19th-century landscaped gardens, which include a notable collection of camellias, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas. A significant feature of the grounds is the Victorian rock garden, restored to reflect its original design. The property spans approximately 50 acres of gardens and parkland. The house architecture reflects the evolution of 18th-century country estate design with symmetrical stonework and period-appropriate interior layout.
The main entrance steps facing the south lawn offer the best view of the Georgian architecture.
Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear, as the expansive garden paths can be muddy even in dry weather.
Check the estate's specific seasonal event calendar online, as parts of the house may occasionally be closed for private family functions.
Allow extra time to explore the woodland walks beyond the formal garden area.
Do not attempt to walk through the entire estate without a map, as the trail system is extensive and easily confused.
The house and gardens are seasonal, generally closing for the winter months; check for mid-week closures during shoulder seasons.
Footwear must be clean; photography inside the house is restricted to protect the artwork and delicate fabrics.
