Guest testimonials
The romance of the place, the beautiful view, the castle, space for us all without feeling like we were on top of each other. The pool was an added bonus! It was also so nice to be able to take our little dog with us.
We had such an incredible time at Castle Trematonia. What a magical place it is. It was certainly very hard to leave. We hope to return and make more special memories here, thank you once again.
We were looking for somewhere unique and special that could sleep a large group of people and Castle Trematonia certainly delivered - it was a truly magnificent experience. Incredible grounds and facilities and we also had the pleasure of having the house manager on hand whenever we had a question or needed anything. He even gave us a tour of the beautiful and historical grounds.
Castle Trematonia is amazing and you feel there is a story and history everywhere you look. The grounds seem to go on forever, it´s like being in your own little fairy tale. The pool area is very special and again has character in it´s design. A really interesting home that has everything you need for a big family get together.
Read more reviews on TrustPilot and Google or hear from the owner
Castle Trematonia
Antony Passage, Tamar Valley, Cornwall, UK
Up to 18 guests
Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Children and babies are welcomeAt the coastal edge of the Tamar Valley, behind turreted castle walls, Mother Nature reigns supreme. Castle Trematonia is a world within worlds. Inside its pink country house walls, botanical colours and patterns reign, while nine acres of grounds roll through ancient woodland and gardens described by The Times as "the most beautiful in Cornwall". Fringed by tropical palms, a natural pool, sauna and Indian pool house make the outside world fade into insignificance during England's long, balmy summers. Read more...
Allows babes in arms
Allows children
Two well behaved dogs welcome
Wi-Fi
Swimming pool
Real fire
TV
EV charger
Barbecue
Cot
Highchair
Garden games
Firepit
Vegetable garden- More
Introduction
Originally built in 1068, Castle Trematonia is a fortress turned private estate woven with maritime legend – where Sir Francis Drake is said to have stowed treasures from the Golden Hind. Today, under the stewardship of its creative custodians, Nature reigns through principles of biodiversity and a signature botanical opulence. William Morris blooms flourish across walls in painterly strokes, softening the grandeur of historic bones. Neo-classical spaces invite serenity and reverie in equal measure; yoga overlooking the Tamar valley or cocktails beside the Indian pool house. Beyond, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty unfurls.
Inside
Honouring both the castle's rich history and the garden's palette of mossy greens and earthen terracottas, Trematon's interiors are restorative for all who enter. This is a home of generous proportions and spirited idiosyncrasies – from its grand leopard staircase to undercover skate ramp, through music room and DeVol kitchen. Each room layers antiques with future heirlooms handcrafted by British artisans, creating a living museum for irreverent design. On the first floor: nine bedrooms with king and super-king beds invoke the deepest slumber, with views over the croquet lawn, past the castle ramparts and on to the River Lynher.
Outside
Once home to famed gardening duo Isabel and Julian Bannerman, the nine acres of surrounds are tended as a living ecosystem; supporting a thriving diversity of plant and insect life and inviting guests to live in rhythm with the land. These extensive gardens emerge as wildflower meadows, herbaceous borders of lupins and peonies, oak-peppered woodland, a flourishing herb garden and an English orchard. At its centre sits the natural pool – a palm-fringed enclave in which to while away languid summer days in Cornwall's heady microclimate. Venture into the Valley, where walking trails idle towards market gardens serving organic fare.
There are nine bedrooms at Castle Trematonia, as well as three family bathrooms and one shower room.
Bedroom One
First floor double bedroom
Bedroom one includes a super king-size, four poster bed and estuary views. This bedroom shares a family bathroom with bedroom two.
Family Bathroom
First floor family bathroom
This family bathroom includes rolltop bath with shower jets, WC, sink and views out across the grounds and Tamar estuary. It is shared by both bedrooms one and two.
Bedroom Two
First floor double bedroom
Bedroom two also includes a super king-size four poster bed and shares the family bathroom with bedroom one.
Bedroom Three
First floor double bedroom
Bedroom three, looking out to the back of the house at the castle ramparts and double flower beds, includes a four poster double bed and shares a family bathroom with bedroom four.
Family Bathroom
First floor family bathroom
Shared by bedrooms three and four, this family bathroom includes a bath, overhead shower, WC and sink.
Bedroom Four
First floor double bedroom
Another four poster double bed resides in pastel-hued bedroom four, which shares a family bathroom with bedroom three.
Bedroom Five
First floor double bedroom
To the left of the house and up some steps is bedroom five, which includes a double bed and shares a family bathroom with bedroom six.
Family Bathroom
First floor family bathroom
A bath with handheld shower attachment, sink and WC reside in this first floor family bathroom, which is shared by bedrooms five and six.
Bedroom Six
First floor double bedroom
Bedroom six includes a four poster double bed and enjoys views over the Tamar estuary and gardens. Bedroom six shares a family bathroom with bedroom five.
Bedroom Seven
First floor twin bedroom
At the opposite side of the house is bedroom seven, which includes twin bed and views over the croquet lawn. This bedroom shares a separate WC and shower room with bedrooms eight and nine.
Family Shower Room
First floor shower room
A shower room with cubicle shower and sink can be found between bedrooms eight and nine, while the separate WC is set next to bedroom seven; both are shared by all three bedrooms in this wing.
Bedroom Eight
First floor double bedroom
With views of the castle ramparts, bedroom eight includes a double bed and shares the shower room and WC with bedrooms seven and nine.
Bedroom Nine
First floor double bedroom
Overlooking colourful flower beds and the castle ramparts, bedroom nine includes a double bed and shares the shower room and WC with bedrooms seven and eight.
- PricingFrom £10,995 per week
- FeaturesOutdoor natural pool (available year-round), pool house, sauna, indoor skate ramp, fire pit, ping pong table, football goals and trampoline
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - FamilyChildren and babies are welcome
- PracticalitiesThe DeVol country kitchen includes a large gas oven and hob, two full-size fridge-freezers, an industrial dishwasher, and well-stocked pantry. There is a utility room with a washing machine. There is a second butler´s kitchen, which includes an electric oven, fridge, and industrial dishwasher, ideal for bookings with in-house catering. Please note when booking the smaller group option guests can select a total of five bedrooms, those not selected will remain closed. The groundsman resides in a cabin within the extensive grounds, however, will remain discreet and not disturb your stay. If arriving by air, helicopters are welcome to land on the grounds. Please also note that the pool and pond are unfenced, so please exercise due diligence if you are travelling with children and dogs. The pool is open between May and September. Pet owners are politely asked to ensure dogs are supervised at all times due to the resident chickens
- 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
- Eco-friendlyTwo electric car charging points which can be used at an additional cost
- RestrictionsParties are considered on prior permission from the owner. Please note, wedding celebrations and bookings of this nature are not permitted
Arrivals & departures
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Other information
Fresh produce
- Fresh eggs collected from the castle's own chickens
- Products made from the herb garden
- Coombeshead sourdough bread
- Cornish milk
- Cornish butter
- Crocodon Farm seasonal pickles and chutney
- Cornish cheeses
- Lantallack apple juice
- Yallah Cornish coffee
Please note - the owners strive to source the best produce for your welcome hamper, however the contents may vary slightly depending on the season and amount of people comprising your party.
Those all-important little luxuries
- Freshly cut flowers
- Scented candles
- Luxury bed linen and towels
- Pool towels
- Fluffy bathrobes
- Firewood, coal and kindling to get you started
- A selection of seasonal blend well-being tea
- Ground coffee
- Instant coffee
- Olive oil
- Condiments, dried herbs and spices
- Sonos sound system
- Board games
- Hairdryers
- Dog biscuits
- Informative house-book guide
- Highchair and cot
House book - your property and destination guide
Together with the owners, we've collated everything you'll need to make the most of your experience, from insider tips on local gems to practical property information, all in one digital house book, shared the moment you book.
Tamar Valley
Dense, winding woodlands, towering gorges and meandering stretches of gentle river with families of playful otters for company; the Tamar Valley AONB is a leafy paradise with plenty of opportunities for adventure, should one desire.
Getting there
- On the map Castle Trematonia sits on the banks of the Tamar River and the Antony Passage in Cornwall on the leafy outskirts of Saltash.
- By car The house is just over four hours from central London.
- By train Saltash train station is just one mile away and has regular services to London Paddington with a journey time of approximately three and a half hours.
- By air Both Newquay and Exeter airports are around an hour away from the house, with car hire available in advance. Helicopters are welcome to land within the grounds of Castle Trematonia, please enquire for more details.
“We’re all desiring freedom and peace more than ever, and you’ll find it in spades amongst our nine acres of gardens, woodland and orchards.”
Cornwall has always been a favourite holiday destination for our family – we love coming here to recharge in nature. One day, on the last day of a summer holiday, we visited the gardens here at the castle, which at the time was famously home to the renowned royal landscape gardeners Julian and Isabel Bannerman.
Walking around the pool area and wildly beautiful gardens planted by the couple set against the medieval backdrop of the castle felt like a dream. It captivated our senses and imaginations; so much so that we were still thinking about it days afterwards. Then, serendipitously, we received a call from a friend who was wondering if we would be interested in taking on a special project in Cornwall… a little place we had just returned from.
After having spent a decade in London, raising a family and working constantly on our B Corp brand House of Hackney, we decided a move to this unspoilt slipper of the Tamar Valley felt right. Without even having seen the house and bewitched by the gardens alone, we accepted the offer to take it on.
So, with the promise of a slower, simpler pace of life on the horizon, we uprooted ourselves and answered the call of the wild.
The Gormley Family
Discover the best destinations, experiences and restaurants to visit during your stay in Tamar Valley. A larger selection of recommendations will be available in the property's digital house book.
To Do
Port Eliot Estate
A storied country estate set beside the River Lynher, long associated with writers, artists and musicians. Wander the gardens, explore the house, or time your visit with one of their cultural events and gatherings.
To See
Lost Gardens of Heligan
A world-famous Victorian garden where formal pleasure grounds give way to lush subtropical valleys and ancient woodlands. Steeped in romance and the story of its dramatic rediscovery, Heligan offers winding paths through botanical splendour.
To Do
From the doorstep
Kayak or paddleboard directly on the River Lynher, a tranquil tributary of the Tamar, wild swim at the tidal estuary below the castle, or set out on ancient woodland and restorative riverside walks just beyond the estate´s gates.
To Eat
Maker Heights
This former military site turned creative enclave – with artists´ studios, exhibitions, and one of the best viewpoints in Cornwall – is home to The Canteen café, serving seasonal, locally sourced food and a growing cultural community
Whether you're curious about pet policies, the nearest walkable pubs, or wild swimming spots, we have the answers to common property-specific queries here. For everything else, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Can you swim in the estuary?
Yes, the estuary is accessed from the garden of Castle Trematonia and you can walk through the grounds to the waters edge for a swim.
Can I host an event at the property?
No, it is not possible to hold events at Castle Trematonia.
Is there a pub within walking distance?
Yes, the closest pub is just under a mile away.
Is the swimming pool heated?
No, the pool is a natural pool and therefore it is not heated.
Below are a selection of features in which Castle Trematonia and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
The luxury bookings agency for special staycations
SheerLuxe
March 2023When Cornwall calls
Architectural Digest Germany
September 2022Luxury openings in Cornwall
SheerLuxe
May 2022Britain´s quirkiest spring escapes
The Telegraph
March 2022Wild at heart
25 Beautiful Homes
August 2026The entrepreneurs cashing in on the £1.3tn wellness holiday boom
The Telegraph
August 20265 waterside stays to book
Country Living
August 2026Time to cool off
The Times
July 2026
Related collections
Collections > Waterside living > UK > Cornwall > Tamar Valley > Castle Trematonia
