Mount Edgcumbe House & Country Park

Across the water from the historic city of Plymouth lies the great Cornish house of Mount Edgcombe.

The House was built between 1547. Now beautifully restored to the 18th century style, in keeping with the furniture and family treasures it holds, all of which have family connections. Features include paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds, Gerard Edema and William van der Velde, Irish bronze age horns, 16th century tapestries and 18th century Chinese and Plymouth porcelain.

The Earl's Garden was created beside the Tudor House in the 18th century. Ancient and rare trees including a 400 year old lime, a splendid Lucombe oak, and a Mexican pine, are set amidst classical garden houses and an exotic Shell Seat. Colourful flowers and heather grace the recreated Victorian East Lawn terrace, which has spectacular views over Plymouth Sound.

The Formal Gardens are found in the Lower Park. Created over 200 years ago in the English, French and Italian styles. They have recently been added to with an American Plantation and a New Zealand styled garden, both of which countries have strong family connections. In 2002 a Jubilee Garden was established to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee.