Tregannick

This brilliant Modern Movement house, designed in 1935-36 by architect Geoffrey Bazeley, lies in a quiet rural position around four miles to the west of Penzance. Internal living space measures approximately 2,922 sq ft, beautifully apportioned across two sweeping storeys and is full of original interior details, such as crafted timber panelling, fine period light fittings, joinery and door furniture. Expansive private gardens wrap the house, with pockets of woodland, wildflower meadow and far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside and to the bay beyond.

The Architect 

Geoffrey Bazeley (1906-1989) was born in Penzance into a family of shipowners and traders. He studied architecture at Cambridge University and subsequently at the Architectural Association in London. He was first employed as an assistant to G. Grey Wornum on the RIBA building on Portland Place, London W1. Then, in 1933, he began working for the revered Russian-born modernist Serge Chermayeff (who co-designed Britain’s most iconic 1930s building, the De La Warr Pavilion), acting as the principal assistant for Shrub’s Wood in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire. For more information, see the History section below.  

When he was commissioned to build this house, Bazeley returned to Cornwall and set up his own practice there. It was his first major solo commission, and it clearly shows how he had imbibed the lessons of both Serge Chermayeff and his illustrious partner, Eric Mendelsohn. Bazeley’s later projects included the modernisation of the Seaton Barracks in Plymouth, offices for the ECL group in St Austell, and the new See House for the Bishop of Truro.

Environmental Performance

Unlike many homes of the 1930s era, the house has been significantly upgraded in recent years to incorporate modern methods of energy use as well as significant roof, floor and external wall insulation. As a result, the house now has an EPC rating of B. Heating and hot water are provided by two 9kW EVO Ground Source Heat Pumps, 3.86kW of solar panels are installed on the roof, and many years of Feed in Tariff and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive payments are still due. The garage contains a 10kWh battery system controlled by a Victron Charger/Inverter. During the summer, it is used to store excess solar energy from the panels to be used once the sun goes down, while also providing an uninterruptible power supply. When the batteries are full, any excess energy is diverted into the immersion heater in the hot water tank.

The Tour

Occupying a secluded position, the house is set back from a quiet country road by a horseshoe-shaped gravel driveway, with two entrances on either side providing easy space for turning and a good provision of parking. An impressive central hall with magnificent hand-crafted panelled walls and a sweeping central staircase leads through to the primary living spaces.

Fenestration runs the length of the living room, framing southerly views of the gardens and bringing an excellent quality of natural light. Much of the original joinery, door furniture, and oak flooring remain intact, and sliding doors open into the dining room, a beautifully well-preserved room with period light fittings illuminating overhead. Views look out to the gardens, and a doorway connects to the kitchen.

Sensitively updated for modern living, the kitchen has been reconfigured to accommodate a generous provision of space for cooking and entertaining, with the original pantry set to one side. A large games room opens onto the gardens, with access from here to the utility room, a single bedroom and the cellar, a former World War II era air raid shelter. There is also a study located on the ground floor level.

Ascending the beautiful central staircase, a ribbon of clerestory windows brings light to the landing. Four double bedrooms and original bathrooms are generously set across the upper storey, each with plenty of in-built cabinetry and access to the wide sleeping balconies which wrap the rear façade. Far-reaching views extend across the gardens and the surrounding open countryside.

Outside Space 

On the ground floor is a gravel terrace bordered by heather. This leads to an extensive lawn bordered by trees, with a sunken garden in the centre of it. A raised patio in one corner of the lawn provides magnificent views across the countryside to Mount’s Bay. The lawn gives way to a wildflower meadow and beyond that is a mature wooded area. A large double garage is connected to the house.

The Area 

The location offers excellent access to the west Cornwall coastline and the popular destinations of Porthcurno, Sennen and Land’s End.

The picturesque fishing town of Newlyn is a ten-minute drive away; the area has long been associated with artists - including those of the 'Newlyn School' - who have been attracted by the light, the sea and the historic architecture. The village is home to an independent cinema and The Newlyn Art Gallery, which has an impressive programme of modern art exhibitions from critically acclaimed artists. The larger town of Penzance is 10 minutes by car, with a wide variety of services and an even broader selection of places to eat and drink.

There are some excellent schools nearby, including Mousehole School, as well as Ludgvan School, Nancledra School and St Hilary School in Penzance.

There are direct train services from Penzance Station that run to London Paddington in just over five hours. With easy access to the A30, Exeter is two and a half hours by car, while London can be reached in six hours. Newquay airport is an hour away and has regular flights to London as well as many other UK and continental airports.

Council Tax Band: F