Property history of Galowras Mill, Mevagissey, St. Austell PL26 6PU, 23rd Apr 2011

Ancient mill farmstead of immense character perfectly located in A secret valley just inland from the south cornish coast A genuine and totally unspoiled property - Grade II Listed - Almost 30 acres in total including 18 acres of bluebell woodland

General comments & location

This is one of Cornwall's hidden gems. Galowras Mill lies within Gorran Parish and whilst seemingly remote and miles from anywhere it is less than half a mile by footpath to the beach at Portmellon near Mevagissey. It is a fascinating property set at the confluence of two streams and a virtual oasis in a richly wooded area which is a naturalist's paradise. The whole property extends to 30 acres or thereabouts including woodland and pasture and this ensures almost complete control of the immediate environment. In these days of increasing urbanisation it is rare to find a property so genuinely unspoiled and unique and hence Galowras Mill will be of undoubted appeal to many discerning purchasers and especially those seeking peace and tranquility.

The property lies just over a mile from the village of Gorran Churchtown, where there is an excellent primary school and the larger harbourside communities of Gorran Haven and Mevagissey are both less than two miles respectively. These communities afford a variety of local facilities for daily needs whilst St. Austell, home to the Eden Project, lies about seven miles to the east and the city of Truro with its Cathedral and fine shopping centre is about fourteen miles (less than half an hours driving distance).

The whole area is recognised as being of great landscape value and there are a host of scenic attractions in the area including superb clifftop walks along the nearby heritage coastline. The famous Lost Gardens of Heligan are about three miles away and whilst Galowras is just half a mile on foot to the beach at Portmellon there are a number of other beautiful sandy beaches in the area, the most notable being Porthluney at Caerhayes and Hemmick near Gorran Haven.

History

The property has mention in the Doomsday book and until the early 1300's it was referred as Gleoret (Cornish translation Gloyw meaning bright or clear and Rit signifying stream or ford). From the 14th Century the name was corrupted to Galowras and whilst some parts of the existing building may have origins of that early period the listing suggests the house is largely 17th Century.

It is known to have been a working mill throughout several centuries up until the 1940's and the old mill leat is still very much evident and has potential to be restored. (It is thought that one time there were two leats serving the mill from the two merging valleys).
There is an Earthwork on land adjacent to Galowras Mill (not part of the property) and within the woods forming part of the curtilage there is an old stone walled enclosure which is thought to have some significance to the aforementioned castle.

The house

The house as it is today is a skillful amalgamation and linking of the ancient millers house with some traditional barns, thus resulting in a most intriguing home of immense character and appeal. The roof over the entirety of the building has been relaid in scantle slate and a feature of the early part of the structure are the massive stone chimney stacks which signify wide inglenooks within.

The accommodation is arranged on various levels with one, two or three steps up or down between rooms and there are two staircases leading to separate parts of the first floor. Internal flooring is a combination of slate flags or terracotta tiling whilst the main reception room has a splendid oak strip floor. Traditional casement windows are double glazed and there is a comprehensive system of oil fired central heating. Internal viewing is essential.

In greater detail the accommodation comprises (all measurements are approximate):

Ground floor

A short flight of steps with canopied entrance opening to:-
dining hall 4.65m(15'3'') x 4.42m(14'6'')
A dual aspect room with slate paved floor and beamed ceiling, wall niche with exposed beam over and radiator. Stairs to the first floor.
Sitting room 9.37m(30'9'') x 3.73m(12'3'')
A beautiful split level room being the entirety of the original millers house and with splendid oak strip floor. There are two wide inglenooks, one with a raised hearth and the other with new wood burning stove and clome oven. Three radiators and beamed ceiling. Illuminated recess, five wall lights and two inset speakers. Stable type door opening to the front elevation.
Garden room 3.20m(10'6'') x 3.05m(10'0'')
Otherwise known as the link with full height double glazed windows overlooking the front garden and french doors opening to the rear. Slate flagged floor and two inset speakers.
Farmhouse kitchen 4.27m(14'0'') x 4.27m(14'0'')
Open to the apex of the roof with exposed trusses and fitted spotlights. Oil fired Aga and terracotta quarry tiled floor. Newly fitted range of bespoke base cupboards and drawers with tiled work surface incorporating glazed sink and drainer.
Back kitchen 3.78m(12'5'') x 3.35m(11'0'')
With terracotta tiled floor and stable type rear entrance door, Worcester Danesmoor central heating boiler and radiator. Secondary stairs to the first floor with cupboard below.
Office 2.44m(8'0'') x 1.91m(6'3'')
With terracotta tiled floor, radiator and fitted shelving.
Cloakroom 1.93m(6'4'') x 1.83m(6'0'')
With wash hand basin and w.C.
Bedroom 1 5.79m(19'0'') x 4.27m(14'0'')
Approached from the stairs leading out of the back kitchen and being a triple aspect room with exposed roof trusses, radiator and stable type door opening directly to the gardens.
En-suite - With cast iron bath on legs with mixer tap and Mira 8.4 electric shower fitting, vanity wash hand basin with twin courtesy lighting above, bidet and w.C. Warm air heater, electric heated towel rail and shaver point. Access to loft space.

Main landing

Steps to lower landing with airing cupboard containing hot water pipes (the hot water cylinder is located within the roof space above). Access to loft.
Bedroom 2 4.57m(15'0'') x 3.56m(11'8'')
Being a dual aspect room with canopied ceiling, radiator, fitted hanging cupboard and shelf.
Bedroom 3 4.57m(15'0'') x 2.79m(9'2'')
Another dual aspect room with fitted hanging cupboard and radiator.
Bedroom 4 3.81m(12'6'') x 3.48m(11'5'')
With former fireplace and exposed beam, fitted hanging cupboard and radiator.

Bathroom

With cast iron bath with twin contemporary taps and Mira 8.4 electric shower fitting. Vanity wash hand basin in tiled surround and with twin courtesy lighting above, bidet and w.C. Alpha warm air heater and fitted electric towel rail.

The outbuildings

Located just a short distance from the house there is a modern range of buildings of timber and sheeted roof construction comprising two bay car port/implement store 23'6 x 14', workshop 11'6 x 11'6 with fitted work bench, two stables (11'6 x 9'6 and 11'6 x 10'8) and tack room. Electricity is connected to these buildings and there is also an adjacent log store. Other outbuildings comprise a small poultry shed and donkey field shelter.

Alongside the entrance into the property and shielding the house from the approach lane there is the two storey former mill which currently comprises:- studio 15'8 x 16' on the first floor and with store below 13'9 x 12'6 also with stable door and with store adjacent 10'3 x 6'4. Traditional windows in this building are also double glazed and light and power is connected.

The gardens

These are delightful and are a perfect complement to the dwelling. Abundantly stocked cottage gardens extend around the house and wide herbaceous beds are planted with a variety of perennials including Agapanthus, Alliums and shrub roses and under planted with bulbs. Grassed areas and stretches of lawn are interspersed with numerous shrubs featuring Azaleas, Magnolia, Arbutus, Rhododendrons and Viburnum. An old rose climbs the front of the house. A pond with two bridges is a feature of the lower garden and here there is Willow, Weeping pear, Irises and Gunera.

Extending up the valley beyond the house tree planting has included Beech, Ginkgo, Birch, Hornbeam and Silver Maple, there is a wild flower meadow and also an enclosed (anti rabbit) vegetable garden. Greenhouse 13' x 9' with staging and water and electricity connected. An orchard has two Bramleys, a crab apple and two young pear trees.

The land

This extends to 30 acres or thereabouts and includes 18 acres of mature woodland and much of which flanks the entrance drive leading in to the property. This is carpeted with bluebells in the spring as well as primroses and wood anemone. The remaining part of the land comprises a sloping pasture field behind the house, a sheltered meadow beyond the gardens and a further field approached through a wooded track. The topmost part of the fields provides a wonderful vista down the valley to the sea. Adjacent to the entrance lane leading down to the property (where several new passing places have been created) there is the remains of a ruined cottage known as Bennetts.

There are some smaller meadows bordering the stream and a tiny paddock opposite is known affectionately as the croquet lawn. A public footpath crosses through the land.

Services

Mains water. Mains electricity. Private drainage. The electrical circuit, appliances and heating system have not been tested by the agents.

Viewing

Strictly by Appointment through the Agents Philip Martin, 9 Cathedral Lane, Truro, TR1 2QS. Telephone: Fax: Or 3 Quayside Arcade, St. Mawes, Truro TR2 5DT. Telephone .

The Particulars are issued on the understanding that all negotiations are conducted through Philip Martin who for themselves or the Vendor whose agents they are, give notice that:
(a) Whilst every care is taken in the preparation of these particulars, their accuracy is not guaranteed, and they do not constitute any part of an offer or contract. Any intended purchaser must satisfy himself by inspection or otherwise as to the correctness of each of the statements contained in these particulars.
(b) They do not accept liability for any inaccuracy in these particulars nor for any travelling expenses incurred by the applicants in viewing properties that may have been let, sold or withdrawn.