As local myth and lore lend ‘a charming patina to days gone by’, Sue Field describes why Cornwall is ‘possibly the most beautiful county in the UK’ – and a great place for smallholder living…
Cornwall is much lauded by countless documentaries as to its many attributes. There are many opportunities for smallholders in a county that encourages enterprise and boasts a strong rural connection.
For those with an artistic bent, look no further than the county’s many galleries and art shops. Whether your love is painting, sculpture or pottery, the light and landscapes will surely inspire you. Cornwall also has a wealth of stunning gardens, with Trebah Gardena a must-see, especially in spring with its valley of Rhododendrons, Camellias and Magnolias. In autumn the Hydrangas area sea of blue and white as you walk down towards the private beach on the Helford River. A lovely touch in one of the ponds is a small but perfectly formed cousin of the Loch Ness Monster!
Trebah Gardens is a must-see, credit Sue Field
Also ranking high on the list of the many places to visit, are the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project. Inspiration for keen gardeners and smallholders alike. Penlee House & Gardens run various exhibitions and have a lovely cafe terrace to sit and enjoy the garden. Penlee was the site of probably one of the worst lifeboat disasters in RNLI history, with the loss of all 8 crew. members in 1981.
The Tate at St Ives is a magnet for art lovers from all over the world and St Ives itself is a charming seaside town with plenty to see an do. Its narrow streets and lack of public parking can make visiting during the summer season quite challenging but that also applies to many of the stunning villages along the rocky coastlines.
A MYSTICAL HERITAGE
Due in part to its Celtic heritage and the romance of its 433 mile coastline with tales of shipwrecks and smuggling, myth and lore lend a charming patina to days gone by. However, lives could be hard with tin or copper mining and fishing two of the main occupations for many. Nowadays, tourism is the most important industry in the county with 12 million day visitors and around five million holiday visits.
Footpaths and riding trails abound, with The Saints Way leading from Lanivet to the popular town of Padstow. Graded an easy walk, it is not for the faint hearted as the route is some 15 miles long but well worth the walk through the stunning countryside.
Due to Cornwall’s balmy south west location, everything grows well, including bamboo, which was cut during WWII from a estate in Lanviet and sent to London Zoo to help keep the pandas alive. The sign on the Lanivet Inn depicts a panda which has become a symbol of this delightful village.
FEATURED PROPERTY:
With a guide price of £450,000, this uniquely situated bungalow has a great deal to offer in smallholding terms
Our property this month is just outside the village of Lanivet, which sits in the centre of Cornwall and is five miles from Bodmin. It has 5.4 acres and it is subject to an agricultural occupancy condition. This limits the occupancy to somebody who is, or has been, wholly or mainly employed in agriculture or forestry. The bungalow has beautiful views over the surrounding countryside and whilst it has been well maintained over the years, some updating may be necessary.
There are four bedrooms, a shower room, kitchen and living room. The property is convenient for Bodmin, Wadebridge and the A30. The gently sloping paddock is stock fenced on two sides with hedging providing the other boundaries.
On the market with Lodge & Thomas, with a guide price of £450,000 this uniquely situated bungalow has a great deal to offer in smallholding terms. There are primary schools in both Lanivet and nearby Nanstallon, as well as a number of thriving local businesses which include a post office, Spar shop, community centre, hairdressers and a highly-regarded fish and chip shop.
The Lanivet Inn is the hub of the community and offers a very warm welcome to all who pass over its threshold. With easy access from the village to the A30, and Wadebridge, this warm and welcoming community is a gem in possibly the most beautiful county!
Main image: Cattle on show at the Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge
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