Trelowarren A Place To Savour

Sarah merson takes her family on a break to remember with a weekend at trelowarren.

- Sarah Merson

ANY holiday in Cornwall is, in my book, an opportunity to slow down and re-connect. But Trelowarren is unique. On the south bank of the Helford River that was made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s novel Frenchman’s Creek, Trelowarren is the historic estate that inspired her iconic tale of handsome smugglers, secret assignations in wooded creeks and political intrigue. Du Maurier called Trelowarren, ‘a jewel’, and we were lucky enough to experience the beauty and tranquillity of the 1,000-acre estate, first hand.

Of the twenty cottages on the estate, we’re staying in the newly refurbished Baytree. Located on an Iron Age hill fort, Baytree, with superb family kitchen/diner complete with Aga, and vintage furniture, proves a delight. On arrival, and after a four-hour car journey, the children along with the dog, do several laps around the sunny garden, contained by stone walling, before we explore a bit further. In moments we’re entering the Fogou, an underground chamber beneath the hill fort giving indication that this was a defended settlement. ‘Wow, we’re staying on the top of a real cave,’ says our youngest, Jude. ‘But, why is it here?’ Somewhat of a Cornish mystery, the purpose of a fogou is unknown although it’s understood that it’s most likely use was for food preservation. Not quite the inspired answer our imaginative eight-year old was hoping for. Nonetheless, the fogou rem