The History of Antony House
The history of Antony House is tied to the Carew family, who have held ownership of the estate since the 15th century. The current structure was built for Sir William Carew between 1711 and 1721. It remains a lived-in home, currently occupied by the Carew Pole family. This continuity of residence distinguishes the property from many other historic estates in the region.
Located in Cornwall, United Kingdom, the house is a National Trust property. Its architectural presence has extended into modern cinema, having served as the primary setting for the film adaptation of Alice in Wonderland. The estate overlooks the River Lynher and remains a significant site within the local landscape.
The Architecture and Estate
The house is a Grade I listed building, constructed between 1711 and 1721 for Sir William Carew. Its facade is composed of silvery-grey Pentewan stone, which is flanked by colonnaded wings of mellow brick. The structure overlooks the River Lynher and reflects a blend of Baroque influences and subtle Palladianism. A Grade II* listed dovecote is situated within the estate grounds.
The landscape follows a Repton design, featuring a variety of structured and natural elements. The gardens contain ancient yew hedges and a cone-shaped fountain. Visitors will find playful topiary and several intriguing sculptures positioned throughout the grounds. The estate remains a working landscape, currently in the care of the National Trust and still inhabited by the Carew Pole family.
Artistic Collections and Treasures
The interiors of Antony House contain centuries-old portraits that reflect the long-standing presence of the Carew family. In the Long Gallery, these portraits of Carew ancestors are displayed alongside an array of Dutch Old Master paintings. The collection is characterized by its personal nature, as many pieces remain within the rooms they were intended for, offering a glimpse into the lives of the family members who resided here.
The estate's material history is further evidenced by a collection of Cordew furniture, which was amassed by Humphry Prideaux. This furniture is accompanied by various intricate carvings found throughout the house. Additionally, the house holds a display of naval trophies and mementos, reflecting the maritime connections of the family, including the service of Sir William Carew as an Admiral in the Royal Navy.
- John Robartes, 1st Earl of Radnor, 1683 - Godfrey Kneller
- Still Life of Dead Poultry, a Parrot and a Spaniel in a Park, 1699 - Jan Weenix
- A Green Glass of Flowers, 1649 - Jean Baptiste Monnoyer
- Rachel Carew, Mrs Ambrose Manaton (1669–1705), 1684 - Mary Beale
- Admiral Cornelius Tromp, 1st Bt (1629 - 1691), 1675 - Pieter Borsseler
Visiting the Cornish Estate
Antony House is situated between Torpoint and Antony, positioned to overlook the River Lynher. The estate is managed by the National Trust and remains the home of the Carew Pole family. Visitors can access the grounds via a car park that provides designated accessible parking. For those with limited mobility, a powered mobility vehicle is available for hire through the Countryside Mobility Scheme.
The Colonnade Café provides both indoor and outdoor covered seating for guests. During the month of October, the estate hosts a magic potion trail. The site is accessible via several routes, including a two-mile walk from the Torpoint Ferry slipway or a short walk from the Trevithick Avenue bus stop. Ramped access and slopes are available to assist movement throughout the property.
