GODOLPHIN HOUSE

Historic Cornish Country House

Godolphin House
 

Location:

Godolphin House
Godolphin Cross,
Helston,
Cornwall
TR13 9RE
Tel: 01736 763194

Directions: 5 miles north-west of Helston, between Townshend and Godolphin Cross

Godolphin is a 15th century house with displays of horse drawn vehicles, reproduction maps, prints and documents as well as arms and armour. Old roses and herbs for sale. Teas in aid of charity on all open days.

The House, was the home of the Godolphin family until the middle of the 18th century. Today's structure is only part of what was once a very extensive granite-built Tudor and Stuart house. The Godolphins, made their fortune from the local tin-mining industry, becoming one of the leading families of West Cornwall.

By the middle of the 16th century, Godolphin House was an impressive building consisting of three main wings around a central courtyard which was closed off to the north by a crenulated wall. At this time, Sir William Godolphin - a soldier in the service of Henry VIII - made some alterations to the house and further work was carried out in the later stages of the 16th century by Sir Francis Godolphin (Governor of the Scilly Isles).

During the 1630s, William Godolphin (son of Sir Francis Godolphin) added the north entrance range - replacing the crenulated screen wall and by the middle of the 17th century Godolphin House had reached the pinnacle of its development, boasting some 100 rooms by the year 1689.

William Godolphin's grandson, Sidney, was appointed to the post of Lord Treasurer to Queen Ann between 1702 - 10, with responsible for financing the Duke of Marlborough's wars. He was later created Earl of Godolphin and his son married Marlborough's daughter. Sidney, the 1st Earl spent very little time at Godolphin House and the 2nd Earl even less. On the death of the 2nd Earl in 1766 the estate passed via his daughter to the Duke of Leeds.

Large sections of the house were demolished in the year 1805, including the 16th century hall, as Godolphin was converted into a simple farmhouse. The Duke of Leeds sold the remnants of Godolphin House in 1929 and acquired by the present owner some seven years later.

The north range, facing the entrance forecourt, is long and symmetrical with a ground level colonnade of Doric columns and mid-17th century mullioned and transcomed windows. Under the colonnade there is a gateway, dated 1575, which leads you through the original screen wall into the courtyard. Both the east and west ranges survived the early 19th century conversion, with mullioned windows of the east range which date from 1530 - 40 and the early 17th century in the west range. Only the front wall and the Gothic-arched porch remain from the south or hall range

The interior of the house is furnished with some fine examples of old furniture and tapestries. Some of the pieces are original to the house, having been bought back by the present owner.

The Entrance Hall features a splendid 16th century chimneypiece but the most exquisite features of the house are to be found in the Dining Room - with its linen-fold panelling and early 16th century carved beams. On the wall is a painting by John Wooton dated 1731, of the 2nd Earl's famous stallion 'Godolphin Arabian'.

On the first floor a passageway leads to the west range, which housed Godolphin's principal reception rooms during the 17th century. Most of the rooms have simple decoration, but the King's Room (originally the Great Chamber) features an ornately carved doorway - made in 1604 to commemorate the wedding of Sir William Godolphin to a daughter of the Sidney family.

There is an extensive range of farm buildings at Godolphin House, including the original Elizabethan stables. To the north and east sides of the house, recently discovered Remnants of the old formal gardens, which include raised walks and carp ponds, are currently undergoing restoration and clearance.

Properties in Helston

Cornwall Online has 13 Character properties offering Accommodation in this area

An Mordros Hotel
Porthleven

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An Mordros Hotel

Bed & Breakfast An Mordros Hotel has outstanding views over Porthleven Harbour, the UKs most Southerly working port. We have en-suite rooms, licensed bar and restaurant.
     Tel: 01326 562236

Crown House & Lodges
Helston

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website

Crown House & Lodges

Self catering Bed & Breakfast Choice of B&B stays and self-catering Lodges in 4 Independent en-suite Lodges Suitable for Single, Double, Twin & Family Occupancy Family Lodge Sleeps up to 4 - 2 Lodges with both king-size bed & single bed 1 Lodge with king-size bed
Crown House & Lodges      Tel: 01326 565538

Franchis Holiday Park
Helston

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website

Franchis Holiday Park

Self catering + Camping + Touring + Holiday Park Located just outside Mullion in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Close to the rugged Cornish coast with numerous idyllic sandy coves. We have 38 touring pitches all with electric hook up, as well as 3 holiday chalets.
     Tel: 01326 240301

Ginentonic Holiday Cottage
St Keverne

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Ginentonic Holiday Cottage

Self catering Detached 2 bedroom Holiday Home in the thriving village of St Keverne - a period property with wood burning stove and central heating. 1 Double and 1 single bedrooms. Appointed to a high standard the cottage is as private as you want, but Kevin and Claire - the owners are close by for any help you may need. There is a BBQ in the courtyard.
  Visit Britain  4 star Tel: 01326 280986

Little Tolmennor Barn
Breage, nr. Helston

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Little Tolmennor Barn

Self catering Helston, on the Lizard Peninsula, is ideally located for exploring South West Cornwall. A delightfully restored stone building that is secluded and cosy in its countryside setting -located at the end of a country lane, the views over Tregonning Hill are lovely and the entire property is secluded and peaceful. Sleeps 2 people ( Pets: one dog by arrangement)
     Tel:

Lyndale Cottage Guest House
Helston, Lizard

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Lyndale Cottage Guest House

Bed & Breakfast warm and friendly service, delicious home-cooked breakfasts, using local produce, homemade jams and yoghurts, awaits you at our tastefully decorated Cornish cottage guesthouse with 6 modern en-suite bedrooms (2 singles, 2 twin and 2 doubles). The perfect location for exploring the idyllic beaches and coves, beautiful Cornish gardens, spectacular coastline, pretty villages and towns.
Lyndale Cottage Guest House   CTB member,, Quality in Tourism / Visit England  4 Stars 2018 Bed and Breakfast Award Tel: 01326 561082

Mullion Cove Hotel
Mullion

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website

Mullion Cove Hotel

Bed & Breakfast Hotel Self catering The Mullion Cove Hotel is perfect for Cornwall holidays and is situated in the Lizard Peninsula in South Cornwall & stands on the cliff top overlooking the stunning harbour and fishing cove. The hotel is dog friendly & ideal for short breaks & walking holidays in Cornwall
  AA  3 Star Tel: 01326 240328

Old Temperence House B&B
St Keverne

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website

Old Temperence House B&B

Bed & Breakfast Old Temperance House, in St Keverne Square, is a lovingly renovated, Period Village House. For B & B, we have 4 En Suite Bedrooms (weekly rates available), plus a pretty Self Catering Cottage sleeping 3.
  Quality in Tourism / Visit England  4 star Silver Award Tel: 01326 280986

Porthleven Harbour Cottages - Cornish Cornish Hideaways
Porthleven

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website

Porthleven Harbour Cottages - Cornish Cornish Hideaways

Self Catering A stunning selection of cottages and apartments in and around Porthleven. Our properties are specifically chosen for their quality, location and facilities to ensure you have the perfect stay. Sleeping 2-6
Porthleven Harbour Cottages - Cornish Cornish Hideaways   ETC  4 to 5 Star Tel: 01326 563198

Porthleven Holiday Cottages
Porthleven

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website

Porthleven Holiday Cottages

Self Catering Porthleven Holiday Cottages offer over 30 luxury self-catering holiday homes in and around the unspoilt harbour of Porthleven in South West Cornwall. A perfect base for exploring Penzance, Falmouth, St Ives and the Lizard Peninsula: Porthleven is fast becoming a foodie hotspot with a wealth of top class restaurants, cafes and pubs. From cosy net lofts for two to generous four bedroomed family properties we cater for all tastes.
  Visit England / Quality in Tourism   Tel: 01326 574 270

Sea View Holiday Park
Kennack Sands, Lizard Peninsula

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website

Sea View Holiday Park

Self Catering Static Caravan + Self Catering + Holiday Park Seaview Holiday Park is a family run site with outstanding sea views and countryside views, near to Kennack Sands beach. An ideal location where a warm welcome and relaxing holiday awaits you.in our Holiday Chalets and Holiday Caravans - with the opportunity to buy your own holiday home in Cornwall
Sea View Holiday Park      Tel: 01326 290635

Simply Sea Views
based in Porthleven

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website

Simply Sea Views

Self catering Coastal Holiday Cottages in Cornwall - Simply Sea Views has a range of holiday cottages From cosy fishermens cottages overlooking bustling harbours to contemporary retreats set over golden Cornish beaches. Holiday cottages sleeping 4, 5, 6 and 10 people
     Tel: 01326 741090

Tregathenan House and Cottages
Helston

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Tregathenan House and Cottages

Self Catering Self catering holidays - 3 cosy traditional granite cottages and a delightful Cornish house in pretty gardens at Tregathenan nr Helston. Sleep 4 - 6. A peaceful rural setting at the end of a private drive, shared with our alpacas, ducks, chickens and geese. Unwind, enjoy our fresh eggs for breakfast and join us on an alpaca walk. EV Charging
  Quality in Cornwall   Tel: 01326 569840

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