Seated at the foot of England on the Southwest coast, Cornwall is shaped by a cultural identity that feels perhaps more unique than anywhere in the country. From the Celts of the Bronze Age through to the enduring myths of King Arthur, there remains a romance and mysticism connected to the area that is easy to appreciate when one looks upon the beautiful, rugged coastlines.
For the 21st century, Cornwall has represented the definitive choice for many of England’s elite to set up holiday residencies and second homes. However, this hasn’t been without its challenges as there are growing issues surrounding housing stock for permanent residents that live and work in the area outside of the recognised tourist season. Recent efforts to redress this balance between local community and the popularity of Cornwall as a holiday destination are having an overall positive effect, and they look to continue long into this decade and beyond.
Inevitably, this all makes Cornwall even more desirable for those looking to find a place there. The high status it holds is accelerating and the demand for properties grows fiercer with bidding wars and auctions becoming commonplace in the market.
Let’s take a look at why Cornwall evokes so much joy, contentment and ‘lowenhe’ for those that live there.
The Coast & The Countryside
One of the most alluring features of Cornish life has to be the gorgeous surroundings and diversity of landscape that it offers. More often than not, all visitors’ eyes rise to meet the sea here and with such vibrant and enticing beaches to take advantage of, it’s easy to see why.
Porthcurno Beach
The elemental drama of clifftop scenery looking down on clear and inviting azure waters has inspired writers, poets and thinkers here for hundreds of years. This is also where you will find the Minack Theatre, an open air amphitheatre carved into the cliff face almost a hundred years ago that hosts theatre, concerts and shows with luminaries such as Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Judi Dench amongst the roster of performers.
Newquay
The 12 sandy beaches of Newquay, with Fistral Beach & Watergate Bay chief amongst them, are an internationally renowned surfing destination offering just the right mix of weather conditions to draw boards and their riders all year round. With the annual Boardmasters Festival & Competition taking place here too, a vibrant supporting nightlife has developed alongside it with pubs and cocktail bars offering panoramic views that take the breath away as the sun sets.
Bodmin Moor
The rolling moorlands, endless valleys and granite tors of Bodmin Moor provide a break away from the beaches without sacrificing any beauty. It spans an area of 80 square miles designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, rich in wildlife from ponies to birds of prey and several varieties of wild plants. The connections to Arthurian legend here come from The Dozmary Pool where legend suggests the sword of Excalibur still rests. Tranquility and mythology combined in perfect balance.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall are a haven for the green-fingered and tired-minded searching for a sanctuary in the embrace of nature. Located in Mevagissey, these 200 acres of botanical gardens have been lovingly restored to their former glory after being found again in 1990. The seeds of history and horticulture bloom here for visitors from all over the world to enjoy with some remarkable art pieces and sculptures thoughtfully placed across the estate too.
Homes, Houses & Havens
The tapestry of influences and impacts of history are perfectly reflected in the residential architecture that is proudly on show in Cornwall. It serves as an immersive timeline with the mediaeval manors and farmhouses of Padstow; the immaculate Georgian and Victorian masterpieces of terraced houses in Truro, Falmouth, and St. Ives; and some truly remarkable and sustainable examples of modern eco-friendly homes in places like St Mawes all displaying wonderful elements. Cornwall may even lay claim to being a pioneer of the Arts & Crafts architectural movement of the late 19th & early 20th centuries, where traditional craftsmanship using local materials such as granite and stone was reignited amongst the building communities of Lamorna and Newlyn. One thing is for sure, there is a choice of home here for every lifestyle and personality you can think of, which adds another string to an already charming bow.
A Learning Lifestyle
For the younger minds in families, education in Cornwall remains inextricably linked to the environment that surrounds the schools. There is a progressive element to much of the primary school curriculum, carried out in small groups within the community holding outdoor learning and sustainability as a core philosophy. Truro School achieves excellent academic results consistently and ranks amongst the most prestigious educational institutions in all of the Southwest UK, with both boarding and day learning options available. And for higher education, Falmouth University has long been recognised as one of the UK’s leading institutions for creative arts education. It was recently named the number one UK Arts university by the Sunday Times with credit for the diverse range of courses in design, media and performance.
Dining Out
One particular feather in Cornwall’s cap for the 21st century has been the development of a thriving food and drink scene. Outlaw’s New Road in Port Isaac is the culmination of over two decades of dedicated seafood focus for head chef Nathan Outlaw. This place’s unique understanding and application of Cornwall’s bounty from coast to field has earned it a coveted Michelin star for all of Outlaw’s efforts too. And there are lots more that are bound to follow suit too, with places such as Kota Kai creating a fantastic blend of modern Asian and traditional Cornish flavours in a wonderful harbour setting at nearby Celtic House.
Cornwall occupies a gilded place in the history of the UK and the affections of all who have visited there. Making it your home would be making the most of everything that the southwest of England has to offer and can certainly provide something for all tastes. Once you have said hello to this fantastic part of the world, it becomes quite difficult to say ‘Da Weles’, or goodbye.
