Camellia Manor
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The remarkable, imposing, Grade II listed Camellia Manor is one of Cornwall’s most historic houses. As well as its fascinating history it offers stunning gard...
Read moreOverview
The remarkable, imposing, Grade II listed Camellia Manor is one of Cornwall’s most historic houses. As well as its fascinating history it offers stunning gardens designed in 1792 by the leading garden landscaper, Sir Humphrey Repton, Elizabethan ruins, parkland, orchards, paddocks and woodland in a fabulous, out-of-this-world plot of 25 acres. With magnificent entertainment spaces, eight sumptuous bedrooms on the first floor and two independent apartments on the lower ground floor with a further three bedrooms, this gorgeous manor house is perfect for large groups of friends or family and those wanting to celebrate special events.
Camellia Manor is located in a secluded, prestigious elevated position at St. Germans, 4 miles from the wonderful South Cornish coast, 14 miles from Plymouth and 24 miles from Tavistock. St. Germans was a former capital of Cornwall and is close to the Cornwall/Devon border. Dartmoor lies to the north east. Nearby towns include Liskeard and Saltash and the beautiful, picturesque fishing harbours of Polperro, Looe and Fowey are within easy reach.
Camellia Manor was originally the principal house of the Manor of Bonyalva, mentioned in the Domesday Book and was attached to the Abbey of St. Germans. The Elizabethan manor house was built in 1580 by George Kekewyche, the Sheriff of Cornwall under Elizabeth I and now exists as a ruin adjacent to the present house. His name can be seen over the granite archway to the enclosed cobbled courtyard. The ruin includes original arches, benches, troughs and the ice house. The house was bought by Julius Glanville in 1716 and the present house was built in attractive Gothic style in the first half of the 18th Century. This fabulous, majestic manor house is clad with roses, honeysuckle, jasmine and a fabulous mature wisteria.
You will certainly feel like Lords and Ladies of the Manor when you arrive at this incredible wonder! Guests enter the property through a fine panelled front door to the entrance hall and a long reception hall with its large display alcove, tall gothic windows overlooking the ruin and fine, intricate cornicing. From here, you pass through impressive double depth panelled doors to the principal reception rooms including the drawing room which was formally the ball room. This grand, stately room boasts four sets of windows, one being French and offering access to the gardens, a striking fireplace with a polished marble hearth, gorgeous cornicing, a beautiful parquet floor and an excellent array of comfortable furnishings. The lavish sitting room next door boasts an original ornate fireplace and stunning windows which drown this beautiful room in natural light. The superb study is bright and beautiful with dual aspect and a gorgeous window seat overlooking the ruins. The Robinson & Cornish designer kitchen is a gorgeous, sociable space enjoying original features, an Aga and modern appliances, perfect for the chefs in your group. There is even a walk-in pantry. At one end of the kitchen you will find the family room and at the other, the children’s playroom and cloakroom. This house is ideal for multi-generational families with plenty of spaces to relax with the Sunday newspapers or pre-dinner drinks while children happily play for hours inside and out.
The enormous master bedroom suite and seven further bedrooms are found on the first floor. The master enjoys gorgeous views over the ruin, the lawn and the paddock and boasts an ensuite bathroom. Five further bedrooms run along the length of the manor house enjoying fabulous, far-reaching views and another two are tucked along the eastern side of the house. They share two bathrooms and a shower room.
The lower ground floor is comprised of a self-contained annex including the cellar, utility and boot room and boiler room as well as two self-contained apartments. These are ideal for grandparents or other members of your group that may appreciate some quiet time or personal space. All of the rooms enjoy natural light and are very spacious. One of the apartments offers a bedroom, bathroom, sitting room and a kitchen and the other boasts two bedrooms, a bathroom, a sitting room and a kitchen.
The gardens and grounds of Camellia Manor are incredible. The 25 acre plot includes mature broadleaved woodland with its delightful carpet of wild garlic in the spring, a pond, a formal herb garden with clipped box borders, an orchard, a plantation of mature specimen trees including acers, a handkerchief tree, an Indian bean tree, conifers, oak, beech and beautiful azaleas, rhododendrons, camelias and hydrangeas. To the side of the field are semi-formal gardens, a peacock enclosure and a large lush lawn with spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. A path runs through the bluebell wood to the quarry garden which is entered through a dry wall slate tunnel. At the rear of the ruin is the former ice house. There is access to the lower ground floor apartments from the cobbled courtyard. The gardens were formally open to the public with the spectacular rhododendrons being once of the largest collections in Cornwall.
Camellia Manor really is one of a kind and the perfect venue for group get-togethers and celebrations. It is located in a wonderful spot with fantastic day trip opportunities.
* Please note that it is possible for smaller groups of up to 16 guests to book Camellia Manor for a reduced price during selected low season dates. Please note that groups of 16 will not have access to the ground floor bedrooms. If you would like access to the entire house, you will need to select 17 + guests at the time of booking.
What you should know…
- The lower ground floor is home to two independent apartments giving you an extra three bedrooms. These are ideal for those in your group that may appreciate a little privacy
- This fabulous manor house has such a fascinating history. You will love wandering around the ruins wondering how it was in the past!
- Please speak to our Concierge Team if you would be interested in private chefs or other services that will add to your holiday experience
Property Features
Camellia Manor
First Floor
- Master bedroom - Blue Room with Super king size bed and ensuite bathroom
- Bedroom Two - Yellow Room Children's twin room with two single beds
- Bedroom Three - Princess Room Children's room with a double and a single bed
- Bedroom Four - Red Bedroom with superking Four Poster
- Bedroom Five - Pink bedroom with super king bed
- Bedroom Six - Violet Room with super king bed
- Bedroom Seven - Green Room with double bed
- Bedroom Eight - Cream single room with single bed and cot (second cot also available)
- Family bathroom x 2
- Shower room
Ground Floor
- Reception Hall
- Dining Hall (with table seating up to 24)
- Study
- Cloakroom
- Kitchen/breakfast room
- Family room
- Sitting room
- Drawing room
- Playroom
- Pantry/larder
- Shower room
Lower Ground Floor (only included for bookings over 17+ guests)
- Conservatory
- Bedroom Nine – The reading room with two single beds
- Bathroom
Flat One
- Bedroom Ten with double bed
- Kitchen and Dining Area
- Sitting Room/Games Room
Flat Two
- Bedroom Eleven with king size bed
- Bedroom Twelve with double bed
- Bathroom
- Sitting room
- Kitchen
- Cloakroom
Outside Grounds
- Elizabethan ruin and enclosed cobbled courtyard
- Beautiful landscaped gardens, parkland, paddock and woodland
- 8-10 seater Skargards wood fired hot tub (added in April 2022)
* Please note that it is possible for smaller groups of up to 16 guests to book Camellia Manor for a reduced price during selected low season dates. Please note that groups of 16 will not have access to the ground floor bedrooms. If you would like access to the entire house, you will need to select 17 + guests at the time of booking.
Location
About the surrounding area of Camellia ManorCamellia Manor is located amongst beautiful countryside, 4 miles from the South Cornwall coast and close to the Cornwall/Devon border. Plymouth and South Hams lie to the east while Devon’s Tavistock and Dartmoor lie to the north east. Plymouth boasts the Theatre Royal which attracts major opera, ballet and drama productions, excellent shopping facilities, amazing restaurants and some of the best sailing facilities in Europe. The thriving market town of Tavistock is an ancient stannary town and home of the cream tea. It holds world heritage status and is famous for its award-winning farmers’ market and pannier market. Tavistock has direct access to Dartmoor’s magical Western Moor, the perfect spot for picnics, walking, cycling and riding.
Liskeard is another attractive ancient stannary and market town, 14 miles west of the River Tamar and 12 miles east of Bodmin at the head of the Looe Valley. There are some excellent restaurants and independent shops.
Saltash is situated on the west bank of the River Tamar, across the river from Plymouth. Saltash enjoys great access to adventures on the river with the Tamar Valley being designated an Area of Outstanding Beauty. It is also close the the National Trust’s Cotehele House. Visitors enjoy sailing, watersports and bathing in the Tamar Estuary.
To the west of Camellia Manor, on the coast, is the very attractive Polperro. The South West Coast Path offers some fantastic, scenic walking plus there are interesting shops in Polperro. A figure-of-eight walk around the historic fishing village and the headlands surrounding Polperro covers historic sites including the net loft perched on Peak Rock, the Victorian sea pool, the lighthouse and the site of the medieval chapel. The Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing is fascinating.
Further along the coast is Fowey, a picturesque town and bustling small port. The attractive harbour is flanked by 14th century blockhouses, one in Fowey and the other in the delightful town of Polruan on the opposite side of the river. In Polruan you will find pretty cottages clinging to the hillside. A car ferry crosses the river to Boddinick. The ferry house was originally the du Maurier family home and later the home of Angela du Maurier, Daphne’s sister. The Fowey Estuary is stunning with boat trips galore.
Golf fans will be delighted with the courses at St Mellion, Yelverton and Tavistock. Racing at Newton Abbot and Exeter is also very popular.
Local Amenities | |||
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Nearest Airport |
Plymouth Airport
(24.7km) |
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Nearest Train Station |
Plymouth Railway Station
(High speed trains 23.9 km) |
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Nearest Village |
Liskeard
(5.9 km) |
||
Nearest Village |
Polperro, Looe
(18.6 km) |
||
Nearest Village |
Fowey
(36 km) |
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Nearest Town/City |
Plymouth
(25.3 km) |
||
Nearest Town/City |
Exeter
(92.2 km) |
||
Nearest Airport | |||
Nearest Bar/Pub |
Heskyn Mill
(4.7 km) |
||
Nearest Bar/Pub |
Rod & Line
(5 km) |
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Nearest Restaurant |
The Blue Plate
(7.8 km) |
||
Nearest Restaurant |
The View
(17.5 km) |
Region
When it comes to natural good looks, Cornwall sets the bar for UK holiday destinations. From long stretches of sand to the jaw-dropping scenery, this coastal county makes a fabulous retreat for anyone looking to escape the city scene. But most importantly, you quickly realise that you don’t have to fly around the world to seek adventures. With forests, castles and beaches for days, Cornwall is the ultimate staycation - perfect for all ages.
In recent years, Cornwall has come on leaps and bounds and found a newfound style. That being said, discover our range of beautiful large holiday homes in Cornwall to start planning your next holiday!
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesCamellia Manor is perfect for families. The space is amazing with a children’s playroom, a family room and acres of space to play in. Just imagine those games of hide-and-seek!
There is plenty to do in this wonderful area including beach days, attractions, hiking, cycling and horse riding. Plymouth offers fantastic family fun including the National Marine Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the UK, The Mayflower Museum, telling the story of the Pilgrims journey across the Atlantic in 1620, The Box, the city’s newest museum and art gallery and the town’s outdoor swimming pool, Tinside Lido. Plymouth hosts many family friendly events including Pirates Weekend Plymouth, the Lord Mayor’s Day, the British Firework Championships and an excellent Bonfire Night.
Families that love the outdoors should not miss Dartmoor. This fantastic landscape offers rare birds and butterflies, ancient woodland, Neolithic monuments, its famous Dartmoor ponies and spectacular open views.
There is a wonderful selection of beaches to visit including Bantham Beach, near Kingsbridge, the beautiful Tregantle Beach, East Looe Beach, Cawsand Beach, Finnygook Beach, Hannefore Beach, Readymoney Cove, Talland Bay and Par Sands.
Fowey has an aquarium, a museum, St Catherine’s Castle and plenty of boat trips. The Fowey Regatta takes place in August and is wonderful. There are boats, floats, rafts and fireworks and a procession through the town with wonderful costumes. You can spend time with ‘The Bird Lady of Fowey’ at Lescrow Farm and her majestic birds where you will be up close with owls, Loki the hawk and others.
The Eden Project is one of Cornwall’s most popular attractions and an educational charity. It is nestled in a huge crater where massive Biomes house the largest rainforest in captivity together with stunning plants, exhibitions and striking contemporary gardens and summer concerts. Year round there are wonderful family events some thrilling and others educational.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Beach Nearby
- Horse Riding
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Swings
- Trampoline
- Lift
- Indoor Games
- Toys
Extras
At Oliver’s Travels, we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to travel services, we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team, who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
Security deposit | £1000 charged to client’s credit card before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection |
Arrival time | 4pm |
Departure time | 10am |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
Security deposit | £1000 charged to client’s credit card before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection |
Arrival time | 4pm |
Departure time | 10am |
Energy costs included? | Yes, included in the rental price |
Linen & towels included? | Yes, included in the rental price |
Heating costs included? | Yes, included in the rental price |
Pets welcome? | On request prior to booking ONLY with the owner. If accepted, a pet supplement of £100 will apply. Please state the breed of dog at the time of booking. Strictly only 1 dog allowed at the property. |
Changeover day | Friday |
Minimum stay | 3 nights in low season and 7 nights in high season |
Stag & Hen Do Allowed? | No stag or hen do's allowed |
Smoking Allowed? | No smoking allowed |
- The owner requires a list of all the names and ages of every member of the group staying at the house prior to arrival. No extra guests have permission to be on site during the booking***
- The maximum capacity for the property is strictly 24 including children. Guests are not permitted to exceed this limit. Failure to adhere to this will result in the loss of your full deposit.
- No stag or hen do's allowed
- No fireworks
- The lead booker must be 30 years +
- Incoming calls only
- Please state the purpose of visit on your booking form
- Events can only be booked pior agreement from the owner and may require an additional charge
- No commercial use of the property is permitted without prior written consent form the owners.
Dog Policy
- On request prior to booking ONLY with the owner. If accepted, a pet supplement of £100 will apply. Please state the breed of dog at the time of booking. Strictly only 1 dog allowed at the property.
- Please always pick up after your dog when in Garden.
- Dogs must mainly be kept in the kitchen breakfast room or dining room or at the other end of the house on tiled flooring.
* Please note that it is possible for smaller groups of up to 16 guests to book Catchfrench Manor for a reduced price during selected low season dates. Please note that groups of 16 will not have access to the ground floor bedrooms. If you would like access to the entire house, you will need to select 17 + guests at the time of booking.
For bookings of 16 or less the ground floor flat maybe occupied by the owner/maintenance man .
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 16 people:
Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dec 12th 2024 - Dec 20th 2024 | £5,063 | £5,787 | £6,510 | £7,233 |
Dec 20th 2024 - Jan 3rd 2025 | - | - | - | £15,988 |
Jan 3rd 2025 - Feb 14th 2025 | £5,063 | £5,787 | £6,510 | £7,233 |
Feb 14th 2025 - Feb 21st 2025 | - | - | - | £12,459 |
Feb 21st 2025 - Mar 28th 2025 | £5,570 | £6,365 | £7,161 | £7,957 |
Mar 28th 2025 - Apr 4th 2025 | £6,283 | £7,180 | £8,078 | £8,975 |
Apr 4th 2025 - Apr 18th 2025 | - | - | - | £13,705 |
Apr 18th 2025 - May 2nd 2025 | £6,283 | £7,180 | £8,078 | £8,975 |
May 2nd 2025 - May 9th 2025 | - | - | - | £13,705 |
May 9th 2025 - May 23rd 2025 | £6,283 | £7,180 | £8,078 | £8,975 |
May 23rd 2025 - May 30th 2025 | - | - | - | £13,705 |
May 30th 2025 - Jun 27th 2025 | £6,283 | £7,180 | £8,078 | £8,975 |
Jun 27th 2025 - Aug 22nd 2025 | - | - | - | £12,371 |
Aug 22nd 2025 - Aug 29th 2025 | - | - | - | £13,705 |
Aug 29th 2025 - Oct 24th 2025 | £6,283 | £7,180 | £8,078 | £8,975 |
Oct 24th 2025 - Oct 31st 2025 | - | - | - | £13,705 |
Oct 31st 2025 - Dec 19th 2025 | £5,570 | £6,365 | £7,161 | £7,957 |
Dec 19th 2025 - Jun 15th 2026 | - | - | - | £17,586 |
Prices based on an occupancy of 24 people:
Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dec 12th 2024 - Dec 20th 2024 | £6,329 | £7,233 | £8,137 | £9,042 |
Dec 20th 2024 - Jan 3rd 2025 | - | - | - | £15,988 |
Jan 3rd 2025 - Feb 21st 2025 | £6,329 | £7,233 | £8,137 | £9,042 |
Feb 21st 2025 - Mar 28th 2025 | £6,962 | £7,957 | £8,951 | £9,946 |
Mar 28th 2025 - Apr 18th 2025 | £7,853 | £8,975 | £10,097 | £11,219 |
Apr 18th 2025 - May 9th 2025 | £7,853 | £8,975 | £10,097 | £11,219 |
May 9th 2025 - May 30th 2025 | £7,853 | £8,975 | £10,097 | £11,219 |
May 30th 2025 - Aug 29th 2025 | £7,853 | £8,975 | £10,097 | £11,219 |
Aug 29th 2025 - Oct 31st 2025 | £7,853 | £8,975 | £10,097 | £11,219 |
Oct 31st 2025 - Dec 19th 2025 | £6,962 | £7,957 | £8,951 | £9,946 |
Dec 19th 2025 - Jun 15th 2026 | - | - | - | £17,586 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
The History
Originally attached to the Abbey of St. Germans, Catchfrench was the principal house of the manor of Bonyalva, mentioned in the Domesday Book. The E...
Read moreOwner Profile
The History
Originally attached to the Abbey of St. Germans, Catchfrench was the principal house of the manor of Bonyalva, mentioned in the Domesday Book. The Elizabethan manor house was built by George Kekewyche in 1580 and exists now as a ruin adjacent to the present house. Kekewyche was Sheriff of Cornwall under Elizabeth I and his name can be seen over the granite archway to the enclosed cobbled courtyard. The house subsequently passed through several families before it was purchased by Julius Glanville in 1716, commemorated by the sundial on the south wall of the house.
The Elizabethan manor house was of traditional design with granite mullioned windows to a Great Hall occupying the full height of the house and a screened passage between the front and rear entrance. The ruin also includes the ice house and a variety of Elizabethan features, including original arches, benches and troughs. The present house was built in a gothic style in the first half of the 18th Century. In 1792 Francis Glanville invited the leading garden landscaper, Repton, to redesign the gardens and grounds. Repton presented his proposals for Catchfrench in his ‘Red Book’ in 1793 and the majority of his proposals were implemented shortly thereafter. He stated that “the romantic situation of the house, its picturesque front and delightful scenery with which it is everywhere surrounded leaves little else to be done, but to give the whole place an air of extent and importance by removing the appearance of a road so near to a boundary”. Repton also mentioned the quarry from which the stone for the construction of Catchfrench was derived, suggesting that it formed a “secret garden” and an “endless source of amusement”. The Catchfrench name is believed to be derived from Cadge fryns meaning the Chief or Prince’s House.
Reviews
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5 stars!
An absolutely stunning house! We rented the whole place for our wedding party to stay and it was perfect, we got both families together under one roof. Games room and hot tub for children and adults alike. Plenty of space, super comfortable and you feel at ease in the place from the word go. The hosts are super. It’s an experience we will not forget and the memories we made will last for life.
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Excellent holiday
Excellent holiday for four generations of a family from 93 years to 1 month. The house was spacious and easily accommodated everyone without feeling cramped. The generous living spaces allowed us all to be together in one space and the large kitchen with its aga made catering a pleasure. Banquets for 22 were easily laid on the long grand dining table. The lift and master suite made life easy for our elderly parents and there are many easily accessible places to visit nearby. Parking and access was also very easy. The house was very good value for the number of people staying and we had a great week even though the weather wasn't kind. We can thoroughly recommend Camellia Manor.
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Rare rental!
This is a rare rental. Went with 24 people.
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Great family holiday
Just returned from spending a week at the Camellia Manor house. We had a large family group ranging from 2 to 86 and everybody loved it. The house is spacious with enough large areas for groups and lots of quiet rooms if you want to escape. The house is accessible in all areas as it has a lift for those a bit shaky on their feet and was a key attraction for us. The property is in a private rural setting where all you can hear are the birds. The grandchildren enjoyed watching the cows nearby and Albert the duck and his family on the pond. The variety of outside spaces enabled all ages to relax, play and hone their croquet skills - or learn new ones. The youngest ones were able to practise their new found cycling abilities on the tarmac and the grass. The house is well equipped for cooking, eating and playing together. We were lucky to have glorious weather so didn't get to use all of the indoor amenities fully. We were really pleased to have the opportunity to stay in such a beautiful home, enjoying time with our extended family.
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Camellia Christmas
A big family get together worked really well in the spacious house. Everyone found things to occupy them in the house and grounds.
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Great!
Every one of the 23 loved it
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We were sad to leave!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful home with us!
We have gathered here from around the world - and spent a joyous and happy week together.
Such a carefully crafted property - so much attention to detail.
We are sad to depart, but happy to have been here! Cheers! -
Beyond our expectations!
Thank you so very much to the owners, and also to the staff at Oliver’s Travels. It is a truly wonderful property that is perfect for a large family (or friends) gathering. There is plenty for children to do and to explore, and plenty of space and beautiful rooms for adults to relax and spend time together in. We would love to return one day. Thank you again.
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Wow!
Wow! What a stunning place, we all had such a fabulous time. Thank you for the wonderful flowers & hamper, a lovely touch. We would all love to come back someday, it was perfect for us, thank you SO much!
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Ideal for large families
If you want to be Lord and Lady of the Manor for a week this is the place for you!
The house has been decorated to the highest standard, it has vast outside space and is close to the seaside towns of Polperro and Looe which are two of Cornwalls most lovely spots.
There is plenty to do in the local area. Trago Mills is a must for shoppers as it sells everything you would ever want, the whole family can have fun at the Adrenalin Quarry 5 mins away and the rest of Cornwall is on your doorstep form this ideal location.
The Catchfrench Manor is ideal for large families or groups who want to get away from it all in a beautiful location.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.