+ Full Description

SETTING THE SCENE

Set back from the road behind wonderful parkland and woodland, Nancealverne is without doubt one of the 'landmark' houses in West Cornwall, and those heading west around Penzance are afforded a precious glimpse of its beautiful facade on their way.

The gravel drive sweeps around the large circular front lawn to arrive at the impressive front of the house. The elegant interior breathes history, built with tin mining profits and prize money from Nelson’s Battle of the Nile.

Lying in Mounts Bay and overlooking St.Michael's Mount, the harbourside town of Penzance with its charming Georgian streets offers a wonderful array of independent shops, restaurants, cafes and art galleries, besides the recently refurbished saltwater Lido pools. Also on the water's edge, the town has its own mainline railway station with regular services including overnight 'sleeper' to London Paddington.

HISTORY

Listed grade II*, the house has been in the same family ownership since the 1760s. The oldest parts of Nancealverne House date from the 1600s but the house was significantly enlarged in the 18th and 19th Centuries. The house was the former home of the Usticke family, early pioneers and adventurers in Cornish tin mining in the 1700’s. Family members were involved in developing Wheal Owles and Wheal Hermon which were perilously situated on the cliffs close to Wheal Leisure, the mine near St Just depicted in the Poldark television series.

A family member of the current owner was the Kings’ chief military surveyor and served as a Colonel with the Duke of Marlborough in his European campaigns in 1711.

The Usticke family heiress Mary Ann Scobell married John Armstrong and they brought their naval heritage to Nancealverne House. Changes to the house were funded by prize money received from Nelson’s Battle of the Nile in 1798. Two members of the current owner’s family fought at that battle and for many decades afterwards Colonel Scobell held a memorial Nile Dinner in the dining room of the house on 3rd August each year, this being the anniversary of the battle.

The house has often hosted local events and has played a prominent role in the cultural life of Penzance. In the Second World War there was a civic reception held at the house for the Free French naval officers who had escaped from occupied France. The Circus and Penzance Gymkhana used to be hosted on the parkland in front of the house.

Since it was built, the house has been the home of soldiers, sailors, tin mining entrepreneurs, gentleman farmers and, more recently, members of the judiciary.

THE TOUR

Nancealverne is a captivating Georgian manor house set within almost 22 acres of gardens and parkland, serving as the heart of family life for generations. Steeped in history and with period features at every turn, large, elegantly proportioned rooms illuminated by magnificent 18th-century windows create grand entertaining spaces and inviting accommodation.

Unfolding across 8320 sqft, the substantial historic home has been thoughtfully divided into apartments, some operating successfully as holiday lets, with each featuring generous reception and kitchen spaces and extending to 12 bedrooms in all. The apartments could be reconverted to become a fine family home or possibly a boutique hotel.

While the manor would benefit from sympathetic modernisation, it offers an extraordinary, versatile canvas brimming with potential. With endless possibilities, the estate invites new owners to reimagine the space, colouring in the picture to bring their creative vision to life. In summary the accommodation briefly comprises:

The Maisonette


The largest of the apartments, the four-bedroom Maisonette spans the front of the house, occupying much of the ground floor and the entire first floor. It includes four expansive reception rooms, a kitchen, and two bathrooms.

The West Wing


Set just behind the main house across the historic cobbled courtyard, the West Wing offers charming two-bedroom accommodation. It features a spacious entrance hall, two reception rooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a series of storerooms below accessed from the inner courtyard.

Admiral’s Den

Situated on the ground floor of the North Wing, Admiral’s Den is an impressive two-bedroom apartment with spacious living areas, including an elegant reception room, entrance hall, kitchen, and shower room.

Apple Loft Cottage


Nestled near the courtyard adjoining Nancealverne House, Apple Loft Cottage had been beautifully refurbished, comprising of two charming en-suite bedrooms and a huge, open-plan living space that opens onto a private, south-facing cobbled terrace.

Second Floor Flat


Occupying the entire second floor of the North Wing, this two-bedroom apartment offers a living space, kitchen, bathroom, and additional storage.


STEP OUTSIDE

Approached via a sweeping gravel drive, the house reveals itself amidst formal lawns, parkland, and mature specimen trees. Set within just under 22 acres, the grounds and ornamental lake (with its own island) were laid out centuries ago and have been lovingly maintained, providing endless spots to wander, immerse and soak up the rich flora and fauna that surrounds. Formal gardens, framed by established trees, provide an abundance of vibrant year-round colour, where the micro-climate allows for sub-tropical tree ferns, palms and even a banana tree to flourish.

The gardens flow into parkland at the front, with a Victorian terrace and a magnificent old kitchen garden to the south. For horticultural enthusiasts, a series of impressive vegetable beds and polytunnels offer endless opportunities for cultivation. Lawns and level pathways lead to tucked-away trails, winding through swathes of primroses, camellias, bluebells, rhododendrons, and lilies, eventually reaching the woods and lake – which even holds its own island!

SERVICES 

Mains water and electricity, mains drainage and a combination of oil-fired central heating and electric radiators.

DISTANCES (all distances approximate)

Penzance main line station 1 mile, Newlyn 2 miles, St Ives 8 miles

WHAT3WORDS LOCATION

///embers.bookshop.drove

RATEABLE VALUE

£9,700

NOTE As of March 2025, this rateable value qualifies for Small Business Rates Relief