Words by Jamie Crocker
Resting among the rolling green hills of Duloe, just a stone’s throw from Liskeard in Cornwall, is Old Lanwarnick.
It is a destination that manages to accommodate its history, aligning it perfectly with modern luxury. With a lineage going back over 900 years, this beautiful collection of cottages offers visitors a unique and idyllic location, one steeped in centuries of continuous use and now permeated with the comforts of contemporary living.
Old Lanwarnick’s story begins in 1086, although it probably dates back further, with a mention in the Domesday Book – England’s first census that documented the nation’s wealth and assets at the time of William the Conqueror. Back then, the estate was a simple agricultural holding, housing just two villagers, three smallholders and one slave, alongside an assortment of livestock, including pigs, sheep and goats. Over the centuries, Old Lanwarnick’s trajectory has run entwined within the ever-changing landscape and exigencies of the county in which it finds itself.
Today, you’ll find Old Lanwarnick has evolved into a fascinating holiday destination without losing touch with its conspicuous past. The transition from a working farm to a collection of holiday cottages began in earnest in 2010 when the barns and farmhouse underwent extensive renovations. Since then, its reputation as a beautiful, peaceful retreat has continued to grow.
In 2021, it was placed on the property market for someone else to take up the baton. Catching the eye of a dynamic husband-and-wife team, Matthew and Vicky, it was a challenge and opportunity for both to enhance this historic estate whilst fulfilling a long-held dream. With family ties to Cornwall and an undeniable passion for the outdoors, the couple couldn’t resist the opportunity to make Old Lanwarnick their home. The result has been nothing short of spectacular.
Under their custodianship, Old Lanwarnick has undergone a series of thoughtful upgrades designed to elevate the guest experience while preserving the site’s historic appeal. The property has been rejuvenated from top to bottom, with particular attention given to the main farmhouse. It now delights in new windows, doors, a fresh roof and careful re-pointing, restoring it to its former glory.
Other cottages on the estate have also received significant upgrades, with new oak floors, doors, windows and kitchens, offering guests the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary comfort. These updates are more than just aesthetic improvements – they represent a commitment to creating a memorable stay for every guest, whether you’re here for a long weekend or an extended holiday.
In keeping with the pressing urgency of the times, Matthew and Vicky are also focused on sustainability. Old Lanwarnick has taken great strides toward becoming more self-sufficient and eco-friendlier. The introduction of electric vehicle (EV) charging points is more than a nod to the increasing demand for green travel options. Solar panels have also been installed, helping to power the estate while reducing its carbon footprint.
These initiatives are just the beginning of a much larger and dynamic vision for sustainability at Old Lanwarnick. The estate is committed to finding new ways to reduce its environmental impact, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy this beautiful corner of Cornwall for many years to come.
For those travelling with their four-legged companions, Old Lanwarnick is a dog-friendly paradise. Two newly created dog-secure fields provide plenty of space for them to run and play safely. The estate has also introduced a dog agility course, perfect for keeping energetic pups entertained, as well as a heated dog wash, ensuring your furry friends can enjoy their holiday just as much as you do. Beyond the secure fields, Old Lanwarnick’s extensive woodland walks are perfect for long strolls with your dog, allowing you to immerse yourself in the countryside as generations of Old Lanwarnickans have done before.
One of the most exciting developments at Old Lanwarnick is the ongoing transformation of its communal garden spaces. Matthew and Vicky have engaged their green fingers to enhance these areas, creating a beautiful orchard, adding a large pond with a stunning water feature, and opening up all 34 acres of the estate for guests to explore.
These new garden features offer a peaceful sanctuary where guests can relax, reflect and connect with nature. Whether you’re enjoying a morning coffee by the pond or taking a sunset stroll through the orchard, the gardens are designed to be an extension of the home – a place where visitors can unwind and experience the changing seasons in all their glory.
And there’s more to come. Matthew and Vicky have ambitious plans to further develop the communal garden areas, turning the location into an even more immersive natural escape. They view this ongoing work as a labour of love, taking great pleasure in seeing the gardens come to life throughout the year whilst anticipating the pleasure it will give future guests.
As the enterprise continues to grow and evolve, 2025 promises to bring even more exciting additions to the estate. One of the most anticipated developments is the introduction of alpacas, which will soon call the estate home. These gentle animals will be an interesting addition to the landscape, offering guests a unique opportunity to interact with them during their stay. The estate’s beekeeping enterprise is also set to expand, with additional hives being introduced. These bees will not only contribute to the pollination of the estate’s gardens but also produce delicious local honey that guests will soon be able to sample.
For those seeking a more adventurous getaway, the couple will be introducing three luxury glamping tents. Located in a secluded corner of one of the fields, these tents will offer a rustic yet comfortable experience, with wood burners, fridges, two gas rings and a covered BBQ area. The tents will also feature composting toilets and eco-friendly showers, ensuring that guests’ carbon footprints will be minimised.
One of the many charms of Old Lanwarnick is that it offers something special in every season. While summer brings blue skies, warm seas, and vibrant country walks, autumn transforms the landscape into a tapestry of gold and crimson, with crisp air and sunny afternoons – perfect for exploring the countryside. Winter, with its raw, rugged beauty, is a time for cosying up by the fire after a brisk walk, and spring brings a fresh burst of life, with wildflowers carpeting the fields and trees in blossom.
Matthew, Vicky, and their team have their favourite time of year – September. With its warm, mellow days and quieter roads, Cornwall in September offers a perfect blend of tranquillity and beauty. But no matter when you choose to visit, Old Lanwarnick offers a unique and unforgettable escape where you can reconnect with nature, explore Cornwall’s rich history and yet unwind in complete comfort. Despite all the developments and changes, one thing remains constant – the personal touch that Matthew, Vicky, and their son Isaac bring to every aspect of the estate. They take great pride in ensuring that every guest feels at home from the moment they arrive, offering a warm, friendly welcome and an unwavering commitment to making your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Vicky, with her background as a tennis coach and successful businesswoman, and Matthew, with his experience managing financial projects, form a formidable team. Their blend of organisational skills and business acumen has enabled them to maintain a set of self-imposed high standards while continuously looking for ways to improve and accentuate a positive experience for their guests.
For them, Old Lanwarnick is not just a business – it’s their home. And that sense of home is something they are passionate about sharing with their guests. As Vicky puts it, “If our guests are happy, then so are we.”
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a peaceful retreat with your dog, Old Lanwarnick will appeal to you. With its rich history, comfortable interiors and stunning natural surroundings, it’s the ideal destination for those seeking to escape the madding crowd and the pressures of modern living.
Images courtesy of Act-Studios – Marcin Chojnacki