Set in over 7,500 acres of Cornish countryside, the Boconnoc Estate has hosted duelling dukes, prime ministers and even King Charles I.
Steeped in history, the earliest mention of the estate is in the Domesday Book while during the 17th century, Boconnoc played a key role in the Civil War with both Charles I and the Prince of Wales, later Charles II, taking refuge in the house.
After the Civil War, Boconnoc became a favourite of leading politicians. In the 18th century, Thomas Pitt, governor of Madras, bought the estate for £53,000 after he sold The Regent Diamond. This purchase of what was then the world’s largest diamond would earn him the title “Diamond” Pitt.
With politics in the blood, the family estate quickly became somewhat of a headquarters of the Whigs. One of the rooms still features one of the largest portrait collections of Liberal politicians.
The Pitts held onto the estate until the 19th century after which it was given to the Fortescue family. By that time it had a church, a school, and accommodation for servants and farmers, creating a whole community.
During the Second World War, the rooms were stuffed with furniture and US troops were billeted in the house with ammunition dumps and tanks scattered across the estate.
