Isolde

Introduction

Between Cornwall's north and south coasts resides this romantic and classical country home. Isolde’s origins trace back to William the Conqueror, who gifted the original manor to his half-brother in the 11th century. It later passed into the hands of the distinguished Courtenay family – Henry Courtenay, cousin of Henry VIII. Traces of its Tudor past endure in the stone doorway arch of the kitchen pantry and in the Courtenay initials carved into granite in the hallway. The 18th century brought the elegant Georgian alterations visible today, before the Victorian era recast the house as a working dairy farm. Now, following a sensitive restoration by its previous owner and a vibrant awakening of colour under its current family, history and modern living coexist.

Inside

A practically edible colour palette and a Cornish art collection that includes works by Fred Yates, Simeon Stafford, Gill Watkiss and Kurt Jackson bring individuality to every corner of Isolde. The dining room, swathed in jam red, invites unhurried meals prepared on the Aga in the farmhouse kitchen opposite. Upstairs, high-ceilinged bedrooms in soft, pudding shades of yogurt pink and greengage create a restful atmosphere where handpicked antiques sit beside contemporary pieces: a walnut chaise longue, latticed rattan chairs and a pendant light with the colour and form of crème caramel. This is a home that both indulges and nourishes, from the cosy cinema snug and games room to a spacious wellness area complete with a sauna and relaxation space.

Outside

Step outside and 10 acres of verdant grounds unfold. The paved terrace features a large heated swimming pool, flanked by six sun loungers primed for idle afternoons, whilst a hot tub beckons for evening soaks beneath the stars. A walled kitchen garden, avenue of lime trees and a small knot garden – a popular Tudor-style design that nods to the manor’s history – yields to a wilder charm further down the gardens, where sheep graze and a wildlife pond comes complete with a rowing boat. The grounds are as restorative as the house itself, offering ample opportunity to pause and play. Sitting in the centre of Cornwall, at the midpoint of the Saints’ Way and close to Bodmin Moor, Isolde is ideally placed for exploring the county's wilder reaches.

• PricingFrom £5,995 per week, £4,795 per short break for up to 12 guests
  An alternative group size of up to 8 guests is available during selected periods at a reflective rate
• FeaturesOutdoor heated swimming pool (available May - September inclusive), hot tub, sauna, cinema room with projector and a games room with table tennis and pool table
• PetsYes, two dogs (over the age of six months) are very welcome
  Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof
• FamilyBabies and children are very welcome
• PracticalitiesThe kitchen is fully equipped and features an oven, Aga, microwave, dishwasher fridge, freezer, coffee machine and wine fridge. The utility room houses a washer/dryer. There is ample parking for multiple cars. Please supervise children as the pool and pond are unfenced. Whilst dogs are welcome, the garden is not enclosed and there is livestock in the adjacent fields. The owners live on site but have a separate driveway, so guest privacy will be maintained at all times. The owners will check on their sheep and feed the parrots each morning, doing so early to avoid disruption. The owners will not use the main entrance gates. The gardener visits the property every other week
• Private cateringWhether you're looking for a fully catered stay or a one-off meal for a special occasion, discover your bespoke catering options
  
  Explore private dining
• RetreatsFrom surf lessons to dawn yoga and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, we work with the most inspirational of experts to ensure a truly tailored stay. On confirmation of booking, these details will be shared within your house book

Bodmin Moor

Rising mounds of imposing granite, deep valleys brimming with coiling forests and remote villages hunkered around community inns roaring with welcoming laughter; Bodmin Moor is as wild and free as it is intriguing.

View property location Destination guide

Getting there

• On the map Isolde sits near to the village of Lanivet in the centre of Cornwall.
• By car Approximately four and a half hours from London.
• By train Bodmin Parkway is the nearest train station, 15 minutes away by car.
• By air Exeter airport is an hour and a half away whereas Newquay Airport is 25 minutes away.