Burncoose Nurseries
Trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants
The Vean
A beautiful eight bedroom lodge within the Caerhays Estate
Books
An introduction to it's history, owners and gardens
The definitive guide
Friends of Caerhays
A virtual tour of Caerhays Castle and gardens
Slideshow
The Vean - an ideal wedding venue

NEWS feed

"
Dear Charles Our visit to Caerhays with the Garden Society was spectacular. I...
"
The Garden Society
"
Made it at last. Well worth the visit!
"
David Manfod, Plymouth
"
Dear Charles Our visit to Caerhays with the Garden Society was spectacular. I think for once we were there at the right time of the year with wonderful weather, and with you as guide. I particularly remember the huge magnolias, and particularly the long distance views of them through the gaps in the trees. I think all of us who were with you on Friday will remember it as one of the most impressive afternoons we have ever spent looking at gardens. It was a privilege to be part of it. I would like to thank you and your family for a most successful end to the Garden Society Cornish tour. Michael Heathcoat Amory
"
The Garden Society
"
Wonderful day you both gave us at Caerhays. It was just very, very special and memories of it will linger for a long, long time to come. The gardens looked simply marvellous with Magnolias dominating the scene. It is a thrilling experience coming to see the gardens. It is just so exciting to see a great garden like this moving forward, expanding, developing and introducing new exciting plants. As Phillipe so rightly said “it is world class” and we are all full of admiration for what you are achieving.
"
Richard Carew Pole
"
I have just finished reading your ‘Caerhays Castle’ book. What an informative book, well written and published.

Having known some of the grounds from shooting there over the last 10 years it really did ‘put meat on the bones’.

Congratulations on your work both in the book and on the Estate. I hope it continues for many more generations to come.
"
Roger Smith, Sutton Coldfield.
"
We and the Cressons agree that Caerhays was a highlight in an exhilarating ten–day itinerary.
"
S. Sydnor - USA
"
A breath-taking time in the gardens on Saturday, the magnificent beauty of the magnolias in all their diversity, just thrilling, intoxicating and quite unforgettable.
"
Lord and Lady Ballyedmond, Ballyedmond Castle
"
We just wanted to thank you so much for allowing us to visit Caerhays and for giving us such an enjoyable tour of the house. The house has such a glorious setting and it was so interesting to see a castle by Nash but quite a surprise to see your wonderful interiors and furnishings of mostly the 1880’s. We do apologise for not coming at the right time for the gardens but I am sure many of us will be back!
"
Sarah Bowles and Philippa Barton of Dilettanti
"
Just wanted to let you know we’ve had the most amazing holiday ever! The weather has been beyond awful but our property and Linda has more than made up for it
"
A Visitor staying at the Old Carthouse
"
'Pure magnolia heaven'
"
Jim Gardiner, Former President International Magnolia Society, Curator RHS Garden Wisley
"
I would like to thank you so very much for the most wonderful visit to Caerhays Castle and the magnificent lunch which was so unexpected.
"
Mrs Ball, Historic Houses of NSW - Australia
"
Lovely tour of the house, gardens are wonderful too!
"
Liz Brown, Stroud
"
We spent a lovely day on the beach today, you are right when you say it's like stepping back in time to beach days when we were little. J. Jones. Devon
"
J.Jones, Devon
"
Fantastic Castle with lovely views
"
Pam & Bob Oakley, Dorset
"
Astonishing Mineral Collection
"
Sara Chambers, Truro
"
Dear Charles I would like to thank you most sincerely for so kindly having Karen and I to stay in your most magnificent castle and for hosting the Help for Heroes event. Our stay is certainly one of the finest we have ever experienced in Britain and your hospitality and that of Malcolm is enormously appreciated. Thank you too for the beautiful book about your home and the estate that you so thoughtfully signed. It will be a wonderful addition to my Library and a fitting reminder of a special stay at Caerhays in Cornwall. Yours, Rob
"
Rob Caskie
"
Congratulations on completing your book on Caerhays Castle which is a lovely publication and a splendid record of the great work done by generations of the Williams family and their contribution to plant history and production.
"
Ivor Fitzpatrick, Castle Howard, Ireland
"
I know you must have heard all these phrases and praise many times but I just want you to know that for we two who didn’t know Caerhays before Friday it was like opening the door into a bit of Cornish paradise.
"
Mr and Mrs Minter-Kemp, Fowey
"
... and Susha who had everything organised perfectly. Please also thank the two house guides who were both extremely knowledgeable and I must confess I have forgotton their names and the names of both the head gardeners who were also very interesting and patient; many people commented on their knowledge. Lunch too was perfect.
"
Sarah Fern Events & Partnership Manager CLA
"
It all looked fantastic and I am delighted to have finally seen it in all its glory.
"
Jonathan Coltman Rogers, Stanage Park
"
Always a new aspect to enjoy on every visit
"
Rev Claire & Robin Wilson, Hampstead
"
The gardens are lovely, even though not in full bloom at the moment. We had a lovely cream tea in the tea rooms. Thank you to Jaimie the Head Gardener to managed to spare 10 minutes of his time to talk to us old biddies about the gardens. What a charming man.
"
Garden Visitor
"
Excellent, thank you for a memorable day.
"
Rob & Anita Hadden
"
Fantastic Mineral Collection on display
"
Nigel Hoppe, Perranporth
"
Our deepest thanks for the tour of the Williams Mineral Collection. The collection contains many world class specimens and it is beautifully exhibited. We will tell our friends about the Collection, about beautiful Caerhays Castle and its lovely setting, in hopes of increasing visitor interest.
"
Sue and Roger Haskins - Retired Geologists
"
We visited Caerhays yesterday & were lucky enough to have perfect weather ~ the gardens were beautiful and inspiring, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Will definitely be visiting again and spreading the word. Noticed nearly everyone had their dogs with them and all very well behaved! Tea shop fab as well.
"
C. Giddings
"
Just a little note of thanks, we stayed in the Fishsheds last week of May when our son got married at Caerhays, the accommodation was superb, Linda was a treasure and catered for our every whim, not a problem for both her and Randy to attend to the boiler with super speed, they both went beyond the call of duty to make our stay so memorable, thank you so much for having us.
"
Robin Buntine
"
Superb to see the minerals on display, well done. The ‘behind the scenes’ Mineral Collection tour was just fantastic. Thank you.
"
Rob Starkey, Bromsgrove
"
A wonderful weekend – fascinating and great to see all the hard work and effort that you are putting into the place for the future.
"
Mr R Wilson-Wright, Coolcarrigan Farm
"
Cornwall's YFC 75th Anniversary Tea Party. I am writing on behalf of the federation to sinerely thank all your team in providing us with a lovely afternoon. I have had numerous emails from members past and present to say how much they enjoyed the party, and in particular how lovely it was for Mr Julian to be able to join them as he was such a big part of their YFC life. Please convey our thanks to all the staff members and the Williams family for allowing the federation to share their beautiful home. Katherine Spencer Cornwall Young Farmer's Club
"
YFC - Cornwall.
"
Yes, I miss the Texas Bluebonnets, but the glory of Cornish gardens is a treat to behold!! The magnolias were astounding at Caerhays Castle!! Every size, colour, ancient--so beautiful!! The Rhodos, azaellas--some things just over, some just bursting into bloom!! Such a fabulous surprise of a garden!! Lunch was divine too!! All locals who haven't been--go!! Closes 31st May!! The beach is easily accessed as well for kayaking, etc!! Why have I waited 20 years to discover this gem?!
"
Glyn Winchester, Falmouth
"
".... also the fantastic display of magnolias - the star of the day being 'Caerhays Belle'".
"
John & Val Hillier
"
....then spend the entire afternoon in a haze of pleasure in your unique and amazing garden. It was truely unforgettable seeing those magnolias in their full glory, a sight to behold.
"
X A Tollemarche (Garden Design)
"
We thoroughly enjoyed the very informative tour of the gardens which was enhanced by your deep knowledge of the numerous species and of course the wonderful weather.
"
A visitor
"
I would just like to say that I had a wonderful day at your Estate Gardens. It was beautiful outstanding trees, flowers and countryside. I am please I went there will go again and tell all my friends. Thank you for your time of opening it up to the public.
"
Gary Ingram (via email)
"
...it is always a pleasure to visit Caerhays and see the old established trees and shrubs but it also exciting to see your new plantings. You are doing so much new planting so there is always something new to see for everyone. RHS Woody Plant Committee visit March 2010
"
Raymond J Evison OBE VMH
"
What lovely plants and magnolia prints you have for sale in your shop. I was so tempted but we didn't have room in our small car for them.
"
Garden Visitor
"
'On reflection I was left with one clear thought, there is a very real sense that the excitement and drive of JC's original planting ambitions have been recaptured. The combination of new wild-source plants and the availability of new garden cultivars, particularly magnolias, have provided you with the same opportunities that the estate had in the early part of the 20th Century. ....to read the remainder of this please visit our news section
"
Mark Flannagan, Keeper of the Gardens, The Crown Estate, Windsor
"
Just to say, we visited your gardens today and they were magnificent. Breathtaking magnolias, glorious camelias and rhododendrens. Other shrubs great to see, really unusual specimens. Thank you. Oh, and we had a lovely cup of tea and piece of chocolate cake.
"
Neil & Geraldine, Spring 2012
"
Dear Susan, I just wanted to thank also you for helping me on the organization. The tour was fantastic and we all enjoy it. Kind regards
"
Alteria Catalano Gonzaga
"
Fascinating insight to the Castle.
"
Diane Hargreaves, Hampshire
"
"I found Caerhays the ideal pick-me-up after a depressing winter and the continuing doom and gloom in the news. The magnolias just now are awesome while the supporting cast of camellias, rhododendrons and daffodils almost hurt the eyes and these are just for starters. Visit as soon as you can, you won't regret it".
"
Sue Lancaster
"
The collections are looking in good heart, both the old friends and the many new arrivals. We saw plenty of evidence that Caerhays will continue to be a force to be reckoned with for a long time to come and for that you deserve our encouragement and our congratulations.
"
Roy Lancaster
"
The Vean and Caerhays Estate are indeed exceptional places with stunning scenery and staff to match!
"
Ian and Carol Styles. July.
"
I just wanted to thank you on my return home last evening for a really wonderful day with you on Thursday. Lisa and David Cresson and Sallie and Walker Sydnor were overwhelmed by the time you spent with us, your generous hospitality and your tremendous sense of humour and interest in them, and overall, they had the most wonderful visit we could have wished for. Your gardens are a dream and the house a delight, and I know that their visit will loom in their memories for a long time. Let us hope I can find many more visitors for you in the future, and I will be in touch.
"
Alexandra Messervy, FRSA The English Manner