Discovering Daphne du Maurier's Cornwall

Cornwall was more than a backdrop in Daphne du Maurier's novels; it was central to the mystery and drama of her plots

- Teja Lele

Daphne du Maurier may have been born in London, but the British author lost her heart to Cornwall's rugged beauty and haunting atmosphere. This deep and lifelong connection led her to draw heavily on the county's coastline, moors, and mysterious histories, turning them into settings that shaped the mood and characters of her novels.

Born in 1907, Daphne and her two sisters had a privileged childhood, growing up at the family home, Cannon Hall in Hampstead, but the family often trooped to Cornwall for holidays. "The family started looking for a second home and zeroed in on Ferryside, the house that became their home in the waterside town of Fowey on Cornwall's south coast," says Viv Kelly, the proprietor of Old Bissick Mill, a charming B&B located in Ladock, about 18 miles from Fowey.

On learning of my plans to follow in du Maurier's footsteps, Kelly reveals that Ferryside is where the author wrote The Loving Spirit (1931), which was followed by "moody and resonant" romantic stories set on the wild coast of Cornwall. These included Jamaica Inn (1936), a period piece set in Cornwall; Rebecca (1938), the Gothic mystery she's best known for; Frenchman's Creek (1941), a historical novel; My Cousin Rachel (1951), a mystery romance similar in theme to Rebecca; The Apple Tree (1952), a short story collection that included The Birds and Don't Look Now, a long story collection (1971); her autobiography Growing Pains (1977), and The Rendezvous and Other Stories (1980). Alfred Hitchcock made both Jamaica Inn and The Birds into films.