Antony |
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Beautifully situated overlooking the River Lynher, this elegant stately home and estate has been the home of the Carew family for over 600 years. Recently used for the filming of "Alice in Wonderland" it offers a look behind the scenes at the filming of this Disney classic.
The best way to reach Antony is by boat, crossing from Plymouth on the Torpoint ferry to avoid the 22-mile drive over the Tamar Bridge and along the winding lanes of the Torpoint peninsula.
The silver-grey stone house sits on the crest of a hill behind a fine wrought iron gateway. Antony house was built of Pentewan stone in 1718 by Sir William Carew. The colonnaded wings around the courtyard were added later
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The modest family home has Dutch oak-panelled rooms which are crammed full of high quality antiques, ceramics and paintings, some by Joshua Reynolds, another local resident. It has just five elegant bedrooms, each with lovely views of the surrounding countryside and views to Brunel's arched railway bridge at Saltash.
One famous portrait is of Rachel Carew, the inspiration for Daphne du Maurier's story "My Cousin Rachel". Some notable portraits also trace the family's divided loyalty and the heavy price they paid for it. In the hall a portrait of Charles I can be seen at his trial. This was the last portrait painted of him before his execution, his eyes sad and his beard grey.
John Carew, owner of Antony, was one of those who sat in judgment of Charles and was later executed at the Restoration. His brother Alexander, whose portrait can be seen in the library, was executed by the Parliamentarians, having remained uncertain about which side to support.
In 1564 Richard Carew inherited the Antony Estate and was best known for authoring the "Great Survey of Cornwall". His 1586 portrait hangs in the hall, and it is strange to
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Surrounded by landscaped parkland and fine gardens, courtesy of Humphrey Repton, there are many pleasant walks in the surrounding woodland. Repton removed the earlier parterres on the upper terraces in favour of open landscapes, according to his Red Book of 1792.
A formal garden with clipped yew hedges, an orchard, flower garden, pond and a knot garden still remain, decorated by the 18th century dovecote and a Burmese temple bell. The sweeping lawns offer views down to the River Lynher to the north and across the River Tamar to Plymouth in the east. On the river bank are the remains of a bathhouse and a plunge bath, built in 1784.
The 50 acre woodland gardens are a delightful picture in spring with their 300 varieties of early flowering azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons and exotic trees. The National Collection of Daylilies at Antony is also well worth seeing in early summer. Sculptures commissioned by Sir Richard Carew Pole are scattered around the gardens and are believed to be the work of Sir William Pye.
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Opening Times
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(2011 times)
House:29th March - 26th May: Tuesday - Thursday 1.00pm - 5.00pm. 29th May - 30th October: Tuesday - Thursday and Saturday and Sunday 1.00pm - 5.00pm. Garden, Shop and Tea-room: 29th March - 26th May: Tuesday - Thursday 11.00am - 5.00pm. 28th May - 30th October: Tuesday - Thursday and Saturday and Sunday 11.00am - 5.00pm. House: 16th March - 31st October: Tuesday - Thursday and Sunday 12.00pm - 5.00pm. Woodland Garden: 1st March - 3oth October: Tuesday - Thursday and Saturday and Sunday 11.00am - 5.00pm. Open: Bank Holiday Mondays and Good Friday. Bath Pond House interior can only be seen by written application to the Property Manager, on days house is open. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. |
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Admission Charges
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(2011 prices)
Standard Admission:Adult £7.90; Child £5.00 Family £20.80; Family (1 adult) £12.90. Garden Only: Adult £4.00; Child £2.00. Joint Garden-Only ticket: Adult £8.00. Woodland garden, not National Trust: (Standard Admission): £5.00; Child free. Woodland garden season ticket: £25.00. |
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Directions
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Bus Services: First 81 from Plymouth (passing close Plymouth ) alight Great Park Estate, ¼ mile. Cycling: NCN27, 2 miles View local cycle routes on the National Cycle Network website. By Ferry: Torpoint 2 miles. By Road: 6 miles west of Plymouth via Torpoint car ferry, 2 miles north west of Torpoint, north of A374, 16 miles south east of Liskeard, 15 miles east of Looe. By Train: Plymouth 6 miles via vehicle ferry. Ordnance Survey Reference: 201:SX418564 |
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Antony Postcode for SatNav: PL11 2QA |
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