About Antony House
Antony is widely regarded as one of the finest Queen Anne-era houses in the West Country — a central block faced in silvery-grey Pentewan stone, flanked by brick wings and joined by colonnades, built for Sir William Carew between 1711 and around 1721. The Carew family has held the estate since the 15th century, and their descendants, the Carew Poles, still live in the house today.
Inside, Dutch-oak panelled rooms hold an outstanding collection of portraits — including work by Sir Joshua Reynolds and a striking painting of Charles I at his trial — alongside original 18th-century furniture, textiles and tapestries. The house is said to have inspired Daphne du Maurier's novel My Cousin Rachel, drawn from the story of Rachel Carew, whose portrait hangs in the hall. Antony's grounds have also appeared on screen, having served as a filming location for Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.
Gallery
History
The Carew family's connection to Antony stretches back to the 15th century, but the house seen today dates from the early 18th century. Later generations left their own mark: in the 19th century, William Henry Pole-Carew — MP for East Cornwall — added the grand porte-cochère entrance visitors pass through now, and extended the house to accommodate a growing household and social calendar.
Antony's history is entwined with the upheavals of the English Civil War; two family members, Alexander and John Carew, were executed for their opposition to Charles I, and a portrait of the king at his own trial still hangs in the house. Outside, the landscape garden was laid out by Humphry Repton in the early 1800s, one of his most celebrated Cornish commissions, and today includes a historic collection of over 600 daylily cultivars gathered by Lady Cynthia Carew Pole in the 1960s and 70s.
Visiting Information
- Address
- Torpoint, Cornwall, PL11 2QA
- Opening times
- The house is open seasonally, typically spring through autumn, and closed over winter while conservation work takes place. Garden opening hours vary — please verify current dates and times before visiting.
- Admission
- Free for National Trust members. Non-member charges apply for house & garden — check the National Trust website for current pricing.
- Facilities
- Landscape garden with formal topiary and sculpture, a natural play area for children, and a Grade II* listed dovecote.
- Accessibility
- Ground floor of the house is wheelchair accessible with wide doorways; there is no lift to the upper floor. Garden paths are mainly gravel or grass.
- Contact
- antony@nationaltrust.org.uk
Opening times, admission prices and facility availability change seasonally — please confirm details on the official National Trust site before your visit.