A stunning property in a gorgeous location. Spent nearly 6 hours exploring the gardens & wider estate, no time left to go inside the beautiful stone house, originating from the 15th century. In the fields around the house there were still bluebells, & other wildflowers in bloom, although they would have been spectacular a few weeks ago. There is a lovely older orchard, surrounding a former pond, leading to the enormous 'mother orchard' growing dessert, cooking & cider apples, with a cider press waiting for its next batch. After strolling through a number of smaller gardens you emerge at the 'main formal area' lovely plantings despite effects of lockdown & furloug, with a beautiful central pool with its own island. Moving past the house, Victoria Terrace garden, you catch the first sight of the fabulous Valley garden. Water everywhere, amazingly lush plantings of shurbs & trees, some very special. ... decent paths although damp in places. Walk down hill & pass through a wooden gate to a wooded lane taking you to the historic Quay, with its own 19th century barge moored. Beautifully serene views along the river Tamar & an opportunity for refressment. Walk along the river takes you to the working flour mill, water wheen fed by a leat extracting water from the nearby fast moving stream. .... free cakes to taste if your lucky. Then a faikry steep climb up takes you back to the car park. Cotehele, definately my new NT favourite .. its my 50th membership year, so I've been to a few properties, just love the peace, solace beauty & variety of Cotehele. ... credit to the staff & volunteers who help maintain & develop this gem.