Pentillie

Pentillie Castle stands beside the River Tamar in Cornwall, a grade II* listed country house whose grounds once included the village of St Dominick. Built in 1698 by Sir James Tillie, it became the Coryton family seat after his death and was later enlarged by Humphry Repton in 1810. The castle’s Gothic Revival wings enclosed a central courtyard, though most of Repton’s work was removed in the 1960s. Today the estate is owned by Ted and Sarah Spencer, who restored the house and opened parts of it for events. The house’s history includes a wartime maternity ward and a Channel 4 feature on Country House Rescue. Archaeologists found human remains in the mausoleum, possibly those of Tillie himself, who requested an unusual burial in his will. Pentillie has also served as a film location, appearing in German and British productions. The Coryton family once owned over 20,000 acres across Cornwall, and Air Chief Marshal Sir William Alec Coryton was born here. Visitors can explore the restored gardens on open days, enjoy afternoon teas, or attend outdoor theatre in summer. The estate offers accommodation and hosts weddings and private parties. Views over the Tamar valley stretch from the castle’s terraces, while the nearby village of St Dominick retains links to the estate’s past.