Port Eliot House & Gardens — Attraction in St. Germans

Upon visiting Port Elliot House & Gardens, it is crucial to acknowledge that this is not a sanitised National Trust property illustrating a snapshot of history,, but rather a residence that has been inhabited by the Eliot family for over five centuries. Notably, they continue to reside there, making it one of the longest-lived houses by the same family in the United Kingdom. Consequently, the house offers a glimpse into real life and boasts a remarkable collection of fittings and furniture that spans over five centuries, originating from the original monastery dating back to approximately 420 AD. It is disheartening to observe some negative reviews that fail to comprehend the significance of the Eliot family’s decision to open their own property and allow the public to experience a genuine aristocratic home. nderstand, that the Eliot family have opened their own house and allowed the public in to view a real aristocratic home that illustrates real life. It will have been no easy task to maintain the house, fittings and estate without falling foul to inheritance tax and other costs that have forced other properties to become shophouses for the National Trust or English Heritage. In the house you will find modern washing machines and ancient kitchens, antique furniture that is used daily and rare paintings. The parklands illustrate a period of history and do not pretend to be a garden centre. We throughly enjoyed our visit and the parish church on the estate was once a Cornish cathedral and is beautiful although I believe the house has no control over opening times. Thank you Coco for a very informative guided tour. The stables cafe can be seen in...

We have been coming to Cornwall every year for 35 years and we didn't know about this wonderful hidden gem, we wish we had found it sooner. Port Elliot is a privately occupied stately home in the beautiful village of St Germans and is still owned and lived in by the Elliot family. The story of this home is astonishing, being the longest continuously occupied dwelling in the whole of the UK with a history going back over a thousand years. It truly is a national treasure. The very progressive and exceptionally well connected ancestors of the current Earl have been involved in many major historic events including the abolition of slavery and the establishment of Harvard University. Their story is one of activism and advocacy guided by a strong sense of justice and compassion. We were given a personal tour from a wonderful lady called Coco who took us at a leisurely pace throughout the house encompassing the state rooms, servants quarters and the incredible mural in the round room which took the artist 25 years to complete and is a mesmerising work of wonder. I would also like to say that the guides went above and beyond to accommodate my mum who uses an electric wheelchair, often personally helping her up and down stairs whilst I carried the wheelchair. I do not exaggerate when I state that this was the best house tour we have ever experienced and we are currently sitting in the charming stable block cafe, taking tea and cake and wondering if we have enough time to look at the gardens. A perfect end to a...

The expression ‘hidden gem’ was made for this place…

We visited Port Eliot in the first few days of the New Year, stopping on our way back to Somerset after a lovely weekend in Cornwall. It was undoubtedly the highlight of our trip.

While my husband kindly walked our dogs around the estate, I joined a house tour with Coco. The experience was absolutely fascinating. Port Eliot’s rich and varied history was brought to life in a way that felt truly authentic - something you don’t often get when visiting a National Trust property.

The Eliot family has lived here for over 500 years, and their eclectic collection of personal items is impeccably curated. What makes the house so unique is how it blends grandeur with lived-in charm. You’ll see grand candelabras alongside Jo Malone candles, and classic Gainsborough portraits next to framed family photos. It’s an extraordinary and personal glimpse into history.

Coco’s tour was a real highlight. Her engaging and knowledgeable storytelling brought the house and its past to life. It was probably the best tour I’ve had of a home like this, and she is a true asset to Port Eliot.

If you’re in Cornwall, make time for this remarkable place. You...