Historic Guest House
Questionnaire
Year erected: 1871
What is the history of the property?
A Vicarage built on the site where Edward Benson was once a visiting vicar for a short period. The land was donated by the duchy to the diocese and the then Prince of Wales part paid to build the house to attract Edward Benson to the area. He was appointed first Bishop of Truro and went on to be archbishop of Canterbury and is buried in Westminster cathedral. (He never did end up staying here after all it should be stated).
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
Mid Victorian
Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
The house is in the rural hamlet of Davidstow, only the village church remains.
Has restoration work taken place?
The house was renovated in the 1970s and was then very out of date, interior wise. We have completely renovated and taken the interior back to a Victorian/Edwardian style.
Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
One of the upstairs bedrooms has a ornate paneled tin ceiling, very unusual and in material wise very valuable.
Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
The then Prince of Wales is believed to have visited /inspected the site. He would go on to become Edward the 7th.
Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a:
