Estates and their owners come and go, but Trelowarren can point to 1,000 years of recorded history, the last 600 years in the hands of the Vyvyan family. For Sir Ferrers Vyvyan, it remains a work in progress. "Trelowarren is living history, not corporate heritage," he says. "We want to maintain a traditional working estate that people can share with us."

And there's a lot to share: 1,000 acres of pasture and woodland leading down to the Helford River; Rococo gardens designed by Dionysus Williams (under restoration); the Halliggye Fogou, a mysterious neolithic chamber; and back at the stable yard the superb New Yard Restaurant, the Cornwall Crafts Association main gallery, the tennis court and a swimming pool to cool off in after all that endeavour.